Was My Mark II Just Too Easy?

Okay, understand before you read this that I am a cynical worry wart to start with. (Responses with help for that should be handled in another forum I suppose.)

I ordered a Mark II from Cameraworld 2 weeks ago, and as promised, it arrived today on time. The camera didn't seem to be packed quite as carefully as Canon products (and most others) are normally packed. For example, the longest chord wasn't in a plastic bag, and a few bags looked re-wrapped. Everything does seem to be in there.

My suspicion is that this camera was a return. There's nothing inherently wrong with that since people can try things out and not like them, or just change their minds, especially at this price level (buyer remorse). The camera didn't have to be defective to be a return. Still, human nature dictates that we usually want something unopened, "just in case ...."

There isn't a scratch on it--trust me, I REALLY looked. But what should I be looking for here? (I mean aside from faulty flash metering, front or back focusing, and poor low-light focusing ... all the things I've been reading about on the 'net lately.) Yes, I sound paranoid, but hey, we're talking about 5 grand (if you include the new card that I need for the larger file sizes). Thanks.

Mike

I don't know how close you are to a canon service center. But if you are really that concerned I would think that you can bring it or send it to canon to find out how many shots were taken with it, explaining the situation you described. So if the amount is much more then in factory testing then you know you purchased a used camera at full retail price without your knowledge which I am sure is very illegal.

It could be as simple as this was one that was removed from the package to show a customer in the store?

Just make sure all the stuff is there and then go and shoot it and make sure it is working to your expectations.. I certainly wouldn't send ot to Canon unl;ess I found it to be defective in some way?

They won't know what to do with it.

My 10D was also out of the box before I bought it. They showed it to another costumer who was trying a new lens. I don't care about it any more but I understand your thoughts. It's always a good feeling that something is 'really new' and that you are the first 'enduser' to touch it.

But just like CyberDyneSystems says: If everything is there and works ok I wouldn't worry about it.

Okay, I think you guys are right. I will make sure everything works and then chill out. With as much time as people have had to wait (especially compared to me), I should be happy. Thanks!

Mike

Is everything OK with it?

Mills, I'm not sure yet. I have noticed that the camera rings when you fire it, and that's a new one on me.

When I am holding the camera horizontally, every shutter release gives a click followed by a high pitched ring. If you've ever heard a tuning fork, it's the same sound that you hear when you strike the fork and hold it to your ear. When I turn the camera vertically, it changes slightly: the ring occurs, but it dies suddenly, as though someone grabbed the tuning fork to stop it from vibrating. The ring occurs at every shutter speed.

I know that there is a little gyro in Canon cameras to let the on-board computer know that you're shooting a vertical. You can hear it click as you rotate the camera, and the owners manuals of all of my recent Canons say that the sound is normal. The fact that the sound is different for horizontal and vertical shots tells me that the gyro *might* be involved. I'm guessing.

Does anyone else have a ringing Mark II? I'm hoping that it's normal. Otherwise, the camera seems pretty cool so far. Thanks.

Mike

Mike,

Send it to me and I'll put it through a 6 month test for you.

Canon doesn't seem to seal the boxes so its hard to tell - but - ours arrived with the firewire cord loosely wound in the box - that's probably better than having it folded up with all sorts of little kinks in it - everything else was wrapped in plastic - the camera body was double wrapped - first in some sort of padding then in a bag - all the bags are now back in the box - it was a job getting all to fit - along with the 'extra' instruction book & all the other useless stuff

Ok, I decided to send the camera back to Cameraworld.com (AKA Ritz Camera). They are overnight shipping the replacement since they still have a few in stock.

If you are looking to buy a Mark II, try them. Darlene has been my salesperson, and she's great to work with. PM me if you want her direct number.

Mike