How do I enroll in Canon Professional Services?

[Tom Reichner]

I was told about Canon Professional Services this week, from a photographer in Yellowstone. He claimed that lens cleanings, focus recalibrations, and minor repairs cost next to nothing for members. Supposedly, they'll even give you a loaner lens while they service yours!
Having just paid $341 to have dust cleaned from my 100-400mm, I realize the great need I have for this type of service (it was the Canon Factory Service Center that charged me this much).
Problem is, I googled CPS and was unable to find the official website. In fact, one forum I found had a guy claiming that CPS doesn't even have a web presence here in the US. Other forums had people saying how awesome the foreign CPS branches were, but that they had so much difficulty finding out how to get enrolled in the US branch that they just gave up.
So, does anyone here on POTN belong to CPS? If so, how can a full-time professional photographer get enrolled? Please let me know - any help would be greatly appreciated.
- Tom

[MJPhotos24]

I belong, and that price seems out of whack - did they fix something else to?

They are in the process of overhauling the entire system, not sure they are accepting new members as they do so though. You can check the below link for info...

http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20080925_cps_program.html

[Mike R]

It use to be free providing you met their guidelines as to how they define "Pro"
Mike is correct that they are not accepting members until they update the plan. At that time, even existing members will need to re join. It's going to a fee based membership with 3 different levels of prices and services offered. I believe that the top tier is going to be $500 annually

[Pete]

Over here in the UK, you only get one complimentary sensor clean. You don't get free minor repairs and you won't get loaner equipment unless the repairs are taking more than 6 days.

Basically, joining CPS means that you get better support at major events (if Canon are going), and you get expidited repairs (you won't get a discount).

I seem to remember that the entry requirements in the USA are far more stricter than for the UK (you need to prove you're a pro, where in the UK, you need to prove you own pro equipment).

[airfrogusmc]

I was told about Canon Professional Services this week, from a photographer in Yellowstone. He claimed that lens cleanings, focus recalibrations, and minor repairs cost next to nothing for members. Supposedly, they'll even give you a loaner lens while they service yours!
Having just paid $341 to have dust cleaned from my 100-400mm, I realize the great need I have for this type of service (it was the Canon Factory Service Center that charged me this much).
Problem is, I googled CPS and was unable to find the official website. In fact, one forum I found had a guy claiming that CPS doesn't even have a web presence here in the US. Other forums had people saying how awesome the foreign CPS branches were, but that they had so much difficulty finding out how to get enrolled in the US branch that they just gave up.
So, does anyone here on POTN belong to CPS? If so, how can a full-time professional photographer get enrolled? Please let me know - any help would be greatly appreciated.
- Tom

Tom as of now Canon is not taking any more members because they are redoing their CPS program and are suppose to launch the new program in the spring. In the new program there will be 3 levels with the platinum lever costing $500 a year to join. You also have to be a working professional with published work and receiving 51% of you income from photography.

Well here
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=StandardDisplayAct&fcategoryid=111&keycode=CPS

[Karl Johnston]

Is that personal income ? Say if you were making 25 000$ a year gross for yourself but your business was making 85 000 $ a year gross, could you claim your business under your 51% as an income from photography?

I thought you got a free monthly test of new bodies (1ds mark IV?)or equipment, too.

[Tom Reichner]

They are in the process of overhauling the entire system, not sure they are accepting new members as they do so though. You can check the below link for info...

http://www.usa.canon.com/templatedata/pressrelease/20080925_cps_program.html

Thanks for the link, Mike - it's appreciated

[airfrogusmc]

Is that personal income ? Say if you were making 25 000$ a year gross for yourself but your business was making 85 000 $ a year gross, could you claim your business under your 51% as an income from photography?

I thought you got a free monthly test of new bodies (1ds mark IV?)or equipment, too.

Income from photogrpahy alone. So if your making 85G I would say you would need to be in the 43G range or higher from photography?

You can check out equipment to try. I've had 1D2MKII sent and I've had lenses the last was the 200 2L. I liked that so much I bought one.

Also you have rush service and reduced rates on repairs. Its a great service.

[maranelloboy05]

How can they check if you are actually making 51% of your income in photography? If you spend more than $5000 on their equipment I would think they shouldn't care how you use it. It would be a nice gesture on their part to give free cleanings to anyone who puts that kind of money into gear.

[MJPhotos24]

How can they check if you are actually making 51% of your income in photography? If you spend more than $5000 on their equipment I would think they shouldn't care how you use it. It would be a nice gesture on their part to give free cleanings to anyone who puts that kind of money into gear.
It's for working professionals, i.e. those that a day off from having the gear means no income. Just because a person has the money to pay for it doesn't mean they have the same needs as a working professional.

As for how they can check if you actually make 51%, good question - I had to send in tear sheets of published samples but nothing on actual income from photography - which is about 90% right now by the way of my income.

[maranelloboy05]

I get that about the pros, I would never expect to have priority in service or get lent a replacement lens while mine is being serviced, but I can dream of free cleanings. :D