Rumor about AF issue with 1D Mk II

Came across this link that purports that Canon discovered an AF glitch with the 1D Mk II. It's not clear if other models, such as the 1D MK IIn or 20D, are affected.

Once again, this is a rumor.
http://www.sportsshoot​er.com …ge_display.html​?tid=19107

Those guys obviously have a lot of experience with sports, but I've never had an issue with mine. I do shoot my sequences with just the center point when using AIservo though so maymbe that makes a difference, or maybe mine "works". I think some of these guys are overly critical fo their images before applying USM.

Yes my 1dmk2 exhibited a problem that in AI Servo, the first shot would be fine, than after a few more it would be completely out of focus. I send it in to Irvine in late-Jan. But I haven't been in a situation or job that requires me to use AI Servo since.

I have had no such issues with AI servo. Only cause I can think of is that when you assign focus to * it is very easy to release the * just a bit in action so it does not focus - the * button is pretty stiff (at least in my Mark II, and Canon said it is as designed).

Mark II AF is very configurable. So configurable that you can get lost if you are not focusing on the current job

Funny how the previous model camera turns out to be somehow inferior when the next model is released ?
I bet the sport shooter(s) never lost a penny in pay whilst using the dodgy AF 1D2 and I also wager that they ain't had a pay increase since getting a 1D2n ??
I'm sure opinion is greatly divided on the subject.

These rumors and stories have been going round and round every since the camera came out and I think they were started on Sportsshooter.

In AI Srevo you can snap a shot if the camera is not in focus and the center AF point must lock on the subject before it will track. No matter what our experience level we all must sometimes go back and concentrate on the basics.

To photograph a moving subject: focus with thumb on the "star" button, press shutter, move your body in three axis to keep the center AF point on subject and watch the focus indicator light. That's a heavy work load considering all this must take place in less than a second. Also, there is at least a dozen settings on your camera that must be set correctly beforehand.

I'm not surprised we get a few OOF shots now and then.

I would say that af of 1dmk2 is acting a bit strange compared to af of 1v and old 1d. Mostly it actually is a little bit faster, but it has some glitches which old 1d didn't have. No matter if Canon admits this or not.
And having * button assigned for af isn't case for those glitches. At least not for me. I shoot way to much to make "mistakes" like releasing * button when pressing shutter.

i'd have to agree, an experienced pro wouldn't 'accidentally' release the * button mid-capture would they?

does that imply a firmware release stifels the 'old' mkII to the extent everyone gets fed up and moves to the mkII N at great expense?...

I've had no focus issues with either of my MkII bodies - other than through my own errors or asking a 'bit too much' of the camera.

I've configured the camera so that I'm comfortable with it (I don't generally use the * button to focus for example - but I have assigned it to apply focus lock), and I'm happy with the results that I obtain.

---- Gavin

The MkII focus issues have been reported since the camera first came out. Most found them not up to the same standards as their old 1D models. They were long before the announcement of the N.

However, when the N came out and people started saying that it seemed to fix the MkII issues and was more like the original 1D, things got even more vocal about the issues as now apparently there was "proof." Folks that had no 1D issues, then had MkII issues, now had no issues again on the N.

I dont know, hard to say. I never really noticed any issues with my MkII after using my original 1D, however, now using my N, it seems that focus is a little more spot on than with my old MkII.

I guess we'll only see if Canon makes it known or starts to fix affected models.

As someone who heavily uses a MK-II and the old warhorse orginal 1D I can only state as I find - no problems. The MK-II is faster getting focus, but it is as accurate as the MK-I or my old 1V, or anything else I have used for that matter. I never use the '*' button, preferring simplicity of operation. I work alongside a lot of MK-II owners and the only expletives I hear is when they fluff a shot for other reasons, never a word about AF issues. It seems to be something specific to certain SS people, and just like all these issues the web is a great place to blow it out of all proportion.

same information given to me when i asked about this situation...i think it was only on the mark ll not the N...

No AI Servo problem with my 1DM2... it works as I've expected, much better than my 20D. Here's a bird flying fast towards me, with a busy background - 1D M2 + 400 5.6L.

I agree with KennyG here. I shoot with the SI settings, but with a few tweaks, and it has the focus points set to: Cfn 13 1 - limits selectable AF points to 11 and links spot metering to the active AF point

I get waaaaay more in focus shots with then camera than any other camera I have shot. The ONLY time there have been ANY AF issues are either because of me, or with shooting low contrast subjects in the sky on a cloudy day with the 100-400. The 400 proves much snappier AF.

Well, I dont know for sure either way. I do know that the rumors were only on some cameras as many have been producing great images with their MkIIs.

I agree, my MkII bodies seemed fine, but I have a real hard time arguing with some of the best shooters out there shooting for SI and USA Today that have never been known to be complainers before. I have a hard time saying they just like complaining about equipment.

Be glad yours is ok, just cause it is, doesnt mean that everyone elses is perfect as well.