This site, and all its
contents are copyright
©2003-2009 Keith Cooper
Canon 1Ds Mark III image misalignment
Viewfinder Problem fixed under warranty
I've reported the problems that I and quite a few others experienced with early Canon 1ds3 Mk3s
My own camera had a very visible 0.4 degree tilt.
I've a separate page showing how I measured that, and other people's problems with the camera.Latest articles: Jane Fonda and Me... A print from previously unseen photographs taken on the set of the making of Barbarella in 1967 Using tilt lenses - What happens when you tilt a lens. Includes sets of tables with lens settings. Producing a black and white print - from camera to print.
At lunchtime, Monday 18th August I dropped off the camera at Canon UK service in Elstree...
Thursday lunchtime, 21st August 08 it's shipped back by UPS, and the camera is back with me.
I actually had a mail at end of business Tuesday, to say that the camera was fixed.
So, Kudos to Canon Service UK for their very prompt and efficient return of my camera!
Well packed, with lots of padding
The Repair invoice shows that it's a warranty fix
"WARRANTY BASED ON PRODUCT LAUNCH Adjusted finder paralax"
A quick check was in order, so I pointed the camera at a straight edge (ruled focusing screen fitted)
This is the view in the finder.
The live view looks fine too (this was obviously tilted before)
A photo, shows that any error is less than 0.1 degree
Given that from previous landscape work I reckon I can spot a horizon tilt of anything over 0.25 degrees in a picture, this is good enough.
This is what it was like
So I'll consider it fixed...
Or I should say that I consider it perfectly acceptable since there is possibly a very slight residual tilt (maybe 0.05 degree) but it's difficult to accurately measure, and to be honest it's well below my personal threshold of 'bother'. Given the delay in fixing it, you can guess that the 0.4 degree tilt was only in the minor irritation category ;-)
I've also written a page with comparisons between my 1Ds and 1Ds3, along with my thoughts and impressions about using the 1Ds Mark 3 -- Main 1Ds3 info page
Also, for the avoidance of doubt - tilt or no tilt, this is the best camera I've ever regularly used!
Oh, just one last thing...
One other item appeared on the repair note.
'Replaced DC-DC converter. Tested all functions'
So, a new PCB inside... presumably some part that's been replaced/redesigned since the camera launch?
Keith is always happy to discuss matters raised in his articles. You can use our Contact Form 
to mail us at Northlight.
Site News: 'What's New' RSS Feed | Rumours RSS feed | Site updates: Twitter | Keith's Blog
The views above represent those of Keith Cooper. Articles copyright ©2003-9 Keith Cooper.
Northlight Images prides itself on its independence when giving advice. We do not sell hardware or software and have no direct commercial links with any of the software or hardware vendors that may be mentioned here. See our Review Policy for more information.We have a version of Google's Search engine, optimised for photography related items that may be of use in finding more information.
Explore our site...
Digital Black and White photography and printing. Some of Keiths thoughts, techniques and tips for those interested in a digital approach to black and white. We've lots of original Photography Articles and Photography Reviews on the site to help anyone interested in photography.
| If you've found the information on the site of use, then please consider buying your Amazon purchases (any kinds of items) through these links: Amazon UK /  Amazon France / Amazon Germany  / Amazon USA / Amazon Canada
It won't save extra money we're afraid, but it will help in the running of the site, and we'd really appreciate it... |
We've a gallery of landscape photography and fine art prints that are there to enjoy...
Northlight Images is based in the UK and supplies Commercial Photography services, Photography training and Colour Management Consultancy. Tel +44 116 2919092 or use the Contact Form
New site features are always covered on the What's New page.
Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras.