Discontinued parts for current Canon Products

So, I called Canon's Parts Division, and found out that it's impossible to order the mount-screw (attach pack to camera base) for the CP-E4 External Flash Battery Pack!! According to the phone rep, the part is no longer being made. I simply cannot fathom this, as they're still charging $160 for the CP-E4 everywhere and is not a discontinued product.

The part is simply listed as a "Screw" for $4:
cb4-0636-000

Similar part as seen here on the bottom:

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

In what is quite possibly the strangest coincidence (and most pleasant surprise) I've experience in quite some time, I opened up a package of camera parts just now (purchased on ebay), and discovered THE EXACT SCREW I NEEDED mixed into the lot. No idea why it was in there, but I'm not complaining! Saves me the hassle of calling 3rd-party flash pack manufacturers to see if I could purchase a generic screw.

My lucky situation doesn't diminish how much Canon sucks for not making/selling parts for products still available commercially.

Take that sucker get it scanned and replicated by a 3d printer.

The future will be printing your own nuts and bolts.

isoMorphic wrote in post #15459792
Take that sucker get it scanned and replicated by a 3d printer.

The future will be printing your own nuts and bolts.

With the current political climate, that may end up being the case for firearms in general

Still, interesting idea. I could setup shop and make these things for the 5-10 people out there who lost theirs. I just need to charge $15,719 each, and I can turn a profit.

I would rather save up for a 3d holographic photo printer instead.

isoMorphic wrote in post #15460287
I would rather save up for a 3d holographic photo printer instead.

Aluminyzed metal prints?
Yeah, nothing's worse than not being able to get parts. Such is the case with the 28-70L, though it has sadly been discontinued long ago.

D. Vance wrote in post #15460468
Aluminyzed metal prints?
Yeah, nothing's worse than not being able to get parts. Such is the case with the 28-70L, though it has sadly been discontinued long ago.

I almost bought one by accident while looking for a 24-70. Good to know that parts are no longer available.

mikeinctown wrote in post #15460624
I almost bought one by accident while looking for a 24-70. Good to know that parts are no longer available.

If you see any with broken focus units, let me know! Dad can fix them; he's done 2, and they focused like lightning! I love that lens.
Some parts are/were available on eBay, but it is DIY, as Canon won't fix them.

D. Vance wrote in post #15460468
Aluminyzed metal prints?
Yeah, nothing's worse than not being able to get parts. Such is the case with the 28-70L, though it has sadly been discontinued long ago.

I've placed a number of orders with canon parts division before, but this is the first time I've been denied a part for a current product in the lineup. Really disappointing. The problem may not crop up with current bodies and lenses, but the CP-E4 is listed under the EOS-line of products, and isn't classified as an accessory in their system.

Regarding the 28-70L, they only provide repair support for 5-years beyond discontinuation, and parts are first come first serve as soon as the manufacturing line stops (assuming the part isn't shared with other products). Holding onto discontinued items is a risky venture, but the 28-70L is a TANK, and isn't likely to fail on its own. Even if the motor went (which should be the first/only thing to go), it's not of the old electronic focus variety--so it's still useful for manual shooting.

Plus a busted 28-70L is still worth a mint on ebay (up to 60%-75% of working value)--shops out there are looking to buy spare parts for these old beauties.

mikeinctown wrote in post #15460624
I almost bought one by accident while looking for a 24-70. Good to know that parts are no longer available.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't consider the 28-70L at a discount. There's no reason one shouldn't be fully functional for another good 20+ years. Even if it failed, you'd probably only lose about the same amount if you sold it versus a current (canon repairable) comparable lens (ie the 24-70L)