Shot = Shutter? - Interpreting EOS 5D Mark III shot and mirror count numbers

[KRCPHOTOGRAPHY]

Hello! I have no doubt this is going to make me look utterly stupid but I just sent in my #EOS 5D Mark III in for the first time for maintenance and got this back.

”Shot count:217908. Mirror count:218363”

Can someone clarify what this means? Is it good? Bad? Does this mean it’s not preforming well? What number would it have to get to before it would best to have the shutter replaced?

TNA! 

[Peter]

You replace a shutter when it breaks, or with 5D III, you buy a new camera when the shutter breaks. The repair cost may be more than the camera is worth.

Your shutter may break tomorrow or after 10 years. Nothing to worry about.

[p4pictures]

Mirror movement happens when you have raised the mirror but not necessarily taken a shot. This can happen if you have mirror lock up set, switch to live view or use movie mode. Your counts are very similar which would indicate that the camera has been mostly used for stills with the optical finder.

[ebiggs1]

"”Shot count:217908. Mirror count:218363”"

That's a lot!

"What number would it have to get to before it would best to have the shutter replaced?"

Could be the next click or it could be ....................

[p4pictures]

I'm pretty sure that the shutter in the EOS 5D Mark III is rated for 150,000 actuations. So your's is doing pretty well already.

Given that the EOS 5D Mark IV was introduced in 2016, effectively ending the EOS 5D Mark III, then it could already be that your camera is out of the 7 year time limit where Canon keeps parts.

[ebiggs1]

Personally I have never had to replace a shutter assembly but I know of several friends or associates that have. The last one was a couple years ago and cost $350 bucks by Canon. I am sure it has gone up a little now so the replacement will be near the value of a used working 5D Mk III. If the shutter goes, it could be easier to just find a good used 5D Mk III.

It doesn't matter if Canon isn't servicing your 5D as some commercial repair shops will do it for as long as they have parts. They even salvage parts from other camera for parts.