davyjo

My dead 30D just arrived back from Canion service exactly 7 days from the time

it left my hands. Someone somewhere at Canon service must have pulled some

strings and it got placed on the top of the pile. I had a long talk with a rep

and a supervisor last friday and they assured me that it wouldn't be back before

Christmas and that was life etc. (I was pleasantly bitchy) I called yesterday

and they said it was being looked at...it arrived back here today! Just thought

I'd pass on my experience. Much better than expected. I did call today and thank

them. The rep was very happy to register my happiness.

My dead 30D just arrived back from Canion service exactly 7 days from the time it left my hands. Someone somewhere at Canon service must have pulled some strings and it got placed on the top of the pile. I had a long talk with a rep and a supervisor last friday and they assured me that it wouldn't be back before Christmas and that was life etc. (I was pleasantly bitchy) I called yesterday and they said it was being looked at...it arrived back here today!

Just thought I'd pass on my experience. Much better than expected. I did call today and thank them. The rep was very happy to register my happiness.

I have one of these <a href="http://www.adorama.com/GTUPPH.html">GIottos QU200</a>. Which is not a substitute for a full size tripod but does work with my 30D/105 macro. Makes some shots possible that other wise wouldn't be. very easy to carry. Best with a remote release or timer shot so there is no contact with the camera.

1/800" f/2.8.<div></div>

Try again. Shutter .3" f/45<div></div>

The second one.

Check these two photos taken with a Sigma 105mm macro.

While not quite short enough, the Sigma EX 20/1.8 DG Asph. is a very nice lens.

Control the 5D with your laptop computer? I have used my iBook for time-lapsed photos and macros. It's completely hands off and controllable from a distance with a USB extention cord.

Robin is right about the automatic diaphram control. I use my iBook computer to control the exposure, shutter speed, and shots with my 30D. Once I get the focus where I want it I can adjust everything else without touching the camera. I can also see the images on the computer screen instantly. Only indoors or in good weather of course.

I found a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 1:1 macro on that auction site with a non-working auto-focus for practically nothing. I don't miss the auto focus at all. Just an inexpensive obtion that works for me.

I've had good results with the 28-135mm IS wide open @ f/3.5, on my 30D, AI Servo mode, center focusing, very good in the well lit gyms but need to add flash in the darker ones. Proccessing the images can do amazing things. Some of my best shots would probably have been trashed if I had looked at them on the camera before downloading them. With my Sigma 20mm f/1.8 the pictures are much clearer and brighter but you have to be right under the basket.

By the way, the kids don't even notice the flash.

You can also aim your flash almost straight up and tape a piece of 8.5X11 heavy white paper/cardstock to the flashhead so it extends above the head and bends gently down in front of the flash. This does an amazingly good job of diffusing the light. Good quality Scotch tape comes of clean. It kills most of the dark shadows you get from a directed flash.

You can also buy a NEW 20D for under $900. Clearly a better deal than a used one for $800. OR a 30D for just over $1100 minus a $100 rebate that you can double to $200 if you buy a lens or flash unit...only a few $$ more than the 20D...

I sent the camera out this morning Priority Mail insured. They should have it Friday. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Christmas.

Thanks for all your input/support.

 

It's funny because my ipod died last week still under an extended Apple warranty, I called Apple on Sunday DHL dropped a box off on Tuesday, picked up the Ipod/box on Thursday and a brand new Ipod was back to me on Monday. No cost to me.

 

Very different approach from Canon and was quite dissapointed when they refused to cover the shipping. Oh well...

Almost all the macro that I've done with my Sigma 105 f2.8 has been with a tripod and a remote release. The lens I have has a broken autofocus motor which doesn't bother me in the least. (I bought it broken for very little $$) Even with IS I would think that a 1:1 macro would be virtually unholdable.

I have the 28-135 IS lens which is a great walk around lens. Wish it was a little wider but am very thankful for the 135mm. To make up for this I bought a Sigma 20mm f1.8 EX DG which is a very nice lens.

Unfortunately I live in a rural area with no local store that stocks anything so I bought it online from an authorized dealer. It is also just outside the 30 day window.

I asked the service rep about paying for shipping and he flatly refused.

Even when I complained that I had just spent $1800+ on the camera and lens's and it failed so quickly, expressing my displeasure about not having it back before X-mas etc...

I fully charged both my batteries and tried them both. I pulled the card, checked the card door, even pulled and reinserted the memory battery.

Nothing...

I have had a 30D for almost exactly 30 days and it just quit powering up. Tried

both my Canon batteries and nothing. Briefly got a faint glow from the red LED

by the quick control dial then nothing. It quit once before and restarted when I

pulled then replaced the same battery.

 

Anyone else had this experience?

 

The customer support person spent about 4 seconds with me, he just said,"Send it

in."

 

So it's heading to New Jersey tomorrow.

 

Anyone had any experience with Canon Service?

 

I was looking forward to Christmas with the camera but I think that will be a

longshot...

 

Thanks

Dave