Sigma lens will not autofocus

[calarm1992]

I recently sold a lens on ebay that was fully functional at the point of sale. It is a Sigma DG 70-300mm F1.4-5.6 (Nikon). I have had no issues using it on my Nikon D5100, however the person who bought it has been trying to use it on his Nikon D3300 and is reporting that the lenses auto focus only works intermittently and even in manual the shutter rarely releases. Obviously I really dont want to mess around with returns for the lens, so I am wondering if there is and obvious issue with this lens/his body that I can suggest as a quick fix.
Thanks in advance

 

[Brazo]

Does the sigma lens have its own autofocus motor?

Nikon has released firmware in the past that after installation means your Nikon body no longer works with third party lenses, Whether they do this on purpose or just don’t test 3rd party lenses for compatibility (why would they?). Newer Tamrons and Sigmas can get around this by updating the lens Itself through the dock to ‘overcome’ Nikon’s own firmware.

 

[andrewc]

If you're 100% sure it was fully working when sent, its either damage in transit, operator error or an incompatibility at his end, possibly firmware. I believe both your camera and his have no built in focus motor. Dirty contacts?

 

[TCR4x4]

Could be many things. Could be set to not fire shutter without focus lock, could be trying to focus on stuff that’s not really suitable and it can’t obtain focus, or it could be fubar.

 

[hunnymonster]

Nikon has released firmware in the past that after installation means your Nikon body no longer works with third party lenses, Whether they do this on purpose or just don’t test 3rd party lenses for compatibility (why would they?). Newer Tamrons and Sigmas can get around this by updating the lens Itself through the dock to ‘overcome’ Nikon’s own firmware.

I've certainly been a victim of this practice in the past, back when a firmware update meant shipping your Sigma lens to Japan

 

[the black fox]

I would suspect user error tbh ..

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

It's not an unknown issue.....
https://nikonites.com/d3300/39343-d3300-sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-dg-macro.html#axzz6OioOEj5Y

You'll end up having to take it back I'd expect.

I had a similar issue with a sigma lens I bought on here a few years back.
Autofocus wouldn't work on my D7000, but worked on the sellers camera before he posted it. Thought it may have been damaged in transit.
When I returned it to him it worked ok on his camera. Can't remember which camera he had, but it wasn't a D7000.