? for Canon Digital SLR Camera Owners...

**Smiling JOe** · 02-24-2008, 09:24 PM

How many of you have received the dreaded "Err(or) 99" message, which is a general error, often indicating battery, lense or camera contacts need cleaning, but it can indicate other problems? If so, was your problem related to the shutter? If so what was your fix? If you sent it in to Canon, what was their analysis, and are you satisfied with the camera since it was repaired? Have you experienced more Err 99 messages?

**kurt** · 02-25-2008, 10:26 AM

I'm sure you've been googling. canon error 99 - Google Search

The first page that came up looked helpful http://www.richardsnotes.org/archive...ontact-points/

You might also try reading the forums and/or asking quesiton at www.dpreview.com

**Beach Runner** · 02-25-2008, 03:47 PM

Never experienced it. Knock on wood.

**chrisv** · 02-25-2008, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

If so what was your fix?

I'm surprised kurt didn't say it: Nikon

**kurt** · 02-25-2008, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by chrisv

I'm surprised kurt didn't say it: Nikon

I have never gotten a 99 code.

**rdelong43065** · 02-25-2008, 08:45 PM

I only got it once when the flash automatically popped up and hit the brim of my hat.

**Smiling JOe** · 02-25-2008, 10:11 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

I'm sure you've been googling. http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...canon+error+99

The first page that came up looked helpful http://www.richardsnotes.org/archive...ontact-points/

You might also try reading the forums and/or asking quesiton at www.dpreview.com

Yep, seen them all and probably read a few hundred comments on richardsnotes page. One or two mention shutter problems, but no one comments on how to repair that problem other than one person who suggesting using an object to force it, and I'm not going there. My guess is that with the lower prices, I can probably buy a new camera for a little more than the repair costs, which really stinks. I'm sending it off to Canon tomorrow, unless I hear a solution which works.

**kurt** · 02-26-2008, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Yep, seen them all and probably read a few hundred comments on richardsnotes page. One or two mention shutter problems, but no one comments on how to repair that problem other than one person who suggesting using an object to force it, and I'm not going there. My guess is that with the lower prices, I can probably buy a new camera for a little more than the repair costs, which really stinks. I'm sending it off to Canon tomorrow, unless I hear a solution which works.

Check Ebay prices on your model to find its market value. That might help you determine if it's worth repairing. Will the repair shop call you with an estimate?

**Smiling JOe** · 02-26-2008, 08:20 AM

I can buy a new camera body for $329 online. I guess I would need the battery, too, since I think they changed that design, and didn't think to look to see if battery was included with the body-only camera. According to Canon, I pay for the shipping with insurance to Canon, and they check it out and give an estimate via email. Then, they will make the repair or ship it back to me, and they pick up the return shipping cost. I am really hoping that it is a simple repair and only cost something like $75. I think if repair costs come to $150+, I may try taking an object and beating it loose, and if that fails, buy a new camera body.

**CharlesBaisden** · 03-04-2008, 09:01 AM

Hey Joe!

As professional photographers, we get the Error 99 on a somewhat regular basis...but that probably has more to do with the fact that we use our cameras A LOT!

The long & short of it is that I wouldn't worry about too terribly much. It's just part of having a Canon camera! The Nikon users might be right on this one!

We shoot with Canon equipment across the board, and it mostly happens with our 70-200 2.8L IS lens. My theory has always been that the weight of the lens causes the lens coupling system to come loose ever so slightly, and messes with the ability of the camera body to autofocus the lens.

It could be much simplier than that! The easiest fix is to unlock & then relock your lens. This usually gets us by to the action quickly!

Bottom line: I wouldn't throw your camera out, or buy a new one. You might try living with it for a while & see if it is a deal breaker for you.

I hope this helps!
~ Charles

**Smiling JOe** · 03-04-2008, 09:21 AM

Thanks, Charles. I guess I never explained the exact problems of the shutter not closing. The motor keeps trying to close the shutter, even thought the camera is switched to off. The only way to make it stop is removing the battery. When I turn the camera to "on," I hear a slightly different sound, but it is still the motor trying to close the shutter. Even without the lens and or CF card, it is still trying to close the shutter.

I also take a crap load of pics with my camera, at least 300-500 per week on average. I tried everything that I could think of from using an eraser to clean the contact points on the camera, lens, battery, changing lenses, trying it without a lens, changing CF cards, no CF card, removing battery for 30 minutes to reboot, bumped it slightly with my hand, etc. Nothing seems to be working. I sent it off to Canon, and got an email from them yesterday for an estimate of labor costs being $200. No parts, and no details of what they will do for that price. A footnote says that they may replace my camera with a refurbished camera. That is a crazy price, because I can buy a new camera body (XT) for just a bit more. I spoke with a Canon Tech after receiving that estimate, asking her what that $200 estimate is for. If you go to an auto repair place, they will give you an estimate based on the needed work. Not so with Canon. She said that all estimates for the Rebel XT are $200 if there is no sign of physical damage. I asked her what that covers, and she gave me some answer sounding like it was a 21 point inspection you get from your auto-dealer. They will lube the parts, blah, blah, blah, and have it working like new. She even said that they will reinstall the hardware, whatever that means. Hell, I have a micro-screwdriver, and have been known to take things apart. The Canon tech began to avoid my issue of ridiculous costs, and rushed right into some rehearsed lines about which credit card to charge the repairs. I told her to back up and just send the camera back to me without repairs. If I cannot get satisfaction from Canon, I will get much pleasure from banging it out with a hammer and posting it to Google videos, for the entire world to see. Unless someone else wants to replace the costs of my lenses, I'm not likely switching to Nikon anytime soon. I have liked my Canon, except for this ef-N error 99.

**chrisv** · 03-04-2008, 09:51 AM

Well SJ, since you are going to stick with Canon, I thought you might want to get this 1200mm lens to shoot with. You might even be able to read the numbers off my boat with it!

Seriously, give KEH a try. They have a great service department and have always been much more specific with their anticipated repairs, costs and wait times. Or maybe Charles will toss you a little love and refer you for CPS privileges

BTW, nice site & welcome, Charles!

**Smiling JOe** · 03-04-2008, 10:04 AM

ha,ha. You pay the $99K for the used one and the gift taxes, and I'll take it. I bet I could see a clear image of a lady bug on your boat from my dock, if I had a tripod steady enough to hold it. I can probably read your boat numbers without it -- all I need to do is get in my kayak and cruise over for a close up. lol.

I'm just curious why Sports Illustrated would need one that lens. Is it for the swimsuit edition?