Sigma 50mm f1.4 autofocus breaks after few days?

jmc · 08-17-2009, 10:14 AM

It died on me after I recharged the battery. I worked right after I got the battery in (did one test shot), but after a couple of time when I got the camera out of the bag the autofocus motor in the lens was completely dead.

And I bought the lens only 3 days ago ....

Big G · 08-17-2009, 10:17 AM

Oh dear, sounds like you need to get it replaced.

I've heard a couple of cases where the HSM has died totally on Sigma lenses; shame because I love mine which are non-hsm.

Igilligan · 08-17-2009, 10:26 AM

after all the trouble pentax is having with its SDM micro motors... I was hoping the sigmas were a bit tougher. But stuff happens, and hopefully this is an isolated incident that will not resurface for you.

We these electric AF lenses, does the camera have to be off everytime when you remove the lens. I have been guilty of changing lenses with the camera on, and I am afraid when I finally do end up with a SDM / HSM I may kill it!

heliphoto · 08-17-2009, 11:22 AM

Have you tried cleaning the SDM / HSM contacts on the lens and the camera? I've heard of people using a pencil eraser to clean the contacts to solve some problems, but I haven't done this myself so you may want to google for some facts

... Good luck, I hope the lens isn't truly dead.

Gus, I think I've removed my DA* 16-50 a time or two with the camera powered on, and so far, no ill effects... I'd guess there's only current through the contacts while the camera is actively trying to focus (but I don't really know).

deadwolfbones · 08-17-2009, 12:49 PM

HSM on my 70-200 died after about 3 weeks of owning it, 2 of which were spent in the bag.

jmc · 08-17-2009, 12:59 PM

Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go Nikon ....

deadwolfbones · 08-17-2009, 01:32 PM

Sigma makes lenses for Nikon as well, you know. :P

jmc · 08-17-2009, 02:53 PM

Well yeah ...

Hopefully I'll be able to resolve it soon; I also the stupid thing to buy this lens from overseas ...
Damn.

GerryL · 08-17-2009, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by jmc

Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go Nikon ....

It should be more of.."why didn't I buy Pentax brand dedicated lenses and had to buy third party lenses..."

little laker · 08-17-2009, 07:46 PM

Sigma will fix it, and fast. They're probably the best when it comes to repairs.

However I guess it doesn't help you much, considering that you bought it overseas. And they're International isn't as good.

If you get stuck don't hesitate contacting Sigma, Japan. They've been known to help people, when needed.

If you think it's just a Sigma thing don't forget to look at Pentax with their 16-50, Canon with their AutoFocus issues, and I can't imagine Nikon has a prefect track record.
They all make products with glitches, it's how quickly they try fixing the problem that separates the good companies from the bad.

jmc · 08-18-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by GerryL

It should be more of.."why didn't I buy Pentax brand dedicated lenses and had to buy third party lenses..."

Well, looks like I sorta smelled it; I just tested the lens on some dude's k200 - and it works !

How hard to replace are those blown fuses ?

little laker · 08-18-2009, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by jmc

Well, looks like I sorta smelled it; I just tested the lens on some dude's k200 - and it works !

How hard to replace are those blown fuses ?

jmc,
If the lens works on someone elses Pentax the chances are that the contacts are dirty on either your camera, or the lens. It doesn't take much dirt or tarnish to cause problems.
Just scrubbing them for a moment, with a toothbrush or whatever people use might just fix your problem.

If your camera isn't under warranty, and that doesn't help I'm going to suggest that you bring the camera into a local shop, where they can repair it for you. The chances are that there isn't much wrong, so the repair cost shouldn't be bad.
Unless you've taken electronics courses the chances are that you'll make things worst rather than fixing things

jmc · 08-18-2009, 10:42 AM

Well I tried scrubbing them a bit with lens cleaning paper and it didn't do any good.

little laker · 08-18-2009, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by jmc

Well I tried scrubbing them a bit with lens cleaning paper and it didn't do any good.

jmc, using a lens cleaning paper to scrub them, is a really good idea.... usually.
However in this case you'll either want something a little rougher, to scrub the tarnish (most likely the problem) or a drop of electrical contact cleaner on the cloth to eat through it.

Your a smart man though, starting with the least harmful approach.

jmc · 08-18-2009, 11:05 AM

Well, harder paper didn't help neither. I'll see how service goes.

All this makes K7 a bit more interesting lol

08-17-2009, 10:14 AM	#1
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10	Sigma 50mm f1.4 autofocus breaks after few days? It died on me after I recharged the battery. I worked right after I got the battery in (did one test shot), but after a couple of time when I got the camera out of the bag the autofocus motor in the lens was completely dead. And I bought the lens only 3 days ago ....

08-17-2009, 10:26 AM	#3
Igilligan Guest	Sorry to hear that... after all the trouble pentax is having with its SDM micro motors... I was hoping the sigmas were a bit tougher. But stuff happens, and hopefully this is an isolated incident that will not resurface for you. We these electric AF lenses, does the camera have to be off everytime when you remove the lens. I have been guilty of changing lenses with the camera on, and I am afraid when I finally do end up with a SDM / HSM I may kill it!

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08-17-2009, 10:17 AM	#2
Big G Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 581	Oh dear, sounds like you need to get it replaced. I've heard a couple of cases where the HSM has died totally on Sigma lenses; shame because I love mine which are non-hsm.

08-17-2009, 11:22 AM	#4
heliphoto Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Region 5 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,539	Have you tried cleaning the SDM / HSM contacts on the lens and the camera? I've heard of people using a pencil eraser to clean the contacts to solve some problems, but I haven't done this myself so you may want to google for some facts ... Good luck, I hope the lens isn't truly dead. Gus, I think I've removed my DA* 16-50 a time or two with the camera powered on, and so far, no ill effects... I'd guess there's only current through the contacts while the camera is actively trying to focus (but I don't really know).

08-17-2009, 12:49 PM	#5
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	HSM on my 70-200 died after about 3 weeks of owning it, 2 of which were spent in the bag.

08-17-2009, 12:59 PM	#6
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10 Original Poster	Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go Nikon ....

08-17-2009, 01:32 PM	#7
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Sigma makes lenses for Nikon as well, you know. :P

08-17-2009, 02:53 PM	#8
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10 Original Poster	Well yeah ... Hopefully I'll be able to resolve it soon; I also the stupid thing to buy this lens from overseas ... Damn.

08-17-2009, 03:31 PM	#9
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by jmc Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go Nikon .... It should be more of.."why didn't I buy Pentax brand dedicated lenses and had to buy third party lenses..."

08-17-2009, 07:46 PM	#10
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Sigma will fix it, and fast. They're probably the best when it comes to repairs. However I guess it doesn't help you much, considering that you bought it overseas. And they're International isn't as good. If you get stuck don't hesitate contacting Sigma, Japan. They've been known to help people, when needed. If you think it's just a Sigma thing don't forget to look at Pentax with their 16-50, Canon with their AutoFocus issues, and I can't imagine Nikon has a prefect track record. They all make products with glitches, it's how quickly they try fixing the problem that separates the good companies from the bad.

08-18-2009, 10:03 AM	#11
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10 Original Poster	Originally posted by GerryL It should be more of.."why didn't I buy Pentax brand dedicated lenses and had to buy third party lenses..." Well, looks like I sorta smelled it; I just tested the lens on some dude's k200 - and it works ! How hard to replace are those blown fuses ?

08-18-2009, 10:29 AM	#12
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Originally posted by jmc Well, looks like I sorta smelled it; I just tested the lens on some dude's k200 - and it works ! How hard to replace are those blown fuses ? jmc, If the lens works on someone elses Pentax the chances are that the contacts are dirty on either your camera, or the lens. It doesn't take much dirt or tarnish to cause problems. Just scrubbing them for a moment, with a toothbrush or whatever people use might just fix your problem. If your camera isn't under warranty, and that doesn't help I'm going to suggest that you bring the camera into a local shop, where they can repair it for you. The chances are that there isn't much wrong, so the repair cost shouldn't be bad. Unless you've taken electronics courses the chances are that you'll make things worst rather than fixing things

08-18-2009, 10:42 AM	#13
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10 Original Poster	Well I tried scrubbing them a bit with lens cleaning paper and it didn't do any good.

08-18-2009, 10:55 AM	#14
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	Originally posted by jmc Well I tried scrubbing them a bit with lens cleaning paper and it didn't do any good. jmc, using a lens cleaning paper to scrub them, is a really good idea.... usually. However in this case you'll either want something a little rougher, to scrub the tarnish (most likely the problem) or a drop of electrical contact cleaner on the cloth to eat through it. Your a smart man though, starting with the least harmful approach.

08-18-2009, 11:05 AM	#15
jmc New Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania Posts: 10 Original Poster	Well, harder paper didn't help neither. I'll see how service goes. All this makes K7 a bit more interesting lol