Mr Franklin
I have passed your enquiry onto our technical department in the US for a resolution of your enquiry as they are able to use your camera serial number to establish what it is actually manufactured from and which series it is part of.
For my part I am unable to help other to state that when Canon originally planned the EOS350D it was designed with a magnesium-alloy body and a Stainless steel chassis. Due to price point concerns it was decided that the magnesium alloy body would make the camera too expensive as an entry level Digital SLR, so this was changed to a high impact ABS body.
Many manuals had already been produced in preparation for the launch, and whilst these were recalled, it is known that some made it into packaged units. It is possible yours is one of these units, however that would mean your camera had been in the retail outlet for some considerable time before being sold.
To cloud this issue further, there were a number (3500) units produced with magnesium alloy bodies which were supplied to US Police Departments, the US Military and Justice Department. It is possible that some of these units found their way into retail outlets.
I am sorry I am unable to supply a definitive answer, but the Technical Department will be able to answer your question with the supplied serial number. They should contact you within the next 72 hours.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Mick Alenby
Canon UK Customer Services
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Franklin [mailto:****************]
Sent: 25 November 2005 19:05
To: Custmer Services
Subject: What is my EOS350D made from??
Hi,
I wonder if you can help me. I bought a EOS 350D in Atlanta in August 2004 and I have a problem with what the camera is made from. This follows a discussion with others on a forum. My Manual states that the camera is made from a Magnesium Alloy body covered with ABS plastic and a stainless steel chassis..however all the information on the web and from other sources states that the 350D does not have any magnesium alloy in it's construction?
Can you please clarify this situation and allow me to put put an end to a debate that has been going on for months..
For Reference the camera serial Number is: (removed for security)
Colour of Body: Canon Black
Place of Purchase: Atlanta Photographic Supplies (Canon Service Centre): Atlanta: USA
Date of Purchase: 12 August 2004 (Scan of reciept enclosed as attachment)
Thanks for your help in this matter
Regards
James Franklin
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