More Rebel T4i/650D Affected By Rubber Grip Changing Color

EOS 650D/Rebel T4i/Kiss X6i price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

This was known since a while, there was a product advisory by Canon some time ago. The rubber grips of the Rebel T4i (EOS 650D in EU, Kiss X6i in JP) are changing colour after a while of use, and, worst, they may sometimes cause allergic reactions. Only certain serial number ranges were affected. Unfortunately, a few days ago Canon Australia released a new product advisory, which extends the range of possibly affected models.

Canon has identified an issue with the rubber grips on a number of EOS 650D cameras. This Service Notice replaces the Notice released on 6 July, which advised that there were no potentially affected units sold through Authorised Resellers into the Australian market.

Since the 6 July Service Notice, Canon has broadened the serial number range of potentially affected products as a precautionary measure and, as a result, we believe that a small number of cameras in the extended range have been sold in the Australian market.

The following information can be used by owners of EOS 650D cameras to identify whether their camera falls within the extended serial number range and the support available. Canon advises users of EOS 650D cameras who have checked their camera serial number prior to 3 August 2012 to please repeat the process.

Canon apologises for any inconvenience caused by this issue.

Phenomenon

The front rubber grips of some EOS 650D units produced in certain lots between 31 May and 27 June 2012 may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis that the substance zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) is what causes the rubber surface to turn white.

Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product but is created as a result of this chemical reaction. The quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances causing zinc bis deposits on the rubber surface. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition.

Identifying Affected Products

Some units of the EOS 650D digital SLR camera produced between 31 May and 27 June are affected. Affected units can be identified by their serial number as follows:

NOTE: The additional serial numbers were added to the checker on 3 August 2012. If you conducted a check prior to this date, please repeat the procedure.

1. Press the Check button below, and a screen that asks you to enter your camera’s serial number will appear.
2. Enter the 12-digit serial number on the base of the camera, and then press the Submit button.
3. One of the following messages will appear:

• “Your camera is NOT affected” (No action necessary)
• “Your camera is affected” (Please see the Market Support section and Caution On Use section below)
• “Invalid Number” (You entered an invalid serial number, check your serial number and re-enter

Note: Please double check the 12 digit serial number you entered before you click on the Submit button.

To enter another serial number, click on your browser’s Back button after a message appears.

Furthermore, if the sixth digit in the serial number 2 or above, the camera is not affected.

• Some EOS 650D cameras where the second digit of the serial number is “3” or “4” and sixth digit is “1,” are affected.

Example: x4xxx1xxxxxx ([x] represents any optional number.)

Use the Check button above to see whether your unit is affected.

Market Support

Canon distributors in each country are making provisions to offer free support for the affected products that they distribute in their respective markets.

As market distributor, Canon Australia asks owners of potentially affected cameras purchased through Canon Authorised Resellers to contact Canon directly on 13 13 83 to arrange for a free service.

Purchasers of affected overseas product (direct import from overseas or via local reseller of overseas products) should contact their point of purchase to access the service provisions of their relevant distributor.

Caution on Use

The amount of zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) detected during our testing was minimal. Depending on one’s health and physical condition, in rare cases when this substance comes into contact with skin, allergic skin reactions* may develop. In addition, if eyes are rubbed after contact with the substance, symptoms, such as red eyes, may develop.

As a precautionary measure, thoroughly wash your hands with water if they have come in contact with the rubber grips that have turned white. (If any medical symptoms develop, please consult your physician immediately.)

*Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one’s health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one’s skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms.

[via fstoppers]