Dust protecor (IR filter) is STILL on backorder!

Here I sit with a dirty sensor, because I'm afraid to remove my IR filter dust protector, for fear I will break it, and not be able to replace it.

https://www.sigmaphoto.com/accessories/camera-accessories/i-r-filter-and-dust-protector-for-sigma-sd-quattro-series-camera

Can anyone tell me why, after like six months, this essential part is STILL on backorder? How is it possible that Sigma hasn't made any in six months, since the last time I checked to see if they were on back-order?

I may end up selling all my Sigma gear, because of this lack of support from the company.

It's no good having a camera that has a sensor I can't clean, for fear of breaking my IR filter, and crippling my camera. What I'm saying is my camera can not be repaired if I can't get the part that I might break, when trying to clean my sensor, so I can't clean my sensor, because I'm afraid to try, because if I break the IR filter in the process of cleaning my sensor, I can't replace the broken IR filter . . . because Sigma doesn't have any. I hope what I'm saying is clear. Sorry to be repetitive, if you understood exactly what I was talking about in my first sentence on this post.

This is an unacceptable business practice for Sigma to be doing, and the IR filter for the SD1 Merrill is on backorder too, as are the IR filters for the SD14 and SD15. How is that even possible? What does Sigma think we're going to do, if we inadvertently break our IR filter dust protectors, while trying to clean our sensors . . . buy a new Sigma camera, just to get an IR filter dust protector? Is that really what we have to do to get that filter dust protector?

https://www.sigmaphoto.com/accessories/camera-accessories/ir-filter-dust-protector-for-sd1-camera

https://www.sigmaphoto.com/accessories/camera-accessories/ir-filter-dust-protector-for-sd14sd15

I'm guessing the purchase of a new Sigma camera directly from Sigma, and then returning it to Sigma with no IR filter dust protector in it, is likely the best way to get their attention (if they even notice the thing missing), but I might not get my refund from my credit card company, if I were to do that. I guess I could deny the charge, but my credit card company might side with Sigma. Who knows? I'd probably have to lie, and tell both Sigma and the credit card company that the IR filter dust protector was missing when the camera arrived. That wouldn't be right, but neither is not having those IR filter dust protectors in stock.

What do you all think of this situation?

I agree with you Scott.

There really is no excuse for not keeping essential spares in stock.

If Sigma wants to be seen as a recognised camera maker -- and they say that's what they want -- then they need to be able to supply their customers with service and spare parts, just like the company they have aligned themselves with, Leica. You can take any of a huge selection of Leica camera models back to the manufacturer and be assured of getting repairs and parts. If you go in person, you'll even be offered a cup of tea or coffee and probably a look around the factory.

Edit: Btw, I just checked, Sigma lists the I.R. Filter/ Dust Protector as an accessory. It is NOT an accessory. It's an essential item -- unless you want to shoot just IR.

Scott,

I think you are overreacting completely as there is very little chance of breaking the filter of your sd Q H if you follow the instructions carefully and particularly do not put unnecessary pressure on the filter. it is the easiest one of them all to take out and put in again.

The SD9 / SD10 was retained in place with a screw and the SD14 /15 & SD1 / SD1 Merrill clipped into place, the latter being the most awkward to get back in, needed slightly more care than either the earlier ones or the Quattros to get it properly in place.

I agree that it should be possible to get the filters for all the cameras without too much delay since they are an essential part of the cameras.

Remove the filter carefully, clean your sensor with the proper cleaning items and put the filter back in place following the instructions & you'll be good to go for next couple of years.

No need to sell your Sigma gear.

Re: Dust protecor (IR filter) ...

An "IR filter" passes IR and blocks visible light.

Don't worry you're not alone.

Had ordered a power grip PG-41, I will be waiting if it were not that I canceled the order after a year.

And when inquired, answers were along the lines of: problems with production line, shipping, order unknown. The real truth, still unknown.

It is here, in NL, that you must at least take into account a delivery time of 3 to 4 months ... (for sigma body accessories and SA mount lenses) However, since the introduction of the L-mount alliance, there has been no measure of delivery times, lets say it sucks.

And all that, also made me decide to invest in another camera brand besides sigma.

Scott, since you have been waiting so long for this part (as have others) perhaps you should send a email to Sigma Japan explaining the situation stressing the need for parts to be available in a timely manner.  Here is the part with the number :-

Roger wrote:

Greetings Sigma Guys

So Scott I'm not sure the parts are available any longer for the SD's any of them except the SDQ and SDQ-H. I know the SD9, SD10, and SD14 are zero to none, maybe if you contact Japan. You might try Sigma Canada they are glad to help.

Good Luck

Roger J.

Thanks Roger

danski0224 wrote:

You have to email them.

Last I checked, the dust protectors were in stock, at least for the sdQ. This was before Covid-19.

Sigma had me fill out a "parts request", then I was emailed back.

I suspect that people were ordering the wrong ones.

Of course, maybe those parts are really out of stock now.

Maybe that explains why ALL the parts are showing as out of stock (backordered). Certainly they should change the way that works. I mean why not just contact the person to let them know they need confirmation or something, after letting people order their part? It doesn't make sense to me, if they really are in stock, but show as backordered on their website.