Sigma 120-300 'F--' errors

ukaskew

ukaskew

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Chris
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In the past few weeks my Sigma 120-300 2.8 has started causing 'F--' (and occasionally 'ERR') errors on my D90. I've tried it on my D50 and get the same problem, so it's definitely the lens. It won't work at all with my Sigma 1.4TC present, just gives a constant 'F--' error. Usually a twist of the lens or switching on/off corrects the error, but only for a short period before it happens again. The aperture toggle is positioned correctly and I can't find anything obviously wrong.

Any ideas/tips? And would sending it off for a service be likely to help?
 
Have you tried to clean the contacts on the lens?
 
Not had the same problem myself but seen it on here a few times, most common advice is to clean the contacts(pencil erasers are meant to be good)
 
I know a lot use pencil erasers but I have heard they are potentially a bad idea. I'd do your research before you touch anything. Is it a new lens? I got one that came out of the box throwing up 'communication error please clean contacts'. The guys from the shop took one look at it and replaced it as faulty.
 
The Matt said:
I know a lot use pencil erasers but I have heard they are potentially a bad idea. I'd do your research before you touch anything. Is it a new lens? I got one that came out of the box throwing up 'communication error please clean contacts'. The guys from the shop took one look at it and replaced it as faulty.
Click to expand...

No it's not new, came from MPB Photographic just under a year ago.
 
Possibly is the lens contacts then. Do they look grimy or dusty?
I've read advice saying you should...
1. Use a pencil eraser
2. never use a pencil eraser as it strips off the gold coatings
3. use sandpaper (Oh god does that sound like a bad idea!)
4. wipe with a microfibre cloth
5. wipe with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
6. apply the above with a cotton bud
7. never ever ever use a cotton bud as stray fibres cause untold havock to the camera
8. use (insert brand here) camera cleaning system that will cost you big time.

So it seems the jury is out on what the best course is. Camera shops will recommend number 8 of course. I have never had to clean mine so wouldn't like to recommend anything, but just bare in mind there are major disagreements in what will work and what won't harm your camera.
 
The Matt said:
Possibly is the lens contacts then. Do they look grimy or dusty?
I've read advice saying you should...
1. Use a pencil eraser
2. never use a pencil eraser as it strips off the gold coatings
3. use sandpaper (Oh god does that sound like a bad idea!)
4. wipe with a microfibre cloth
5. wipe with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
6. apply the above with a cotton bud
7. never ever ever use a cotton bud as stray fibres cause untold havock to the camera
8. use (insert brand here) camera cleaning system that will cost you big time.

So it seems the jury is out on what the best course is. Camera shops will recommend number 8 of course. I have never had to clean mine so wouldn't like to recommend anything, but just bare in mind there are major disagreements in what will work and what won't harm your camera.
Click to expand...


Dare I say, complicating things :shrug: .. or is that an understatement :p?

I'd suggest to use a cotton cloth (M&S T-shirt is very good) and just give it a small and simple swipe!
 
Soft cotton sounds like the way forward, although visually it all looks fine. Otherwise I think I will send it off for a service anyway, probably needs it.
 
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