From a previous thread a few weeks ago, I posted a few images showing major banding on my 1Dmk2... Upon getting forum feeback on what it was, the inevitable creeped in with the conclusion that the shutter assembly was about to fail... With that in mind, I drove down to the CPS location in Irvine, CA today to get the shutter replaced... In addition to the 1Dmk2 shutter replacement, I also brought my two other bodies (5Dmk1 & XTi) to have work done... Here's the breakdown of each camera's development...
Canon 1Dmk2:
Upon a quick inspection, the techs concluded that the shutter was the culprit of my problems. However, they were surprised by its failure at such an early actuation count (a little over 50k). They asked when I bought it and if it was still under warranty. I told them that I bought it second hand early last year with a shutter count of roughly 38k (thanks Foxbat for your 1D-series actuation tool). They nodded a bit and said that they'll replace the shutter assembly with a new one. I agreed and asked what the estimate cost would be. The CSR stepped in and she said, "As a courtesy to you, we'll replace the shutter assembly with a new one for free. Normally, it would cost $340 but since the actuation count is just a little over 50k, we'll just replace it with a new one." I was floored. She then asked if I was going to pick it up or should she ship it to my mailing address. I told her to ship it to my mailing address and what the cost would be. She said that it'll be FREE as well. Moreover, she said it'll probably take a few days to fix and will be shipped overnight to your address. You'll probably get it back by the end of the week. Free shutter assembly AND free overnight shipping!!! Double WOOF!!!
Canon 5Dmk1:
After the 1Dmk2 surprise, I asked the CSR about the 5Dmk1 mirror problem and what the process would be to get it fixed. I told her that I wouldn't want the shutter's mirror to malfunction on me when I'm on the field and she completely understood that scenario. She asked if I brought it (which I did). After a few clicks on the computer, she said we'll fix this FREE of charge and shipped to you just like your 1Dmk2. I should get my 5D back by the end of this week as well. HOT DAMN!!! 2 for 2 so far...
Canon XTi:
I wanted to check the actuation count and inquire the techs to give a "guess-timation" on its lifespan. Also, my focusing screen was scratched and had debris particles that can be seen through the viewer. They said that the shutter assembly was rated for 50k and that I had just a tad over 36k on it. They asked when I bought it and I told them about 4 years ago so the warranty obviously has passed. They suggested that I just clean/re-calibrate the XTi to factory specs ($30) and have the focusing screen replaced with a new one ($30). I agreed. They said it'll be done in about an hour. No problem. Now here's the kicker. The tech noticed that I had three bodies in for service, so he went to a terminal and punched a few keys and told me that he'll throw in a free cleaning/re-calibration on my 5D (a $30 value)... NICE!!! 3 for 3 this morning!!!
So... Price breakdown:
1Dmk2 - New shutter assembly replacement & shipping- FREE
5D - Mirror fix, cleaning/re-calibration of sensor & shipping - FREE
XTi - Cleaning/re-calibration of sensor and new focusing screen - $60
A grand total of $60 spend for all three bodies... Triple Woof!!! Consider me a "C4L"... Canon 4 Life!!!! Now that' one way to keep your customers happy... Woo Hoo!!! Thanks Canon... Specifically CSR Juana @ the Irvine location!!!
- airbutchie 
