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.
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 ;-)
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?
We have a version of Google's Search engine, optimised for photography related items that may be of use in finding more information...

Keith is always happy to discuss matters raised in his articles. You can contact Keith at the address below.

The views above represent those of Keith Cooper. Articles copyright ©2003-8 Keith Cooper.
Other areas of our site that may be of interest...
You can create your own customised A3 size wall calendar from a choice of 90 of Keith's images. Pick your own images for your own custom printed calendar - 12 months starting any month of the year. There are even more images in the updated gallery
Digital Black and White. Based on an interview Keith gave to a magazine article about digital black and white photography. We have an expanded two part version covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those interested in a digital approach to black and white. There is a growing collection of photography Articles and Reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography.
Northlight Images is based in the UK and supplies Commercial Photography services, Training and Consultancy. Tel +44 116 2919092
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.