Canon Issues EOS 5D Classic Service Advisory

[petitBogueBogue]

It seems that Canon is having a big problem with its quality control. First the Rebel T6's bubbly sensor, then the 7D2's focusing issue, now the 5D1's falling morror. Good Grief!

If Canon is still trying the fix each of these problems in a piecemeal manner without a more holistic review of its corporate production quality it has pledged, this will inevitably damage its reputation seriously and eventually constitute a brand crisis.

Canon, mind you that you are still not the sole producer in the arena, even if you wishfully like to be the one.

 

[Loswr]

It seems that Canon is having a big problem with its quality control. First the Rebel T6's bubbly sensor, then the 7D2's focusing issue, now the 5D1's falling morror. Good Grief!

Did you miss the fact that the 5D (classic) service announcement is really about the sunset (expiration) of the service notice repair period? The service notice was issued 6 years ago...

Also, did I miss the announcement of a problem with the 7DII? A firmware update to correct a problem at a specific part of the zoom range of one zoom lens doesn't exactly consitiute a QC issue...

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi.
If I'm not mistaken, Canon put out a bulletin about this when it first occurred, this is just to say come on the clock is ticking, get it done before we drop support.
This seems bloody decent to me and people are knocking them?

Cheers, Graham.

It seems that Canon is having a big problem with its quality control. First the Rebel T6's bubbly sensor, then the 7D2's focusing issue, now the 5D1's falling morror. Good Grief!

If Canon is still trying the fix each of these problems in a piecemeal manner without a more holistic review of its corporate production quality it has pledged, this will inevitably damage its reputation seriously and eventually constitute a brand crisis.

Canon, mind you that you are still not the sole producer in the arena, even if you wishfully like to be the one.

 

[keithcooper]

It is helpful to refer to the original 5D as either the "5D Classic" or "5D MkI", just to avoid any confusion.

No it isn't - it's a 5D in the same way that I also have a 1Ds (OK you can add EOS to the name for true pedantry ;-) )

'Classic' is for fizzy drinks and burgers and the easily confused

 

[exquisitor]

It is helpful to refer to the original 5D as either the "5D Classic" or "5D MkI", just to avoid any confusion.

No it isn't - it's a 5D in the same way that I also have a 1Ds (OK you can add EOS to the name for true pedantry ;-) )

'Classic' is for fizzy drinks and burgers and the easily confused

The problem is exactly about pedantry. Many people use "5D" name to refer to the current 5D model. As a user of the 5D I've also experienced that people think I actually have 5D III or 5D II, but not the original one. Because of this confusion "5D classic" was invented. But I also don't like it and use rather "mark I", "original" or simply "first". BTW if you are doing a search for 5D by Google, there are a lot more results for 5D III and 5D II. Using of "classic" or "mark I" key words makes it a lot easier.

 

[SPKoko]

nice. appreaciative gesture towards their customers.

Feeling exactly the same!!

 

[Sporgon]

My 5D is also starting with 1 series. My mirror fell of 4 years ago. I couldnt afford to send it for repair, so i glued the mirror back with 1 euro glue from normal store. It worked perfectly, and beleive it or not 2 days ago it fell again ;D. This post came right on time. But still where i leave it will be to much to send it for repairs. So i will try again with normal glue i guess.

I tried that and it kept falling out eventually. Best let Canon do it for free, it's a much better fix.

Shame that Canon thought they could get away with simply gluing a mirror onto the tray in the first place on a camera that cost £2,500, but good for them in offering the free modification up to ten years after the camera was introduced.

Incidentally the mirror falling out of a 5D is the only time I have had a slr / dslr fail in over thirty years of using them, and my brands over that time would be Fujica, Pentax, Nikon & Canon.

 

[EchoLocation]

It's amazing they are still doing this. I bought a used 5D on Craigslist in 2012. I sent it in to Canon, got the mirror reinforced, and got a free sensor cleaning as part of the fix. For those in the know, this was a great way to get an almost "refurbished" 5DC for years on the cheap!

 

[tog13]

This happened to me, fortunately just a few minutes before a gig ended. The clattering was not a sound any photog needs to hear. A quick search revealed that Canon was repairing these for free, regardless of warranty status. I got quick turnaround service, including a free cleaning and calibration. Very pleased w/Canon!

 

[kalieaire]

It is helpful to refer to the original 5D as either the "5D Classic" or "5D MkI", just to avoid any confusion.

No it isn't - it's a 5D in the same way that I also have a 1Ds (OK you can add EOS to the name for true pedantry ;-) )

'Classic' is for fizzy drinks and burgers and the easily confused

#truth

 

[SierraDon]

This is my first post, so I hope I get it right--

I called Canon technical support this morning regarding a 5D I was considering purchasing, and spoke with a Tony. I gave him the serial number, which started with a 0, and asked if it needed to be returned for a mirror upgrade. His answer was interesting:

1. If the mirror was not actually broken, they would not reinforce it.

2.MORE CONCERNING- I was told that as of Sept 30, 2015, Canon would NO LONGER work on the 5D. I asked if they would even clean the sensor after Sept 30, and was told NO.

3.Asking why, Tony said that the technology in the 5D was so old they would no longer work on the camera.

It appears the 5D will be soon unrepairable.

As I think the camera is a good value, I hope someone can tell me I was misinformed. Right now, I have decided not to pursue purchase of a 5D.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi SierraDon.
I wonder if Tony just doesn't want the hassle? The implied message, at least how I read it, was that if the mirror has not been reinforced they would do it under their recall program irrespective of whether it appeared to be perfect or not as it is a known manufacturing issue for which a repair is due to the owners of this camera. If you don't yet own a 5D and want one without the hassle buy one that is already done, see the image in the first post, it should have the strips on the side of the mirror shown in the red box. If there are no strips it needs to have the fix.
As to sensor cleaning, I can't see why you wouldn't be able to pay to have it done through a local shop, or learn to diy, it is quite terrifying the first time you introduce cleaning materials / tools to your own sensor, after that it seems reasonably worry free on the rare occasion that you need to go back in!
Another way to look at the 5D is that it is so cheap, is it in the same bracket as a clunker car that you would buy and apart from oil and filter service drive it into the ground?
Of course all this may not apply outside of the United States.

Cheers, Graham.

This is my first post, so I hope I get it right--

I called Canon technical support this morning regarding a 5D I was considering purchasing, and spoke with a Tony. I gave him the serial number, which started with a 0, and asked if it needed to be returned for a mirror upgrade. His answer was interesting:

1. If the mirror was not actually broken, they would not reinforce it.

2.MORE CONCERNING- I was told that as of Sept 30, 2015, Canon would NO LONGER work on the 5D. I asked if they would even clean the sensor after Sept 30, and was told NO.

3.Asking why, Tony said that the technology in the 5D was so old they would no longer work on the camera.

It appears the 5D will be soon unrepairable.

As I think the camera is a good value, I hope someone can tell me I was misinformed. Right now, I have decided not to pursue purchase of a 5D.

 

[dboy]

Hi,

I recently purchased a second hand 5D, but the silver box on the label on the bottom where I would expect the serial number to be is blank. Does anyone know whether the serial number is anywhere else on the body?

Thanks.

 

[bainsybike]

Hi,

I recently purchased a second hand 5D, but the silver box on the label on the bottom where I would expect the serial number to be is blank. Does anyone know whether the serial number is anywhere else on the body?

Thanks.

Don't know about where else on the body it might be, but it can be found in the EXIF data of any images you take with the camera.

 

[SierraDon]

Graham-

I don't know how to quote yet, so:

You said-
Another way to look at the 5D is that it is so cheap, is it in the same bracket as a clunker car that you would buy and apart from oil and filter service drive it into the ground?

Very good point. I know to look for a 2 or 3 in the first digit of the serial number to avoid the mirror and LCD issues, but I don't know if there are any OTHER known issues with the 5D I need to watch for. I would hate to buy a clunker car if I knew that the transmission had a history of going bad in that car---

Thanks!!

Don

 

[dboy]

Hi,

I recently purchased a second hand 5D, but the silver box on the label on the bottom where I would expect the serial number to be is blank. Does anyone know whether the serial number is anywhere else on the body?

Thanks.

Don't know about where else on the body it might be, but it can be found in the EXIF data of any images you take with the camera.

Got it! Thanks v. much.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi Don.
First, I should have said welcome to the forum.
Second, quote is done by clicking the red quote link top left of any post you wish to quote.
I agree with you about known failure history, but older products are heading towards the random fail end of life event, just as much risk of a completely unique failure as suffering from a known issue. Roll the dice and see what mistress fate delivers.

Good luck.

Cheers, Graham.

Graham-

I don't know how to quote yet, so:

You said-
Another way to look at the 5D is that it is so cheap, is it in the same bracket as a clunker car that you would buy and apart from oil and filter service drive it into the ground?

Very good point. I know to look for a 2 or 3 in the first digit of the serial number to avoid the mirror and LCD issues, but I don't know if there are any OTHER known issues with the 5D I need to watch for. I would hate to buy a clunker car if I knew that the transmission had a history of going bad in that car---

Thanks!!

Don

 

[SierraDon]

Graham-

Thank you for the welcome. I will try the quote as you suggested. Is there a way to edit the quote so I don't waste forum space by quoting a whole post when only a few sentences are important??

Yes, fate will determine the longevity of a 5d, but I hope to give fate an assist by waiting for a 2 or 3 first digit, and minimizing end of life issues by finding one which has not been beat up too much. I have not yet found a way to get a shutter count without sending the camera to Canon, and of course it is too late then. Most sellers seem to try to be honest about the amount of use.

This may take some time!!

Thanks!!

Don

Hi Don.
First, I should have said welcome to the forum.
Second, quote is done by clicking the red quote link top left of any post you wish to quote.
I agree with you about known failure history, but older products are heading towards the random fail end of life event, just as much risk of a completely unique failure as suffering from a known issue. Roll the dice and see what mistress fate delivers.

Good luck.

Cheers, Graham.

 

[danski0224]

This is my first post, so I hope I get it right--

I called Canon technical support this morning regarding a 5D I was considering purchasing, and spoke with a Tony. I gave him the serial number, which started with a 0, and asked if it needed to be returned for a mirror upgrade. His answer was interesting:

1. If the mirror was not actually broken, they would not reinforce it.

2.MORE CONCERNING- I was told that as of Sept 30, 2015, Canon would NO LONGER work on the 5D. I asked if they would even clean the sensor after Sept 30, and was told NO.

3.Asking why, Tony said that the technology in the 5D was so old they would no longer work on the camera.

It appears the 5D will be soon unrepairable.

As I think the camera is a good value, I hope someone can tell me I was misinformed. Right now, I have decided not to pursue purchase of a 5D.

Don't know about SOP on #1.

However, #2 and #3 apply to a great deal of Canon cameras and lenses that are still functioning just fine (for now).

Unfortunately, Canon chooses to end support for cameras and lenses, some of which still cost quite a bit of money today even though they are no longer repairable either by Canon or 3rd party facilities (USM but non-IS supertelephoto lenses such as the 200mm f/1.8 and the unique 50mm f/1.0 come to mind and all digital cameras from the 1DsII, 1DIV and soon to be 5D and earlier).

Unlike the 1DsII, the 50mm f/1.0 and those USM lenses which are truly non-repairable today, there are lots of 5D's out there. The supply of bodies in good condition and therefore major spare parts are likely to be in good supply for some time to come.

If you want to get a 5D, I wouldn't necessarily let the announced out-of-service date be the deciding factor.

The bigger 3rd party repair facilities will be able to fix the 5D as long as the parts last. Shutter assemblies are the most likely major wear item.

Buy one at a reasonable price (or two) and enjoy it.

Despite the reported excellent color quality, the lack of AFMA tarnishes the luster for me.

 

[dolina]

They drop support or servicing of certain products as it becomes non-economical to manufacture replacement parts for them.

It is like expecting Apple to repair the original iPhone from 2007 when so very few people still use it today.