It sounds like somewhere along the way they designed themselves into a rat hole that they can't climb out of. I know nothing about engineering. But if software updates and a hardware change can't fully solve the problem, then it may be that there's a design flaw so profound that only a redesign will eliminate it.
How that could happen to a body that's fairly mature and on its fourth iteration is hard to imagine. Of course, this is complete speculation. But reading Galbraith, seeing the resources Canon's throwing at the problem, and understanding that the Mk III's impact on Canon's image and line of cameras extends far, far beyond its sales revenue, it's clear that this a very big deal.
That Canon, after all this time, still can't make Mk III as good as the Mk IIn speaks to the severity of the design problem they created for themselves.
And it makes me wonder two things. One, it may be that the autofocus issue won't be satisfactorily resolved until the 1D Mk IV. And two, that the Mk IV may be released much earlier than had previously been planned.
All rampant speculation, course.
I recently saw a reference to a Mk III N due for release in the spring of '08 -- it was the only such reference that I have seen so I don't know if that is accurate. I can only hope that, whatever the cost, Canon will do right by those of us who made the leap of faith on their new (non-Ds) flagship model. In any case, after this experience, the WORST thing Canon could do would be to rush the next model -- III N or IV -- into production prematurely, and I'd bet they know that now.
There were no instruction on what to send or not send so I called them back because I was rushing to get to UPS. Here is the scoop..
1. Remove the battery and put the dummy battery cover on the battery slot.
2. Remove BOTH memory cards.
3. Remove the lens (duh) and put the cap on it.
4. DO NOT send the camera in the "original" box you won't get it back.
5. Be sure to put the packing slip in the box.
They also recommend the following..
1. Wrap it in bubble wrap to protect it.
2. If you are using peanuts in the box put the body in a plastic bag so the dust and peanut stuff doesn't get in the camera.
3. If you have UPS pack it.. be sure and tell them to wrap it in bubble wrap and take a large plastic bag with you in case they use peanuts.
4. Print the packing slip and be sure to tell UPS to put the slip it in the box.
5. Keep a copy of the UPS label (or at least the original UPS email) because it has your tracking number on it to make sure your camera it gets to Canon.
6. According to the packing slip, once Canon gets your camera and assigns an order number you can track the progress at www.usa.canon.com/repair but I don't know how you get an order number, unless they email one. Once I find out I will update this post.
That's it for now.. I'm already having withdrawals, . Guess I will have to break out the XTI for the time being.
Thank you for this information. The repair is also starting in germany the last days. UPS will come to me on next monday. We will see what the repair brings..
Comments
__________________
www.browngreensports.com
http://browngreensports.smugmug.com
Jan
Homepage