How to tell if the 1D Mark III is safe from the AF Issue

Im looking at a reasonably good deal on a Canon 1D Mark III but i know that it has an AF issue. My question is, if it hasnt been fixed already will Canon repair it for free? also, how can I tell if it has been fixed? I know they fixed some from factory, hence the blue dot on the box, but can i tell by the serial if its been repaired?

redfire2002 wrote in post #14367241
Im looking at a reasonably good deal on a Canon 1D Mark III but i know that it has an AF issue. My question is, if it hasnt been fixed already will Canon repair it for free? also, how can I tell if it has been fixed? I know they fixed some from factory, hence the blue dot on the box, but can i tell by the serial if its been repaired?

I think I'm correct in saying that if you remove the battery and look inside if the camera has had the fix there will be a little blob of white paint on the right hand side just next to the triangle of gold dots.

Mine has this 'blob' and it has been to Canon for the 'fix'

I'm pretty sure if it hasn't had the fix they will do it, best to call and check before buying though!!!!

the guy selling it is just a dealer, i asked him and he had no clue. the serial is 521*** if that means anything to anyone.

If the serial number starts 546xxx and above the factory fix has been applied. If the serial number is below that you need to contact Canon to see if the camera was sent back for the free fix. If your camera is 521 it's in the suspect zone and that means it "may" have a focusing issue when using AI focus mode. Canon will still fix the camera for free if it acts up. Just call them. I think this issue was really overblown since even if your camera is within the suspect range it doesn't mean it will have troubles. My MKIII is outside the trouble area and it focuses great.