topic Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:35:15 GMT

Does anyone have a recent (within last 6 months) experience with Canon repair service? I sent a few emails re/ my Canon EOSM50 and issues with the On/Off green light. They responded with a suggestion to submit a repair request and even noted that "the issue may be inside the camera body in which case repair service would be advised." I made a few more inquires, and received replies coming from other Canon representatives, not the initial contact person. When I asked them about the "repair" service they said, " I can confirm that the rate for your EOS M50 is $229.00 plus shipping and handling. That is because your camera model is not a model that we repair. Instead we would replace it with a comparable model, usually a refurbished one." They cannot even guarantee that I will receive a camera body in as good or equal to my current, excellent condition camera. Reviews of refurbished Canon cameras have not been favorable.

The entire situation sounds very suspicious and I will not upgrading my camera for another Canon nor any other products.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:55:34 GMT

@Otiscat wrote:

Does anyone have a recent (within last 6 months) experience with Canon repair service? I sent a few emails re/ my Canon EOSM50 and issues with the On/Off green light. They responded with a suggestion to submit a repair request and even noted that "the issue may be inside the camera body in which case repair service would be advised." I made a few more inquires, and received replies coming from other Canon representatives, not the initial contact person. When I asked them about the "repair" service they said, " I can confirm that the rate for your EOS M50 is $229.00 plus shipping and handling. That is because your camera model is not a model that we repair. Instead we would replace it with a comparable model, usually a refurbished one." They cannot even guarantee that I will receive a camera body in as good or equal to my current, excellent condition camera. Reviews of refurbished Canon cameras have not been favorable.

The entire situation sounds very suspicious and I will not upgrading my camera for another Canon nor any other products.

The M50 is no longer repaired by Canon.

You didn't say what your exact problem was with the green light, but if your camera is in excellent condition as you state it probably doesn't need repair.

If indeed it isn't functioning the choices are a Canon refurb that comes with a one year warranty or purchase a used device from a place like Keh camera.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

normadel — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:03:44 GMT

You say the entire situation sounds suspicious. You're right. Are you sure you were talking to Canon Repair Service, not someone not at Canon? How did you contact them.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:32:17 GMT

@normadel wrote:

You say the entire situation sounds suspicious. You're right. Are you sure you were talking to Canon Repair Service, not someone not at Canon? How did you contact them.

I don’t think it’s suspicious at all. He has a camera that Canon doesn’t repair any more. Rather than saying “tough luck” they are offering a comparable product for the tiered price they would charge if it was a repairable device.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

shadowsports — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:03:48 GMT

I'd like to know which repair facility the camera was sent to? I'm skeptical as well but as John pointed out Canon could be trying to help. If that's the case, this should not be viewed as a negative interaction. I've not heard of Canon doing something like this before, but it seems like a nice gesture on their part. So again, what service center did you send your camera to?

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Stephen — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:32:31 GMT

A couple of comments with confusing information, so I wanted to clarify:
- The only option available is the Canon Upgrade Program if a camera is out of service life. Our team will not accept receipt of a product we no longer repair.
- The EOS M50 is still within its service life, and according to the information I have access to , the factory service center will repair or replace it for a flat fee. (Basically, if it's cheaper for us to replace the camera, we'll replace it. If it's cheaper to fix it, we'll fix it.)
- The preferred procedure would be to send it to the Canon Factory Service Center, where our team would evaluate the camera and determine the next steps. You can get started at https://canon.us/account

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact support directly at 800-652-2666 weekdays from 9am to 6pm (ET).

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:19:31 GMT

@Stephen wrote:

A couple of comments with confusing information, so I wanted to clarify:
- The only option available is the Canon Upgrade Program if a camera is out of service life. Our team will not accept receipt of a product we no longer repair.
- The EOS M50 is still within its service life, and according to the information I have access to , the factory service center will repair or replace it for a flat fee. (Basically, if it's cheaper for us to replace the camera, we'll replace it. If it's cheaper to fix it, we'll fix it.)
- The preferred procedure would be to send it to the Canon Factory Service Center, where our team would evaluate the camera and determine the next steps. You can get started at https://canon.us/account

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact support directly at 800-652-2666 weekdays from 9am to 6pm (ET).

Hi Stephen. Is there a separate US website that lists service life. This Japan website is referred to on many discussion boards.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Stephen — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:44:30 GMT

I'm not aware of a site like that for Canon USA.

We use internal systems to verify all the information we share, and since Canon, Inc. is a different market from Canon USA, our dates can sometimes differ widely!

Since we're specifically talking about the EOS M50, I'll share a screenshot (with redacted information) of the system:

EOL Date is when the product is no longer repaired (End of Life).
Product Location is the physical location of the product for support. This is mainly for printer techs so they know where to find that printer when they're on the phone with a customer.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:32:12 GMT

Many thanks, John!

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:32:56 GMT

I used the official Canon webpage.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:36:19 GMT

John,

Thanks again. They cannot guarantee that the refurbished camera body will be the same color and condition as the one they want me to ship. Furthermore, I had conflicting emails from their customer service staff.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:39:28 GMT

Rick,

Thanks, and I did not send the camera as I am still investigation the issue. The location for their repairs, or in this case, issuance of whatever refurbished camera body that they have in stock, plus $229.00 is in VA.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:04:23 GMT

Thanks for the reply. However, I am looking to have the camera repaired, not replaced with a refurbished camera body of which the condition is unknown and pay $229.00 for it, plus Canon keeps my camera. Furthermore, I had received emails from three different Canon customer service representatives.

Re: Canon "repair" service a scam ?

Otiscat — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:05:21 GMT

Thank you!