1DMk3 Purchase?

smcclelland wrote in post #6642646
If you call Canon service, they will tell you right away when you give them the serial #. I got placed in a call queue and just used the call-back feature, when I gave the guy my serial number he told me it had been back in for the sub-mirror fix.

Thanks, to tell you the truth I am not to bothered as my camera is working very well but I will make a note of this. Congrats on your new camera, the 1D III is really a nice camera and is very easy to use(compared to my 1Ds II). I bought it as a back-up but it is now the body I use most. Only if I need really big files do the 1Ds II come out of the bag.

How do you find the 1D3 mated with the 500mm F4? I bought the Mark3 for some winter rally stage races and the anticipation of booking some paid motorsports work next season and the 500mm prime is on my list for the long straights.

smcclelland wrote in post #6642933
How do you find the 1D3 mated with the 500mm F4? I bought the Mark3 for some winter rally stage races and the anticipation of booking some paid motorsports work next season and the 500mm prime is on my list for the long straights.

The 500 f/4 is something else. I think if you could mount it to a Point&Shoot it will still give you pin sharp images.
I carry this lens around a lot and have taken heaps of sharp handheld shots.
It is the best lens I have ever used, you will love it.
It works great with both my 1Ds II and 1D III. Super fast focus.
Just remember that you will also have to get a sturdy tri-pod with a "Wimberly" head. A fair investment in it's own right.

Sadly no tripods allowed at the tracks but I did buy a Manfrotto 680B and a 486RC2 so the monopod is rated at about 11lbs I believe and the ball head at 13lbs. Then again, the 500mm is only a little bit heavier than my old Sigma 120-300 2.8 and I got used to hand-holding that lense

Goshawk wrote in post #6642624
Thanks for clearing that up, was always a bit of a mystery to me.
I checked my box again and there is no "DOT". The date code is OW0308 which should put it in the clear. Bought from B&H so I presume it is not a "Grey import". I can only presume they have stopped to put the dot on the box.

I know they were still using yellow dots for the OW04xx bodies. Don't know if they have stopped yet. Buying from B&H does not guarantee a US model. They do sell grey market equipment and warranty the gear themselves. Usually they do specify grey market or US. The way to tell is your warranty card. If it's a USA warranty card, it's a US model. If you don't have that, it's probably grey market. Not saying this to cause concern. B&H will back their products. I currently have a Canon Japan model and I often buy gear in Hong Kong as well. The only difference in US or grey market is who sponsors the warranty.

madog wrote in post #6645207
I know they were still using yellow dots for the OW04xx bodies. Don't know if they have stopped yet. Buying from B&H does not guarantee a US model. They do sell grey market equipment and warranty the gear themselves. Usually they do specify grey market or US. The way to tell is your warranty card. If it's a USA warranty card, it's a US model. If you don't have that, it's probably grey market. Not saying this to cause concern. B&H will back their products. I currently have a Canon Japan model and I often buy gear in Hong Kong as well. The only difference in US or grey market is who sponsors the warranty.

Thanks madog I checked - again, camera came with a "U.S.A.& Canada only" warranty. But no "Dot" on the box.
My model no.569478 and date of manufacture -OW0308- should put it in the clear though so who needs a "Dot"
Up to date not the slightest hick-up, I am very satisfied with my 1D III, it is a great camera.

nicksan wrote in post #6642135
Ah, yes...and I believe since the submirror fix is a recall, there's not an issue if the camera is outside of the 1 year warranty period.

Great,
Mine is in the same serial # range and thought it was toast. Got it used for cheap off ebay. Was ready to throw it over the bridge when i saw that it had the original Firmware. Updated it and it has performed sooooooooooo much better ever since.

Talk to Canon services and they said to just bring it in and they will extend the warranty after the fix!

It works fine now anyway but ill do it for the free warranty!