Dear Sirs
Last week I purchased a used Canon 1D MkII from you for approximately £XXXX. It was duly delivered on Monday 22nd May.
Unfortunately I have a number of issues with the camera which need to be fully addressed. I spoke to Mr X this morning and he advised me to return the camera for repair but I feel a more formal response is required.
1. Prior to purchasing the camera I discussed the condition etc with your Mr X. Two of the questions asked were whether or not XXXXX knew who the previous owner was and the number of shutter actuations.
I was advised that it was not possible to determine the actual number of shutter operations but, after consultation with another member of staff, Mr X advised that it was fairly light usage by a keen amateur.
On taking a number of test photographs I found that the previous owners name was still contained within the Exif data. Unfortunately it turns out that the owner was not a keen amateur but a freelance professional regularly travelling the world photographing celebrities including the likes of Robbie Williams et al. Im sure that by checking your records however you will be able to confirm this, along with the original sale of the camera to the same gentleman 18 months previously.
Further investigation fairly easily reveals the number of shutter actuations is approximately 24000, hardly keen amateur usage in the 18 months of prior ownership. The download in the attached link will enable you to easily check this in the future and may well be helpful to you.
http://www.takenet.or.jp/~ryuuji/min.../download.html
2. I specifically asked for the sensor to be cleaned prior to dispatch. Unfortunately it appears that this has not been done as there are a number of dust particles clearly visible with the naked eye.
3. The final issue is possibly more serious. On carrying out a number of test shots a light banding running horizontally across the frame is evident. Sample files will be forwarded tonight for your reference.
The placement of the abnormality is consistent in both portrait and landscape perspectives and appears when used with a number of lenses. Namely a canon 17-40mm, a canon 100mm macro and a sigma 70-200 F2.8.
In view of this I believe that there is an inherent defect within the camera, possibly relating to the sensor, the processor or shutter mechanism.
Conclusions
The condition and history of the camera have been misrepresented. If I had been fully aware of the true situation I would probably not have purchased the camera, at very least not at the price agreed.
The sensor has not been cleaned, or if it has it has not been done properly nor checked.
It would appear that due to the photographic defect due diligence in a full inspection of the camera prior to delivery has not been carried out.
Proposed Solutions
My preferred solution is that the camera be returned to XXXXX at your expense and a full and immediate refund be given. I believe I am entitled to this under Distance selling regulations and can request the refund be made prior to the camera actually being returned.
2. Under certain conditions I would be prepared to accept a repair and return of the camera.
Should the defect be no more than an optical fault, eg smearing caused by poor cleaning, and this is confirmed by a Canon service report I would be happy to accept return of the camera but only subject to.
In the event that the defect is not as a result of a critical component, in view of the confusion over the actual condition, ownership and history of the camera I would expect a partial refund should be made to reflect the true situation. I would have considered a value of £XXXX including VAT would have been more representative.
Obviously there are a number of checks you will have to carry out at your end to confirm the details I mention above but in order that I can comply with the requirements of the Distance Selling regulations it would be appreciated if you could respond within 24 hours.
If you are unable to do so I will have no alternative but to ask for you for a full and immediate refund and you to arrange collection of the camera at your leisure.