JPR,
I received the ID-MKII yesterday and had a little time to play with it last night. It does seem to be an excellent camera. I can't wait to do some test shooting this weekend. One thing that concerns me is that the new camera arrived with over 800 frames on the counter. I ordered it new from B&H. How could it have so many frames taken? Everything looked brand new but certainly makes me wonder. I think I'll call B&H.

Happy Holidays!

JR,

I called B&H and they said that the serial number shows that it was only sold to me and it was not returned and resold. I asked for an expalination and he said he didn't have one. I then called Canon and spoke to a very abrupt (almost nasty) customer service rep who said "we build them then we ship them out." "We do not test them."

So my guess is that B&H used it as a demo. I told B&H that I would test it and send it back if not happy. They agreed, but we'll see. Needless to say I'm not happy about ordering a new camera at this price and seeing that someone has shot 800 frames on it. I will check the software that francois recommended.

Other than that I love the camera, once I get use to all the button pushing that is needed.

Thanks all,  ???

When I recently picked up my 20D I also bought a 1GB Sandisk Extreme which looked suspiciously bulky in its package as though the contents had been removed and not replaced correctly. It was just a fleeting impression of little consequence. These disks are guaranteed for life.

When I downloaded the first shots using the Canon software (a remarkably troublesome procedure) the images came in 2 folders, 899 and 900. The first folder contained MG_9906.CR2 to 9999. The second folder MG_0001.CR2 to 0008 giving me the impression the camera had fired almost 10,000 shots before I got it and was on its second round.

I then formatted the card and was back to MG_0001. What's going on here, then? Is it likely the card had been used for almost 10,000 shots before I bought it, or did someone briefly test it in a camera that had almost 10,000 shots on the counter?

Slightly off topic, after formatting the card I was unable to download further images using the Canon software. Just couldn't figure it out. Deciding I wasn't going to waste any more time, I bought BreezeBrowser's Downloader Pro which works like a charm.

I've used a 10d for more than a year and in the beginning I liked it very much. However it seems that AF has gotten worse over time and I was afraid to use the camera on an upcoming shoot. I considered the 20d but read of focus issues with it also. I didn't want to spend the $4000 plus for the 1D-MK but decided that if I ordered a 20d I would still be unhappy so I ordered the 1D-MKII and should have it in a couple of days. I think I'll be very pleased with it! Maybe this is how Canon has planned it?

mnwild,

Just went through the same thing.   I got lucky and found a six month old dII and you will be very happy.   To put it very simply, the 1dm2 works!.  it works well, and works everytime.   i have had two client shoots with it so far and all my buyers remorse has gone by by.  
have fun  :D

If you want to know the exact number of frames, download this free software. The command line version works on Macs and PCs and is free.

Enjoy your new camera,
Francois

mnwild,

Let us know what you hear... I'm going to try and use the command line provided above by francois(thank you) and test mine.   It could be the factory testing, or it could be someone took it on there family vacation and stuck it back in the box!  ??? I know the guy at the store took mine to a college football game and shot his fingers off ...so i know that used, or demos, end getting a lot of clicks by store folks and customers in the store trying it out....  

lol
JR

If the camera doesn't have any scratches or other signs of mistreatment, I'd keep it. 800 frames is about as significant as the typical test drive mileage you get on a new car. It's less than 1 day's shooting for me in many cases.

Or to put it another way - 3 minutes with your finger on the shutter.

I would also be upset if there's really 800 shots on the counter! But only for a few days  :cool:
If the camera is working OK and shows no sign of use (scratches on the exterior or lens mount) I'd keep it. What would really upset me is if I had to send it back and receive a "new one" with 1200 frames on the counter or a DOA.

Francois

I would bet that the count has something to do with your memory card.  Even formatted in camera, the cards from previous Canon cameras will go right on with the file numbering that was in place on the other camera.

I had the same problem with my new 20D a while back.  My first frame, set to continuous numbering, was well into the thousands.  Then I realized it was picking up where my previous 10D had left off.  This was after formatting the card in the 20D.  

Setting the numbering system to the optional counting method, firing a frame and then switching back, reset the count to 0001.

Good luck...will be interesting to hear what you figure out.

Bill

what a ridiculous supposition...

why not blame the illuminati..

just kidding, but I had to reply ;-)

happy Xmas with the new camera..

I went through this same thing and now that I have the MKII I will never go back to consumer grade camera.  Needless to say I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the MKII.  :)

hi mnwild,

how did you come up with the 800 frame number? was the memory card you used in the newly purchased camera also new, or was it your old one?

and DiaAzul: great reply to the topic, I would have spellt 'your'  with capital letters  :p

on the other hand, mnwild is totally right and this is a question of principle, especially after the sellers statement.

would I give it back if it works fine?? not really, you might be stuck with a friday or monday modell  :)