The "Error 99″ is generic in nature as the exact cause of the error is undetermined until examined by a Canon Factory technician. This error condition may be caused by several different factors. To assist in narrowing down the possible cause of this error we have provided the following troubleshooting checklist. Please note not all items will apply depending on your camera configuration. After attempting each procedure, attempt to use the camera to determine if the error condition is resolved.
NON-CANON LENS
A non-Canon lens when used on a Canon EOS body may not provide full electronic communication and may cause error “99″ to be displayed. To determine if this is the source of the error, considering testing your camera with a Canon EF lens. You may need to consider having your lens manufacturer inspect your lens for communication/compatibility issues with the Canon EF auto-focus system if the issue only occurs with your non-Canon lens. Usually such issues can be corrected through hardware and/or firmware updates provided by the lens manufacturer. However, Canon does not endorse or provide any guarantees of reliability when third party lenses are used.
CLEANING CONTACTS
Oils, dirt, dust and other factors may cause communication issues between the camera body and the attached lens. Please find instructions below to correctly clean the contacts on the lens and on the camera body.
- Remove the lens from the camera body
- Using the “eraser head” of a standard pencil, gently clean the contacts on the lens
- While holding the camera in a downward position (to avoid debris from falling into camera), clean the contacts (pins) on the lens mount
- After cleaning the lens and body contacts, use a soft cloth to gentle wipe the contacts clean
- Attempt to use the camera again to see if the problem has been resolved.
INSUFFICIENT OR LOW BATTERY POWER
- Ensure the battery pack being used has sufficient power (if in doubt recharge battery pack)
- Remove and re-attach the battery to ensure a proper connection (remove the battery pack for at least 60 seconds)
- If a battery grip is being utilized, remove the grip to determine if this is the cause of the error
LENS ISSUE
- Remove and re-attach the lens to see if the error clears.
- To further determine the source of this condition, you may consider testing the camera with another lens. If this error seems to occur only with a specific lens, the lens may require inspection.
MEMORY CARD
- It some circumstances, this error can be due to the memory card be used.
- Attempt to use another memory card in the camera, to see if the condition clears.
- Additionally it is recommended the card be formatted in the camera for best compatibility. For more information on formatting the memory card, consult your camera’s operational manual.
RESETTING CAMERA
- If all the above suggestions have failed to resolve this condition, then it is recommended the camera be reset to default settings.
- To reset the camera to default settings, it is necessary to be in one of the creative shooting modes (i.e P, Tv, Av, M).
- Reset any personal or custom functions as well (if applicable).
If "Error 99″ continues to display, I would like to suggest that your EOS body be forwarded directly to our Factory Service Department at the address noted below. Upon receipt, we will have a technician throughly inspect your camera body and advise you of the findings. We will then be in a better position to determine how we may best assist you in this matter. Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, copy of your bill of sale and a brief description of the symptom(s). Upon receipt, we will have a technician thoroughly inspect your product and advise you of the findings.
