Sigma HSM issues with D200

[marcotrov]

Does anyone know much more about the issue between Certain Sigma HSM lenses and their use with D200? I've just read a sigma announcement on the web

Notice to end users of Sigma’s HSM equipped lenses with
the Nikon D200 Camera
To our valued customers,

Sigma HSM equipped lenses do not operate when the "AF operation button" on the back of the body of Nikon "D200" digital SLR camera (recently introduced to the market by Nikon) is used. We have determined that this problem is caused by a firmware "bug" in our HSM equipped lenses.

I emailed, as suggested, sigma here in Australia and this was there reply

Dear Marco,

This problem is easily resolved by changing the chip, which we will do at no charge if the lens was purchased in Australia.

Kind regards


crk@cowwws.com
23/12/2005 08:52 PM

To: sales@crkennedy.com.au
cc:
Subject: [CRK] Contact Form - Photo & Imaging

Don't soound too promising for those who,like me, have ordered a D200 and Sigma 150 HSM lens. I'm sure Birddog will be on top of it but the thought of eventually receiving the lens and having to return it to have a chip replaced is not that appealing. Hopefully Sigma will get on top of it before those of us who have ordered Sigma HSM's with their D200 get their gear.

Don't sound like Sigma (well Sigma Australia) are doing as good a PR job as Nikon did with the battery issue which, by the way received from MAxwell yesterday.
cheers
marco

[MCWB]

Marco: just so that you're aware, AF works if you half-press the shutter release button, but doesn't work with the AF-On button. It's not that big of an issue IMO, and for those (like me) who use the shutter button to focus, it's a non-issue!

[marcotrov]

Thanks MCWB. I also use the shutter button to focus as I'm sure most do. I got the impression there was more to it than that. So in what applications could this be a problem?
cheers
marco

[Oneputt]

Another member of this board recently bought a Sigma lens for his Canon. Similar problem he had to return it to Kennedys to be rechipped. They did it quickly however.

[marcotrov]

Good to hear. I'm sure that Sigma will do the right thing regardless of where purchase location. It would be the honourable thing to do and I certainly want full functionality on the D200 when I get it and boy I CAN'T WAIT!! I think I'm really going to enjoy playing with my Nikon 12-24AF-S too!
cheers
marco

[MCWB]

So in what applications could this be a problem?

It's only a problem if you use the AF-On button to initiate autofocus. If you don't (and use the shutter button half-press method) then you won't experience any problem at all.

[birddog114]

marcotrov,
I posted the following thread few days ago:

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=12591

So far, for all Sigma lenses with HSM and D200, we had no more info about it, so you have to stay with it or change your order, nothing concrete at this stage due to it is a new known issue.

[marcotrov]

Thanks Birddog but i'm happy with the order the way it is. HOHOHO
cheers
marco