My CANON must be a LEMON! - DPChallenge Forums

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

01/27/2011 06:22:00 PM · #1

SHOOT ME NOW!

Ok, the CANON saga continues...last spring some may remember that WITH ONLY a little over 7000 actuations I had to replace the shutter in my beloved 40D! But, you say, "it's rated for 100,000 actuations" and yes it is. So, today...the newly replaced shutter, 10-11 months old...DIED! And all repairs through Canon are only warrantied for 6 months!!! The last service repair was $220. Getting laid off Feb. 1, so timing couldn't be worse!!!!!

1. Is it worth repairing this LEMON again?? I now have 10,821 actuations on it now!
(All Canon will do at this point is send me a return label and I still have to pay to have the case cracked, regardless of the fact this should NOT be happening.)

2. There is a 40D w/25K actuations, battery grip (Canon) two batteries and charger on Craig's list for $500.
(Sounds like a great deal, but I'm unemployed!!!) That is more than one week's unemployment check.

3. Screw the 40Ds and wait until I can afford a 5DMkII? (Owner of above uses it as backup for HIS 5DMkII.)
I wouldn't use video as we don't have kids which is why I love my 40D.

4. I've invested in lenses and flashes, so don't want to jump camp, but this sounds like my camera is a total LEMON.

Has anyone else had this much problem with a single camera?

Oh, and I"m sure that this evil camera is the entire reason my shots suck, lol! :P

Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments?

Can anything else go wrong???

**stomps off swearing**

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

01/27/2011 06:59:08 PM · #2

Call back and talk to a manager. Tell them that you were told that canon was a great company to deal with and the 1st repair shouldn't have had to happen and that you can't afford to switch to Nikon right now. But they can't help you out, that you'll have to switch.

They were very responsive when my 40d broke and even though it was past warranty, they still covered the cost of multiple repairs. Keep talking with different managers until you get a good one. It's really worth the bother. They actually replaced my entire shutter mechanism for free.

bohemka

Nikon D700

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

01/27/2011 07:01:47 PM · #3

I agree with Wendy. And if you don't find yourself getting very far you could always send them this url and ask if they want this thread to have a happy ending.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/27/2011 07:07:44 PM · #4

I agree. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Talk to management and be firm about what you want from them and why. I bet they'll fix it.

Ductyl

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

01/27/2011 07:21:25 PM · #5

Yeah, I've really gotten the impression that they support their customers very well, so I hope this works out for you!

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/27/2011 07:27:49 PM · #6

You must be pushing the button too hard!

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

01/27/2011 07:28:52 PM · #7

Now I'm on my computer instead of my phone, I can give more information.

I loved my 40D -- but it had problems.

I did an initial repair at around $170 dollars.

It broke again. It was past the 6 months time frame, they didn't even mention that, after I spoke to a supervisor and said that it shouldn't have broken the first time, much less the second time, and how I loved the camera, but was incredibly disappointed that it kept breaking. I asked that they send a shipping label and fix it. It was not the same exact problem, but close enough they fixed it for no charge.

It broke again. Again, I had to speak to a supervisor, but they actually replaced the entire shutter and mirror assembly, even though the original fix was a $175 dollar fix, they did this one for no charge. Once you get the right people, they are extremely helpful and customer oriented.

hihosilver

Nikon D200

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/27/2011 07:44:31 PM · #8

Oh dear! What a shameless company to send you that lemon! The squeaky wheel gets the oil so squeek until they fix it and tell them to include a spa package for all of your stress!

::cuddles and hugs Nikon tenderly::

bspurgeon

Fujifilm x100

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/27/2011 07:52:54 PM · #9

I'll send you a perfectly useful 350D for your broken 40D, unless they will fix it free of charge as they should. Threaten to have Wendy call!

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/27/2011 09:14:02 PM · #10

Originally posted by bspurgeon:

I'll send you a perfectly useful 350D for your broken 40D, unless they will fix it free of charge as they should. Threaten to have Wendy call!

That's the rub...I LOVE MY 40D!!

With a total of 10,821 actuations on the camera itself and two shutters down, me having paid the $220 for the repair to replace the shutter the second time...this one should be covered with no charge to "crack the case".

Let me grab the phone again...but, am I unrealistic to think that this is an abnormal amount of problems for so few actuations??

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/27/2011 09:23:16 PM · #11

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Let me grab the phone again...but, am I unrealistic to think that this is an abnormal amount of problems for so few actuations??

No, you are not unrealistic, not in the least. These are both *very* early failures. The fact that two shutters have failed so early in the same camera leads me to believe that there may be an underlying root cause that was not addressed the first time it was fixed.
If they tell you "no" at first, insist that they do something. If they stonewall, politely ask for their supervisor, and explain your issues again. Let them know you love the camera, but that the reliability has been unacceptable, and that it impacts their image in your eyes.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/28/2011 12:49:03 PM · #12

Has anyone had any experience with Thunder Cameras? Their prices are really cheap, so wondering if their stuff is gray market or something. Says it's new, not refurb.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

01/28/2011 01:09:03 PM · #13

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Has anyone had any experience with Thunder Cameras? Their prices are really cheap, so wondering if their stuff is gray market or something. Says it's new, not refurb.

Never heard of them, but if the prices are too good to believe then I'm 90% sure you will never get your order unless you order some additional accessory package that is marked up 500%.

Ductyl

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

01/28/2011 01:20:48 PM · #14

Oooh, AVOID!

Thunder Cameras - Bait and Switch (They have previously stolen their positive review quotes from B&H)

Reseller Ratings has way too many horror stories for me to ever buy something from them.

hihosilver

Nikon D200

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/28/2011 01:51:09 PM · #15

Kat,

Technical problems require a bit of patience to solve. I'm certain that even a company like ::polite cough:: Canon will come through for you in the end. Of course, in the meantime, you still want to take photos while waiting for your beloved camera to be resurrected back to life.

Please don't rush into an unwise camera purchase in the meantime. As you know your 40D may be unreliable even after repairs, you may be better off purchasing a spare camera in the used market from a trusted seller (pester Ben or Jason!) rather than a bargain "switch and bait" seller just waiting to take advantage of you!

Lots of high end photographers take tremendous care of their cameras and would be willing to see a well-maintained reliable one to you for a good reasonable price that in the long run will be cheaper than any "deal" made for a new camera at these slick and tricky internet sellers who care nothing about you!

Well, that's my two cents...keep us posted!

-Mae

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR

01/28/2011 02:02:34 PM · #16

A voice of reason...and thanks for the heads up on these guys. I was very suspiciou, but Mae talked me down off the ledge and maybe I will wait and see. I would someday love to have a FF canera, but that should probably wait until I am employed again, lol.

Stealing reviews from other websites is really, really low. Sheesh!

Luci11e

Nikon D40

01/28/2011 02:06:37 PM · #17

Kat,
I know your miserable without your camera. I hope you can find a decent backup camera at a price you can afford till your 40D is repaired and
I agree with the general concinnous here; complain (or more commonly known as B&G at my house - bitch and grip) till they fix it. I'm sure Cannon will make it right.

CJinCA

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/28/2011 02:45:16 PM · #18

Kat, have you thought about their loyalty program? Of course the best and cheapest solution would be to get them to repair your camera for free - and they really should considering how few actuations you have.

My 40D popup flash doesn't work anymore (rain issue I think) and I was thinking of upgrading instead of having it repaired. I do have insurance on the camera though (a personal articles policy with State Farm) that I think will cover the repair but was considering contacting Canon to see what kind of an upgrade they have to offer instead. I'd love the 7D if the price was right. Maybe you might be able to get something through their Loyalty program at the same price as buying/repairing the 40D.

If you need a camera now, perhaps posting something here in the Buy/Sell forum would help. I would think there are quite a few trusted members with Canon cameras they don't use that would be willing to sell to you - just a thought!

Message edited by author 2011-01-28 14:46:20.

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

02/05/2011 05:25:35 PM · #19

Interesting...ok, got the estimate.

They say last time was the motor assembly for the shutter. This time they are saying the shutter sticks, but they haven't opened it up yet and won't until I pay them! Normal for Canon, but what if it's the same issue as was 10 months ago? They only warranty their repairs for 6 months, so wouldn't work with me on that.

Called and spoke with a supervisor regarding cost (told by previous Tech to do so when the estimate arrived) and he cut the cost to $120. I'm happier with that, but will be upset if it is the same issue! I don't want to keep shipping it back to Canon every year for a part replacement. Am I asking too much??? I know, I know, I'm getting the cart in front of the horse perhaps.

Makes me CRAZY!!!!! Stuff just doesn't last anymore. (10821 clicks on this camera)

Note: The only loyalty product being offered at the moment is a refurbed 50D and it carries a 6 month warranty...just like the repair on my 40D. Come on lottery!!!!!! (I never play, so that won't happen, lol!)

Anyone wanting to sell a used 5D MarkII in good shape? Remember, I just got laid off, lol! Actually, that's not funny.

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

02/05/2011 07:53:41 PM · #20

aww... drat! I was hoping they'd do it for free... Well, as least they discounted it. Who knows, maybe they'll open it up and find it's the same thing and not charge you after all?