Canon 400D – Error99

• ShellyOShea

  Member

  July 21, 2010 at 4:10 pm

  Hi

  I have been using a Canon 400D (with standard EFS 17-85mm zoom lens) for almost a year now, as I have just started learning about photography and wanted to take photos using manual settings for Aperture/shutter speed etc…, just messing around and seeing the results.
  The camera belongs to my brother who purchased it about 4 years ago (in NZ) and everything has been working fine until very recently.
  I keep getting error99 messages on the LCD screen when I try to take a photo. The message reads
  ‘Err99 – Shooting is not possible. Turn power switch to and again or re-install the battery’
  This has never happened before, and I thought it may have been due to some settings I wasn’t getting correct, until I set it
  to automatic, and still kept getting the error messages.
  I have noticed, that the camera works fine when I am in shaded areas, or indoors, but as soon as I go outdoors in bright conditions, that’s when the error messages appear more frequently – it’s like it’s allergic to the sun or something! Needless to say, you can imagine my frustration with the shot lined up, and then the camera deciding not to take it!
  Just FYI aswell, I always have AF & stabilizer switched on & the battery is fully charged.
  Can anyone help at all with this? Does it just need a service? Would this be expensive? Can you recommend anywhere near Portlaoise/Kildare/Dublin to have it repaired if necessary?
  Many thanks in advance for any help you can give me
  Shelly :)
  miki g

  Participant

  July 22, 2010 at 6:18 am

  Hi Shelly.
  There can be various reasons for err99 appearing on your camera. If you were in the process of taking a photo while another was being written to your memory card, this can cause an error message. Dirty contacts on the lens/camera can also give error messages. Canon usually give advice relating to steps to take for error99 messages. The following thread may help with the steps required to clear this message

  viewtopic.php?f=11&t=38658.
  patmas

  Participant

  September 2, 2010 at 5:20 pm

  Hi,

  I have the same error with the 1000D and I’ve found a trick of mine that works 100% of the time (for me) : when I get the err99 I don’t power off the camera -> I just open and close the SD door. I believe there’s a mechanical/electrical design flaw here and I’ve let Canon know about it.

  My 2cts

  Pat