Nikon D800e Firmware Issue: Last night I checked to see if there was a firmware update - there isn't. In Feb 2018 when version 1.11 came out I decided that I didn't need it (based on...

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Last night I checked to see if there was a firmware update - there isn't. In Feb 2018 when version 1.11 came out I decided that I didn't need it (based on the description of the update from 1.10) however last night I decided to do the update. I had one of my Nikon lenses attached and all looked okay. This morning I put on my Sigma 150-500 and didn't check before I went out - mistake - autofocus wouldn't work and the multi-selector dial was sluggish (needed to continually press it several times to move the menu). So I shot using manual focus.
When I got home I re-downloaded version 1.11 to a different SD card but same results. Fortunately I save old firmware versions on my computer and reinstalled version 1.10. Now the Sigma lens auto focuses and the multi-selector dial works fine.
Has anyone experienced this or similar? I'll send this experience to Nikon support but the time I did this it took 2 weeks for a reply and it was inadequate.
One takeaway is to keep old firmware versions!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Elliot, the problem is probably using a non-Nikon lens on the camera. Nikon doesn't write its camera software to cover anything but Nikon lenses. Writing to them about a non-Nikon product probably won't get much results.
--Bob

ecobin wrote:

Last night I checked to see if there was a firmwar... (show quote)

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

rmalarz wrote:

Elliot, the problem is probably using a non-Nikon lens on the camera. Nikon doesn't write its camera software to cover anything but Nikon lenses. Writing to them about a non-Nikon product probably won't get much results.
--Bob

I wonder if Nikon did that intentionally? Many others use third party TCs and lenses but I haven't heard about this issue.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

ecobin - Why are surprised that Nikon software does not work on a Sigma lens. Given the situation you describe, you will need to wait for Sigma to update Sigma’s lens. No big surprise.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

For my D7200 Nikon suggests that in addition to the firmware upgrade you should also upgrade the lens control firmware. You might want to check that for your 800e as well. Also, I believe your Sigma 150-500 lens is USB dock compatible. If so, then you might need to update the firmware on your lens as well. You can check with Sigma support to confirm this. I have the 150-600 version and just updated it with a new firmware version.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

NCMtnMan wrote:

For my D7200 Nikon suggests that in addition to the firmware upgrade you should also upgrade the lens control firmware. You might want to check that for your 800e as well. Also, I believe your Sigma 150-500 lens is USB dock compatible. If so, then you might need to update the firmware on your lens as well. You can check with Sigma support to confirm this. I have the 150-600 version and just updated it with a new firmware version.

Good thought but the lens predates the usb dock - I did check Sigma’s website just to be sure.
I’m fine with the old firmware version just wasn’t expecting any issue.

Bill_de Loc: US

It seems like an old issue.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4275080

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ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Bill_de wrote:

It seems like an old issue.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4275080-

Thanks Bill.

nikonbrain Loc: Crystal River Florida

ecobin wrote:

I wonder if Nikon did that intentionally? Many others use third party TCs and lenses but I haven't heard about this issue.

I have heard about it with all third party equipment on nikon ,not just lenses but more about Sigma in particular and 3rd party batterys not working or being reconized after firmware upgrades. Ibuy only Nikon glass for that reason.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

ecobin wrote:

Last night I checked to see if there was a firmwar... (show quote)

Is there a *Sigma* firmware update available for that Sigma lens? Maybe they have solved the issue with an update.

I'm a Panasonic user and both their bodies and their lenses contain firmware that is updated from time to time. They usually add features, compatibility, and bug fixes. My lenses have all been updated three times, while the camera has been updated at least ten times.

ERay

I assume it's still true that Sigma does not pay a licensing fee to get Nikon camera lens interface information and just reverse engineers the interface. The problem can be that Nikon plans on using other features in the future, and when they do, it can cause problems with reverse engineered software. You used to have to send Sigma lenses back to get the firmware updated. These days if your lens is lens is USB dock compatible, you can update it yourself.

Bill_de Loc: US

burkphoto wrote:

Is there a *Sigma* firmware update available for that Sigma lens? Maybe they have solved the issue with an update.

I'm a Panasonic user and both their bodies and their lenses contain firmware that is updated from time to time. They usually add features, compatibility, and bug fixes. My lenses have all been updated three times, while the camera has been updated at least ten times.

I read but can't confirm that there is a fix, but the lens must go to Sigma. Most of the comments I read folks were just rolling back the Nikon firmware to the older version.

--

wguterbock

Your post made my blood run cold. I have a D800, with no e after the 800 on the camera. Is there firmware that I should have been updating all these years? I have no idea how to do that. I hate the idea of dicking with the computer, a website, a lost password, and all that rigamarole if I don't have to do it.

Thanks

Walt

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

wguterbock wrote:

Your post made my blood run cold. I have a D800, with no e after the 800 on the camera. Is there firmware that I should have been updating all these years? I have no idea how to do that. I hate the idea of dicking with the computer, a website, a lost password, and all that rigamarole if I don't have to do it.

Thanks

Walt

Your camera uses same firmware as mine. Go into the menus and find firmware - then check the version number. If yours is 1.10 then no need to update. If lower then you should. I’ll be home later this evening. If you need help PM me.

wguterbock

A 1.11 B1.11 L 2.017

So I hope I'm OK.

Thanks for the quick reply

Walt