Canon 10x30 IS Sticky Body

[lindaagee]

Camera body is disgusting. These binoculars are not cheap and work well except for this problem which makes them unusable. This is a manufacturer's defect and in my opinion, Canon should compensate the customer.

[jkzt1000]

I used rubbing alcohol and a lot of paper towels to remove the sticky layer on my dad's binoculars.  Even touching them would leave black residue all over my hand.  He had been using duct tape to try to hold them.  Here's a picture after the cleaning:

[AndyRuina]

I had Canon IS II 12 x 36.  They were black and gummy.  I took a clean rag and a bottle of rubbing alcohol.  I put the rag around my finger, squirted on some alcohol and rubbed. When finger was black I did it again on a clean portion. After about 50  times of moving my finger over, taking  about half an hour, I got non-sticky binocs that look like those above.  I folded rag to get into small spots.  Maybe a tooth pick or Q-tip would have helped. But it went fine. 

[creaser]

I have exact same issue, it is nasty and makes them unusable. I would never have bought them if I would have known they are totally worthless after 10 years (shelf life). That is unacceptable. 

[Stephen]

These can usually be re-coated by our Factory Service Center. You just need to register the binocs on our site and send them in. If they're under warranty, it's covered. If they're out of warranty, there is a fee - the site will let you know what the cost is if it's out of warranty. Get started at canon.us/account

[stakeout]

have had the 10x30is binocs for 15 or more years.. Canon will NOT make good on them.. the 'fee' you mentioned --what Canon wanted to charge me after sending them in-- was MORE than the binocs cost.. shame on Canon

[carlman3]

Yep I learned the fee is over $200 so be prepared.  If you had dropped them or had battery corrosion, or some other issue, I'd say it's worth it since a new pair is $500.  According to the rep I spoke with, they pretty much refurbish to new condition by replacing a bunch of stuff.  They don't just replace the exterior panels.  I didn't get all the details but I was OK with refurbishing these to last another 20 years.  I've had mine since 2004.  

[carlman3]

I spoke too soon.... I got a new quote saying "new prisms" and not much explanation.  The original agreed price was refunded and a new quote was given for $330.  Now we are getting close to buying a new pair.  Canon certainly has some arrogance.  I asked to send them back, sticky but working like they used to... I have doubts about getting them back in good shape and Canon in general.

[Stephen]

Hi there!
The first estimate was based on an initial examination. The cost was based on a "Standard" repair. Once a technician evaluated your binoculars, it was determined additional time and parts were required, thereby making this a "Major Repair," so a re-estimate was generated.
Your estimate reflects the change:

[carlman3]

I would understand if the binoculars weren't in your possession for the first and second quotes.  I'm now really worried about what I get back.  They don't 'need' new prisms or really anything other than a non-sticky exterior.  They are great binoculars and were working when I shipped them.  If the repair is the same cost as a new pair, why not just offer a credit towards a new pair?  It was this thread and your comment that there was a 'fee' that made me think this might work out.  Instead, it's a situation where for the cost of a new pair, you'll make your perfectly working binoculars non-sticky.  And btw, how long will the rubber exterior last on the repair? 90 days, maybe a year?  Then buy a new pair?  Just trying to make sense of this situation while being quite frustrated.

[carlman3]

Yes, you're making the point I made pretty well here.. no explanation.  The binoculars functioned perfectly, just had sticky panels.  "prisms will need to be replaced" doesn't mean much to me.  When they were returned to me, they worked fine.  So not sure what the prism problem really was. 

However, I was able to negotiate with Canon to get a replacement pair.  It wasn't clear that's what they were doing and there were some emails and a few communication gaps.  But in the end, I feel Canon did me right.  The 'new' pair feels a little less 'solid' than the first pair but they work perfectly and aren't sticky.  I still paid for the replacement, close to the original price quoted so I felt like it was a fair deal and I'm completely satisfied. 

The trend here is there is a lack of transparency in communication.  That seems to be a common theme with Canon.  However, I like the products and the support works out in the end, so I'm pleased.  This worked out a couple months ago... Just thought I'd reply here and finish this story.