Canon has recalled all unsold EOS-1D Mark III cameras from shops amid concerns over a problem on some units linked to ?adjustment of the AF Sub Mirror?.
The recall is detailed in a letter sent by Canon to UK dealers which is circulating on the internet.
Commenting on the letter a Canon UK spokeswoman confirmed to Amateur Photographer: ?I have seen the [internet] link to the letter. We think it is genuine? basically there will be an official announcement out on Wednesday regarding this.?
She added that Canon is still in the process of testing the camera and assessing the extent of the problem.
Some users have reported focusing errors and poor AF performance, especially in Ai-Servo mode, since the camera became available in early summer.
The letter – dated 25 October and addressed to business partners – states: ?The phenomenon resulting from this problem (especially in high temperature) is that the optimal focus point is uncertain in AI servo mode, or that the tracking performance of AI Servo is not accurate.
?Regarding the products that have been sold to consumers, we are currently preparing a resolution for this issue and will inform you of further detailed information and required steps through our official website at the end of October or the beginning of November. Canon will accept these units for repair but we will not be offering an exchange or return.?
The letter, written by Canon UK?s Special Retail Channel director Lee Bonniface, asks dealers to arrange collection of all their unsold units for a refund.
The news comes after a Canadian website published details of a planned hardware fix, involving the camera’s secondary AF mirror.
Since its launch Canon has since released two firmware updates to correct ‘focusing inaccuracies’ in certain circumstances, but in Amateur Photographer?s second test of the EOS 1D Mark III (AP 27 October) technical writer Barney Britton found that the camera’s AF is ?still worryingly inconsistent?.
The EOS 1D Mark III is a 10.1-million-pixel model mainly aimed at photojournalists.
It was first revealed to the world’s press in February, carrying a body-only price of £3,049.
Click here to read the letter to dealers in full.
