Service Notice: EOS-1D Mark III/EOS-1Ds Mark III: Oil Spots on LPF Surface

Update

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have discovered that images taken by some EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras may exhibit ring-shaped spots. We would like to convey the details and our service policy.

We offer our most sincere apologies to customers using these products who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Going forward, we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.


Phenomenon

Images taken may exhibit large ring-shaped spots.

Products

EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras

Details

Cause
These ring-shaped spots are the images of oil lubricant on the surface of the low pass filter (LPF), which is located in front of the CMOS sensor. 

This oil is used inside the Mirror Box to lubricate some of the camera's moving parts. If the oil is applied too liberally when the camera is manufactured, it can become scattered onto the surface of the LPF through normal camera operation.

                         * Image of Back Side of Main Mirror

The image above shows the top of the mirror box when the main mirror is flipped up. The white spots in the red circles are excess lubricant oil.

Oil Lubricant Used in Cameras
Measures are being implemented to control the amount of lubricant applied during manufacture in order to reduce the occurrence of oil spots. However, because this lubricant is required to ensure proper operation of the camera’s precision mechanical parts, it is impossible to eliminate all instances of oil scattering. If you require CMOS sensor cleaning, please contact our Customer Support Center.

Thank you for your patronage and support of Canon products.

Support

We ask that customers who are encountering this phenomenon or, who have noticed that oil is visible on the surface of the back side of the mirror, please contact our Customer Support Center. To prevent oil from scattering, which may seriously affect images, our Customer Support Center will arrange free cleaning of the mirror box to affected customers to remove the excess oil.

 This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Customer Support Center
Phone:      1-800-OK-CANON (toll free)
                 1-800-652-2666

Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
Support options and hours of operation: www.usa.canon.com/support

GET SUPPORT
Need help with your product? Let us help you find what you need.
Product Support
NEED IT FIRST
Sign up for up-to-the-minute Canon News, Sales and Deals.
LEARN WITH CANON
Discover great new ways to enjoy your products with exclusive articles, training and events.
Learn more