topic Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Skip70 — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:16:37 GMT

Pretty excited today to finally get my first 5d Mark IV (rated Excellent by mpb), only to find that th multi--function switch skips. This dial is a pretty important function of the camera and I am deeply disappointed that mpb did not pick it up before rating the camera Excellent.

Yes, I know, send it back. I'm curious, though, if this is a common ailment. I don't plan to tryin to fix it, but I am also curious whether anyone has sprayed electrical contact cleaner in there if it happens at some point well into the future.

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Waddizzle — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:45:29 GMT

Sorry to hear that.

Are you referring to the [M-fn] button the top of the camera? What do you mean by “skips”?

You should perform a hard reset on it, just to clear everything out to a known state. Make sure to reset Custom Controls.

On DSLRs are “hard” reset means setting P mode, and then walking through the entire menu system, The reset option in the men’s only performs a “soft” reset, It only resets basic settings like what you would see in an entry level camera,

Walking through the menus is a good way to learn about the camera features. There must be almost a dozen menu options that open up to a submenu with its own exclusive reset option. Custom Controls is a good example of this.

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Skip70 — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:54:45 GMT

Keeping it simple, "skip" meaning each turn (detent) of the multi-function (M-fn, yes) dial does not result in a progressive change in whatever is being controlled. For example, a turn of the dial does not advance me to the next item on the menu, or does not result in a steady magnification of the image. It is as if the contacts on the dial itself are not making good connection .

No reset; this is not a programming issue, it is an electro-mechanical issue, hence my question about using a contacts cleared

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Waddizzle — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:10:15 GMT

“ Keeping it simple, "skip" meaning each turn (detent) of the multi-function (M-fn, yes) dial does not result in a progressive change in whatever is being controlled. “

We’re not talking about the same thing. The multi-function control, ]M-fn{. Is a button on the top of the camera. Which dial are you referring to? The Wuick Control Disl, QCD, on the rear panel?

The QCD dial surrounds the [SET] button. You should still perform a hard reset on the camera,

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Skip70 — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:21:48 GMT

No, we are not talking about the same thing. I'm clearly talking about what I've identified twice. I never mentioned the QCD dial.

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

FloridaDrafter — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:44:40 GMT

@Skip70 wrote:
Yes, I know, send it back. I'm curious, though, if this is a common ailment. I don't plan to tryin to fix it, but I am also curious whether anyone has sprayed electrical contact cleaner in there if it happens at some point well into the future.

I've had my 5D IV since it's release in late 2016 and it's still going strong and that's with some rough miles on it. The main dial is a little stiff, but it doesn't skip and I suspect that if I used it more, it wouldn't be stiff. Since I bought into the R5 & R6 series 5 years ago, the 5D IV has only been used for macro with an EF 100mm lens.

Personally, I wouldn't spray anything in the dial you are referring to. It may indeed work, but it's just not something I would do. The 5D IV is weather resistant so it has gaskets to protect the dials and buttons, so you have to consider that when spraying stuff in there.

On a side note, I understand why you referred to that dial as the M-fn dial, but that dial is properly called the "Main dial". The letters "M-fn" printed beside it references the button above the text, as shown in Waddizzel's first image.

Newton

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Waddizzle — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:30:28 GMT

Newton wrote?

” On a side note, I understand why you referred to that dial as the M-fn dial, but that dial is properly called the "Main dial". The letters "M-fn" printed beside it references the button above the text, as shown in Waddizzel's first image. “

Thank you for pointing that out.

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

shadowsports — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:51:27 GMT

@Skip70 ,

This is correct. You are identifying a button (M-Fn) and referring to the Main Dial as my colleague @Waddizzle eluded. (But we knew what you meant 😊)

The dial should not skip functions. This isn't common but does happen on body's that have seen some use and often gotten dirty. Finger oils, dust, etc. I also do not recommend using contact cleaner as @FloridaDrafter cautioned against.

People have used the corner of business cards too, but a fix, if you are lucky is typically only temporary. I would return the camera and keep shopping. To repair the Main Dial, the entire Top Assembly of the camera has to be replaced. Its not inexpensive, so its not a good way to start out with a new to you body.

Re: Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

Skip70 — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:31:54 GMT

Rick

Thank you for such a considerate and helpful reply. Yes, I am returning the camera, especially given the essential role of the main dial in so many operations. Frankly, while I have had good success with mpb in the past, I'm taken aback that they would rate the camera as "Excellent" with such an obvious deficiency.