error 99 past 250mm

[Bradsim]

Hi

I have a canon 20d with a tamron 70-300mm lens. However, if I pass 250mm I get the dreaded error 99.

Is there any solution to this?

Thanks

[reheat module]

The 20D was one of the earlier models and unfortunately the error99 was (incorrectly) taken to be a fatal shutter error.
I had heard of some unscrupulous people who made money from 'fixing' this issue (sometimes only temporarily)...
I had the 20D and when my error99 was displayed, I would do the following - all at the same time:
Remove the battery (ies if using the vertical grip)
Place the batteries on full charge
Remove the lens
Clean the contacts between the lens and camera body (carefully) with an eraser and remove the excess.
Clean the contacts again with dry paper.
When the batteries are fully charged install them and switch the camera on (no lens attached).
If ok attach the lens.
Hope it works!

[NickC]

Good advice Reheat. If I may though, I would suggest that if anyone experiencing the problem has the time, do each of things one at a time and see if it fixes the problem, starting with the easiest (e.g. removing the lens and re-attaching it). That way you'll know what's causing it, and you'll be able to fix it if it recurs in the field if it's one of the simpler ones.

One more thing to consider for the OP, was it working ok and then started to give the error, or has it always done it? If it's always done it, I know some third party lenses can cause errors on some Canon bodies, and that some of the manufacturers offer a re-chipping service for the lens to make it compatible.

It may be old, but the EOS 20D is a great camera.

[reheat module]

In reviewing the points, it did make me wonder why it occurred transiting through 250mm.
If you have an alternative lens, try that too, see if the error message comes up.
Try and rule out a fault on the lens by default (maybe even ask a colleague who may have a Canon DSLR), if it happens there, it's v likely the lens.
Obviously, if you're using a convertor at the same time, rule that out by removing it and using the camera/lens combination only.

[Bradsim]

Thanks for the detailed comments guys.

NickC: It worked for quite a while but gave up the week of the Vulcan's tour.

Reheat: I have a Tamron 28-80mm which works fine.

One last thing, the 70-300mm has a UV filter installed whereas the 28-80mm doesn't, would this make a difference?

EDIT: Reheat I've just tried your method but had no luck sadly.

[Andy_99]

I used to get this on my Tamron 70-300 always at the most inopportune moments on my 400D

I did loads of research & the only thing I could find was that the camera was stopping comms with the lens & the usual problem was the aperture.

The only solution that I found to work was to purchase a new lens I'm afraid, didn't get a single error on the 400D afterwards.

I've now upgraded the body to a 70D but the tamron lens is long gone.

[Bradsim]

Thanks Andy, would it work if I upgraded the body?

[NickC]

Bradsim, because of what Andy_99 says, and because you say it didn't used to happen, and doesn't happen with your other lens, then it does rather sound as if the lens is at fault rather than the body, so a new body probably wouldn't help. Do you have a friend with an EOS camera that you could try the lens on?

[Bradsim]

Sadly not NickC. So presuming I got a new lens, would the Canon 70-300mm mk3 be a suitable replacement?

[Nighthawke]

I had the Tamron for a while and had the same problem. Tried on 3 different bodies (300/350/400) and always had the same error. Never had it with any other lens. Gave up as didn't want to risk damage to body/bodies. Ended up with Sigma 150-500 for aircraft/wildlife but would probably go for the Canon 70-300 as a direct replacement. Read independent reviews or just take your body (with card) into shops and ask to try outside. A decent retailer will accompany you outside so you can try various settings before you buy. Shame about the Tamron because I found it a good lens for where it sits in the quality vs price bracket.

[sploosher]

is this the old Tamron 70-300, or the VC USD version

I have the original and use it on the Sony/Minolta mount and have never had any problems with it.......

[trotsenstein]

Sounds like the ribbon cable inside the lens has a fault. Should be around £45 to repair at the right place.