The EOS 5D Mark III light-leaking problem – An analysis

These are not rumors, but a logical analysis of the possible scenarios related to the light-leaking issue that some customer experience on their EOS 5D Mark III bodies. I reported about this issue, in short: metering gets altered by light leaking trough the top LCD panel of the camera. Canon’s official statement: In extremely dark environments, if the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value may change as a result of the AE sensor’s detection of light from the LCD panel. Unfortunately, this seems to happen with both the backlight of the LCD panel and strong direct sunlight hitting the panel. Next, we heard that some new batches of the 5D Mark III had a different top LCD panel cover than previous ones. And then there are rumors that the EOS 5D Mark III could be recalled by Canon. So, what is going on? How will Canon fix the problem? I try to outline different scenarios. Again, not new rumors I heard but my very own analysis of the issue.

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New DPP (3.11.26) ready for download – UPDATE

A new release of Canon’s DPP (ver. 3.11.26) is available for download. Hopefully this release will solve the problems with EOS 5D RAW files. You have first to select your operating system. Click here to get the software. The download page is getting a lot of visitors, download may be slow.

Update 2: It seems that this release still does not solve the Powershot G1 X softness problem.

Update 1: the new release fixes the following problems:

  • Support for the following new lenses: EF 24mm F/2.8 IS USM, EF 28mm F/2.8 IS USM, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM, EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM, EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM
  • Supports images taken with EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X.
  • Digital lens optimizer function added.
  • Multiple image composition and HDR tools added.
  • Fixed a phenomenon that occurred when processing RAW images (original image properties could not be obtained)
  • Fixes a malfunction that occurs when using the quick check tool to check a large volume of images.

Short EOS 5D Mark III light-leaking update

Let me first say that the much discusses light-leaking issue is nothing that would seriously affect your images. And there is no reason to return your camera or to cancel pre-orders. However, a new 5D Mark III owner wrote to Canon and got this answer:

Further to your enquiry we would like to inform you that we very recently (in April) have become aware of this and is now a known issue with the EOS 5D Mark III model. The AE sensor in the camera detects the light from the LCD panel when it is turned on and the exposure value will be altered. The change is not significant as it will be altered by approximately 1/3rd of a stop but can be noticeable. You can continue to use your 5D Mark III and the LCD screen can be turned off to receive the correct exposure.

Check the videos to learn more…

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Eye-Fi X2 series cards not working correctly on EOS 60D, 450D, 500D, 600D and 1000D

This is a service announcement by Canon USA concerning the use of Eye-Fi cards of the X2 series( Connect X2, Mobile X2, Pro X2, etc.). The affected cameras are EOS 60D, EOS 450D, EOS 500D, EOS 600D & EOS 1000 (Euorope names, for the USA names see the text below). The problem only shows up in cams that have been repaired by an authorized Canon Service Center between March 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011:

It is possible that the EOS digital SLR cameras which have had their main PCB replaced during the specific timeframes listed above may not turn on normally when Eye-Fi brand cards are used, or if any brand of SD card is removed from the camera within a certain time after opening the card slot cover. If the camera is not turning on normally when using an Eye-Fi brand card, a temporary workaround is to use SD cards instead of the Eye-Fi card when capturing images. If the camera is not operating normally when the SD card is promptly removed after opening the card slot cover, a temporary workaround is to remove the battery pack, then re-insert the battery pack.

The Canon EOS digital SLR cameras affected by this phenomenon will be inspected and repaired free of charge. The temporary workaround consists in using SD cards instead of the Eye-Fi card. If the camera is not operating normally when the SD card is removed after opening the card slot cover, remove the battery pack, then re-insert the battery pack. The press release:

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Canon’s LeakGate: Canon JP announcement

After Canon USA publishing a quality issue announcement regarding the light-leaking issue of the 5D Mark III, now also Canon Japan has reacted (Google translated) to the problem. They say that the problem raises in dark environment, and dark environment is defined as follows:

  1. If you have installed the body cap
  2. If you attach the lens cap

:-)

My thoughts about this can be read here. Canon is definitely in the heat with the problems the 5D Mark III is having.

EOS 5D Mark III price check (click on shop name): Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE. For a list of shops that have the 5D Mark III in stock click here. See the latest 5D Mark III pics uploaded to Flickr (click here).