Mode Dial on EOS 5D Mark III making clicking sounds

[Chankra]

Hello everybody, I recently bought a used 5d mark 3 and for some reason whenever I change the shooting mode on the dial it makes a loud clicking noise, my friend has the same camera and his doesn't make any noise. The noise is noticeably loud.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

The mode dial should not make clicking sounds.

Did you buy from a reputable vendor or private party?

I'd return it.  

[Chankra]

The third party I bought from is trusted and is the one that sold the before mentioned friend his camera. Is there a way to fix the problem without opening the camera; if there isn't should I open it up and fix it, is it worth the risk of damaging other stuff?

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Typically, a mode dial is a complete top assembly replacement.  I would not try to service the camera on your own. 

Try midwestcamera dot com

[wq9nsc · Accepted solution]

The encoder used for mode selection does make a very audible and definite clicking noise with these cameras.  It is noticeably louder and slightly higher pitched than the clicks coming from the shutter speed and aperture controls.

If your friend's camera mode control is totally silent, he has the one with the problem.  These are step type detent encoders with very positive action and they do provide a click as audible feedback.  If his has lost its click, the encoder is probably well worn.

Rodger