Used 5D3

[mw]

I am looking to purchase a used 5D Mark III. I am trying to avoid picking up one that has an issue with light leak. How can I tell from the serial number of the camera that this is a new batch and does not have that problem?

[neuroanatomist]

Google 'Canon product advisories' and that should lead you to the page that shows the serial number range for affected units.

[mw]

Thank you.

[Ant_Pap_Cy]

the 6th digit on the serial should be 3 or larger. If it says 1 or 2 then you got a camera with the light leak issue !

[aiai]

the 6th digit on the serial should be 3 or larger. If it says 1 or 2 then you got a camera with the light leak issue !

If you buy the body just ask the seller or the online shop what digit it says at the 6th place as Ant_Pap_Cy said.

I did the same!

kr

[robbymack]

I'm just guessing here but canon would likely fix if for you if in fact it was an affected model even if you bought it used. Secondly it's only really a problem if you like taking photos of the back of your lens cap, but obviously it'd better to get one without the problem up front.

[candyman]

the 6th digit on the serial should be 3 or larger. If it says 1 or 2 then you got a camera with the light leak issue !

Just to be precise, that should be the 6th digit counting from the left.

[Pinchers of Peril]

Just out of curiousity, are you finding a big price difference between the used 5d3's and the new ones?  I've been watching craigslist and it seems like most of the prices for the used bodies are people who bought them for prices below $3,000 and are now trying to make a profit.  With all the deals going on lately you might be better off just buying a new one.

[wookiee2cu]

The light leak issue was made out to be more of an issue than it really is.  Unless you're taking pictures in pitch black rooms, with the lens cap on or with a flashlight aimed driectly at the top lcd then it won't be an issue.  Even if you do get a camera pre-fix (which is a small piece of tape by the way), you can send it into Canon and they will add the fix.  Don't let a good deal pass you by because of this concern.

[mw]

Just out of curiousity, are you finding a big price difference between the used 5d3's and the new ones?  I've been watching craigslist and it seems like most of the prices for the used bodies are people who bought them for prices below $3,000 and are now trying to make a profit.  With all the deals going on lately you might be better off just buying a new one.

CR posted a link last week to an Ebay deal for $2,799 new. Took a chance and bought it. It's arriving tomorrow morning. Can't wait. Hoping it's a legit deal and not something I have to dispute. Crossing my finger.

[mw]

The light leak issue was made out to be more of an issue than it really is.  Unless you're taking pictures in pitch black rooms, with the lens cap on or with a flashlight aimed driectly at the top lcd then it won't be an issue.  Even if you do get a camera pre-fix (which is a small piece of tape by the way), you can send it into Canon and they will add the fix.  Don't let a good deal pass you by because of this concern.

Completely understood the light leak issue. I don't think I'll ever run into such situation where it's going to affect my work if the model had such an issue. However, if I am about to spend my hard earned $2-$3K on a camera, I would expect that camera to be as near perfect as it can be.

[Dylan777]

The light leak issue was made out to be more of an issue than it really is.  Unless you're taking pictures in pitch black rooms, with the lens cap on or with a flashlight aimed driectly at the top lcd then it won't be an issue.  Even if you do get a camera pre-fix (which is a small piece of tape by the way), you can send it into Canon and they will add the fix.  Don't let a good deal pass you by because of this concern.

Completely understood the light leak issue. I don't think I'll ever run into such situation where it's going to affect my work if the model had such an issue. However, if I am about to spend my hard earned $2-$3K on a camera, I would expect that camera to be as near perfect as it can be.

If that is the case...I would buy new from authorized dealer.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

There is really no difference in the piece of tape in the higher serial numbered models for the light leak fix.  I had one of the early models, the light leak was a red herring, it does not affect anything unless you are taking photos in the dark while letting the camera meter (Bad Idea) and having the top lcd light on.
However, prices for used models are high, and there is no warranty.  Sellers may have discovered intermittent issues, have hot pixels, or other things that you cannot see during a quick inspection.
I'd rather buy a gray market model with third party insurance than a used one.

[EchoLocation]

if you're going to buy used, why not buy a new one on ebay for 2500 bucks. not sure if the warranty is valid, but heck, that's gotta be cheaper than most used ones.... and no light leak!