Posted by Terry Sohl on September 26, 2006 at 5:42 PM
I was going to post everything in one topic, but I think I'll split it up.
I have 2 issues with my equipment. 1st of all, the lens I use 90% of the time, my Canon 400 5.6L, has a problem with the attached lens hood. A rubber gasket/seal or something has come loose between the lens hood itself, and the lens body. Because it's now lodged between the 2 parts of the lens, I can barely move the lens hood up or down.
2nd issue...my Canon 20D. Something's wrong with my autofocus. I have issues anyway with the 20D's autofocus (see the other topic I'm posting), but this is beyond the normal focusing issues. About half the time when composing a shot and pressing halfway to autofocus, my 400 5.6L immediately goes out to focus at infinity, and then seems to get "stuck". I have to actually manually move the focus away from infinity, recompose, and then it (usually) focuses OK.
It only started doing this in the past month or so. However, I've missed MANY shots of birds in the meantime. It's VERY frustrating to FINALLY get a decent crack at a "problem bird" (Northern Harrier for me), have the thing fly right at you and then past you only 20 feet away, and completely miss ANY shot, because the camera autofocus goes to infinity and gets stuck. It's definitely the body, not the lens, as I don't have the problem when I move the 400 5.6L to my old Canon Digital Rebel.
My question (finally) is on Canon Service, especially costs and timelines. If I send both the lens and 20D in, how long does it usually take to get it back? Do they generally provide good, quick, reliable service? I'm lost without my equipment!!!
Regarding cost...I would hope the 400 5.6L problem is minor...I'm not worried about that. But for the 20D, any idea (ballpark) on what I can expect from Canon? I've put a lot of shots on that 20D, and if it's going to be several hundred dollars or something, I'd instead potentially consider getting a new body.
Posted by Guy Tal on September 26, 2006 at 5:54 PM
I had to sent in a 1Ds for service a while back and they were very professional and turned it around in just under 2 weeks. If you're a member of their professional service plan (forgot the name) it can be much faster.
Guy
Posted by John Varley on September 26, 2006 at 7:39 PM
Terry - I seem to recall reading on some forum about erratic autofocus problems with a 20D - the problem was a bit of dust/hair on the entrance to the autofocus sensor - I think the autofocus sensor is in the floor of the mirror box. So you would need to set the camera for sensor cleaning to move the mirror out of the way to have a look. You might be lucky - might be just a bit of muck. Also check the mirror.
John
Posted by Terry Sohl on September 26, 2006 at 9:48 PM
Thanks John, I'll try that.
Posted by Helge Sorensen on September 28, 2006 at 4:25 AM
Hi Terry, regarding Canon service I most definitely hope it’s better in the US than here. I sent my 20D off to Canon service on Aug.1st, and still haven’t got it back. Every time I call they push it another two weeks, due to lack of reserve-parts and due to priority to those Canon owners who are member of the “professional services”, that Guy mentions. Keep in mind that to be member of the Canon professional services you need two series D cameras and two prof. lenses.
(After the first month I couldn’t take anymore so I bought a 30D, but to me it’s no improvement over 20D). AF is just the same, and actually it seems to front-focus a bit, I just don’t dare to send it off to adjustment with my current experience with the service-center.
Discussion
4 repliesI have 2 issues with my equipment. 1st of all, the lens I use 90% of the time, my Canon 400 5.6L, has a problem with the attached lens hood. A rubber gasket/seal or something has come loose between the lens hood itself, and the lens body. Because it's now lodged between the 2 parts of the lens, I can barely move the lens hood up or down.
2nd issue...my Canon 20D. Something's wrong with my autofocus. I have issues anyway with the 20D's autofocus (see the other topic I'm posting), but this is beyond the normal focusing issues. About half the time when composing a shot and pressing halfway to autofocus, my 400 5.6L immediately goes out to focus at infinity, and then seems to get "stuck". I have to actually manually move the focus away from infinity, recompose, and then it (usually) focuses OK.
It only started doing this in the past month or so. However, I've missed MANY shots of birds in the meantime. It's VERY frustrating to FINALLY get a decent crack at a "problem bird" (Northern Harrier for me), have the thing fly right at you and then past you only 20 feet away, and completely miss ANY shot, because the camera autofocus goes to infinity and gets stuck. It's definitely the body, not the lens, as I don't have the problem when I move the 400 5.6L to my old Canon Digital Rebel.
My question (finally) is on Canon Service, especially costs and timelines. If I send both the lens and 20D in, how long does it usually take to get it back? Do they generally provide good, quick, reliable service? I'm lost without my equipment!!!
Regarding cost...I would hope the 400 5.6L problem is minor...I'm not worried about that. But for the 20D, any idea (ballpark) on what I can expect from Canon? I've put a lot of shots on that 20D, and if it's going to be several hundred dollars or something, I'd instead potentially consider getting a new body.
Guy
John
(After the first month I couldn’t take anymore so I bought a 30D, but to me it’s no improvement over 20D). AF is just the same, and actually it seems to front-focus a bit, I just don’t dare to send it off to adjustment with my current experience with the service-center.
Good luck, Helge