Totem Cams has issued a warning regarding their cams sold prior to 31 December 2010. According to Totem Cams, these units have a color anodizing of the cams that gives them a surface hardness that may affect their holding power in certain areas of polished limestone and when the cams still retain their layer of anodizing on the area in contact with the rock. According to Totem, the anodized layer can wear off in use and may be sanded off by hand. However, when the cams are used exclusively on low-adherence rocks the anodized layer is not easily removed and Totem Cams may have a diminished holding power, even when they have been used for some time. The Totem Cam’s grip, notes the company, is suitable for all areas once the anodized layer on the cams on the surface in contact with the rock has been completely rubbed off.

Totem says they have resolved the problem and now microblasts their cams instead of anodizing them.