Problem with old lens in 350D (err 99)

[snoopstah]

Hey Guys,

My dad has a couple of old lenses for his old Canon EOS film camera, and I've been trying them out on my 350D. One of the lenses works perfectly (equivalent to the kit lens with the 350D, but with a slightly different zoom range), but the other doesn't want to play ball.

It's a Sigma 28-200mm f3.8-5.6 UC lens, and it sometimes works, but other times the camera gives the annoyingly unspecific 'err 99' message. It seems as though it might be related to the aperture setting, but I can't be sure. I've tried cleaning the contacts on the lens with electrical contact cleaner (which was the first thing I found suggested when doing a search), but that hasn't made it any better.

Does anyone have any ideas what else I can try? The lens isn't fantastic, but it is 'free' to me, so I'd like to get it working if possible. If it just didn't work at all I'd figure it wasn't compatible with the 350D, but the fact that it works for around 50% of attempted shots makes me think it's something simple...

Any ideas?

[Leigh]

There wa a problem with some Sigma lenses, when canon changed something a few years back i believe. The lenses neede to be re-chipped via Sigma (free of charge i believe) So it could well be that. Im guessing the lens is a few years old?

[snoopstah]

Very old - he reckons at least 10 years, maybe even getting on for 15 years old.

Any ideas how to find out if it might need re-chipping? E-mail Sigma, take it into Jessops?

[Leigh]

Contact Sigma directly

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/

[snoopstah]

Many thanks Leigh :)

[daredevil]

I had that problem and it had to go back to Sigma for rechipping.

It costs around £35 unless you can produce a reciept for purchase.

I phoned them and they were very helpful

Took about 2 - 3 weeks.

Kind regards

Daredevil ;)