Film Holder to Photo Frame

Have some old large format film holders sitting around? Use them as picture frames!
Hang them on a wall or put them in a stand.

Don't have any but like this idea? Get some HERE.

-JAF

Canon 1D Mark III Issues

If you own a Canon 1D Mark III, it may be affected by a AF mirror adjustment problem. Camera bodies that fall within the serial numbers 501001 and 546561 may be effected (all cameras with serial numbers higher than 546561 have been manufactured with the updated mirror mechanism).

Canon is offering repairs free of charge to affected products experiencing this problem, which will include a mirror box modification.

The MK.III should also be updated (regardless of serial number) with the newest firmware, which is currently 1.3.0

For more information on this issue and to download the firmware, go to Canon's site HERE.

* If you are purchasing one of these cameras from KEH, you can rest assured that these issues have already been taken care of. Any of the cameras we receive that have not already been modified and that may have this issue have been sent back for the modification before it's put into our inventory. We have also updated the firmware for you, so you're ready to go with your 1D Mark III.

To see our current stock of Canon digital SLRs, including the 1D Mark III, go to our site HERE.

Camera Killers: Dust and Fungus

There are a few things that can "kill" your camera equipment, both in function and value...

The first "killer" is DUST. While keeping your camera & lenses away from dirt & grime sounds like common sense, it's not always the case. Even if you avoid specifically dusty areas, it is inevitable that dust will still creep in to every crevasse it can. The most important part to keep dust out of is your digital cameras sensor. Some ways to prevent this (as much as possible) are: If there's no lens on your D-SLR, it better have a body cap on it! Always keep the internal parts of your camera protected. It's best when changing lenses to do it when the camera is off, and to hold the mount slightly downward as you're changing. Also, if your other pieces of equipment are dusty (like your lens) it can easily transfer to your image sensor. So, also keep everything as dirt & dust free as possible.

You can purchase compressed air cans which give a nice swift blow of air onto whatever you're pointing it at. There are also bulb blowers which are easier to transport in a camera bag, are inexpensive, and are an easy way to keep those nasty little particles away.

Another "killer" is FUNGUS. Fungus likes to creep into lenses when you least expect it. On normal fungus levels, it is very hard to spot unless you know exactly what you're looking for. But the thing about fungus is, it doesn't stop growing. Over time it will etch the glass in a lens to the point of no return. Fungus is especially a problem in humid climates... and I don't just mean the rainforest... If you live near a body of water, or a place where it rains on a fairly regular basis, your equipment is susceptible.

In addition to keeping your equipment properly stored, I suggest silica packs. These can be purchased in large sizes

that can be re-activated by cooking it in the oven (best for larger spaces or multiple pieces of equipment), or for a

temporary (& smaller space), the little packs that come in shoe boxes can be thrown into your camera bag as well. I also use

these in my print boxes for preserving old photographs.

What will a lens full of fungus actually do, you ask? Well, aside from being icky and causing possible health problems, get too much in there and your images will no longer be sharp, but soft in focus.

-JAF

KEH on eBay

Did you know that KEH has a store on eBay? We have a 99.9% positive feedback with a score of 8217. Check us out HERE.

Canon G10 Recall

Service Notice: PowerShot G10: Lines Appear in Captured Images

See Canons website for more information if you own a G10.

Post Preview

Since we're just getting started here, I thought a little preview of what's to come in the next few weeks is in order...

In addition to more company information, we will have some posts on:

- Preventive care for your camera equipment

- Cleaning tips

- Fun ideas for recycling your old accessories

- Troubleshooting for digital cameras

- February gift guide: Small vintage items for you or your sweetie

- And more!

For now you can expect anywhere between 2-5 posts a week, so check back frequently and help us spread the word.

Digital Media Card Tips

For the digital shooter...

Cards and formatting: No matter which type of card (CF I&II, SD, XD, SM, MS, etc.) your camera takes, it's a good idea to format it on a regular basis. While it may not happen often, these little cards of information can fail & reach the end of their life if used a lot. To keep your card in good health, format it in the camera from time to time. (I format my card after every major download). This clears up the card and erases all of the data. Of course make sure that you have downloaded and saved onto a computer all of the files on the card before formatting. Some older cards & cameras may also show error messages if the card is not properly formatted to that camera.

How to format- each camera menu is different, but you can typically find the formatting function in one of the last sections in your menu (usually marked with a wrench symbol & yellow in color), and also in the menu when you're in "playback" mode. If you can't find it, refer to your user manual. All you have to do is select "format" and hit your enter or set key, and confirm.

A few other things to remember about cards- keep them in their little plastic cases when not in the camera body. This protects the small connection holes/contacts that transfers your data from camera to card, card to computer, and protects the shell of the card itself.

Also when putting in and taking the memory cards out of the card slot, both in a camera & in a card reader- be gentle! There are little pins on the other end that can be easily bent. If the pins get bent too many times the pins can also break off. If either of these things happen, you won't be able to use the camera or card reader until you get it repaired.

Card readers: The most efficient & reliable way to download your digital information. Why use a card reader instead of just plugging your camera into the computer to download? It's a safer transfer, downloads faster, takes up less space on your desktop, doesn't need batteries, does not use the cameras battery power, and you don't have to dig for the correct connection cord. They are inexpensive and plug directly into your computer via USB or FireWire.

You can see our card selection HERE and our card reader inventory HERE.
*Brand new to our card inventory: 4 & 8 GB S/D HC Class 6 Transcend cards

-JAF

Our Catalog

Did you know KEH offers a free catalog?

Includes over 60 pages of inventory, information, AND coupons!

In this month's catalog (Volume 01, 2010): $10 off coupon for your first order with our repair center, and $10 shipping credit when you sell us your used equipment. To request a catalog, visit our online request form HERE.

Welcome

Welcome to the brand new KEH blog! We decided to start this site so that we can stay better connected with our customers.

On this site you can expect to find posts on: news & updates, event dates, new product information, collectible & rare finds, fun & useful accessories, tips & tricks, and much, much more.

We're looking forward to this new venture, and hope that you'll enjoy what we're offering on this site. If you have a blogger account, become a follower. If not, you can bookmark this page so you'll always be kept up to date. Join in helping us spread the word about the new KEH Blog!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email us at jenn@keh.com