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View Full Version : I love Canon!!! (was: need an advice, URGENT)


msvadi
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 19:52
I have a problem. :evil: I think that one of the CF contact pins (in the CF slot) is bent, and I cannot insert a CF card. Actually, I can insert only one of my CF cards, and with this card the camera shows error code 02. One of the contacts of that card looks damaged. I cannot insert any other CF card.

I'll give a call to Canon on Monday, and, hopefully, I'll make a trip to their service facility in NJ on the same day. But, I'm really worried if a problem like this is covered under the warranty. I think that CF card was damaged in the card reader, and then bent one of the pins in the camera. However, I did not use any force at all, when I inserted the card into the CF card slot. I really hope they are not going to be too tough with me. It's a $1000 product, after all.

One more reason to worry is that I have the hacked firmware installed in the camera. I cannot go back to the original firmware without a CF card.

Another problem: I ordered a used copy 100-300 5.6L from KEH. It's supposed to arrive on Wednesday. I have only two weeks to test it. I wonder if I'll get the camera back before the inspection period for the lens is over.

Finally, it looks like I'll have to show up to our NY meeting on June 27 WITHOUT MY CAMERA!!!! :evil:

The only good thing is that, since I have to send the camera for service anyway, I'll get it checked for front focusing, finally. Or may be not - all my lenses are gray market copies from B&H.

Well, I guess, I'm not really asking for an advice, just sharing my frustration with you. Thanks for listening, and I'll appreciate any suggestions

PacAce
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 20:00
Sorry, I can't help you with your CF card pin problem but I can offer you a suggestion for how to get your "Canon approved" firmware back. Just plug the camera to the computer using the USB cable. You should be able to download the firmware that way. The only thing I'm not sure about is if a CF card is required to be in the camera for the firmware to take. I doubt it but I'm not sure. Read the firmware update instructions on how to do this.

Good luck.

msvadi
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 20:02
Sorry, I can't help you with your CF card pin problem but I can offer you a suggestion for how to get your "Canon approved" firmware back. Just plug the camera to the computer using the USB cable. You should be able to download the firmware that way. The only thing I'm not sure about is if a CF card is required to be in the camera for the firmware to take. I doubt it but I'm not sure. Read the firmware update instructions on how to do this.

Good luck.

Thanks for a quick response, Leo. Yes, a CF card is required. The camera looks for a firmware update on the CF card.

msvadi
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 20:22
Does anybody have personal experience with the NJ service center? Is it okay to show up there without an appointment? Any chance they fix the camera while I'm waiting?

I just cannot wait till Monday ...

PacAce
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 20:46
Does anybody have personal experience with the NJ service center? Is it okay to show up there without an appointment? Any chance they fix the camera while I'm waiting?

I just cannot wait till Monday ...

I've taken my 10D to the New Jersey service center. They have a walk-up counter where you can check in your camera. However, I doubt you'll be able to wait for it unless what you want done is a "quick" fix type of a thing. When I took my camera in for sensor cleaning and focusing checkout, they had it and my lenses for two whole weeks. But then, it was the busy time of the season for them then (early March). CPS members get priority over non-CPS members (like me).

BTW, although I didn't ask for it, they also upgraded my firmware to the latest version.

msvadi
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 20:54
Thanks again, Leo. Like I said, I want my camera to be checked for the front focus problem. Do you know if the lens have to be under the warranty? I have a couple of gray market lenses.

PacAce
19th of June 2004 (Sat), 21:01
Thanks again, Leo. Like I said, I want my camera to be checked for the front focus problem. Do you know if the lens have to be under the warranty? I have a couple of gray market lenses.

I'm not sure if they'll check your camera with your lenses on. What they usually do is check the camera focusing agains their "standard" lens and if something is off, they'll calibrate it. If you have a lens that needs calibrating, they'll test the lens using a "standard" body to see if the lens needs calibrating. I suppose if the lens is off from the standard, they'll recalibrate it for you but if it's not under warranty, then you'd probably have to pay for the calibration. AAMOF, they might charge you to check the lens whether it needs calibrating or not since there's time involved just to setup and check the calibration.

Laziferous
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 06:54
Dang Vadim, that sucks!! Sorry to hear about that, especially that it is happening with such bad timing, and how it affects your ability to install firmware. Ouch.

Good luck getting it all squared away. I hope you have your camera back in time for New York.

msvadi
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 08:06
Leo: thanks again! I did not realize that lenses and the body are calibrated separately. I remember posts about Canon asking to send in all lenses and the camera for calibration. Well, I see what they tell me on Monday. May be they can check the camera, and I'll send the lenses to B&H later.

Chris: thanks for support.
I knew that I would feel uncomfortable without a camera. It turns out, I'm in much worse shape than I thought - I'm and addict, and it's absoutely depressing not to have the camera. Now I wish I did not sell my G2. May be it's the perfect time to get a film body. I don't want to show up in NY with Olympus Stylus Epic.

ilya
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 08:46
I'll give you my 10d in NY to use part of the time. The problem with that though is your shots will be next to mine - so please don't embarrass me too much. :oops:

maderito
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 08:49
msvadi,

I understand your pain, my friend. :( :( Hope to catch you again next week on the New Haven green - but with your DRebel and new lens.

http://display.lifepics.com/imgdisp.asp?filespec=%60foxhx2cuxmwdogx%5D9%3C%3D8 %3B9dOjeOrmlfFZYd%3A%3D%3E82tso%0B51%3A%40%3D9%133 8253%3A :(

msvadi
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 12:09
I'll give you my 10d in NY to use part of the time. The problem with that though is your shots will be next to mine - so please don't embarrass me too much. :oops:

Ilya, that's very generous of you. Thank you so much. I may ask to borrow your camera only for 2-3 shots - to test my new-old 100-300 f/5.6 L. It's supposed to arrive this Wednesday, and the inspection period (according to KEH.com policy) is not that long - only 2 weeks. I just want to see that this lens works, and gives significant quality improvement over my 135 f/2.8.

msvadi
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 12:13
msvadi,

I understand your pain, my friend. :( :( Hope to catch you again next week on the New Haven green - but with your DRebel and new lens.

http://display.lifepics.com/imgdisp.asp?filespec=%60foxhx2cuxmwdogx%5D9%3C%3D8 %3B9dOjeOrmlfFZYd%3A%3D%3E82tso%0B51%3A%40%3D9%133 8253%3A :(

Thanks Woody. It's a nice shoot. On this picture, he almost looks like me, when I figured that my camera broke ;)

I assume you took it with 70-200 f/4. Was there enough light for f/4? I'm a little bit worried that 100-300 f/5.6L may be just too slow for what I want it to use - street shots.

maderito
20th of June 2004 (Sun), 14:21
msvadi,

Given that you'll want even fast shutter speeds at 300mm, the f/5.6 could be limiting. Even with the 70-200 f/4 I find myself wanting the extra stop of the 70-200 f/2.8 (but not the size or weight).

These shots with the 70-200 f/4 were taken at various times of day and with different camera settings: http://www.pbase.com/maderito/nh_festival_2004

When you get your DRebel repaired, we can work out a swap for a day (135 soft focus :) :) for the 70-200 f/4).

msvadi
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 19:02
When you get your DRebel repaired, we can work out a swap for a day (135 soft focus :) :) for the 70-200 f/4).

An offer I cannot refuse ;)
Actually, I'm not going to use the 135 for several days now, let me know if you want to try it.

I took my Rebel to the NJ service center. Damaged pins is something they definitely have seen before. They told me immediately that it was not covered by warranty. However, I get one courtesy repair free. They also told me that they will clean the camera, update the firmware, and will perform general inspection, including focus accuracy. As I understand, they always do that when they receive a camera for service. I told them I suspect front focus, but I was not sure if it was the body or lenses. They'll check the body and will let me know if I need to send the lenses for check/calibration.

There is no rush service available now, and the whoe thing is supposed to take 7-10 working days. But, they told me to call them on Wednesday, may be they can do it faster.

danphoto1
21st of June 2004 (Mon), 20:05
I had a similar problem with a D30 and sent it off to MAC in NJ they got it back to me in about a week and a half. they had to they told me that thy had to order a part. I don't think that you can get it done any faster. Sorry


Dan

msvadi
22nd of June 2004 (Tue), 16:43
Thanks, Dan.

I called them today, the camera was accpeted for service and the technician was supposed to check it soon. They told me they can try speed up the process, but could not promise anything. I have to call back again, tomorrow, to check on its status. I really hope a technician saw my camera today, and I will get a more specific answer tomorrow.


I had a similar problem with a D30 and sent it off to MAC in NJ they got it back to me in about a week and a half. they had to they told me that thy had to order a part. I don't think that you can get it done any faster. Sorry
Dan

danphoto1
22nd of June 2004 (Tue), 17:32
I also emailed canon support. I had a weddinging to shoot and no backup at the time. I needed to have the camera back.as soon as possiblw there were other issuses ad it was still in warantee. I don't know if Canon interceeded but things did move rather quickly and the part came in much sooner than anticipated. I used that camera for another couple of years Then bought a D60 then 1D a 10D and a second 1D. that is the only time that I ever had any sort of problem with a Canonother than a dirty sensor. Good luck I Hope that they do you right


Dan

msvadi
23rd of June 2004 (Wed), 21:37
I have my camera back!!! I dropped it off at the NJ repair center on Monday. I called them today (Wednesday), and I was told that the camera was ready and I could come to pick it up. It took only two days to fix the camera!!! :)

They did not say anything about the hacked firmware, and I did not ask. The camera came back with the hack ;)

Belmondo
23rd of June 2004 (Wed), 21:47
Congratulations. I now expect you to get some magnificent shots this weekend.

roanjohn
23rd of June 2004 (Wed), 21:52
They did not say anything about the hacked firmware, and I did not ask. The camera came back with the hack ;)

I knew it!!!

Conspiracy Theory: (for your eyes only)

Canon is behind the hack to lure buyers away from the D70.
Wasia is the big honcho in Canon.

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Okay.........just joking.

Alright Msvadi............we're set for the weekend.

Ro1

CyberDyneSystems
23rd of June 2004 (Wed), 21:53
Yaaaay! :D

Laziferous
24th of June 2004 (Thu), 03:51
Awesome man! Glad to hear you got it back so quick. Have fun this weekend. I look forward to seeing your (and everyone's) shots.

msvadi
24th of June 2004 (Thu), 22:02
Thank you guys!!!

I'm very impressed by the Canon's customer service. It feels like they really care about us :) I don't know if the things are the same way in the Nikon camp, but I'm very happy that I have chosen Canon.

roanjohn: I'm glad you are joining us this Sunday. I'll send you my cell phone number for contact.

Jraun
7th of April 2005 (Thu), 21:43
I know this is an old post but was searching for information and your dilemma was very poignant – what a success.

I’m at that same cross road – bent pins of my own doing – stupid – I know! Won’t do it again – I was so excitied about my new DRebel we haven’t parted company for only a few moments since purchase – my wife thinks I’m nuts – but she is awed at the pictures.

I was hoping my experience with NJ service center will go as smoothly as yours – PacAce mentioned that as a CPS member you get priority treatement – is this true?

And what’s up with one courtesy free repair? How do you come by this fast talking or it is policy by the company?