Canon issues notice on 650D grip issue in Australia

Canon Australia has issued a notice for certain EOS 650D SLR cameras, stating that grips on some models may turn white.

The notice was initially issued on 6 July 2012 and, at the time, did not affect any cameras that were sold through official Canon resellers in Australia. Units imported into the country from other retailers, such as grey market sources, may have been affected by the grip issue.

Canon Australia has since identified that a small number of affected cameras did make their way into Australia through authorised retailers, and urge owners to check their serial number using this guide.

On affected cameras, the front rubber grip on the 650D may turn white after a short period of time. As stated in the advisory:

The front rubber grips of some EOS 650D units produced in certain lots, between 31 May and 27 June 2012, may turn white after a short period of time. We have determined after inquiry with the rubber manufacturer and analysis that the substance zinc bis (N,N’-dimethyldithiocarbamate) is what causes the rubber surface to turn white.

Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product, but is created as a result of this chemical reaction. The quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual. As a result, the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances, causing zinc bis deposits on the rubber surface. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition.

Users with an affected 650D should thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with the grip, and contact Canon directly on 13 13 83 for a free service.