5D Mark III NOT Getting Recalled?

[Hesham]

Canon may not want to admit anything publicly, but my cousin who works for Canons biggest dealer in Tokyo, has said that they informed Canon that they will not be selling any 5D3's until this issue is clarified. They have also returned their current inventory. Their repair guys have replicated the problem easily by just turning the lights in the workshop room on and off. Further, to fix the problem is very difficult indeed as it requires the entire top plate that houses the top lcd housing to be modified.
How could something as basic as this get through QA? They will probably replace cameras for users who are affected and leave the rest who are not affected alone.

I am sorry to say that IT IS AN ISSUE. I did an experiment yesterday taking a night photo with\without LCD light on and live view and posted my results as a question (http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=5914.0)

The thing is, when taking night photos you have to rely on the LCD data as the live view metering is quite different as I discovered (check my post). So I had to turn the LCD on and that underexposed my image.

You have the right to keep your defective camera and work around this issue and any other issue that my arise, but for me I'll give Canon few days to see if they will provide a solution. If it involves sending the camera for a fix, then it is going back but to the retailer as a return.

Interesting. Not to call your bluff or anything but which retailer? Any other confirmation of this retailer doing that other than us taking your word that you indeed have a brother and the said brother works at a camera store in Tokyo and isn't making stuff up?

tellthetruth:
You should know better, these days before posting in any forum, make sure you have proper documentation to support your allegations. Please post a photo of your brother outside the Tokyo shop in addition to (1) a photocopy of his passport showing picture & name clearly. (2) Any form of ID with your name & photo.

After submitting necessary paper work, we might consider that Canon may manufacture defective product and that the 5DM3 we just purchased may need to be opened by local Canon tech. to eliminate the LCD light from leaking into the exposure sensor (DISCLAIMER: I AM JUST RE-ITERATING WHAT HAS BEEN CIRCULATING IN THE NET AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY CANON!)

40d? 5d2? This is nothing new. You should know better yourself. With all the misinformation on the web and complaints about such a minor issue it would maybe affect .01% of everyday shoots unless you purposely tried to do it, it isn't worth the time or energy. It's like the iPhone 4 attennagate issue. Most everybody could reproduce the effect but so few times and reports of it affecting people in day to day issues was so small to worry about. I'm sure your next response is that it's a $200 vs $3500 thing but it just isn't an issue unless you try to make it one. You succeeded. Well done.

 

[stevenrrmanir]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

 

[hnjdk]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

And if Canon holds up the specifications you should have known, long before you bought the camera - you will lose a lot of money by your lawsuit.

Metering Range
EV 1-20 (at 73°F / 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 100)

 

[Hesham]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

What? No body will sue Canon. As I read from other posters (and 5DM3 owners I presume) that this is not an issue at all. What if little light leaked into a 'camera'? I bet early pinhole box cameras had some light leaks also ;D. You guys just want everything 100% perfect? Just go out and shoot and don't forget not to turn on the LCD at night and you might also need to be carefull when direct sunlight hits the LCD while photographing subjects in the shadow.

Why don't we just put a black tape on the LCD and button, just to be in the safe side. CANON, don't bother with fixing this, you've got the nicest customer base ever. (sorry for the sarcastic post)

 

[alberto]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

What? No body will sue Canon. As I read from other posters (and 5DM3 owners I presume) that this is not an issue at all. What if little light leaked into a 'camera'? I bet early pinhole box cameras had some light leaks also ;D. You guys just want everything 100% perfect? Just go out and shoot and don't forget not to turn on the LCD at night and you might also need to be carefull when direct sunlight hits the LCD while photographing subjects in the shadow.

Why don't we just put a black tape on the LCD and button, just to be in the safe side. CANON, don't bother with fixing this, you've got the nicest customer base ever. (sorry for the sarcastic post)

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. Shit happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

 

[swrightgfx]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

What? No body will sue Canon. As I read from other posters (and 5DM3 owners I presume) that this is not an issue at all. What if little light leaked into a 'camera'? I bet early pinhole box cameras had some light leaks also ;D. You guys just want everything 100% perfect? Just go out and shoot and don't forget not to turn on the LCD at night and you might also need to be carefull when direct sunlight hits the LCD while photographing subjects in the shadow.

Why don't we just put a black tape on the LCD and button, just to be in the safe side. CANON, don't bother with fixing this, you've got the nicest customer base ever. (sorry for the sarcastic post)

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Warranty will cover faults only within the bounds of the design specifications. In this case, the camera operates as intended.

This light leak should not be considered a fault.

 

[alberto]

"Warranty will cover faults only within the bounds of the design specifications. In this case, the camera operates as intended.

This light leak should not be considered a fault."


your'e right but...
then it is the best for Canon to lie back. ) and fix nothing even the other flaws; glitches...
Don‘t hope so ;-))

 

[ramon123]

can we get any "inside" information over here about what actually is going on inside Canon now? On the forum, we've seen people say Canon don't really care, we've seen people say that Canon are freaking out - does anyone have any credible information?

 

[DavidRiesenberg]

your'e right but...
then it is the best for Canon to lie back. ) and fix nothing even the other flaws; glitches...
Don‘t hope so ;-))

Sort of like Nikon with the green tint on their latest LCDs. "It's not a fault, it's a feature"

 

[MrSandman]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

What? No body will sue Canon. As I read from other posters (and 5DM3 owners I presume) that this is not an issue at all. What if little light leaked into a 'camera'? I bet early pinhole box cameras had some light leaks also ;D. You guys just want everything 100% perfect? Just go out and shoot and don't forget not to turn on the LCD at night and you might also need to be carefull when direct sunlight hits the LCD while photographing subjects in the shadow.

Why don't we just put a black tape on the LCD and button, just to be in the safe side. CANON, don't bother with fixing this, you've got the nicest customer base ever. (sorry for the sarcastic post)

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Warranty will cover faults only within the bounds of the design specifications. In this case, the camera operates as intended.

This light leak should not be considered a fault.

They intended for the LCD screen to be able to leak light into the body?

 

[Bosman]

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Most buyers and owners? U are talking out the side of your head. Most owners aren't bitching about this non-issue. I am one of many.

 

[Tcapp]

Why are people talking about suing?

Oh no! There is a problem with the camera that doesn't affect anything 99.99% of the time, and if it does affect something, its such a minor problem that can be easily corrected with the push of a button in lightroom.

How terrible. We better hire a lawyer.

 

[swrightgfx]

a recall would be disasterous to Canon!

a recall would mean:

a) Canon would spend money on replacing and fixing the bodies
b) potential customers would think three times about purchasing it
c) admitting there is an issue, weakening their stance once lawsuits start being thrown around

the current issue with the bodies will be taken to court and there WILL be a lawsuit - but at this time, the collection of data is what is happening... a lawsuit is in the works, and Canon is now walking on eggs...

a recall would be suicide for Canon (but again, remember, you the customer are not that too important) - you should be ok in using the camera as it is!

What? No body will sue Canon. As I read from other posters (and 5DM3 owners I presume) that this is not an issue at all. What if little light leaked into a 'camera'? I bet early pinhole box cameras had some light leaks also ;D. You guys just want everything 100% perfect? Just go out and shoot and don't forget not to turn on the LCD at night and you might also need to be carefull when direct sunlight hits the LCD while photographing subjects in the shadow.

Why don't we just put a black tape on the LCD and button, just to be in the safe side. CANON, don't bother with fixing this, you've got the nicest customer base ever. (sorry for the sarcastic post)

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Warranty will cover faults only within the bounds of the design specifications. In this case, the camera operates as intended.

This light leak should not be considered a fault.

They intended for the LCD screen to be able to leak light into the body?

Oh no, you are still here...

Mr Sandman, I am not saying they intended to include a light leak, I am saying the camera operates as intended. It operates without fault within the specifications of accurate use of the device. Simple.

This is basic stuff. I don't know why it is still being debated.

PS. I did encounter this problem using a B+W 1000x ND in a pitch black room at -4EV. Subsequently, I got an under exposed picture of "black." *rolls eyes*

 

[prestonpalmer]

You guys still bickering about this? To be honest, my lens cap on photos look exactly the same with the LCD on, or off. If someone would please post their lens cap on Photos with the LCD on and off it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[alberto]

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Most buyers and owners? U are talking out the side of your head. Most owners aren't bitching about this non-issue. I am one of many.

Sorry... I got one since March 26, 2012, just yesterday had again a shooting with, as I said it is a great camera with some "minor" flaws and glitches. I like the 5D mark III to work with. but....

Yes the lightleak is a minor problem run outside the spec, but if you have a company how you would decide? with such a publicity and comment on your own website.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e02480538fc7

or here news.....
http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/digital/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-ist-nicht-lichtdicht_1.16503457.html

 

[jchong62]

As a 5D Mark III owner and a long-time loyal Canon customer, I think the "flaw" doesn't affect my photographing but it DOES bother me. Who else would want a product at this sticker price to be flawed.. apparently?

I called Canon USA three days ago, and the gentleman said "Canon is working on it... by end of April they'll have a resolution for this issue". I advised him I have until end of the month to return it back to the store.

This flaw has nothing to do with top LCD "light". It's the sealing of the body frame surrounding the top LCD panel that leaks light onto the AE sensor. All of my pictures when taken under bright sunlight came out 1/3 to 2/3-stop underexposed, but they could be adjusted using Lightroom. This problem is so obvious that I have observed since first day of use.

Could it be fixed with a firmware update? I doubt it. It's apparently a hardware design defect. Firmware wouldn't be able to tell whether the excessive light is from the lens or leaked through the top LCD sealing.

Is it a *non-issue* with only when the lens cap is on? Read my lips, it has nothing to do with lens cap!! You would be able to observe the auto exposure change by flashing a mini flashlight on top (while having the eyecap stuffed and lens intake not affected by the flashlight) or by switching on and off the top LCD light.

It IS an issue/defect. I want my unit replaced with a new hardware. I wouldn't accept it only refurbished or serviced. And Canon must replace existing owners before selling the refreshed hardware to new customers.

If it is not an issue at all, fine for Canon, but I am sure they have to fix it. To much is public now and in the most europeen countrys we have this customer protection, 2 years warranty and refund by dealer and company.
I think Canon will do a recall or a fix by firmware. That‘s normally not a to big deal for them. Better to fix it,
better reputation. S___ happens ;-).

But most buyers and owners are so angry and looking for a faulty camera, is the price they paid for. 3299,00€ for an update is something. No question the EOS 5D Mark III is a great camera, with an superherb AF- System, but for so much money they expected a flawlessly camera.

I am sure Canon didn‘t expect that Nikon come up with 36MP in an D800 fo 2899,00€, but that's good for us Canon 5D MarkIII Buyers. That's put a bit more pressure to Canon to fix the Camera.

Have a nice Weekend

Most buyers and owners? U are talking out the side of your head. Most owners aren't bitching about this non-issue. I am one of many.

Sorry... I got one since March 26, 2012, just yesterday had again a shooting with, as I said it is a great camera with some "minor" flaws and glitches. I like the 5D mark III to work with. but....

Yes the lightleak is a minor problem run outside the spec, but if you have a company how you would decide? with such a publicity and comment on your own website.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer?pageKeyCode=prdAdvDetail&docId=0901e02480538fc7

or here news.....
http://www.nzz.ch/nachrichten/digital/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-ist-nicht-lichtdicht_1.16503457.html

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

At the very least the stock seems to be held back, since I haven't seen any stores in the US come back into stock for a couple weeks now. Canon hasn't made it very clear at all what they are doing with stock and shipments.

 

[Hesham]

At the very least the stock seems to be held back, since I haven't seen any stores in the US come back into stock for a couple weeks now. Canon hasn't made it very clear at all what they are doing with stock and shipments.

And to all those "this is not an issue at all", do you imagine how bold is the decision to hold off selling your hottest product for two weeks, and maybe more? They will never do this unless it is a SERIOUS ISSUE. I am sure that they are working hard to avoid a re-call by all means. Personally i will not wait until my return window expires, mine is going back tomorrow. I'll pretend that the launch date has been postponed till June/July.

 

[MrSandman]

As a 5D Mark III owner and a long-time loyal Canon customer, I think the "flaw" doesn't affect my photographing but it DOES bother me. Who else would want a product at this sticker price to be flawed.. apparently?

I called Canon USA three days ago, and the gentleman said "Canon is working on it... by end of April they'll have a resolution for this issue". I advised him I have until end of the month to return it back to the store.

This flaw has nothing to do with top LCD "light". It's the sealing of the body frame surrounding the top LCD panel that leaks light onto the AE sensor. All of my pictures when taken under bright sunlight came out 1/3 to 2/3-stop underexposed, but they could be adjusted using Lightroom. This problem is so obvious that I have observed since first day of use.

Could it be fixed with a firmware update? I doubt it. It's apparently a hardware design defect. Firmware wouldn't be able to tell whether the excessive light is from the lens or leaked through the top LCD sealing.

Is it a *non-issue* with only when the lens cap is on? Read my lips, it has nothing to do with lens cap!! You would be able to observe the auto exposure change by flashing a mini flashlight on top (while having the eyecap stuffed and lens intake not affected by the flashlight) or by switching on and off the top LCD light.

It IS an issue/defect. I want my unit replaced with a new hardware. I wouldn't accept it only refurbished or serviced. And Canon must replace existing owners before selling the refreshed hardware to new customers.

Good post.

These people who insist that the light leak isn’t an issue are displaying the typical mob mentality: trumpeting the same BS line (“it only occurs with the lens cap on”) over and over and over because other people are saying it, without demonstrating the slightest interest in considering the matter from a logical or scientific standpoint. Clearly, the defect creates the potential for a situation where light getting through the LCD panel can cause an appreciable shift in the exposure. This scenario is far from common, but from a logical standpoint (i.e. based on even a rudimentary understanding of physics and photography) it is a scenario that can occur. And there are some examples of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF8CW723wEo&feature=player_embedded#!

Canon knows it’s a problem, and that’s why an advisory has been put out and the flood 5D Mark IIIs has been brought to a screeching halt. I can almost guarantee you that when Canon fixes this problem, they’ll see to it that not even a floodlight from Yankee Stadium pointed directly at the LCD screen from 1-foot away will alter the exposure. This is a royal screw up on Canon's part, and you can be sure they’re going to want to fix it in a way that leaves no doubt whatsoever that it has been fixed.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

As a 5D Mark III owner and a long-time loyal Canon customer, I think the "flaw" doesn't affect my photographing but it DOES bother me. Who else would want a product at this sticker price to be flawed.. apparently?

I called Canon USA three days ago, and the gentleman said "Canon is working on it... by end of April they'll have a resolution for this issue". I advised him I have until end of the month to return it back to the store.

This flaw has nothing to do with top LCD "light". It's the sealing of the body frame surrounding the top LCD panel that leaks light onto the AE sensor. All of my pictures when taken under bright sunlight came out 1/3 to 2/3-stop underexposed, but they could be adjusted using Lightroom. This problem is so obvious that I have observed since first day of use.

Could it be fixed with a firmware update? I doubt it. It's apparently a hardware design defect. Firmware wouldn't be able to tell whether the excessive light is from the lens or leaked through the top LCD sealing.

Is it a *non-issue* with only when the lens cap is on? Read my lips, it has nothing to do with lens cap!! You would be able to observe the auto exposure change by flashing a mini flashlight on top (while having the eyecap stuffed and lens intake not affected by the flashlight) or by switching on and off the top LCD light.

It IS an issue/defect. I want my unit replaced with a new hardware. I wouldn't accept it only refurbished or serviced. And Canon must replace existing owners before selling the refreshed hardware to new customers.

Good post.

These people who insist that the light leak isn’t an issue are displaying the typical mob mentality: trumpeting the same BS line (“it only occurs with the lens cap on”) over and over and over because other people are saying it, without demonstrating the slightest interest in considering the matter from a logical or scientific standpoint. Clearly, the defect creates the potential for a situation where light getting through the LCD panel can cause an appreciable shift in the exposure. This scenario is far from common, but from a logical standpoint (i.e. based on even a rudimentary understanding of physics and photography) it is a scenario that can occur. And there are some examples of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF8CW723wEo&feature=player_embedded#!

Canon knows it’s a problem, and that’s why an advisory has been put out and the flood 5D Mark IIIs has been brought to a screeching halt. I can almost guarantee you that when Canon fixes this problem, they’ll see to it that not even a floodlight from Yankee Stadium pointed directly at the LCD screen from 1-foot away will alter the exposure. This is a royal screw up on Canon's part, and you can be sure they’re going to want to fix it in a way that leaves no doubt whatsoever that it has been fixed.

they will fix it starting mid-may,if you want to bother, they said they found a very, very minor problem that will affect few only a very little but there will be a free fix if you want it (i'm not sure if i'd bother myself other than worries if on resale value someone makes a big deal about it)