MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

Simple, sue them!

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

And threaten to report every detail of your lawsuit verbatim on Facebook, Twitter etc

Tom70 Loc: NY

Sent Brand New Lens (purchased directly from Canon) back for marks on front glass, was returned to me with same marks and note saying nothing wrong with glass. Sent letter to CEO who in turn had customer support call me (extremely helpful) they supplied label, with a contact name at repair shop, so returned again to repair, they eventually gave me brand new lens.
As mentioned above contact all big shots in writing or email, and CC a layer and national newspaper/photo mag. You don't have to sent letter to layer or mag, just the threat works well. Good luck

Dean37 Loc: Fresno, CA

AZPicLady
Years ago I had Canon equipment which did a good job for me. Then I had a problem with a scanner, not a cheap one, but not thousands of dollars either.

I called the Canon Service for warranty work. After explaining what I observed to be the problem, I was told, "Good Luck"! That was the sum total of what the warranty got for me. Several calls later all got the same response.

That was in 1989 or 1990, a bad memory. I scrapped all of my Canon equipment as they got long in the tooth and bought other brands and haven't had any warranty problems since.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

While you are communicating with the "powers that be" at Canon, I suggest that you also send them a link to this on-going discussion about your problem that we're having right now in the UHH. Companies do not like to be sued, nor do they enjoy negative publicity, especially if it is accurate.

alphadog

Well, it's difficult always to know how accurate posters are in their versions.

I do think now THE TWO major brands, Nikon and Canon have become difficult to deal with for repairs. First, they will NOT sell parts to unauthorized repair shops. So, thinking you will be able to avoid their authorized shops can be a mistake. YOU can use third-party shops IF they happen to have a SURPLUS of the exact parts required to do the repair. But as one post indicated it could be the computerized circuit board that needs replacing...it is most unlikely they will have a spare working circuit board. This is one reason, the old school method of keeping bodies for years is NOW history [ at least for digital level], it's like wanting to keep your computer going, despite it being outdated and will never interface with the newest and latest software programs, not happening! Only if you go off the grid, use it with the old software and YOU have the skills, experience, and parts to keep it going... just like the vintage cars... no computers, but parts are needed and the skill set to install and replace. Canon and Nikon do not want you to keep your gear more than warranty time, and then you are stuck since third-party shops can not buy these parts from canon or Nikon.

I personally had these issues with a Nikon 500mm f4 Ed lens, purchased online used $3600.. 3 mos later it was not working.... sent in to get repaired .. contacted my third party repair tech who told me in advance Nikon would sell him any parts, so I was FORCED TO GO TO AN authorized Nikon dealer, recommended online site in IND. , it cost $1000K for repair, it came back and failed to work.. .sent it back, they returned it working I immediately sold it for fear of issues... took another $1K hit on selling, with full disclosure .. .switched to Canon, so far the used 500mm f4 L lens has worked flawlessly for a few years and I use it DAILY! SO i AM impressed with their old JAPAN made lenses... but know full well, one day, a repair may be needed, and here is where the SURPLUS parts become the issue since CANON does not support or have old stock parts for the L lenses... so one would need to find a shop who does have the required part.

RPaul3rd Loc: Arlington VA and Sarasota FL

Over the years I have had several of my cameras and lenses sent to Canon USA for cleaning and/or repair and adjustment and have never had a problem with their facility. Service was quick, prices were reasonable (generally a flat rate) and returns were speedy. I was never left in the dark about what I needed or what they charged and recommended. Emails were prompt and there were no hidden fees.

Try this website: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/service-repair

Canon has never charged more than $200 for any service and much less for cleaning and re-calibration.

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

And you’ll end up paying you lawyer more than paying to get the lens fixed.

AllanC Loc: Austin, TX

Here’s my free advice, speaking as a retired lawyer. Write your letter on paper. Describe in detail the problems you’ve had and all of your attempts to solve them. Write clearly and concisely, including all dates and amounts you’ve paid. A nice, tight chronology is great. Be sure you have the supporting documents.

Your conclusion should be that you want them to replace the obviously defective camera body and to refund the money you’ve paid in pointless repair bills. Give them a deadline to respond.

Take your addressed letter in an unsealed envelope to the post office and tell the agent you want to send it “certified mail return receipt requested.” You’ll be given a couple of items to fill out. One is a slip with a serial number on it. Copy that number onto your letter and seal the envelope. (That will allow you to prove receipt of the letter later on if need be.) The agent will attach the numbered slip to an edge of your letter and attach a postpaid green “return card” that you address to yourself to the back. Be sure to put the serial number on the green card to link the letter with the green card and the green-and-white slip.

It’ll cost you a couple of bucks, but once you’ve received the green card you will be able to prove Canon got your letter and has “actual notice” of your complaint in case you have to go to the next step. You’ll also be signaling to Canon that you are prepared to go to take that next step.

If Canon fails to respond or to provide you a new body by your deadline, then you can ratchet it up a notch. All states have consumer protection statutes that permit the recovery of reasonable attorneys fees in successful cases where consumers can prove they have been defrauded (said they fixed a problem and didn’t). You’d be surprised how a letter from a lawyer threatening a consumer-protection case can focus the minds of most business executives: A free or low-cost resolution to a consumer complaint can easily become thousands in liabilities. The smart move, in almost every case, is to fix the problem.

Consumers have a lot of power. There’s no reason to tolerate unacceptable products or services.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

And be sure to CC the Better Business Bureau. This is apparently the camera equivilent of the Wall Job for your auto - that is where they park it by a wall for four days and then tell you it has been repaired.

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

In Ireland you can sue them for 20 Euro stamp money in the small claims court of the District Court, by writing your case out to the Judge with whatever papers, receipts etc necessary enclosed as exhibits.

PatrickAtty Loc: The Woodlands, TX

Google Canon U.S.A. and the address and CEO pop right up. Include a copy of your posting. Negative publicity gets action, more so than whether your greivance is worthy.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Wow....I am certainly sorry to hear about your experience. I have used their equipment since 1968 and never had an issue with any of their cameras , so I find this information to be extremely uncomfortable. And your camera is the top of the line and should never have issues like this nor should they have treated you in such a disrespectful manner.

Please keep us informed as you wrangle-through all of this mess. I will be rooting for your success.

Good luck.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Just for some clarification, did you purchase this camera new or used?