Re-chipping a Sigma lens

My AF Sigma 400/5.6 worked with EOS film bodies, but gives the classic "Err99" with digital bodies. Sigma said the parts/service for rechipping such a lens are no available from them. Does anyone know of an independent repair facility that ever did such work? I'd like to get it done, and would be willing to pay a reasonable cost for it, since I can't afford most of the new lenses that are above 300mm.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm in the same situation, I looked for days and asked everywhere I could with no luck. The only thing I could think of would be to buy a broken lens that's already been chipped and swap it over, I'm yet to come across one.

I don't think Sigma will do it anymore if it's not in production. Better just keep it as it is or move on. It would probably cost more than you want to do a custom job.

I don't know if these folks offer an adapter that may take care of this, but you could give them a try:

http://www.fotodiox.co​m/index.php

I just ordered a Hasselblad ==> Canon EOS body adapter from them so I can use my old Zeiss lenses on the 5D. We'll see how it works out. - Stu

sapearl wrote in post #10833616
I don't know if these folks offer an adapter that may take care of this, but you could give them a try:

http://www.fotodiox.co​m/index.php

I just ordered a Hasselblad ==> Canon EOS body adapter from them so I can use my old Zeiss lenses on the 5D. We'll see how it works out. - Stu

Interesting website, but it's not a mount problem, it's an internal electronics issue. I think I'm pretty much stuck on being able to use this on my digital bodies.

I had the same problem with my old Sigma 400mm f/5.6 lens. It worked fine at f/5.6, but would ERR99 at any other aperture. I was never able to find a chip for it, but Sigma did offer me a discounted price on a new lens if I "traded-in" my old lens. This was a few years ago, so I'm not sure if this offer is still available.

GizmoGarage wrote in post #10834516
I had the same problem with my old Sigma 400mm f/5.6 lens. It worked fine at f/5.6, but would ERR99 at any other aperture. I was never able to find a chip for it, but Sigma did offer me a discounted price on a new lens if I "traded-in" my old lens. This was a few years ago, so I'm not sure if this offer is still available.

The offer is still available, but I think their email said it would be for a 'similar' or 'comparable' lens. Their only fixed focal length teles are way to expensive for me right now (which is why I wanted to get this one rechipped!).

GizmoGarage wrote in post #10834516
I had the same problem with my old Sigma 400mm f/5.6 lens. It worked fine at f/5.6, but would ERR99 at any other aperture. I was never able to find a chip for it, but Sigma did offer me a discounted price on a new lens if I "traded-in" my old lens. This was a few years ago, so I'm not sure if this offer is still available.

Interesting! I'll have to see if they will offer me anything for my old Sigma 28mm f1.8. I love this little lens, but just like yours I can only use it wide open.

doctordare wrote in post #10839761
The offer is still available, but I think their email said it would be for a 'similar' or 'comparable' lens. Their only fixed focal length teles are way to expensive for me right now (which is why I wanted to get this one rechipped!).

I specifically asked for pricing on a couple lenses of my choice (both telephoto zooms), and they provided quotes.

FWIW, I eventually decided to just sell my Sigma to a person who was still using film bodies. I also sold off a few old Canon and Tamron lenses and then put all the proceeds towards a Canon 100-400L.

I sent a lens to Sigma to be rechipped, after they received it they told me they made a mistake on the phone and no chip was available.

They offered me a trade in and discount for a comparable lens, but even after the trade in and "discount" the price was higher than just buying the lens new at B&H.

I complained and a supervisor called me and offered me a slightly better price.....still a gyp, so I just had them return the lens to me and I sold it on eBay.

I'll probably end up just selling this, but even the prices for good 35mm AF cameras and lenses hardly make it worth the effort to put them on eBay!!!

By the way, I even contacted Sigma in the UK, and they also can longer rechip the lens, due to parts being long gone. (Haven't gotten an email reply from the Sigma distributor in Canada yet, but I'm not holding out any hope.)

You can use older digitals, like the d60 or the original 1D with that lens. So that is an option.

Also, usually the err99 sigmas only have problems with the aperture. So as long as you leave it wide open, it should work on any camera. So that would mean leaving it in manual or AV mode at f5.6 and not touching the aperture dial.

tkbslc wrote in post #10876439
So that would mean leaving it in manual or AV mode at f5.6 and not touching the aperture dial.

Technically you can touch the dial all you want, just don't try changing the aperture and taking a picture.

What no one else caresses their camera dials from time to time?? "Show me on this camera doll where that mean man touched your dials"

Hope it all works for the better. If it has to cone to it resale should be quick

+1 That what happens to my old Sigma lens, so i just sold it.