Notices - EOS 1D mk III

[Administrator]

In the EOS 1D Mark III digital SLR camera that was launched in May 2007, Canon found that some units have a problem with the AF mirror. The adjustment problem occurs only in some products, but we have confirmed that the focus is not stable or that the AF tracking is not right when using AI servo continuous shooting, particularly in high-temperature environments.

Products that might have this problem can be identified by the following method.

How to Check Affected Products[/color][/u]
The affected units can be identified from the serial number found at the bottom of the camera (see image below). Some cameras between the serial numbers 501001 and 546561 could experience this adjustment issue, with the exception of cameras with the following serial numbers (click here) which were manufactured with an updated mirror mechanism. If you are satisfied that your EOS 1D mk III camera is operating correctly, it is not necessary to have it repaired for this issue, and this issue will not happen over time.



Recommend Firmware Update to 1.1.3[/color][/u]
For unaffected EOS 1D mk III, Canon has released a new firmware update 1.1.3 that will improve AF tracking in specific conditions. This firmware update is highly recommended. Current firmware update is 1.2.5 version. Please click here for more details.

Updated Information[/color][/u]
After the AF Mirror Adjustment, including the updated firmware version 1.1.3, the EOS 1D mk III AF function performed better in Canon's tests than all previous EOS camera models.

[Administrator]

Canon have discovered that images taken by some EOS 1D mk III may exhibit ring-shaped spots.

Phenomenon[/color][/u]

Images taken may exhibit large ring-shaped spots.



Cause[/color][/u]

These ring-shaped spots are the images of oil lubricant on the surface of the low pass filter (LPF), which is located in front of the CMOS sensor.

This oil is used inside the Mirror Box to lubricate some of the camera's moving parts. If the oil is applied too liberally when the camera is manufactured, it can become scattered onto the surface of the LPF through normal camera operation.

* Image of Back Side of Main Mirror



The image above shows the top of the mirror box when the main mirror is flipped up. The white spots in the red circles are excess lubricant oil.

Support[/color][/u]

Canon ask that customers who are encountering this phenomenon or, who have noticed that oil is visible on the surface of the back side of the mirror, please contact Canon service centers. To prevent oil from scattering, which may seriously affect images, Canon will offer free cleaning of the mirror box to affected customer to remove the excess oil.

Oil Lubricant Used in Cameras[/color][/u]

Measures are being implemented to control the amount of lubricant applied during manufacture in order to reduce the occurrence of oil spots. However, because this lubricant is required to ensure proper operation of the camera's precision mechanical parts, it is impossible to eliminate all instances of oil scattering. If you require CMOS sensor cleaning, please contact Canon service center.