Pros, take note: Canon has recalled some EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C digital SLRs

Pro photographers, videographers and deep-pocketed enthusiasts shooting with the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C digital SLRs will want to pay attention to a product advisory issued yesterday by Canon USA. The company has discovered an issue affecting some shipments of both models, and while it's not using the word recall to describe its response, that's essentially what's happening. Customers with affected cameras are being asked to contact their local Canon support center to arrange for a free inspection and repair.

The problem for both cameras, which are closely related to each other and share many parts, comes down to insufficient lubrication of the drive mechanism. Over time, this causes increased wear to the mechanism, and results in small particles being shed inside the camera body. These, in turn, can cause issues with the camera's autofocus system failing to achieve a focus lock. Eventually, the wear can also cause viewfinder issues as well. Once the problem reaches this point, Canon says that the viewfinder can appear blurry or unsteady.

It's important to note that not all EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C bodies are affected. As well as the serial numbering, Canon also provides a couple of other body markings that will help determine whether or not your 1-series bodies are affected. Here's how you can tell.

 

If the battery compartment of your Canon EOS-1D X or EOS-1D C has either of the markings shown above, you can breathe easy -- it's not affected. If it lacks both markings, though, you'll need to check the serial number to determine whether it may need a visit to the service center.

If your EOS-1D X or EOS-1D C body shows either of the markings above -- a white 'A' mark at top rear of the battery compartment bezel, or a black mark on the silver bracket at bottom center of the bezel -- then your camera is definitely not affected by the problem. If your camera lacks both of those markings, though, it's possible that it could be affected, and you'll need to check your serial number before you decide how to proceed.

If neither marking is present and the sixth digit of your serial number is between one and seven for the EOS-1D X, or is one for the EOS-1D C, then your camera body may be affected. If that's the case, you'll want to contact your local Canon agent for advice. In the US market, that means reaching out to the Canon Customer Support Center, and the precise contact details differ depending on which camera you own.

For Canon EOS-1D X owners whose camera lacks both of the markings, and whose serial number matches the pattern for problem bodies, you'll want to use the following contact details:

Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email:  [email protected]
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Canon EOS-1D C owners, meanwhile, will want to use the following contact information if their camera lacks both markings and has a one in the sixth serial number digit:

Phone: 1-855-CINE-EOS (1-855-246-3367)
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email:  [email protected]
For additional support options: pro.usa.canon.com/support

More details can be found on the Canon website.