Canon Suggestion

(Likely this idea has been posted before?) This is a problem with several of the Canon bodies- the spin dial for settings moves too easily. I like to keep a standard setting, so I am always ready to shoot, which for me is AV.(Aperture value) But unfortunately, just handling the camera, riding on the seat or whatever, can easily shift that dial to another setting.

Time and time again, I've been ready to shoot, see something worthwhile, reach for the camera, compose, and fire for that perfect shot. But-- something is wrong, and it's because the dial moved on me. Today, I encountered a horseshoer shoeing the front hoof of a beautiful horse, next to a barn-like structure. The guy looked rustic, with a cowboy hat, the paint was quite good looking, and the lighting was bright/diffused. All was just right, but I only had about 3 seconds to react, The Canon camera body should have been on Av setting, which would guarantee me a perfect exposure. The cowboy was in the perfect position, the whole story was in front of me.As I fired at the Decisive Moment, something was wrong. The shutter went "Caaluunk, Caalunk", like a one second exposure. The dial again slipped out of my standard setting and that shot was ruined, so I reached to reset it where it was supposed to be, but at that very moment, the Cowboy moved to the back hoof, and then was totally finished all within about 3 seconds. You can't set up that shot by asking him to repeat, at least not get that natural, as it was, condition. So, another shot lost again. Canon needs to stiffen up that dial, maybe with tighter clicks, or even some set pin, that holds it where you want it. My two cents worth. MM

This struck a cord with me Mark. I agree - it happens all too often with me and my 7D. In fact, it happened again today while shooting birds.

It's been a while since I had my 10D, but I don't remember ever having this problem with them. Which dial is moving? If the rear, turn on the lock.

I have used 4 different rebels and never have had this problem.

I have had this problem on the 40D, the camera body I use the most. The others, 5D and 20D, don't seem to turn as easily. I always blamed it on the amount of use.

This isn't a problem on 1 series bodies, but I've had it happen to me a number of times with a Canon point and shooter and recently with my spouse's Rebel. Very annoying.

I feel your pain.... I've had the same problem with my 50D.. Frustrating - but, it makes me check my settings more often.

I've had a Canon D60, 20D, 30D, 40D, 5D, now 7D and 5D Mark II and NEVER had this issue. Seriously. I'm a Canon guy (as you'll soon infer) but seriously, never had this issue. It's hard to even understand because that dial is not located where it can easily be bumped or moved. On all of my bodies the dial has had firm detents on all positions and if it's simply vibrating to a different spot from riding on a car seat, then clearly there must be something wrong. Rather than suffer I'd suggest you send it to Canon and get it fixed. Things do break. Things do go out of adjustment on anything no matter who makes it so I don't think it's a "Canon thing". It's just something that needs fixed. Send it to one of the two Canon repair facilities. My experience with Canon repair service has been very limited because the cameras simply have not needed it (the cameras are that good!). But the one time I dropped a body, the repair was fast and reasonably priced. Put the joy back and get 'er fixed! Good luck.
JR

I've never had this problem either. I had the 40D and now the 7D. To my knowledge, the dial has never moved while simply bumping along in the car nor while holding it. My thumb fits perfectly between the dial and the Af related buttons. I can imagine it getting moved if it is in a very tight bag and the back rubs the side of the bag when you remove it (i.e. if it is sitting in a tight back light it would sit on a table), but I tend not to have my bag that tight because I don't want the lcd screen rubbed too much. I do see that issue as a problem with the little s90 p&s, but that's a different story altogether.

If we're talking about the top dial (M, AV, TV, P, etc.), then I've also experienced this. I think it probably just depends on how you carry the camera and how much you move around with it dangling against your body. I am not careful about putting away my camera snugly in between shooting opportunities. I often have two or more bodies dangling off my neck/shoulders at different angles whether I'm shooting sports or hiking through a jungle. Inevitably the camera bumps against my side/arm/hip/etc. and the dial occasionally moves.

If it seems abnormally loose then I agree that you should have it looked at. Otherwise, the only solution may just be to alter your carrying technique.

Max

If you never change the setting you could tape it in place if you're really worried about losing a shot that way again.

I've had it happen on a few rare occasions with my 5D2, but I don't carry it around like a baby either..

Try holding your camera differently and be more careful is all I can say. In my year of shooting with the 50d I haven't had that problem.

I have this happen all the time with my 7D, and it can be very annoying, and can result in poorly-exposed shots - say, when the dial gets knocked from Av (where I leave it by default) to M. The dial gets moved when I carry the camera over my shoulder on a strap.
My old EOS 33 film camera has a metal pin by the dial which needs to be pressed in before the dial can be turned. A much better design, which Canon neeed to bring back!
Have a look at the following picture to see the metal pin I mean, at the front of the dial on the right-hand side of the camera: http://katalog-aparatow-fotograficznych.pl/img/canon-eos-33-v-1.jpg.
Maybe they can include this feature on the 7D Mark 2!?

<<If we're talking about the top dial (M, AV, TV, P, etc.), then I've also experienced this.>.

Yes, this is the dial I meant. Like many things, you can check them 'til you're blue in the face, except prior to the one time it's critical. Taping maybe a good idea.
Thanks for replies.

Here's another, which I'll post as a separte topic shortly (and not Canon's fault or anything);
For my big Canon lenses on a tripod, I have connector strap I designed simply to connect the lens to the tripod head, just in case, the big lens ever decides to slip. Will finish in separate topic, MM

An old sports shooters technique: Use a small piece of gaffers tape to tape down the dials where you want them set. Cheap, fast and reliable.

Never heard of gaffers tape. I'll give it a try.