20D Problem

[zippy]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
message "err 99"
I have a fully charged battery, original Canon lense. ( I've changed CF
cards - formatted, etc..)
This problem can occur with or without flash.
It is a random problem. I may shoot 100 exposures, then have 2-3 error codes
in a row, a few more good photos, then the error codes again. After that
things work fine again.
In my viewfinder, the image dims when this happens.
I have to turn off the camera and on again to reset.
Posed photos, scenics are not a big deal, but the candid wedding photos,
i.e. Kiss at altar, may be missed.
Anyone out there have any ideas on what is going on here?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Zippy wrote:

> Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
> message "err 99"
> I have a fully charged battery, original Canon lense. ( I've changed CF
> cards - formatted, etc..)
> This problem can occur with or without flash.
> It is a random problem. I may shoot 100 exposures, then have 2-3 error codes
> in a row, a few more good photos, then the error codes again. After that
> things work fine again.
> In my viewfinder, the image dims when this happens.
> I have to turn off the camera and on again to reset.
> Posed photos, scenics are not a big deal, but the candid wedding photos,
> i.e. Kiss at altar, may be missed.
> Anyone out there have any ideas on what is going on here?

The gold electrical contacts on the lens and camera body can
pick up oil and dust.. A dirty contact can cause an error 99.

Try rub the contacts *gently* with a soft clean cloth like
the microfiber lens cleaning type.

 

[ECM]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Zippy wrote:
> Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
> message "err 99"
> I have a fully charged battery, original Canon lense. ( I've changed CF
> cards - formatted, etc..)
> This problem can occur with or without flash.
> It is a random problem. I may shoot 100 exposures, then have 2-3 error codes
> in a row, a few more good photos, then the error codes again. After that
> things work fine again.
> In my viewfinder, the image dims when this happens.
> I have to turn off the camera and on again to reset.
> Posed photos, scenics are not a big deal, but the candid wedding photos,
> i.e. Kiss at altar, may be missed.
> Anyone out there have any ideas on what is going on here?

I don't own a Canon dslr, but this guy seems to think it's dirty
contacts between the lens and body - try cleaning them with a pink
pencil eraser -

http/www.richardsnotes.org/archives/2005/04/29/50mm-lens-contact-points/

Good Luck!
ECM

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

IS it happening with one lens and not another? IF the lens has some
sort of electronic problem or dirty contacts, it will give error codes.
--
http/www.pbase.com/bcbaird

 

[zippy]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I tried the suggestions of cleaning the contacts with a micro fiber cloth,
the same stuff still happens."err 99" , intermittent.
The lens is the standard 18-55mm, it doesn't get changed.

"Brian Baird" <no@no.thank.u> wrote in message
news:MPG.1d5877c514abf101989732@news.verizon.net...
> IS it happening with one lens and not another? IF the lens has some
> sort of electronic problem or dirty contacts, it will give error codes.
> --
> http/www.pbase.com/bcbaird

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Zippy" <tvsphoto@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:QdOdnYgqIqmjVnPfRVn-2Q@rogers.com...
>I tried the suggestions of cleaning the contacts with a micro fiber cloth,
>the same stuff still happens."err 99" , intermittent.
> The lens is the standard 18-55mm, it doesn't get changed.
>

Still, probably the fault of the lens, Err99 is a communication error.
Especially if it only happens with that lens. Pick up another at the camera
store, and try it on your camera, or rent something else and try it. It may
be, too, the contacts on the camera, rather than the lens...

--
Skip Middleton
http/www.shadowcatcherimagery.com

 

[Ben]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I bought my 20D bundled with the 17-85mm EF-S, and never had a single
ERR99 in the 5 months I used it. Then I bought a 75-300 IS USM and got
the error the first time I mounted the lens. Since then, I've update
the camera's firmware to 2.0, but still get the occassional lockup. I
don't need to remove the batteries, just cycle the power, but it's
still a PITA.

I've noticed that I get the lockups when there are harsh reflections in
the scene- the sun bouncing off of a highly polished metal surface
caused the most recent one.

I just figured that it was an inherant incompatibility between the new
20D and the (relatively) older 75-300mm - that lens was the first IS
lens made, and I understand that its design has not changed since its
introduction. I'm just a hobbyist, not a pro, so if I miss a shot
because of the lockup, it's not the end of the world. Still, when you
consider what Canon gets for these things they should be bug-free.

-Ben

 

[Ben]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I bought my 20D bundled with the 17-85mm EF-S, and never had a single
ERR99 in the 5 months I used it. Then I bought a 75-300 IS USM and got
the error the first time I mounted the lens. Since then, I've update
the camera's firmware to 2.0, but still get the occassional lockup. I
don't need to remove the batteries, just cycle the power, but it's
still a PITA.

I've noticed that I get the lockups when there are harsh reflections in
the scene- the sun bouncing off of a highly polished metal surface
caused the most recent one.

I just figured that it was an inherant incompatibility between the new
20D and the (relatively) older 75-300mm - that lens was the first IS
lens made, and I understand that its design has not changed since its
introduction. I'm just a hobbyist, not a pro, so if I miss a shot
because of the lockup, it's not the end of the world. Still, when you
consider what Canon gets for these things they should be bug-free.

-Ben

 

[Ben]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Vince,

Sorry 'bout that double-post - must be too little blood in my caffiene
stream giving me the jitters, causing the dreaded double-click!

Anyway, I stand by my words (all 2X of 'em!)

 

[vinCe]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I do agree with you not 100% but 1000% LOL BEN

Vince....



"Ben" <ben.hodgkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1122992479.924471.318990@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I bought my 20D bundled with the 17-85mm EF-S, and never had a single
ERR99 in the 5 months I used it. Then I bought a 75-300 IS USM and got
the error the first time I mounted the lens. Since then, I've update
the camera's firmware to 2.0, but still get the occassional lockup. I
don't need to remove the batteries, just cycle the power, but it's
still a PITA.

I've noticed that I get the lockups when there are harsh reflections in
the scene- the sun bouncing off of a highly polished metal surface
caused the most recent one.

I just figured that it was an inherant incompatibility between the new
20D and the (relatively) older 75-300mm - that lens was the first IS
lens made, and I understand that its design has not changed since its
introduction. I'm just a hobbyist, not a pro, so if I miss a shot
because of the lockup, it's not the end of the world. Still, when you
consider what Canon gets for these things they should be bug-free.

-Ben

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Zippy" <tvsphoto@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3JqdnfZzZYuzPXPfRVn-tw@rogers.com...
> Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
> message "err 99"
[..]

My "err 99" problems were nothing to do with any of the 3 lenses I used. I
also had annoyingly sporadic "CF error" problems with all of my hi speed 1
and 2 GB CF cards. Canon first replaced the CF read/write components but the
problem continued. They then upgraded the firmware to V2.0.0(?) and the
problem appears solved. It also solved a problem of being unable to read
the Canon formatted cards via a USB II reader on a new Sony Vaio. Your
problem may have nothing to do with my "err 99", but you may have a solution
in a firmware upgrade.

You are right, the "the candid wedding photos, i.e. Kiss at altar, may be
missed." In my case, I was hanging out of a helicopter 20 feet above a
Jabiru (black headed stork), flying above a creek. Not the time to be
opening the battery door to clear a hung err 99!

Dave

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

All this might be "childhood diseases" of the digital cameras, amazing as
they might be, it's still a totally new idea/technology, especially dSLRs.I
remember when I was working at miele representatives here in Iraklion, back
in '95 (www.miele.com) the "electronic" refrigerators, also without
thermostat, but with an electronic circuit instead, were developing some
very serious problems even after months of usage.I think that the best
refrigerators are the traditional ones, while I find that the digital camera
I own now (Kodak CX 7300) is the best I ever had.
--
Tzortzakakis Dimitrios
major in electrical engineering, freelance electrician
FH von Iraklion-Kreta, freiberuflicher Elektriker
dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr
Ï "hyperoglyphe" <hyperoglyphe@schlockmail.com> Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá
news:42ef07a5$0$11958$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...
>
> "Zippy" <tvsphoto@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:3JqdnfZzZYuzPXPfRVn-tw@rogers.com...
> > Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
> > message "err 99"
> [..]
>
> My "err 99" problems were nothing to do with any of the 3 lenses I used.
I
> also had annoyingly sporadic "CF error" problems with all of my hi speed 1
> and 2 GB CF cards. Canon first replaced the CF read/write components but
the
> problem continued. They then upgraded the firmware to V2.0.0(?) and the
> problem appears solved. It also solved a problem of being unable to read
> the Canon formatted cards via a USB II reader on a new Sony Vaio. Your
> problem may have nothing to do with my "err 99", but you may have a
solution
> in a firmware upgrade.
>
> You are right, the "the candid wedding photos, i.e. Kiss at altar, may be
> missed." In my case, I was hanging out of a helicopter 20 feet above a
> Jabiru (black headed stork), flying above a creek. Not the time to be
> opening the battery door to clear a hung err 99!
>
> Dave
>
>
>

 

[Don]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

earlier in this thread someone suggested that you use a pencil eraser to
clean the contacts. This was discussed by Arthur Morris (bird shooter, see:
http/www.birdsasart.com/) who initially suggested to use the eraser route
as well. He was contacted by his Canon rep and told this is a real no no.
Search his site if you wish to see the article on this. The micro fibre
route seems to be the best way to go if you have to clean the contacts.

regards

Don from Down Under
"Ben" <ben.hodgkins@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1123004491.618118.316280@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Vince,
>
> Sorry 'bout that double-post - must be too little blood in my caffiene
> stream giving me the jitters, causing the dreaded double-click!
>
> Anyway, I stand by my words (all 2X of 'em!)
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

> Still, when you
> consider what Canon gets for these things they should be bug-free.

Actually, I'd LOVE to know how much Canon gets for each camera - by the time
the retailer + distributor + importer + importer + manufacturer have all
taken their cut - not to mention taxes.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Zippy wrote:
> Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
> message "err 99"
> I have a fully charged battery, original Canon lense. ( I've changed CF
> cards - formatted, etc..)
> This problem can occur with or without flash.
> It is a random problem. I may shoot 100 exposures, then have 2-3 error codes
> in a row, a few more good photos, then the error codes again. After that
> things work fine again.
> In my viewfinder, the image dims when this happens.
> I have to turn off the camera and on again to reset.
> Posed photos, scenics are not a big deal, but the candid wedding photos,
> i.e. Kiss at altar, may be missed.
> Anyone out there have any ideas on what is going on here?
>
>
8 months would make it one of the same batch my first 20D came from. If
it has version 1.0 or 1.1 of firmware then that is the problem. If you
use a "Grip" with 2 batteries, this can also be the problem where the
contacts inside the battery case are very poorly designed. Canon
recognize the design fault (yeah six months down the track!) and are
doing a recall on the grips.

Anyway... This is definitely a warranty problem if the firmware upgrade
doesn't fix it. About 95% of the time it will. On some of the cameras,
there is a short circuit taking place in the shutter button.

These cameras are riddled with stupid design bugs that should never have
been allowed into production. Canon are so obsessed with gaining market
share, they release cameras which have such great potential, months
before testing is finished... Sort of like Microsoft: Let your customers
find the bugs!

--
Douglas,
Zero care factor for negative responses
from anonymous posters.

 

[Rob]

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Thu, 04 Aug 2005 05:52:25 +1000, Pixby <pixby_douglas@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>Zippy wrote:
>> Iv'e had my 20D for nearly 8 months now. I'm getting an occasional error
>> message "err 99"
>> I have a fully charged battery, original Canon lense. ( I've changed CF
>> cards - formatted, etc..)
>> This problem can occur with or without flash.
>> It is a random problem. I may shoot 100 exposures, then have 2-3 error codes
>> in a row, a few more good photos, then the error codes again. After that
>> things work fine again.
>> In my viewfinder, the image dims when this happens.
>> I have to turn off the camera and on again to reset.
>> Posed photos, scenics are not a big deal, but the candid wedding photos,
>> i.e. Kiss at altar, may be missed.
>> Anyone out there have any ideas on what is going on here?
>>
>>
>8 months would make it one of the same batch my first 20D came from. If
>it has version 1.0 or 1.1 of firmware then that is the problem. If you
>use a "Grip" with 2 batteries, this can also be the problem where the
>contacts inside the battery case are very poorly designed. Canon
>recognize the design fault (yeah six months down the track!) and are
>doing a recall on the grips.
>
>Anyway... This is definitely a warranty problem if the firmware upgrade
>doesn't fix it. About 95% of the time it will. On some of the cameras,
>there is a short circuit taking place in the shutter button.
>
>These cameras are riddled with stupid design bugs that should never have
>been allowed into production. Canon are so obsessed with gaining market
>share, they release cameras which have such great potential, months
>before testing is finished... Sort of like Microsoft: Let your customers
>find the bugs!


I really appreciate all the people who give their experiences with
this camera. I want to buy one (I'm just a hobbyist) but I'm afraid
after dropping about $2,000, I will get a camera with the bug and of
course with my luck, mine will happen after the warrantee is up. Like
you said, I expect no bugs when you spend this much money but based on
so many here, that may not be the case?? Guess I'm trying to just
spend my money wisely if that's possible with buying a camera in this
price range.