EOS30D - was wondering if anyone can tell me what ERR99 message is about

[Almstnythng]

Receiving ERR99 message - What is the message about and/or what is the fix

[jfo]

Here's what Canon says and recommends:

Error code No.	Message	Solution
Err 99	A system malfunction has been detected.	-Turn the power switch to <ON> to turn on the power again. -Remove and re-install the battery. -Use a Canon lens. -If the instructions above do not solve the problem, please contact your nearest Canon Service Center. (*1)
(*1) Please refer the NOTE below. (*2) Please refer to Related Information.
Note: If the same error keeps appearing, there may be a problem that requires service.  Please arrange a repair clicking on the following link: Request a Repair.

from: http://kbsupport.cusa.canon.com/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1011&PARTITION_ID=1&secu...

Error 99 — the “check engine light” of previous Canon EOS SLRs

For EOS photographers working with cameras that were launched prior to about 2007 (such as an original EOS 5D, a Rebel XT or XTi, EOS 20D, and so on), this error code generated more misinformation than any other. Contrary to much on-line speculation, Error 99 on EOS models of this vintage was a non-specific error code — much like the Check Engine light in a car. The camera had detected some sort of internal disturbance or error, but it wasn’t precisely related to codes 01 through 06 above. Just because two different EOS cameras of the same model may have reported “Error 99” messages in no way meant that they encountered the same problem… any more than two similar cars with Check Engine lights illuminated were necessarily having the same trouble.

from: http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/eos_error_msgs.shtml

If power-cycling the camera doesn't help, contacting Canon for service sounds like the best option.

[cicopo]

It's a generic code that something is wrong, & it could be anything from a bad cell in your battery to a bad contact between the lens & body. You can do a Google search & find lots of info on it but some of the best is from Roger at Lens Rentals.

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/12/canons-error-99-the-man-the-myth

[Richard]

Hi Almstnythng,

The "Err 99" message indicates a communication error.  It may be with the lens or memory card, or the error may be caused by a malfunction of an internal component.

To isolate the cause of the issue, I suggest that you do the following:

  1.  Turn off the camera.

  2.  Remove the lens, battery, and memory card.

  3.  Insert a fully charged battery, and turn the camera on, in the "manual" mode.

  4.  Depress the shutter button as you would to take a picture.

Does the Err 99 message appear?  If it does, then the camera should be serviced.  If it does not, then please proceed to the next set of steps:

  1.  Turn off the camera.

  2.  Insert a memory card. Please be certain you have no images you wish to keep on this card!

  3.  Turn on the camera.

  4.  Format the memory card in the camera  (Do not format a memory card that contains pictures you need to keep, as this erases ALL pictures!!).

  5.  Depress the shutter button as you would to take a picture.

Does the Err 99 message appear?  If so, then the memory card is the most likely source of the issue.  Try using a different card.  If the message reappears with a new memory card, then your camera will require repair.

If the message does not appear, please complete the following steps:

  1.  Turn off the camera.

  2.  Clean the contacts on the lens and the camera by gently rubbing them with a clean soft cloth.
      Be careful that you do not let any debris fall into the camera body.

  3.  Reattach your lens.

  4.  Turn on the camera.

  5.  Depress the shutter button as you would to take a picture.

If the Err 99 message only appears when one particular lens is attached, then that lens should be examined by a service technician.