Announcement regarding AF accuracy of Canon EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras.
March 3rd 2009
Canon has issued the following announcement concerning AF on the 1D MkIII and 1Ds MkIII. Note that the new fix is in addition to the earlier sub-mirror fix for the 1d MkIII. Note that there is also new firmware for both cameras which addresses some issues with Live View, Error Codes and USB communication. Here are the firmware update links:
The following is an announcement from Canon regarding the AF issues:
Service Notice: EOS-1D Mark III/EOS-1Ds Mark III: AF Accuracy Adjustment
Thank you for using Canon products.
We have learned that some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have a problem in the accuracy of the AF (autofocusing) feature. Accordingly, we would like to provide information about the details of this issue and how it can be resolved.
We offer our sincerest apologies to customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers, and we spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.
Phenomenon
If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft.
Affected Products
EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras
Support
Free AF accuracy checks and adjustments will be provided to affected products. Please contact our Customer Support Center if you own an affected product and wish to arrange for service.
Supplementary information:
Based on the comments and suggestions of professional photographers, we have also created supplementary AI Servo AF information (AI Servo Auto Focus Manual) for users to fully utilize the AF capacity of the cameras. Please refer to this information when you shoot with the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras.
Other Information Regarding AF (Auto-focusing) with EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III.
The following Web announcements were previously released to inform users about improvements in the AF accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III.
The above information, together with the provision of free AF accuracy checks and adjustments, allow users to utilize the AF function of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III with greater assurance.
Based on the comments and suggestions of professional photographers, we are in the process of creating Supplementary AI Servo AF Information (AI Servo Auto Focus Manual) for users to fully utilize the AF capacity of the cameras. The AI Servo Auto Focus Manual will be available soon. Please check back later this week. Please refer to this information when you shoot with the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III cameras.
Thank you for your patronage and support of Canon products.
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.
Contact Information for Inquiries
Customer Support Center
1-866-207-9570 (toll free)
8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST (M-F)
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST (Sat.)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com