Messages

1

Lenses / Re: Best shop & sharp prices in California (Van Nuys)?

« on: April 25, 2013, 11:52:26 AM »

I live in Southern California and buy some of my gear from Samy's Camera. They are a reputable dealer and have knowledgable staff. If their price is higher than B&H, ask for a price match.

www.samys.com

2

Software & Accessories / Re: CF card health

« on: March 30, 2013, 07:11:35 PM »

I purchased a Kindle book called Canon 5D Mark III Experience - The Still Photography Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III written by Douglas Klostermann. The author claims that repeated low level formatting will degrade a memory card quicker than regular formatting.

3

Lenses / Re: Callibrating lenses

« on: March 30, 2013, 06:58:47 PM »

Last year I took a virtually new 24-70L to Canon in Irvine, California, to be electronically recalibrated because it was back-focusing. I was assured by Canon that the lens would not be dismantled.  However, when I returned to pickup the lens, I was told that three collars were replaced (on a brand news lens, go figure).  I was upset because I had specifically instructed the service center to not open the lens because it was new and I was going to return it if it could not be electronically recalibrated. Also, after the "service" the barrel was slightly loose and the focusing inconsistent, so I called and complained to Canon corporate in NY.  A really nice lady at Canon confirmed that my request was not honored and authorized a free replacement lens, which I received  and was very pleased with because the AF is accurate on the new lens.

4

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body for $2599 via eBay

« on: December 08, 2012, 04:32:58 PM »

Tried to order and could never get it to work--denied every time despite trying to use PayPal, Bill Me Later, MasterCard...  Nothing.  Offices closed, too, so no help.  I'll pass.

I tried two credit cards and PayPal denied both. I called Paypal (customer service is in the Phillipines) and the only discretion they have is to be polite. Very frustrating experience with PayPal. I wonder how many more cameras BigValue could have sold if PayPal really understood risk and knew how to mitigate it.

5

Pricewatch Deals / Re: The 5D Mark II & 5D Mark III Get Cheaper

« on: October 25, 2012, 10:03:07 AM »

Here is quote from Goro Yoshida, one of the founders of Canon.

When asked about his motives in disassembling a Leica to produce Japanese made high-grade 35mm cameras, Yoshida explained in later years:
"I just disassembled the camera without any specific plan, but simply to take a look at each part. I found there were no special items like diamonds inside the camera. The parts were made from brass, aluminum, iron and rubber. I was surprised that when these inexpensive materials were put together into a camera, it demanded an exorbitant price. This made me angry".

The current CEO of Canon should also get very angry, but this time the wrath should not be directed at Leica but at themselves.

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/history/canon_story/1933_1936/1933_1936.html

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon U.S.A Inc. Announces moving of Corporate Headquarters

« on: September 17, 2012, 02:22:38 PM »

That's hilarious! You have more creativity than Canon.

7

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon Announces the Canon EOS 6D DSLR

« on: September 17, 2012, 10:03:53 AM »

I’m overwhelmed and chomping at the bit to buy the 6D. Sarcasm intended.

Yuichi Ishizuka from Canon U.S.A claims “The introduction of this camera completes a well-rounded ecosystem from input through output for Canon, allowing us to provide the right combination of features for every level of photographer” I can draw only one conclusion from his remark – he and his colleagues at Canon product development have been living in caves the past few years.

8

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Gigapixel Camera

« on: June 21, 2012, 10:53:54 AM »

Here is a link to a report in today’s Wall Street Journal regarding the next generation of digital cameras. No, it’s not a Canon, but it’s still interesting. 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304441404577478182111367056.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

9

EOS Bodies / Re: Hugely Disappointed In 5D III Price

« on: March 04, 2012, 02:46:48 PM »

Amazon Japan lists the body-only for ¥322,201, so at the current exchange rate this is $3,940, which makes the US price significantly lower than what it sells for in Japan.