Digilux 2 serial numbers and sensor failure

[laptoprob]

My beloved D2 failed yesterday. Only vertical stripes: sensor died. Appearantly Leica is replacing them under warranty because the Sony sensors fail.
I read somewhere that only some batches have this annoying problem. I can't find out any more. So here I go: mine is serial 2990xxx.

What's yours? Or is yours still OK? If so, what's the serial?

 

[Nikon Bob]

I believe that the Oly C5050 that I have has a Sony sensor and it was replaced under warranty as my cam was in the serial number range for the recall. I never had a problem with the original sensor though. It would be interesting to know if the Digilux 2 and C5050 shared the same sensor. I hope that Leica will replace your sensor under warranty.

Bob

 

[laptoprob]

Why does this thread not show in the main threads list?

... must have been blind I guess...

 

[Trius]

The Oly 5050 sensor problem exhibited different symptoms, but yes, it was a Sony sensor problem. Specifically, as I understand, the IR cut glass was not cemented well enough in front of the sensor, and after some use, dark, rainbowed, purpled or other such images were the result, both in the captured image and in the LCD if it was being used for composing.

To this day Olympus is replacing 5050 sensors and they have a list of SNs. You can call the Oly (America) support line to determine if your 5050 is subject to the recall.

 

[ernstk]

Mine is 2991xxx and is OK, although it is not used that much.

Ernst

 

[laptoprob]

Not that many D2 users around here I guess?

 

[Rob-F]

My Digilux 2 has now developed a problem, and I believe it may be the same problem. Symptoms are as follows:

Often when the camera is first turned on I get vertical streaks on the LCD panel. Clicking the shutter will result in a wasted shot, but it clears the problem. After that the camera functions normally; and of course the wasted shot can be deleted. For a while this was the only problem.

But presently there is a new problem. Now, there is no picture on the screen, only a vertical line. It is almost as if the lens cap had been left on. Taking out the battery and letting the camera "rest" for a few days can clear the problem, but the fix does not last long. A half-dozen shots, and the problem is back. Does this seem to parallel your experience, Rob? Anyone?

Ritualized incantation has not helped. It seems the camera will need repair. The serial number is 2988328. I wonder if this is within the serial number range that is covered. I bought mine used and it worked for a year before developing this problem. What does one do, phone Leica NJ?

 

[Honus]

I had the same problem last year and it was replaced free of charge by Leica (even though the camera was out of warranty).

See this thread at the Leica Users Forum

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

I had a problem with mine back in '07. Camera seemed to work fine, but would not fire my Leica accessory flash. Sent it in just before the warranty expired. When I got it back the diagnosis and resolution was "Sensor failure, replaced."
I don't have the camera on me just now, so I don't know what the serial number is. Bought it new in August of '04.

 

[laptoprob]

Does this seem to parallel your experience, Rob? Anyone?

Sounds different, but that doesn't mean a thing. Get it to a proper Leica dealer and have the sensor raplaced. Every single Digilux 2 seems to get the sensor problem somehow and at some time. Regardless of serial numbers. I started a similar thread at the Leica Forum. There it became a long thread. Lots of users appearantly. Little D2 users here.

Anyhow, Leica still does the repairs afaik.

 

[Rob-F]

Well, I took it to my Leica dealer, and it's off to Leica now. Thanks for the advice. I'm glad I found this thread! In about two months I'll let you know what happened.