My trusty workhorse 20D got the dreaded ERR 99, should I fix it?

Replacing the shutter assembly, which I am almost sure is the cause for the error code, should cost me about $139 from a camera repair shop specializing in this work.

Should I do it, or should I sell it on eBay for parts for around $125 and buy a used 30D/40D?

I don't want to spend too much, as I already have too many other dang cameras (mostly due to POTN crazy friends (aka "pushers" or "enablers").

This camera is a really nice and dependable camera and I am somewhat fond of it.

A decent 30D will cost me at least $350 and a 40D will cost around $475, so that means an additional outlay of $225-350.

What do you guys think?

I am not a pro photographer, but I am wanting to use this body to photograph the birth of my niece. Then again, even if this camera completely craps out, I've got a 350D (Rebel XT) body as a spare and also plenty of G-series cameras to tide me over.

I figure spending $139 for a new shutter should let me use this camera well into the future...maybe for another 3-5 years.

And yeah, I don't mind only having 8.2 megapixels, when they are of high quality and you can do this with them:

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I would suggest investing in a newer camera rather than spending money on fixing the 20D. There was a significant improvement from the 30D to the 40D.

I would suggest selling the rebel and your 20D and picking up a 40D. Its really a great camera and i think the 40D alone would suffice for the lack of a back-up...and you also have the g-series. Also, later on down the road, you can also pick up another 20D as a back-up.

I love my 20d great camera dependable my only complaint is the small LCD display the 8.2 mp are fine because they are then have less noise but that is my only complaint and in turn why I am considering upgrading to either a 40d or 50d but I might just invest in some new lens and keep the 20d and deal with the small screen. In the end its up to you its your money and if you really like the 20d spend the $140 and apply that extra $ you would have spent getting a 30d or 40d and get a new lens or something.

I had a couple of Err99 with my 20D/Sigma EX 50-150mm f/2.8 within two weeks. That was about two years ago. I cleaned the lens/camera contacts and it hasn't done it since.

Error 99 is not one specific error code and it may not be as bad as you think and may turn out to be nothing to be concerned about.
Error 99 is generic for any error that Canon doesn't already have a code assigned for.
Error 99 could be for anything from shutter failure to a bent CF pin and anything else you care to throw in.
Over the years and across several bodies, I've had various errors, including error 99. Not once has it turned out to be the shutter. Usually just dirty contacts.
The three times I have done a shutter, there has never been an error code show up and the camera has still continued to fire - figure that one out.
As has been suggested, remove the lens, clean the contacts and replace it then see what happens.
Also, try simply turning it off and then on again.
Simply put, try all manner of remedies before deciding it's a shutter that's gone.
One of the easiest ways to tell is to gently lift the mirror by placing your finger under the front of the mirror to expose the shutter (no, you won't harm the mirror or camera if you are careful) to see if a shutter blade has dropped.

If a blade has dropped, it will probably look similar to this...

Ooh boy, that can't be good!

Yep, I've had the occasional err99 on each and one of the 8 Canon DSLR's I have had. Usually pulling the battery and reinserting it clears it. You might also want to pull the little watch battery for a while too.
Make sure your main battery is charged also.

Thanks guys for your ideas. I've read the myriad postings all over the Interwebs about ERR 99 and tried all the remedies. When I put my battery back in, the shutter keeps going off in regular intervals, even if I don't press the shutter release. After a few seconds, I get the battery symbol or ERR 99.

Uh, oh. Yeah, that don't sound good ! I had a shutter replaced on one of my 20D's back in about '06 or '07, and it was $215, including shipping to and from.
If you don't feel a need to do a so called "upgrade", and/or don't have the extra money to spend on said upgrade, then heck yeah, I'd send it in and get it fixed.

Well I have the money, but just don't want to spend it, if you get my drift.

If I go down the path of buying a new camera, then I may start obsessing with it and may end up buying a 7D.

That is why I am trying to limit myself as much as possible.

I have a camera addiction.

I also loved my 20D. Many of my favorite pictures were taken with that camera. Even so, once I picked up a 50D, I just couldn't go back. Now the 20 just sits unused in a spare camera bag.

I'd sell it for parts and go the route of the 40D. It's not that big of a bump like a 7D but you'll still enjoy that you're getting a camera that has what most of the current models do with the exception of the higher pixel count, rotating screens, and video mode. I really think it's the way to go for you.

http://snapsort.com …_EOS_20D-vs-Canon_EOS_40D

http://en.wikipedia.or​g …anon_EOS_40D#Im​provements

When I got my 40D, I sent my 20D for a fix-up. I use the 40D for critical shoots, but my 20D remains my work horse. The 20D is no slouch. I won awards and had published photos from it. If I were in your shoes and was happy with the camera, I'd fix it.

I think there's far too much emphasis placed on the latest and greatest.

To each his own....I bought a 50D the day it came out, and was so unimpressed with it, I sold it after about 4 or 5 months. I replaced it with a one series body, but then here recently, I acquired another 20D ( along with a 40D )....and I have to say, the 20D still impresses.

My point to the OP about fixing the 20D is that if he likes the camera, and it does what he needs, then fixing it is possibly ( likely ? ) the least expensive route to get him back to shooting.

I was in a similar situation recently with one of my 1DMk2 bodies. It needed a $300 repair, and without hesitation I told them to go ahead and fix it. Why wouldn't I ? I still like using it, and it still delivers excellent results for me. Like I say....to each his own....we all have our own way of looking at these things. I just think this whole concept of "upgrade" has been bought, hook line and sinker by the buying public of all types of products and services. Marketing departments push this idea so hard, that it has become a fact of buying habit. In reality, I think a lot of folks might be better off if the kept what they have and just keep using it.

Probably just me being an old curmudgeon....