Advice on used 1D mark III

Hi, Ive been searching for second body for some time now. I found 1DIII for sale at a reasonable price range (650 euros and 90k shutter clicks).

They question is, is it worth it and how can I make sure that its not one of the "built in AF problem" bodies? Is there a date on camera or serial number or something?

Here you go
http://usa.canon.com …il&docId=0901e0​248004cd3d

Mine is in the affected range though and it's absolutely fine!

I bought mine about 2 years ago (February 2013) and it is in the affected range according to Canon.

The person I bought it from had papers from Canon CPS to prove it had been checked and serviced for the focusing issue. A new shutter had been installed in 2011 also, so the number of actuations was very low; it looks pristine.

Mine has exhibited zero focusing problems (no problems at all, in fact), and I love it. It is a perfect complement and backup to my 5D3. I use it when I anticipate bad weather, fast moving subjects or distant targets (the 1.3X crop factor is quite useful).

I think for the money, the 1D3 is the best bargain in the "used Canon bin", so to speak (the 50D may be another).

The only problem I will have, I figure, is convincing a possible buyer (if i resell it) that it is OK. But since the only way I would resell it is if I got a 1D4 or 1D X, I figure I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I paid $1300 shipped but that included an extra battery, 32 GB CF and SD cards, and a RRS L Bracket.

Maxdave

I have owned 3 all used and 2 were in the effected range and I never had one issue with the focus problem. My first one I owned before the fix was done and it never had an issue I sent it in for the fix just to have it updated but I never had an issue with one yet.

If the serial number is above 546561 the AF system is fine. If not, the last I heard Canon was fixing the issue for free. I have one of the newer 1D3's and the focus system is fine. They are built like tanks and will give a good long life. Mine has banged off of doorways and church pews, and been soaked from waves while shooting sailboat races. Still works fine.

Maxdave wrote in post #17249264
I bought mine about 2 years ago (February 2013) and it is in the affected range according to Canon.

The person I bought it from had papers from Canon CPS to prove it had been checked and serviced for the focusing issue. A new shutter had been installed in 2011 also, so the number of actuations was very low; it looks pristine.

Mine has exhibited zero focusing problems (no problems at all, in fact), and I love it. It is a perfect complement and backup to my 5D3. I use it when I anticipate bad weather, fast moving subjects or distant targets (the 1.3X crop factor is quite useful).

I think for the money, the 1D3 is the best bargain in the "used Canon bin", so to speak (the 50D may be another).

The only problem I will have, I figure, is convincing a possible buyer (if i resell it) that it is OK. But since the only way I would resell it is if I got a 1D4 or 1D X, I figure I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

I paid $1300 shipped but that included an extra battery, 32 GB CF and SD cards, and a RRS L Bracket.

Maxdave

i got mine use'd and the 1st. owner had the auto focus problem fixed though CPS and had the paper's to prove it,but as i understand it not all 1d mk3's had this problem,check your SN # before buying .

Seller send me some photos of the camera, and its not affected based on serial number. Would this camera be good backup for my 6D? I know its not gonna beat it on hing ISO but based on tests Ive readed and sample images Ive seen I think 3200 is good to go wich is fine for me. After all I can always use my 6D when I run out of juice.

Maxdave, you have 5DIII wich is very similar to my 6D when it comes to noise. If I think 12 800 is the limit I want to use on 6D. What ISO would match that amount of noise on 1DIII?

Photo123abc wrote in post #17249654
Seller send me some photos of the camera, and its not affected based on serial number. Would this camera be good backup for my 6D? I know its not gonna beat it on hing ISO but based on tests Ive readed and sample images Ive seen I think 3200 is good to go wich is fine for me. After all I can always use my 6D when I run out of juice.

Maxdave, you have 5DIII wich is very similar to my 6D when it comes to noise. If I think 12 800 is the limit I want to use on 6D. What ISO would match that amount of noise on 1DIII?

I would say 3200 for sure ... the 5D3 is really amazing in that regard; one stop better than the 1D3, at least.

I shoot my 1D3 at ISO 3200 without worrying at all about noise (of course, I'd rather shoot it at 1600). I don't use it often higher than that; with the 5D3, I'd say 6400 is my standard highest ISO with higher ISOs only if really necessary.

My main problem with the 1D3 is the LCD screen. You know how you can be fooled by the screen that your image is sharp when it's not on many dSLRs? Well, on a 1D3 the reverse is true; the images turn out sharper on the computer than on the back screen. Takes some getting used to, and some trust, because it difficult to tell an image is sharp in the field without magnifying it, which takes extra time on any body.

A couple of other things; you don't want to have to crop heavily, so you need the long lenses if you want to reach out; and there's a lot of features, especially pertaining to focus and exposure to learn, so its not just figured out in a day!

The 1D3 is the most responsive camera I have ever used, which is to be expected as it is the only series 1 I have owned. The 5D3 is the best all around camera I have used, all things considered. But the 1D3 is no slouch, I'll tell you ...

Unless the replacement was a 1D4 or a 1D X, I wouldn't let it go ...

Maxdave

cristphoto wrote in post #17249563
If the serial number is above 546561 the AF system is fine. If not, the last I heard Canon was fixing the issue for free. I have one of the newer 1D3's and the focus system is fine. They are built like tanks and will give a good long life. Mine has banged off of doorways and church pews, and been soaked from waves while shooting sailboat races. Still works fine.

Regarding the possible focus issue: This was confirmed on this forum this past summer; guy picked up a 1D3 used and had it serviced for the focus issue, there was no charge.

Maxdave

Thanks Maxdave. I made a deal on it today for 600 euros, and cant wait to get it shipped! Only issue with the body is that CF card reader is toast because someone tried to putcard in there backwards. However it has SDHC slot aswell, and I only have SDHC's so not a problem for me.

good stuff - the CF card assembly (CG2-1912-000) isn't all that expensive if you want to get it sorted, the labour is probably an hour to do...

Canon is aware of the issues they have with the mirror assembly. My 1dmk3 was incredibly bad and when I sent it in they claimed they tweaked the body and fixed the issue. 2nd trip to Canon they finally replaced the known issue and the problem was solved.

AlanU wrote in post #17251046
Canon is aware of the issues they have with the mirror assembly. My 1dmk3 was incredibly bad and when I sent it in they claimed they tweaked the body and fixed the issue. 2nd trip to Canon they finally replaced the known issue and the problem was solved.

Yeah but serial number on the one I bought was 566 something, and the affected ones end in 54k range. CF slot is easy fix thankfully. Might do that when I need to replace shutter aswell, wich is still 200 000 clicks away if I am lucky.

I had a 1D3 and moved to a 5D3 so here's what I found to be different and what to watch for.

1D3
Screen is awful. You'll read the same from many and wont believe it, but it's god awful
The buffer fills up pretty quick and takes a few seconds to clear.
UDMA7 cards are pointless is you get one speed and it was fast in 2007
1D3 is faster than a 5D3 at grabbing a shot, without a doubt.

5D3
Screen is gorgeous
It's slower than anything I've used and I just managed to get by in sports.
SD card slot is slow and writing RAW+JPG and jpg's going to the sd card is a pain.
Higher ISO capabilities sell this camera, ISO8000 the other night and it was great. (see below)

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Totally agree that 5D3 is better when it comes to hing ISO. I have 6D wich has slightly better ISO performance and thats good enough for me. However what I do miss is the pro quality feel and better weather sealing. I shoot for local newspapers as a freelancer so I dont need hing mp at all. I need a camera that can take rough handling and poor conditions. 1Dx and 1DIV are out of my reach because I cant justify the price so thats why I bought 1D3.

Now just have to wait until the seller sends me it. Its gonna be 2 weeks anyways because I am out of town at the moment.