Anyone have comments on 1Ds mark III reliability?

I'm considering swapping my 1D3 to a 1Ds3. There are many reports of Err99 problems, mirror box/shutter failures, and other random things plaguing the 1D3. I bought it because I wanted something ULTRA reliable but after experiencing failures, (and horrid CPS service) my trust in it has been really shaken, even though canon has sent me a brand new replacement.

I'm really not too keen on Full Frame, but I'm considering the 1DsIII just because want something that is known to be reliable.

So who has a 1Ds3? And if you do, please note how long, about how many actuations, any problems (or lack thereof) and your general impressions about it.


Thank you!

People with problems are always 10x louder than those without, especially on the internet. Just keep that in mind

i have 2 of them. they have been flawless but I've only had them a few months!

picturecrazy wrote in post #5519296
I'm considering swapping my 1D3 to a 1Ds3. There are many reports of Err99 problems, mirror box/shutter failures, and other random things plaguing the 1D3. I bought it because I wanted something ULTRA reliable but after experiencing failures, (and horrid CPS service) my trust in it has been really shaken, even though canon has sent me a brand new replacement.

where's the plague? how come i haven't been invited?

when there's 400k cameras made in a year and just 2.5% of them experience problems that's already 10k cameras affected by something. but the other 97.5% aren't going to complain, and that's 390k cameras that are fine. you were unlucky, that's all. my mkiii had the back wheel die 30min before one of the four largest events this year. got that fixed and camera's fine now. not once did i say "wow, canon sucks". why? because my other camera, my rebel xt, is alive and kicking after 45k clicks and a whole lot of abuse (conditions i don't even take my mkiii in). i just got unlucky with the mkiii's one failure and lucky with the ultraman like xt

My 1Ds Mark III is fine, no problems, probably 25k clicks, also used it in a light rain a few weeks back, no problems.

Mark H

If you are not having problems with your camera....there is no need to change it. "If it's not broken, don't fix it."

I agree that if you've had no problems, there's no need to change anything, but if it's bothering you and you're losing peace of mind over it, you could always grab a tried and tested 1DsII.

Tried, and just can't break mine. Around 30,000 clicks on it since August '07.

basroil wrote in post #5520039
where's the plague? how come i haven't been invited?

I didn't ask about what people thought about my 1D3. I am asking about the 1Ds3. But you know something is up when the canon sales dude at your local reputable shop is telling you not to buy it and consider the 40D instead... he just said "we've never had so many returns or processed so many repairs for a camera before." I'm not convinced that their quality control is up to snuff on this one. You can fiercely disagree if you want, and that's perfectly fine, but that's not what I was asking in this thread.

P51Mstg wrote in post #5520059
My 1Ds Mark III is fine, no problems, probably 25k clicks, also used it in a light rain a few weeks back, no problems.

Mark H

sej wrote in post #5519960
i have 2 of them. they have been flawless but I've only had them a few months!

Thank you so much for your input. It seems generally that people are very happy about their 1ds3 units. I just want some confirmation directly from the users.

bildeb0rg wrote in post #5520527
Tried, and just can't break mine. Around 30,000 clicks on it since August '07.

August 07? Are you talking about the 1D or the 1Ds?

I'm extremely impressed with the 1ds mark III. For 8grand it better be. Superb image quality, low noise at higher ISOs (more of a grainy noise than anything). Excellent color saturation and tonal range. I've been able to pull some amazing colors and dynamic ranges out of the RAW files when post processing. I did notice my rebel xti performed a little better during shots taken of moving water at night with a low ISO..maybe the lower resolution or just pure randomness? I don't really know.

Took it to Songkran at Chiang Mai this April. My camera was completely soaked over and over again. Every few minutes I was using a wet cloth (nothing on me was dry) to try and smear water spots off of the lens...that's how often I was getting hit with buckets of water. Seems people thought it was funny I was carrying around a big arse camera with no baggy or towel on it. I did notice a bit of water in the memory card compartment when the day was done, but with how it is designed, the water could not get to the card. I also shot in heavy rain for about 10 minutes later that month with no cover. I would not try holding it underwater...but anything else, and it seems to hold up extremely well.

Had it for 3weeks now. 2000+ actions. What do I think of it ...............

Beautiful. Work of art

Yes I to question all the 1Dmk3 problems. Ive known other owners who have never had a single issues and done 10,000+ actions.

bildeb0rg wrote in post #5520527
Tried, and just can't break mine. Around 30,000 clicks on it since August '07.

You must be a canon tester, b/c the rest of the world didn't get their until late november. Mine is great.

Got mine in Dec. It has been flawless.

No problem with mine; 30K since Jan. Used in rain, not babied, still going strong.