Lens problem?

[Bayla]

This has nothing to do with PSE but I thought as so many people on this forum have a Canon 300/350D aka Rebel, someone might be able to advise me.

I started getting an error message (ERR 99) on my camera right out of the blue, and it wouldn't take any pictures. After a fair bit of trial & error I have worked out that the problem seems to be only when I attach one particular lens - all my other lenses work OK. Anybody any idea why this should be happening - is there anything I can do or should I just take the lens into my local camera shop for them to have a look at it? (The lens is only 8 months old but unfortunately it's the one my dh bought when we were in the USA last year so I can't easily return to the Manhattan shop where he bought it:()

Any help gratefully received,

Bayla

[GaryK]

Bayla

Have a look here.

http://www.richardsnotes.org/archives/2005/04/29/50mm-lens-contact-points/

Hope it helps.

[douglas m scott]

Bayla,
I have a digital rebel (D300) and 20D I have the same problem on both cameras when I use my EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS lens. I think it usually happens when the battery is getting on the low side and I am shooting burst in Sports Mode (Baseball).
doug

[lowbone]

If cleaning the lens contact points doesn't work you will probably have to return the lens to a Canon service center for repair.

[lowbone]

If it is a Canon lens and only eight months old it should still be under warranty and Canon will fix it free. Contact your nearest Canon service center for instructions. If it is not a Canon lens there is a chance that the chip is not compatable with your camera bodies. I had that problem with two Sigma lenses. If that is the case you will have to write the company and see if they will re-chip your lens. Before you do any of this, try cleaning the contacts on the lens and also on the camera body. That may be all it takes

[Bayla]

Thanks everyone for your input. I've read every post on the link you put in Gary, and it seems that Error 99 can occur for any number of reasons. I've been playing with the camera all day, trying different settings (if nothing else positive has come out of this at least I now know how to take pictures out of auto mode!!:)) It certainly seems to be isolated to the one lens, which incidentally is a Sigma 28-200mm. Would love to take it back, but it is just too complicated - first I'd have to find someone going to the States, then my kids would have to make a special trip into Manhattan...guess it's easier to try & sort it out here.

I've cleaned the contacts, taken the battery out, changed the CF card & got it working for maybe two or three shots but then it goes again:( I guess there must be a problem with the lens if the kit lens & my macro lens work with no problem.

Bayla

[Bayla]

Well, I took both camera & lens to be checked out....it was definitely a lens problem which cost me £61 to have fixed.(Cheaper than a flight to the USA:)) The repair docket says: 'Dismantled to replace iris coupling FPCB. Reset & test.' (Whatever that means) It's now working fine, and the lens is guaranteed for another year.

Bayla

[LeeOtsubo]

Well, I took both camera & lens to be checked out....it was definitely a lens problem which cost me £61 to have fixed.(Cheaper than a flight to the USA:)) The repair docket says: 'Dismantled to replace iris coupling FPCB. Reset & test.' (Whatever that means) It's now working fine, and the lens is guaranteed for another year.

Bayla

Dismantled - To take apart, disassemble
Replace - To substitute with a similar item
Iris - Moveable blades which form the aperture
Coupling - To connect or a device for connection
FPCB - flexible printed circuit board, holds electronics
Reset - To return to an original position or condition
Test - To pray no smoke is emitted when power is applied :D

[Bayla]

Lee,

Thanks:D It was the FPCB that was bothering me.....

Bayla

[LeeOtsubo]

Lee,

Thanks:D It was the FPCB that was bothering me.....

Bayla

Just wanted to be clear since I know you speak an odd dialect of English over there instead of American. :D