Help!!! Anyone? Trying again... - DPChallenge Forums

05/21/2006 04:30:16 PM · #1

Follow up to a previous post, but really could use some advice (not sure if there is much anyone can tell me--but I am totally freaking out!!).

I am having problems with err99 on my 20D when I use my 28-135 zoom lens. I contacted Canon and they suggested a firmware update, which I did and yet I still get the error. Now they suggest sending both the body and the lens to Canon for service. The problem is I have a wedding to shoot next weekend and two in June. I am fairly sure my 1 year warranty is up on the body, but the lens is under warranty until late June (right about the time I'll be free to send it off the Canon for repair). The camera works fine with my other lens (however don't know for sure it would work on a borrowed/rented zoom lens), so I hate to ship it off for service and have to rent both a body and a lens. I am thinking of just renting/borrowing lenses until these weddings are done and then shipping everything to Canon, but that will put it arriving at Canon a day or so after the one year date on the lens and I don't know if they will honor the warranty.

Any advice for the situation, or has anyone else had problems with this lens like this (I tried cleaning the contacts also and clearing all settings)

CEJ

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

05/21/2006 04:38:04 PM · #2

If you have a shop that will rent you a lens, go there, attach the lens and see if it works before you walk out with it.

For your lens: Check the contacts on the lens carefully - clean carefully. Attach the lens to a different body to see if it works - perhaps at the same place that would rent you a lens.

Message edited by author 2006-05-21 20:39:39.

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/21/2006 04:39:27 PM · #3

That is the typical Murphy's Law situation.... I feel your pain :-(

The only thing I could suggest is to find someone else with a Canon camera to test out the lens, which should narrow down if the fault IS in fact with the lens.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

05/21/2006 04:43:46 PM · #4

Do you have a battery grip on it? I've heard that error is more common if you use one.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

05/21/2006 04:52:58 PM · #5

Originally posted by idnic:

Do you have a battery grip on it? I've heard that error is more common if you use one.

Yes! I do, perhaps I will try starting over without the grip....

(Thanks to others for suggestions and support!!---I'll be testing all these things tomorrow when places are open to test lenses and body)

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

05/21/2006 04:54:16 PM · #6

Good luck with it! Let us know how it goes. :)

CEJ

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

05/21/2006 05:05:52 PM · #7

You could take the battery grip off and test it now. Might be an easy fix and you would get a better night's sleep.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

05/21/2006 05:08:57 PM · #8

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=396525

05/21/2006 05:13:06 PM · #9

I just got a ton of shots with it (first with the grip and then without it), thinking maybe it will work, but something I adjusted gave me the error and then it keeps giving the error. I just can't seem to figure out what is setting the error off to make sure I don't do that. I am really tempted to borrow a lens and take all three lens to the wedding and just hope I don't miss something great....just try my luck! I just don't know if I can afford to rent a camera body and lens and pay for repairs right now!!! My business is brand new and I am still paying off the camera and at this rate my business will go under before I ever get stated!!!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/21/2006 05:21:05 PM · #10

What do you guys suggest using to clean the contacts with? I have heard using a pencil eraser and also have that paper suff and liquid you get with (what I assumed was a cheap) lens cleaning kit. Is that stuff good, or should I use a cloth or some sort?

xcharrier

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

05/21/2006 05:25:44 PM · #11

I'd be really apprehensive to do a wedding with possible faulty equipment... especially with no back up body. I personally would rent another body just to be on the safe side because if something would happen to your equipment on thier (bride and grooms) most important day, you would be held liable.

05/21/2006 06:06:55 PM · #12

Originally posted by xcharrier:

Yes, I know, I probably wouldn't do this either, but I feel fairly confident that my wide angle will work for the posed and group photos, and I wonder if I get the zoom working and just leave it in automatic if it will be fine.....

This will only be my third wedding and they are acquaintances who are ok with knowing my experience level, so I am nervous about my results anyway, but I'd hate to mess it up for them because of the equipment...

This whole situation makes me wonder how dependable any equipment is, as I have relied on this equipment for the past couple of years and never had a problem, never thought I needed a back up body or lens....

We'll see what I can find out when I can test other lenses/bodies.

Thanks.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/21/2006 06:40:17 PM · #13

If not sending the camera/lens in right away I would suggest renting/borrowing a second body for backup.

From what I've heard, the 20D has issues when using the battery grip. I know several people that have a problem. It may not be the lens contacts but the grip to camera contacts.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

05/21/2006 09:36:20 PM · #14

Originally posted by JLThomas:

Any advice for the situation, or has anyone else had problems with this lens like this (I tried cleaning the contacts also and clearing all settings)

If you are a professional photographer (doing weddings makes me assume this to be true) you need to do two things. First of all, you need backup equipment so you aren't in this situation, and you need to join Canon Professional Services for priority turnaround time on repairs.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

05/22/2006 04:44:16 AM · #15

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by JLThomas:

Any advice for the situation, or has anyone else had problems with this lens like this (I tried cleaning the contacts also and clearing all settings)

If you are a professional photographer (doing weddings makes me assume this to be true) you need to do two things. First of all, you need backup equipment so you aren't in this situation, and you need to join Canon Professional Services for priority turnaround time on repairs.

Thanks. I'll have to look into the Canon Professional Services-sounds like something I'll need. I am very new to being a "professional photographer". I am doing some weddings but they are all people who know my situation--beginner. I am starting a business, but not supporting myself on photography yet.

Any recommendations for a back up body? There is no way I can afford another 20d just for back up. I can't afford anything, but agree it's a good idea, so maybe as soon as I pay off the 20d I'll put something else on my credit card.

Apple iPhone

05/22/2006 04:50:49 AM · #16

With the 30D coming out, you might find used 20Ds out there for a price you can afford.

Originally posted by JLThomas:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by JLThomas:

Any advice for the situation, or has anyone else had problems with this lens like this (I tried cleaning the contacts also and clearing all settings)

If you are a professional photographer (doing weddings makes me assume this to be true) you need to do two things. First of all, you need backup equipment so you aren't in this situation, and you need to join Canon Professional Services for priority turnaround time on repairs.

Thanks. I'll have to look into the Canon Professional Services-sounds like something I'll need. I am very new to being a "professional photographer". I am doing some weddings but they are all people who know my situation--beginner. I am starting a business, but not supporting myself on photography yet.

Any recommendations for a back up body? There is no way I can afford another 20d just for back up. I can't afford anything, but agree it's a good idea, so maybe as soon as I pay off the 20d I'll put something else on my credit card.

05/22/2006 05:18:18 AM · #17

Great Idea!!! Thanks!!!

cheekymunky

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/22/2006 05:32:57 AM · #18

When I had my err99 saga, one possible cause I found was sticking aperature blades. If happens to just one lens it could be the problem, no quick fix though! Does the depth of field preview work?