Good Morning All!!

I am basically just posting this for anyone that maybe debating now or in the future about sending their gear to Canon for inspection/repair. I have always wondered how much would shipping run, how long with they have my gear, what are they like to deal with, will I be pleased with their service. Well, now I am about to find out and just thought I'd jot down a log on how things are going ...maybe someone will find it helpful.

Most of you know I purchased the 135mm f/2 and after giving the lens a +14 micro-adjustment, I did achieve sharpness but was not happy with having this much of an adjustment and sent it back to B&H. I ordered a second copy last week from Amazon and this one couldn't achieve focus or sharpness no matter what I did! Is it the lens? My camera? I could have sent the lens back to Amazon but then I'd never know for sure if my camera had an issue. Since the warranty is running out on the7D, Isent it, the 135mmL (and the 35mm L) off to Canon Factory Service Repair in Va. The 35mm was my most difficult to micro-adjust so I sent it along for the ride.

I filled out the forms on Canon's website (one for each piece) and packaged them up. As noted, I removed all accessories from the camera and I also did not mail them back in their original boxes ...never know if they'll just come back in brown cardboard boxes.

For the form for the 7D I noted difficulty achieving focus, higher than average noise at high ISO settings (this assumption I came to from seeing photos on this site), and darker than normal viewfinder.

1/10 - Mailed UPS Ground. It costed $61.17 to ship w/ $3,000 insured value.


1/13 - Canon received it the morning.
<p sizset="0" sizcache="15"]Morning of 1/14 - Received this email from Canon ...
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<p style="line-height: 100%;" class="yiv308429984MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. Based on our initial examination, we will start the necessary repairs at no charge to you. You can expect the repair to be completed and returned back to you within approximately 7 business days* from the date shown above. There is no need to respond to this notice.

Please note that in the unlikely event that any additional internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization, since these conditions are specifically excluded from warranty coverage.
<p class="yiv308429984MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Thank you for purchasing Canon products and for allowing us this opportunity to serve you.
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<p class="yiv308429984MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Best Regards,
Canon Factory Service Center

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<p style="line-height: 100%;" class="yiv308429984MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]Please note that this E-mail is to inform you of the status of your repair only. Please contact Canon's Customer Care Center at <span style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand; border-bottom: #366388 2px dotted;" id="lw_1295027223_5" class="yshortcuts"]1-800-828-4040 with any questions concerning your repair. Please do not reply to this email.
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<span style="font-size: 8pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"]*Actual times may vary. Seasonal volume or repairs requiring special parts may add more time.

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Personally, I think the last line in the letter should read ...we apologize for your having to use our repair center after spending $$$$, rather than "allowing us this opportunity to serve you" but I am still grateful to get the email letting me know the status. If all goes well I should have everything back within a week!

Updates to come ....

Denise