Multi-function switch skips Canon 5d Mark IV

[Skip70]

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. 

[Waddizzle]

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.

[Skip70]

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 

[Waddizzle]

“ 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,

[Skip70]

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. 

[FloridaDrafter]

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@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. 

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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

[Waddizzle]

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.

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

@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.  

[Skip70]

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.