EOS 5D Mark III: Free light-leak investigation & firmware update
Canon issued a new product advisory regarding the EOS 5D Mark III and the infamous light-leaking issue. It looks as if Canon has identified the 5D Mark III batches that are affected by the issue: Products whose sixth digit in the serial number is 1 or 2 (e.g. xxxxx1xxxxxx or xxxxx2xxxxxx, where x represents any optional number). Canon will provide a free inspection of you camera if you are worried about the light-leaking issue. Moreover, a firmware update for the 5D Mark III has been released (rel. 1.1.2, click on “software and drivers”, then select your operating system, then click on “firmware” to download). The firmware update fixes the following issues: 1. Supports a new accessory, GPS receiver GP-E2. 2. Fixes a phenomenon where a pink cast may develop over the image when the shutter is completely pressed with the camera’s power turned off (by the auto power off setting). 3. Fixes a phenomenon where the camera operation stops after one shot when shooting in High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. 4. Fixes a phenomenon where the Shooting Date/Time in the EXIF data of the image shows a later time than the actual shooting time. 5. Fixes the time zone for the Samoa Islands. 6. Corrects errors in the Finnish menu screen. (Products for the Japanese market do not display the Finnish menu.)
The full text of the light-leak product advisory:
To Users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
Thank you for using Canon products.
Concerning the EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera, when the LCD panel illuminates in extremely dark environments, the displayed exposure value may change. Canon has concluded the investigation of this phenomenon, and this announcement informs you of our findings as described below.
Phenomenon
In extremely dark environments, if the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value may change. However, based on the results of extensive testing this change in exposure value will not noticeably affect the captured image.Affected Product
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera
*Products whose sixth digit in the serial number is 1 or 2 are affected.
For example, “xxxxx1xxxxxx” or “xxxxx2xxxxxx” ([x] represents any optional number.)Support
Under almost all shooting conditions (including dark environments) this phenomenon will not affect your captured images. However, if you would like Canon to inspect your camera, we will provide this service free of charge upon request beginning in mid-May. Please contact Canon using the information below to request service.
Bob B.
2 years ago |So. If you buy a 5DMarkIII with a serial number that does not have a 1 or 2 as the sixth digit are you purchasing a product that has been corrected? No mention of that in the release…and I will not assume anything these days. My beef is ..it’s a $3500 camera body. Unacceptable solution. Then I am looking at the laundry list of fixes for the firmware update. WOW! If I buy one of these it will be a year from now. Cameras are so complicated these days I am surprised that situations like this do not happen more often, but for this photographer $3500 is a LOT of money for a camera body..I want to at least have the expectation that it is top notch when I plunk down my hard-earned cash. Glad that I waited and that I have a 5DII.
Frank
2 years ago |«Cameras are so complicated these days I am surprised that situations like this do not happen more often»
True, so true: much too expensive and really complex devices. Me too wonder that there aren’t more issues. But maybe we have still to discover them.
Bob B.
2 years ago |yeah…I am still reading and trying to decide if I should unload my G3 and my GX1 (great little cameras) and pick up the Olympus OMD for my small kit. I have done a lot of reading..and it just really bothers me that the sensor is always “floating” in a magnetic field! LOL! Can’t that wear out, break or hiccup or something…that sounds waaaaaay complicated. Amazing too though! Fun times if approached calmly……It’s all good.
Nuno Jorge
2 years ago |My is number 1, but i dont have this problem
Cliff
2 years ago |Very disappointing news! It sure seems that Canon loves throwing the word “Phenomenon” around a lot. In any case it’s definitely a engineering and/or manufacturing defect not a “Phenomenon”. I do have the 5D Marklll and it does have the 6 digit serial number they mention. I’ve also tested the camera and it does in fact leak light. Irregardless of whether this ever effects my style of shooting or not is beside the point, it’s defective and needs to be corrected by Canon. I sold off my Nikon gear to buy into Canon (primarily because I didn’t want the 36mp D800)only to be blind sided with this debacle. Paid $4300.00 (Marklll and 24-105 kit lens)and fully expected a top quality, flawless piece of equipment and Canon didn’t deliver. For those that haven’t bought yet I would definitely find out if Canon has corrected the defect before investing in a less than perfect product.
Jose
2 years ago |I am really disappointed that Canon uses a political way to tell its customers they will only check it.. i would like to see them saying “We will correct this problem if your camera actually leaks light.. ”
I do not shoot in really dark environments and hopefully this will not affect in any way my shooting.. but after spending 3,500 dls on a camera I expect a quality product… or atleast that was one of the reasons to buy a high end Camera from a recognized brand…
And yes Canon my camera has the “phenomenon” its not hard to inspect just turn it on and turn the lcd light.. do not need much inspection..
Rob ONeill
2 years ago |Can you still return it to the merchant you purchased it from for a refund? You could then replace it with another that likely won’t have the problem. And BTW… There is NO such thing as “perfect” anywhere to be found in this universe. Canon will also fix it for free if you’d like. Still, it’s a PITA that you have to experience this. Sorry for you, really. It must be very disappointing. Still, flaws are inevitable. Best of luck.
D.L.
2 years ago |From the product advisory:
—————————————————————————-
“In extremely dark environments, IF the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value MAY change. However, based on the results of extensive testing this change in exposure value WILL NOT noticeably affect the captured image.”
—————————————————————————–
Are people really this upset over what appears to be a slight change in the exposure value triggered by a slightly too bright LCD panel being used in the dark? Considering that this “defect” doesn’t affect the images, and only occurs in “extremely dark environments” (not many photographers work in extreme dark), I don’t understand what the big deal is.
When I saw “light leak” my first thought was that the camera bodies were coming apart and allowing light in, which would be a serious problem indeed. I had to read the product advisory twice to make sure I wasn’t missing something; it didn’t seem possible that people could feel disappointment over a “defect” that only happens in the dark, while shooting with a lit LCD panel (the one top, not the one on back).
This is not worth returning the camera, or even sending it in for inspection, unless one finds themselves shooting in the dark, illuminating the LCD screen while doing so, resulting in images with a slightly different exposure value than expected.
Why would anyone send in a camera because it *might* have this “problem”? That would be like your car manufacturer announcing, “A few cars we made have a slight defect that only reveals itself in unlikely circumstances and won’t compromise safety or performance, so you’re probably good, just wanted you to know” and your response being to take your car to the mechanic “just in case”.
Adam
11 months ago |D.L. I totally agree.
The net seems to be full of the people who enjoy complaining about any ‘possible’ issue they can, particularly when it comes to cameras.
Get a life and spend your spare time enjoying your tools and the value they add to your life experiences.
carole
11 months ago |Where can I find the seriel number on my 5D mark 3 please?
carole
11 months ago |i agree Adam – but would still like to check mine is OK – do you know where the serial number is on the 5D mark 3? thanks
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