Error 99 How To Check For Shutter Failure

[RaoulIsidro]

Error 99 could mean anything. The internet is awash with procedures on how to deal with it.
This thread is to check if Error 99 indicates shutter failure.
This test is for cameras with the Live View function only.
Problem: The camera, after being turned on, keeps on locking up after the first shutter actuation and displays Error 99.
Turn camera off.
Turn On again.
Press Live View button. Is the screen black but the indicators and AF points work?
Turn camera off.
Remove lens.
Turn camera on.
Press Live View button.
Can you see the sensor? (it will be greenish in colour) or can you see black matte? (the shutter curtain in closed position)
If you see the sensor, it is not the shutter causing the problem.
If you see black matte, it is shutter failure.
Hope this would be of help for Error 99 events.

[Ray Heath]

G'day Raoul

An interesting thread.

What provoked it?

What equipment is it related to?

Wouldn't shutter failure be pretty well instantly recognisable?

[RaoulIsidro]

G'day Raoul

An interesting thread.

What provoked it?

What equipment is it related to?

Wouldn't shutter failure be pretty well instantly recognisable?

Hi Ray,
Error 99 is an all encompasing indicator of death on Canon DSLRs, and if you Google this, there are hundreds of threads and solutions to solving this, from dirty contacts you just have to clean to electronic malfunction. This test is just one area where you can eliminate shutter failure from Error 99.
Cheers!