XF300 lens to be replaced by Canon instead of cleaning?!?!

[C. Keiser]

Took my XF300 to Canon CPS here in Paris for a cleaning.

The service center contacts me to inform that due to it being an integrated lens, they are not able to clean it thus necessitating at €1,400 replacement.

Anyone else be confronted by this? Seems absurd to me that it cannot be cleaned.

Thanks,
CK

[cowpunk52]

It makes sense. Taking apart an integrated lens built around a 3-chip sensor block is really a extremely complex task, if possible at all. Is there damage to your lens that makes it unusable?

[C. Keiser]

Not unusable, just really dirty inside.

A big spot hows up with solid images (skies, walls, etc.) and with any side light you see the dust.

Would be one thing if I was shooting cinematic stuff, but I do run-and-gun sports documentary. No controlling situations for me.

CK

[maranfilms]

I had an issue with a xha1 once, you could see a big dust particle inside the lens. They said it was acceptable, and that I had to live with it. I don't ever recall it showing up in a shot, but your situation seems worse. Are they asking you to pay the 1,400E ?

[C. Keiser]

As I shoot outdoors mostly, it's really noticeable.

Yes, they expect me to pay. Really bummed that an integrated lens got so dusty inside. I use a Porta-Brace slicker whenever there is a chance of it getting messy. Still, here i am...

Gotta get it cleaned up to sell so that I can purchase a C300 or a Scarlet. Feeling a little sore at Canon right now, having been working with 'em since I purchased two of the first XL-1 cams to hit U.S. shores, now I'm feeling abused. Not being whiney, just taking a deep breath and a sigh.

Such problems I have, I know many folks would love to have such a nice camera, and 1,400 is a relatively small price to pay for all the work it's done, but it sure does sting.

-CK

[maranfilms]

oh , I see. This wasn't purchased with the issue. Still though, L- series lenses should be sealed to weather. Either way it still sucks, sorry to hear you have to pay for this.

[Phil1076]

Strange that this wouldn't be covered by the warranty...I mean, you didn't misuse it or drop/damage it...I'd fight.

[markbaynes]

Hi CK I think I have a similar problem to you. Have only really been using my XF300 to any great extent recently but after spending several hours last night resorting to After Effects to remove several dust blemishes on some v. valuable and non repeatable footage have realised that there is dust inside my lens. Thought the error was mine initially as didn't even consider the possibility that a sealed unit L Series lens on a £5k camera could be supplied with dust inside. Saw your post this morning and have contact Canon CPS in UK to see what they say. Will let you know what happens.

With your issue it seems to me that if this is internal dust then it could only have got in during manufacture so Canon have sold you faulty goods. I would stand your ground and tell them that as they broke it they can fix it. (Easy for me to say but then if you need it working you need it working...)

I also have a problem with all information disappearing from the LCD screen which necessitates a reboot to restore (with obvious results...). First time it happened thought it was a one off, happened for second time last week so now trying to sort that too. After many years of trouble free use of Canon pro bodies I am a little disappointed that the build quality of the XF300 is not quite up to scratch.

cheers

Mark

[C. Keiser]

Mark,

You make a good point here.

In fact when I received the box from B&H, with whom I've had 15 years of good experiences, it appeared that the box had already been opened. But as I received the shipment in Singapore, I assumed that it was in all likelihood the doing of their super-strict customs agents. Yet I did have a suspicion that it might have been someone returned it after opening and testing. Anyway, my production gigs being what they are, I was off and running without much more thought.

Now you've given me more thought for my argument with Canon, if only I can find the time to make my case (prepping for Tour de France right now).

Good luck with yours.

Regards,
Christopher

[markbaynes]

Hi Christopher

Have emailed Canon CPS here and will let you know what they say. Am an avid follow of Tour de France (if only on TV) so will look out for a Canon XF300 user shaking his fist at his camera.... Bon chance!

Mark