40D Error 99 question

[cshumpert]

I have done all the suggested fixes that I found on the internet and I still keep getting the Error 99--I can sometimes get off one shot before I get the error for next 3 or 4. LCD viewfinder doesn't work at all--completely black.

Here's what I have tried:
I have cleaned the lens contacts ( I get the error with all four lens, 3 Canons and 1 Sigma).
I have taken out the battery and the card.
I have changed the battery and the card.
I use a fully charged battery.
I get the error if I use a remote or the shutter button.
Any other suggestions? Canon Service is closed for the holiday.
Apparentlly Error 99 is a pretty big "catch all" error.

Doesn't sound good , does it?

[squatty420]

Time to send it back to Canon! I know that's not what you want to hear but that's the best thing you can do at this point.

I've gotten it 2 times. However it was freezing cold and I was out shooting some Canvasbacks. I'd get the message when I rapid fire then release then rapid fire again. It would lock up on the 2nd rapid fire attempt. I just turned off the camera and removed the battery. That fixed it and I was off to shooting again. I haven't gotten it since that morning. If you're still having issues and keep getting the error it's got to go back. They will fix it and have it back to you in relatively no time, maybe 2 weeks.

[cesar]

Did you get the error 99 with all your lenses???? I had this happen to me with the 30D and a Sigma lens, it turned out that I had to send the sigma lens to get a chip upgrade.

[cshumpert]

Yep, all three Canons (70-200L, 100-400L, 50mm) and Sigma 30mm.

I did first get the error when shooting in rapid fire and after that it became more frequent when using the LCD view screen.

Thanks for the input, I guess it's back to Canon for repair! For now the money I have been saving for a flash kit may have to go somewhere else.

[brymill]

What did you use to clean the lens contacts with? I had the same problem with my wife's brand new Rebel XSi. She only had 76 shots through it. I tried cleaning the contacts with several different things with no luck. I was just before sending it back and I found a lens cleaner in my bag that smelled like an alcohol base cleaner and cleaned the contacts on the camera and have not had the error since. It might be worth the try to put a little alcohol on a lens cloth and clean the contacts on the camera. It worked for me.

[cshumpert]

As far as what I tried--
first I tried a pencil eraser, then I tried lens cleaner, then I tried alcohol.

When I talked to the service rep today she agreed I had tried everything she would have suggested, so it will be going for a repair visit tomorrow.

[Steve_e]

Sorry to hear of your trouble Cindy.

Error 99 is a "confusion" error, much like a computer crash. Sometimes they show up and then vanish, other times the quick fixes won't help. Canon(New Jersey) serviced a camera of mine recently and did outstanding work, the best customer service I've ever received. They may upgrade your firmware if you haven't already, make setting checks(focus, etc.) and it will return looking like brand new. I shipped mine on a Tuesday evening, and on Friday morning I had it back in my hands, operating perfectly and spotless, now that's service.

Hope you have yours back soon.

Steve

[BillE]

I had the exact same thing happen several weeks ago while photographing the wild horses and new folds in Carova and Carolla. I had to go to my back up body to finish the day. After which I tried all the recommended fixes with no luck. I knew I was out of luck when I tried to do a mirror lock up with out any luck. I sent the camera back to Canon and the shutter had to be replaced. If you have not sent the camera to Canon I would do so. The entire fix cost about $250.00 and that body was gone for about 8 days total. Error 99 is like a catch all error code it can truly be anything for dirty contacts to a faulty shutter as in my case.

[cshumpert]

Thanks Bill. I did call Canon, but I purchased an extended warranty thru B&H Photo when I bought it so it was sent to Precision Camera & Video Repair. They received it on 5/29 and I checked the status of the repair online today and it's still in the shop. I did a little Internet searching and it sounds like they know what they are doing so I will reserve judgement until I get it back and see how it works.

I have had this 40D since February 2008 and put a lot of shots on it, but expected to get a whole lot more before I had any issues. At least your repair story gives me hope and a ballpark figure if I have to send it to Canon with no warranty.

[cshumpert]

UPDATE:
It was the shutter, Precision Camera did the repair and had it back to me within about 10 days, no problems with the warranty and I've had no trouble since.