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Canon Warns That Its Cameras Can Cause Allergic Reactions

The rubber grips on one particular model could cause issues

Jul 11, 2012 09:34 GMT  ·  By
Canon EOS Rebel T4i cameras could induce allergic reactions
   Canon EOS Rebel T4i cameras could induce allergic reactions

Canon has surprised us this time, not in a good way, but not a bad way either. This is just one of those situations that are unusual enough that they get away with being branded a curiosity, or something along those lines.

Canon warned its customers that the EOS Rebel T4i camera could go through an unfortunate phenomenon as time passes.

And that is just the thing: Canon warned its buyers. In other words, it discovered this problem itself before any serious complaints were sent in.

The “problem” is that the rubber grips of the EOS Rebel T4i could turn white after a short period of time, due to reactions between rubber accelerator and other substances.

The color is caused by the accumulation of zinc bis (N,N'-dimethyldithiocarbamate), which is not used in the construction of the product, but which appears as a by-product of the aforementioned reactions.

Normally, those reactions should not even take place, but certain cameras made between May 31 and June 15 ended up with slightly higher quantities of rubber accelerator in the rubber palm grips. That excess quantity is what led to the problem.

“Zinc bis is not used in the production of this product. However, the quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual,” Canon says in the product advisory and support section.

“As a result the rubber grips may turn white due to a chemical reaction with the rubber accelerator and other substances. High temperature and high humidity may contribute to this condition. Zinc bis (N,N'-dimethyldithiocarbamate), which becomes deposited on the rubber surface, is created as a result of this chemical reaction.”

Fortunately, the chances of allergic skin reactions are slim, and no serious conditions can result from them. On that note, owners of the EOS Rebel T4i with “1” at the end of their product serial number (and who haven't had it replaced yet) should avoid rubbing their eyes if they get that substance on their fingers. Red eyes might not be too dangerous, but they are still uncomfortable.