Camera Woes...

[Jabo]

It appears I have a problem with my EOS 350D (apart from the fact it's a Canon that is). I've fallen foul of the 'Err 99' fault which, after some diagnosis, seems to refer to a problem with my Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens. Basically when the lens is at it's maximum focal length, there seems to be a problem when the shutter button is pressed, triggering the error state. When using the same lens on my father's 500D I get a different error, this time telling me there's a comms problem between the lens and the camera. It also says to clean the lens contacts to resolve the problem. Here's the question. What method should I use to clean the contacts? I've tried a (clean) pencil eraser to no avail. Is there anything else I could try before junking the lens?

Jabo

[DD_Arthur]

The stuff you use to remove the residue gunk from the cpu/heatsink surface...whats it called....Nail varnish remover!! or something similar, a clear solvent of some sort. Should be able to remove all surface gunk.

Apply sparingly with cotton buds and dry surfaces thoroughly afterwards.

It's that or run it under the cold tap!

[Crash]

Why not ask on a Canon forum? Might have happened before.

[Sweper]

I would recommend medical booze, as we call it here in Sweden. It is 96% alcohol which can be bought in a pharmacy. It wount affect any kind of hard plastics I think. My suggesting is to drip it on cotton pins, what we call Topz. Then clean all contacts.

Found this on a photo community:

"Usually error 99 means that your lens contacts (maybe in the body, or the lens itself) is dirty.

I got this from the web and saved it in my laptop just in case I get the same error:

1. Carefully clean the 8 gold color lens contact pins on the camera body

lens mount with a pencil eraser. Do this while holding the camera so that

any eraser dust will not fall into the camera.

2. Take out both batteries. Yes, there are 2. I had forgotten about the

smaller Date/Time battery. Also remove the CF memory card.

3. With the batteries removed, turn the camera switch on for 3-5 minutes.

He said that this clears the memory.

4. Turn the camera off and put the batteries and CF card back in.

5. Re-attach the lens and turn it back on. "

[Sweper]

[Jabo]

Thanks for these. I've just realised I have a can of contact cleaner in the toolbox. I'll give that a try.

Jabo

[Jabo]

No, that's no good. I guess this lens is scrap

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[DD_Arthur]

No, that's no good. I guess this lens is scrap

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Surely not?! If this occurs at it's maximum focal length why not consider it a 70 - 295mm zoom lens and keep on using it?

[Jabo]

True, except for two points. 1 - I can't use the macro mode (which is probably more often than not) cos that locks the focal length at 300mm and 2 - I'm not sure I trust it now.

In any case, the lens is about 7-8 years old and has been well used, so for £100ish I've had my money's worth.

[gec]

if u r sure u'd scrap them, i'd buy them from u. i have a friend who fixes cameras and lenses. maybe he can do something with it.

[Jabo]

OK Gec, I've got a replacement on order, it should be here tomorrow - as long as that's OK and doesn't show any problems with the camera we'll come to an arrangement.

Jabo

[Jabo]

New lens arrived - problem cleared as you can see

Taken today during a (very wet) falconry experience session for the family.

Jabo

P.S. Gec - if your friend wants the old lens, drop me a PM

[Sweper]

Looks great mate! Glad it was sorted, even though you´d to buy a new lens.

[Jabo]

Thanks Swep.

I didn't want to buy a new lens, but at least it's the cheap(er) one that failed.

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