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Question

"Err99" code in Canon display screen

Aug 10, 2011 12:25AM PDT

HELP!! I have a three year old Canon EOS Rebel XTi. Recently I tried to take a photo, and after snapping the shot was greeted with a message in the display screen that read: "Err99" The instructions said to "Turn the power switch off and on, and/or reinstall the battery." I have done this repeatedly with no change in my ability to take photos. What is going on, since I waited so long to purchase an upscale digital 35mm camera and now have this problem. Is this a common problem with this model of camera? I called a camera store in OKC and was told they could fix it but it would cost about $250. This is ridiculous!! I thought Canon sold a good quality product. I am thinking I should stayed with my Minolta SRT101. Please help as I'm going on a trip the first week of September and wanted to take the Canon with me (along with my Nikon Cool-Pix).
Thank you, Charles Baumann

Discussion is locked

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Answer
New Battery
Aug 10, 2011 2:28AM PDT

I would try installing a new battery to see if that solves the problem. If it does not, then you will know the problem lies with the camera.

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Err99
Aug 10, 2011 4:11AM PDT

Thanks for the advise, but I have already done this -- with no success.

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Clarification
Aug 10, 2011 4:26AM PDT
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Err99
Aug 10, 2011 6:32AM PDT

Thank you for your suggestion. The batteries I have are both fully charged, but are not brand new. How long should these batteries last? Thank you also for the link to instructions for a reset. Unfortunately after trying this twice I still get the "Err99" code and am unable to take photos.

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Rechargeables get about 300 cycles then are suspect.
Aug 10, 2011 6:36AM PDT

While we often get more, figure 18 months if we use them a lot.
Bob

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Answer
Err99
Aug 10, 2011 7:36AM PDT

Canon uses the same error codes for all their DSLR cameras.
Canon uses that code as a catch-all.
If something happens that the camera can not diagnose, it reports Err99.

It can be something transient or associated with bad connections of many types.

Try another lens and see if you continue to get the Err99.
Do the same for memory card and battery.

Clean the contacts on the lens and body.

Some people report that they had to have the shutter mechanism replaced.

If you are unable to clear the error then you should call Canon Service.

..

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err99
Aug 15, 2011 3:37AM PDT

i had this same problem with my 20d when i first purchased it years ago. i had to take out the batteries and then replace them and it would work. turned out is was a problen with the vertical grip and canon had a program to fix it.