Hello.
This is my first post here...and an unfortunate one at that. I'm hoping that it doesn't violate any rules or standards.
I've had my first SLR--a Canon 40D--along with a Canon 100-400 IS zoom for just about two years. I shoot exclusively wildlife.
Since I've had the equipment, I've been repeatedly calling tech support regarding soft focus and other focusing issues and have taken the pair to the Jamesburg, New Jersey drop-off center three times to have the problem corrected.
Since my question is not technical in nature, I'll just say to satisfy curiosity that virtually every otherwise successful shot I've ever taken requires the full 500 sharpening that Canon's DPP allows--and that that has never changed after a repair.
How did this go on for so long? I'm self-tought, I'd had nothing to compare to firsthand, Canon reps never acknowledged that the full sharpening was unusual and more often made the discussions about me. Early on I attributed it to my learning curve (which was extended/thrown off by the problem) and by later I'd lost confidence/drive and just assumed that it had to be me. And of course independent of the camera problem I made lots of mistakes and had lots of near misses along the way.
Still, no Canon rep ever mentioned that the model has, as I've since heard and read, a limited history of focusing problems.
So of course not a single image of mine can be sold for stock due to excessive noise from oversharpening. Nor can most be printed for sale larger than at 8 x 10.
Now, I finally know it is the camera as I've learned enough along the way, a conscientious rep finally acknowledged that that much sharpening of every shot taken is not at all to be expected (and had me send in a contolled image to evaluate), and, mostly, I had a professional photographer test my camera and lens after the repair resulting from the just mentioned rep's test. He interchanged both my camera and lens with his under controlled circumstances (tripod, remote, identical settings, full sun, still subject) and for the first time (both on the computer and even the camera's screen) I saw the rather huge difference between a sharp image and one taken by my camera.
I was given what I was told was a special number for customers with experiences like mine to call and I've presented all of this information to a new Canon rep and am waiting for a response.
My question, for public or private (if more appropriate) answer, is, if anyone has had a similar experience, how, if at all, did Canon compensate you?
Thanks.
Brett
