Blackmagic Forum

So I recently upgraded to the latest firmware of my camera via USB as the instructions said to. After the update, I had the usual "frequency" lines that were documented in the instructions. Those seemed to disappear on their own after leaving the camera on. Once gone, I turned it off and had it on my desk while I was editing. I soon picked up on a faint clicking noise and followed it to the inside of the BMCC!!! I tried multiple power cycles and still the clicking noise. It shows up clear as day on clips using internal microphone and goes away when the power cable is plugged in. I think it is what is responsible for draining the batteries slowly. Only one other person on the BMCC user forum documented this and I was wondering if anyone else has this issue. Easiest way to tell is opening up the SSD slot and listening.

One thing I will say is how good tech/customer service was. I let them know of the issue and they asked me to ship the camera back and they will either fix or replace it. Even though I haven't gotten to shoot with the camera yet (and the dreaded recent price cut ), I must say that I am happy with the great customer service I've experienced - great job guys!

Hmmmm... as far as I know, the only moving part in the camera is the fan. Maybe you should look into that first.

Hi Frank - I did check the fan out, but that was not it. Unfortunately, I already sent the camera in so I cant post an example of the noise. One other thing I noticed was it was louder and faster once the battery was charged and got quieter and slower the more the battery drained (over two or 3 days). I am not sure the forum rules (mods please forgive me if this is not allowed), but here is another person I found with the same problem - not a lot of info, though:

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?4 ... on-and-off

That's mysterious. The only other part I could think of, that could make a sound is the speaker.
Maybe some strange ground loop somewhere, but what do I know.

I am getting the exact same thing - it is picked up quite loudly in internal audio recordings as well.

I didn't run a firmware update, but my camera was bought only two weeks ago so perhaps the latest firmware was already installed. Are you sure this happened only after the firmware update? (if so then I assume it's resolvable with firmware. That is if they address it soon... otherwise I guess returning the camera is the only option)

I did not have the clicking before the update. I ran a few test clips here and there with the camera and never heard it in the other clips. Since it is mechanical in nature (or at least I am assuming so), I dont think firmware would fix it, but then again, I am stumped as to if/why it would cause it as well.

Could you give an example of your setup? What options you may have changed in-cam? Maybe ISO settings or using the cam with adapters / particular SSDs etc?

For reference I'n using an MFT version of the cam with metabones speedbooster, changed the iso to 1600 before I noticed it. But I think the ISO setting is just a coincidence. (Checked earlier recordings and I can hear it). I was also using a v mount powerbase battery.

... And a 480 gig Sandisk SSD

Sounds like this is the same issue again:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7901

static wrote:Sounds like this is the same issue again:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7901

I don't mean to be rude, but I don't see how this issue is related in any way. That involves a SATA connector coming loose. This topic is a camera, sitting idle, making a clicking noise.

Sure, I don't think you're being rude at all

If you read the post I linked to it's clear there is a clicking sound very similar to the one that is described here. In my case (and in the OP's initial post both here and at the other link) the clicking also seems to be coming from the SSD slot area. If I open the SSD slot I can hear it more clearly. So it would seem very likely it's the same problem (same symptom)

My assumption is that there is some design flaw / weakness in or around the SSD slot area that causes the problem.

My set up is the stock EF version and an Intel SSD.

The worst part was I was getting ready to shoot a music video and now it is on it's way back to BM! Got to look for another tool to use...

Update:

It has been a week since BMD has received my camera and I have been told by customer service it was fixed and will ship out...a total of 3 separate times!!! The camera has not been shipped yet and I am not being told what is wrong.

I am starting to regret my previous statement on the superb customer service - I think the tune others are singing on the forum is more adequate...

Hello Jartanyon,

If you could send me a PM with your email address and RMA ticket number, I can try and look into this further for you.

Thanks Tony. I received another email letting me know that it was indeed shipped out now along with a tracking number - thank you.

As far as the problem goes, I was told one of the components on the PCB discharged and needed to be replaced. Not sure why that would happen, but hopefully it arrives and is working so I can finally take it out for a spin.

Static, looks like your only option is to send it in to get fixed. Good luck.

I too have noticed this in my BMCC EF body.
It's rapid ticking that happens when NOT plugged into the AC adapter. Once I plug it into the wall, the ticking stops.
I can hear it when sticking my ear up to the camera and it's even louder when I open the SSD door.
[When I say "loud", I don't mean "annoyingly ear shattering"...it's a soft/gentle noise that's easy to miss. Once you notice it though, it's more apparent to the user.]

Is this something to be concerned about?
Love the camera and the footage I'm getting out of it...I hope it's not a defect

seant wrote:I too have noticed this in my BMCC EF body.
It's rapid ticking that happens when NOT plugged into the AC adapter. Once I plug it into the wall, the ticking stops.
I can hear it when sticking my ear up to the camera and it's even louder when I open the SSD door.
[When I say "loud", I don't mean "annoyingly ear shattering"...it's a soft/gentle noise that's easy to miss. Once you notice it though, it's more apparent to the user.]

Is this something to be concerned about?
Love the camera and the footage I'm getting out of it...I hope it's not a defect

It is a faulty battery. Contact with BMD support asap.

Nikolay Smirnov wrote:

seant wrote:I too have noticed this in my BMCC EF body.
It's rapid ticking that happens when NOT plugged into the AC adapter. Once I plug it into the wall, the ticking stops.
I can hear it when sticking my ear up to the camera and it's even louder when I open the SSD door.
[When I say "loud", I don't mean "annoyingly ear shattering"...it's a soft/gentle noise that's easy to miss. Once you notice it though, it's more apparent to the user.]

Is this something to be concerned about?
Love the camera and the footage I'm getting out of it...I hope it's not a defect

It is a faulty battery. Contact with BMD support asap.

I believe this.
I was thinking it had something to do with the battery.
I called Support and now awaiting the shipment box.

Ugh..I was having so much fun with it too