So I got an error 99 for the first time with my 1d III the other day and I'm a bit confused as to the cause and solution for fixing. I've read a couple pages about what can cause the error, but in my situation it was a bit different. I was shooting a time lapse series over the course of about 8 hours and then towards the end of the shoot I started to get error 99. I replaced battery, turned camera off etc, but nothing would fix it. I then brought the camera home, let it sit overnight and now it appears fine. Is this normal or should I send the stupid thing in for repair? How likely is it to happen again?
There are a couple standard things you can do, but the 1DMIII is known to ocassionally have a problem that causes this error and only Canon can fix it.
1. Clean electrical contacts between the lens and body
2. Upgrade firmware
3. Replace the Li backup battery.
I had to send mine to Canon for repairs shortly after buying it.
While there is a specific problem which affected some 1DIIIs, Err 99 is a generic error code with lots of possible causes. I had it once after about 4000 shots, cured by turning on + off. Mine's now approaching 50000 shots and I haven't seen it since.
Note: ERR 99 is a general error code that means any one of a number of electronic errors have occurred. It is reported that a low battery is the most common source of ERR99s. Other causes include corrupted CF card and lens to body communications issues. A failing shutter has also been widely reported as a source for ERR 99s, as well as worn or corroded contacts inside the lens.
To isolate the cause of the issue do the following:
1. Turn off the camera.
2. Remove the lens, battery, and CF card (and battery grip, if used).
3. Allow the camera to sit without power for approximately 20 minutes.
4. Insert a fully charged battery, and turn on the camera (with no CF card).
5. Depress the shutter button as you would to take a picture.
If the ERR 99 continues then the camera should be serviced. If it does not then proceed to the next set of steps:
1. Turn off the camera.
2. Insert the CF card.
3. Turn on the camera.
4. Format the CF card in the camera.
5. Depress the shutter button as you would to take a picture.
If the ERR 99 appears then the CF card is the most likely source of the issue. Try using a different card.
If the message does not appear complete the following steps:
1. Turn off the camera.
2. Clean the lens contacts on both the lens and the camera. I prefer DeoxiIT Gold for a cleaning fluid.
3. Attach the 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.
If you see the “ERR 99″ with a different Canon lens attached, then the camera should be serviced.
For factory service, forward the digital camera (remove the CF card and battery) properly packaged and insured, with a letter describing the difficulties. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and proof of warranty (if applicable). Send to the Canon Factory Service Center at the following address:
Canon Factory Service Center
100 Jamesburg Road
Jamesburg, NJ 08831
Tel.# (732) 521-7007
or
Canon Factory Service Center
15955 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618
Tel.# (949) 753-4200
I get the err99 error with my Tamron 70-300mm. In talking with Tamron, it's pretty common with this lens and is a lens calibration issue. Mine is still under warranty and I'll send it in to have it calibrated.
However, in other circumstances, this is Canon's general, All Purpose, error code, which could mean many things.
