Canon 5D Mark III Light Leak Resolution (Canon USA)

[Canon Rumors]

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<strong>To Users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

</strong>Concerning the EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera, when the LCD panel illuminates in extremely dark environments, the displayed exposure value may change. Canon has concluded the investigation of this phenomenon, and this announcement informs you of our findings as described below.</p>
<p><strong>Phenomenon</strong>

In extremely dark environments, if the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value may change. However, based on the results of extensive testing this change in exposure value will not noticeably affect the captured image.</p>
<p><strong>Affected Product

</strong>Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

*Products whose sixth digit in the serial number is 1 or 2 are affected.

For example,　“xxxxx1xxxxxx”　or “xxxxx2xxxxxx” ([x] represents any optional number.)</p>
<p><strong>Support

</strong>Under almost all shooting conditions (including dark environments) this phenomenon will not affect your captured images. However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May. Please contact Canon using the information below to request service.</p>
<p>This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.</p>
<p>Please register the <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/registration/professional/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii">EOS 5D Mark III</a>. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available. If you already registered, please ensure you are opted-in to receive the notification.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[jVillaPhoto]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Other than that, I feel this is a pretty good solution for those who feel like this is an issue for them! ;D

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Other than that, I feel this is a pretty good solution for those who feel like this is an issue for them! ;D

One store said earlier today that they were hopeful to get shipments again very soon. We'll see.

 

[javier]

Here it is.

Canon find the way of doing nothing.

The say if you think there is something wrong with your camera canon will check it for free starting in mid may.
By that time you forgot all this.

I will say send a clear message to canon returning your camara like i did and buy another one when they fix the design.

 

[jVillaPhoto]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Other than that, I feel this is a pretty good solution for those who feel like this is an issue for them! ;D

One store said earlier today that they were hopeful to get shipments again very soon. We'll see.

Mind me asking which store stated that? I did speak with Adorama today and they told me they were 'hopefully' getting a shipment by the end of the week!

I wants me a 5D3 already, no more crop for me please! :'(

 

[swrightgfx]

However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May.

Bravo, Canon! Excellently handled by Canon, despite their foolish original statement. Hopefully now, those users who believe this to be an issue will leave these forums in peace.

To those who do send your camera in, do not expect that Canon will "fix" the "issue," but simply acknowledge that the camera is operational as they intended it to be. That is, I doubt they will actually change parts, but merely inspect in case your device is an anomaly and features an actually light leak issue not present in the wider community.

Now, let us put this to bed and start shooting.

 

[MrSandman]

However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May.

Bravo, Canon! Excellently handled by Canon, despite their foolish original statement. Hopefully now, those users who believe this to be an issue will leave these forums in peace.

To those who do send your camera in, do not expect that Canon will "fix" the "issue," but simply acknowledge that the camera is operational as they intended it to be. That is, I doubt they will actually change parts, but merely inspect in case your device is an anomaly and features an actually light leak issue not present in the wider community.

Now, let us put this to bed and start shooting.

That’s your interpretation of the matter.

My interpretation is that some of the 5D3s manufactured thus far have not been manufactured to specification. Canon is basically saying these cameras are ‘good enough’ to be sold....but that’s really our call to make, isn’t it.

 

[DynaMike]

Here it is.

Canon find the way of doing nothing.

The say if you think there is something wrong with your camera canon will check it for free starting in mid may.
By that time you forgot all this.

I will say send a clear message to canon returning your camara like i did and buy another one when they fix the design.

Serious!!! Man, ever since the invention of in-camera meters they have never been 100% accurate. Even if this supposed light leak problem is fixed the meter still won't be 100% accurate. That's why testing is done to see what the meter does and work with it form there. Also why hand held light meters were the norm when it was just film. With digital it's even easier to work with by learning how to read your histograms. Never trust the in-camera meter unless you've tested it, know it's quirks, and have calibrated it based on a reliable hand held meter. It's really not a problem, as reliable sources (lens rental guy and Canon) have stated. I'd trust them over some Joe programmer on the internet ranting about nothing. It would be awesome if everything manufactured was bug free, but that's not gonna happen. No matter what product it is, there is always some minor issue. It's the nature of the beast when dealing with sophisticated electronics. Stop worrying and just shoot and have fun!

 

[thien135]

if it does not affect the image then why would they even offer to inspect the camera if needed???

 

[photodim]

Glad to finally see a resolution. Hopefully will never experience this 'issue' in the real world.

Just curious about the following statement:

Affected Product Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera *Products whose sixth digit in the serial number is 1 or 2 are affected. For example,　“xxxxx1xxxxxx”　or “xxxxx2xxxxxx” (x represents any optional number.)

Does this imply that Canon actually implemented a hardware/manufacturing fix and will be releasing bodies with a different serial #? I checked and my camera has a "1" as the 6th digit.

 

[DynaMike]

if it does not affect the image then why would they even offer to inspect the camera if needed???

Because they want to make the consumer happy. People are the gonna complain, and state that it is affecting their images. They need to offer some kind of resolution to keep the consumer trust.

 

[cschmeer]

What's going on at Canon Europe? They've taken down the "advisory" note, but haven't written anything about THEIR resolution.

The URL where the advisory used to be now only states the DPP issue, not even the issue with lenses anymore either :-\ (or was that taken care of with the firmware update?)

http://www.canon.co.uk/Support/Consumer_Products/products/cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_5D_Mark_III.aspx?type=important&faqtcmuri=tcm:14-922684

To be honest, I don't care about the light leak personally. However, I am a bit worried about Canon putting the blame on a specific batch of cameras because of resale value :-\ Either way, I want the issue/non-issue looked at and fixed for this very reason.

 

[swrightgfx]

What's going on at Canon Europe? They've taken down the "advisory" note, but haven't written anything about THEIR resolution.

The URL where the advisory used to be now only states the DPP issue, not even the issue with lenses anymore either :-\ (or was that taken care of with the firmware update?)

http://www.canon.co.uk/Support/Consumer_Products/products/cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_5D_Mark_III.aspx?type=important&faqtcmuri=tcm:14-922684

To be honest, I don't care about the light leak personally. However, I am a bit worried about Canon putting the blame on a specific batch of cameras because of resale value :-\ Either way, I want the issue/non-issue looked at and fixed for this very reason.

Because they don't consider it an issue. Canon USA has issued this offer, knowing that they are subject to the most complainers, due to USA having the largest consumer base.

They may, if enough people complain unnecessarily, offer the same service; until then, I doubt they will issue a statement. Perhaps for concerned individuals they may offer it "quietly" to shut them up. If you are truly concerned, give them a call.

 

[Drizzt321]

So....what exactly is the 'fix'? Are they just adding a tiny bit of tape or something? Is it really worth the effort of being without your camera for a few days? Or can they do this while you wait if you live near a Canon servicing center (like I do)?

 

[jVillaPhoto]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Well, this answers my question!
http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/04/the-5d-mark-iii-will-start-shipping-again/
I'm now very happy to hopefully be getting one for myself soon enough =)

 

[llcanon]

Well, if you really want to have a body without the "light leak" issue, I guess you will have to wait a while until Canon clears the "defective" inventory. If you only want the body, wait even longer, because Canon wants you to buy their 24-105 lens. I am not sure if they will do anything to fix the problem even if you send yours in. To get to the part b/t the LCD panel and the AE sensor, Canon will have to open your camera up. Who knows what else they will mess up when they do that.

We, the loyal first adopters, will just have to swallow this and pretend nothing has happened. If this bothers you, send it back to your dealer. If not, go take photos and stop coming back to this forum.

 

[swrightgfx]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Well, this answers my question!
http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/04/the-5d-mark-iii-will-start-shipping-again/
I'm now very happy to hopefully be getting one for myself soon enough =)

I know of a retailer that never stopped selling them, courtesy of Canon Hong Kong.

 

[jVillaPhoto]

Would this increase shipments from Canon to retailers by any chance? Seems like a 5DMK3 body only is nowhere to be bought :-\

Well, this answers my question!
http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/04/the-5d-mark-iii-will-start-shipping-again/
I'm now very happy to hopefully be getting one for myself soon enough =)

I know of a retailer that never stopped selling them, courtesy of Canon Hong Kong.

Which retailer was this?

 

[Hesham]

However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May.

Bravo, Canon! Excellently handled by Canon, despite their foolish original statement. Hopefully now, those users who believe this to be an issue will leave these forums in peace.

To those who do send your camera in, do not expect that Canon will "fix" the "issue," but simply acknowledge that the camera is operational as they intended it to be. That is, I doubt they will actually change parts, but merely inspect in case your device is an anomaly and features an actually light leak issue not present in the wider community.

Now, let us put this to bed and start shooting.

They cleverly avoided a re-call. The fact that they identified serial numbers of "affected" bodies is a clear indication that those bodies are different from others. People planning to sell the camera down the road will have a hard time getting good value if their serial falls into this category.

Personally, I am packing the camera today and its going back to the retailer, period.

 

[swrightgfx]

http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-body-only-digital-slr-camera.html

They only sell to Australian customers as far as I know, but they are linked to a distributor which provides to many online grey sellers (as I am moving into the retail business, I won't name names). I have never had any issues with them and was also one of the first to get a 5D Mark III due to their fast turnaround and shipping.

I know of someone who purchased and received one last week, so they had stock at least as late as that.