Canon recalls cameras over skin rash substance worry

The Canon EOS 650D
Image caption The problem has only affected a particular batch of the Canon EOS 650D camera


The EOS 650D range contains a substance which, when exposed to humidity, reacts to produce a substance known as "zinc bis".

Zinc bis turns the camera's rubber grip white and in rare cases can cause irritation.

Camera owners are being offered a free repair.



"Canon has identified a quality issue on a limited number of EOS 650D units, which causes the exterior rubber grip used on the camera body to turn white after a period of time," the company said in a statement.


"Any customers who may be affected are advised to visit Canon's customer support site, where further instructions regarding our repair procedure are provided."

Batch checker

The company said the faulty batch in question contained a "higher than usual" level of a substance used to "vulcanize" the rubber grip, a process which makes it harder and stronger.

In certain conditions - such as when gripped by hot hands - the resulting chemical reaction produces zinc bis (dimethyldithiocarbamate).


The EOS 650D - also known as Rebel T4i or Kiss X6i in other markets - was the first Canon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera to feature a touchscreen LCD screen.


The company has provided a simple tool which allows users to enter their camera's serial number and see if their device is in the affected batch.

"We offer our sincere apologies to customers who have been inconvenienced by this," the company added.


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