Nikon has recently released an updated firmware for the D610 and while there’s no mention of any major features being added or improved, I went ahead and installed it. Maybe there are some under-the-hood performance improvements. Installation went fine and a brief check of the camera after the update showed no problems. All was well.
At a shoot today, as soon as I attached my Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 APO DG HSM lens, I realised something was amiss. The autofocus label on the screen (AF-A in this case) was flashing on and off repeatedly and the camera wouldn’t autofocus. After checking all the settings, cleaning the contacts, replacing the battery and doing everything else I could think of, the problem persisted. I switched over to a Nikon 50mm 1.8 and the problem disappeared. This is a good sign, it means the problem is with the lens and not the camera. Maybe it got damaged during my recent trips abroad, I wondered. Luckily the job today was a short video piece so I used manual focus to get through.
Back at my desk, I tried all the same fixes with no result and then I remembered I’d upgraded the firmware. Could that be it?
A quick search for “D610 1.01” found the older firmware and I’m pleased to say that downgrading the firmware removed the problem. So there’s something in the C1.02 firmware that’s not happy when talking to this lens. Whether it’s just this specific lens or all Sigma lenses I’ve no way of testing. I’ve logged the problem with Nikon so hopefully there’ll be an update coming soon.
In short: don’t upgrade the D610 to C1.02 if you use a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 APO DG HSM lens.
UPDATE 21-08-17: Nikon won’t help out here, but Sigma will update the firmware on the lens for a nominal fee, as long as you have a purchase receipt. Head over here and follow the instructions. I’ll be sending mine off this week.
I also have had some problems with my D 610 after upgrading the firmware to C1.02. not sure if that was only a coincidence, but after doing it, I noticed that all my lenses were back focusing. I downgraded back to C1.01 but the problem did not disappear, so it may have nothing to do with the firmware upgrade. I sent a message to Nikon and they replied that downgrading the firmware could damage the camera. Hope nothing has happened. The camera seems to be same. Now I don’t know if I should upgrade the firmware again or leave it as it is.
What make are your lenses? My problem was simply that the upgrade made the Sigma lenses incompatible. I’ve now had both Sigma lenses updated and all is well.
I had a similar problem. My Sigma 150-500 will not autofocus. Will re-install 1.01
Thanks a lot, rolling back the firmware worked perfeclty for our Nikon D610 after buying a Sigma 85mm that refused to auto focus.
I have the same problem, where do I get the previous updates?
If you search for “D610 1.01” you’ll find it.
I have also the same issue with the Sigma 7-200, but not with the 120-300mm , where can I find the previous firmware
If you search for “D610 1.01” you’ll find it.
Eu acabei de comprar uma lente 12-24 mm F4.5-5.6 II DG, ou seja, uma lente fullframe… tenho uma nikon D610 com firmware C 1.03 e a lente não faz foco automático… não sei como resolver ou aonde levar obra resolver isso… tem alguma dica ?