Bigma problem

Ollie · #1 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 08:21 PM

Hi all
Went out with the Bigma today, first time for a while due to work commitments. First bird I lined up for a shot was a Robin. Pressed the shutter button halfway as usual for the lens to auto focus and nothing happens. Thought I must have inadvertently switched the lens to manual focus but I hadn't. After checking everything possible including putting the lens on a different camera body with no joy I resigned myself to the fact that the motor had packed up on the Bigma. However I was determined to get a few photos so switched the lens to manual focus and carried on.

It wasn't until after lunch that I thought if I switch back to auto focus and try turning the focus ring at the same time as I press the shutter button it might solve the problem. Hey presto the lens suddenly came to life and started auto focusing again. It worked faultlessely for the rest of the day. Just hope this was a one off and it doesn't happen again. I might add that I checked the contacts on the lens and cameras for cleanliness and I also never received any error messages on screen from the cameras.

I can only assume it was a speck of grit or something of that nature that had jammed the focus mechanism somehow. I did get a decent shot of the Robin by the way on manual focus Which you can see below
Roger

glsammy · #2 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 08:25 PM

I'll keep my fingers crossed that was what it was. Chances are your right, or another possible cause could be the camera having a fit! I've had some odd moments with my 20D, when the only cure was to remove the battery. Put it back in and the problems gone.

Ollie · #3 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

I'll keep my fingers crossed that was what it was. Chances are your right, or another possible cause could be the camera having a fit! I've had some odd moments with my 20D, when the only cure was to remove the battery. Put it back in and the problems gone.

I was rather relieved when it started workng again. Didn't relish the thought of being without it several weeks while it was repaired although I did get a three year warranty with it and it isn't one year old yet.

It was more of a challenge getting the shots today and I missed many due to manual focussing being much slower. However I was pleased with the ones I got on manual, my eyes must be better than I thought they were
Roger

cherrybee · #4 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 09:21 PM

It is a lovely photo Ollie Well done for persistance

Ollie · #5 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrybee

It is a lovely photo Ollie Well done for persistance

Thanks CB Hope your convalescence is going ok and you will soon be out and about with your camera again.
Roger

cherrybee · #6 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Thanks CB Hope your convalescence is going ok and you will soon be out and about with your camera again.
Roger

Thank you

Champing at the bit Roger I am so bored but I did have a very exciting day when that sparrowhawk landed it the garden.Was hoping it might come back but no luck so far

.Have had my post op check up and they removed the drain so now i dont get trapped with it

and my consultant very pleased.Hope to start walking soon but will have to take things very slowly.Hope to get into Exmouth sometime next week and meet up with Beryl on our plantation walk.Lots of seats, squirrels and birds so it will be an easy one to start with

Oy · #7 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 09:51 PM

Roger - my Bigma did the same thing at about 9 months old and got progressively worse over a few weeks until it wouldn't focus on anything more than about 5m away.

I had it fixed under warranty and it's been fine since!

Ollie · #8 (**permalink**) 27-01-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oy

Roger - my Bigma did the same thing at about 9 months old and got progressively worse over a few weeks until it wouldn't focus on anything more than about 5m away.

I had it fixed under warranty and it's been fine since!

Thanks for that info Oy, mine is around nine months old. I will see how it goes, as I mentioned I got a three year warranty with it so have plenty of time.

Roger

Ollie · #9 (**permalink**) 28-01-2007, 01:44 PM

Had an hour out with the Bigma today and the same problem happened again. Managed to get it working again but it sure looks like it's showing the same symptons as Oy mentioned in his reply.
Looking like it's going to finish up back at Sigma for repairs eventually.

In the meantime I've been toying with the idea of buying a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens for a while so it's looking like this is going to happen sooner than I thought.
Roger

Jon · #10 (**permalink**) 28-01-2007, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Had an hour out with the Bigma today and the same problem happened again. Managed to get it working again but it sure looks like it's showing the same symptons as Oy mentioned in his reply.
Looking like it's going to finish up back at Sigma for repairs eventually.

In the meantime I've been toying with the idea of buying a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens for a while so it's looking like this is going to happen sooner than I thought.
Roger

Hey what can I say, Jon