D200/ Sigma 70-200 problems!!!

[Silvernic]

Any help at all on figuring out what the problem is here would be much appreciated.
I have a D200 and when shooting with my Sigma 70-200 APO DX HSM lens I'm having a reoccuring aperature problem. Every once in a while (About one in 50 shots) I'll notice that the shutter was a lot slower than it should have been (usually about 1/2 sec slower). If I go into the exif data, it shows an "E" by the aperature reading. Last night I was having this problem and I looked down and noticed the display was switching back and forth between 2.8 and F8. I am shooting in aperature priority.

Any idea what the problem might be? How I can consistently duplicate it? Or what I should do about it?
Thanks,
Nic

[evil4blue]

Has your lens been sent in for rechipping? Most of the Sigma HSM lenses need to be rechipped to work 100% properly with the D200. I know the AF-ON button was the main issue, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this maybe related to the lens and camera not communicated to each other 100%.

[Silvernic]

Haven't sent it in yet. Never really use the AF button, so didn't see a real need. Anybody sent one in yet? If so, what kinda turnaround time did you notice?

[evil4blue]

Before you do anything else, try cleanig the contacts on the lens. Dirty contacts can do some funky things.

[michaelbates]

Originally Posted by evil4blue

Has your lens been sent in for rechipping? Most of the Sigma HSM lenses need to be rechipped to work 100% properly with the D200. I know the AF-ON button was the main issue, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this maybe related to the lens and camera not communicated to each other 100%.

I have heard the same..."some" Sigma lenses with the HSM do need to be rechipped - and from what I understand, Sigma will do it for free (you do have to pay shipping/insurance though). I don't have any of the HSM lenses..and just rec'd my D200 today...so I'm going to check the Sigma lenses I do have: 500/4.5, 400/5.6 (77mm) and 28-105 WA EX. Someone told me that it was an issue with the EX series so I will be watching that oen closely...

Michael

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I called Sigma last week and they were still not ready to start re-chipping lenses yet. I am set to call them tomorrow and see. I'm a bit upset as this was supposed to be ready to go back in January... I'm having issues with my 30/1.4 although not aperture issues.

Here are the links:
http://www.sigma-photo.com/sigmaonli...ay_service.asp

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english...051221_hsm.htm

_/oe

[CincoJoe]

I thought I had read on Nikoncafe that people had been sending them in and getting a pretty fast return. I'll see if I can find that post.

[CincoJoe]

http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=65231

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Thanks! It looks like they are down to a lens-by-lens eval. I'll call again today and see if they're ready for the 30/1.4

Appreciate it!

_/oe

[Silvernic]

Joe, I called today, and the guy said they could rechip it. BUT, the customer service wasn't the best I've ever had, and I'm not sure I'm too confident with anything I was told. It really seemed like the people helping me were guessing at answers.