Camera / Lens Calibration

[istvan_sandor]

Hi there,

I know this topic is discussed a lot and I've done the home work with searching

as well however, still would like to ask for advise.

I have just purchased a 30D. It works perfectly with all the lenses I have

except for my 17-40L (which works perfectly with my 10D)esp. at the 17mm end

(completely out of focus)

The local Canon repair shop says that they can adjust either the lens or the

body, or both (30d/17-40) but than there is a danger that the camera or the lens

will not match the other lenses/camera I have. This sounds very strange for me.

(as far as I know there must be a standard tolerance focus range that should

work with all Canon lenses and bodies).

They also say, that they can guarantee that all my lenses and both cameras will

work together properly if they calibrate each of my lenses and cameras

separately. As they charge for each single calibration (per lens, per body)

50USD and I have 9 lenses and 2 cameras, this sounds frightening.

Could anyone help me how I should proceed?

thanks in advance, Istvan

[thierry nguyen cuu - nomad]

Hum... This sounds very strange.

 

What I would recommend is to go to a shop in your area with your 2 bodies, try to sit a 17-40L from the shop on both of them.

 

If you have the same effect with your own 17-40L, then your 30D might need some help. Try your 17-40L with a 30D from the store ...

 

Somehow, it wouldn't explain why all your other lenses work well with the 30D.

 

BTW, what are your other lenses? Are they all 'L' ?

[yakim_peled1]

My Canon lab (Israel) informs me that calibration is in accordance to Canon standards and designed to bring the camera/body to these standards. Therefore, the calibration of the body is irrelevant to the calibration of the lens.

 

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

[istvan_sandor]

My lenses are: 17-40/4 L, 24-70/2.8L, 70-200/4 L, 200/2.8 L, 300/4 IS L, 400/5,6 L and 24, 28, 35, 50 and 100mm non-L primes.

[bjornholland]

I personally spoke to a Canon technician who deals with calibration. He said that they have what they call "zero bodies" and "zero lenses". meaning: PERFECTLY calibrated samples.

When you send in a lens and/or camera, they put each item onto their equipment, to identify if the problem lies with the lens or the camera. Then they adjust that piece of equipment.

In theory, a "-4 body" and a "+4 lens" can deliver good results even though both are not perfectly calibrated.

[istvan_sandor]

Bjoern, thanks for the comment. +/- 4 you mean the scale of what?

[steve_dunn2]

<p>That's similar to, but slightly different than, the well-known explanation from Canon's Chuck Westfall. His explanation was that they have a lens (a 50/1.8) which is known to be working properly. They use the lens to check your body, and they make any adjustments necessary to ensure that the body is working properly. Then, once they know that your body is working correctly, they use your body with your lenses, and make any necessary adjustments to your lenses.</p>

[istvan_sandor]

Tanks, everyone for the comments. Istvan