Got an M9! ...oh, it's sensor has fungus...

[Ben Z]

I've lived in south Florida 20 years and never had any fungus. A/C always set to a maximum of 76F, and I store my equipment in plastic storage boxes with a tub of Damp-Rid inside. Damp-Rid is a great system btw. It consists of a small plastic tub with a basket insert in the upper third which is filled with Damp-Rid pellets. As they absorb moisture, the water is deposited in the tub below for periodic emptying. When the pellets are gone you just refill the basket. No need to recharge like silica. (I used to use large cannisters of that but the recharging in the oven was a PITA).

On the main topic, I'm a little confused as to how the fungus is growing inside the sensor. I was under the assumption the sensor+glass is a hermetically-sealed unit. Is that not so?

 

[CrisR]

I too had no idea that fungus could propagate under the glass, but it's clearly come in at the edges and made its way to the middle.

I've decided to bite the bullet though, I've packed my M9 up ready for Leica Mayfair to send it to Solms fr diagnosis. At the suggestion of members here, I've written a cover letter, explaining my situation and journey with Leica to ths point.

I don't know if it will make any difference, but I will keep my fingers crossed that Solms may take pity on my situation, even if it's just in the form of a small discount.

I'll be taking it down tomorrow, I will let you know what happens...

 

[jenquest]

I too had no idea that fungus could propagate under the glass, but it's clearly come in at the edges and made its way to the middle.

I've decided to bite the bullet though, I've packed my M9 up ready for Leica Mayfair to send it to Solms fr diagnosis. At the suggestion of members here, I've written a cover letter, explaining my situation and journey with Leica to ths point.

I don't know if it will make any difference, but I will keep my fingers crossed that Solms may take pity on my situation, even if it's just in the form of a small discount.

I'll be taking it down tomorrow, I will let you know what happens...

My fingers and toes will remain crossed.

 

[gsgary]

This is why i would never buy a camera of this value without seeing it, hope it goes well

 

[CrisR]

If you were offered what I was offered, you'd have said yes too Gary.

 

[N.delaRua]

my fingers are crossed for you too. I hope it works out, and they cut you a good deal.

 

[CrisR]

Well, it's been dropped off.

Leica Mayfair's technician was very helpful and friendly, was realistic about timescales (i maaaay get it back this year...) and worst case scenario costs, but also gave some hope in that we shouldn't jump to conclusions on cause or on Solm's decisions on repair costs.

I'm now keeping my fingers crossed that the cost isn't too high, i don't mind if it takes 3 months or more, i have my lovely M8 here in the mean time.

 

[raid]

Thanks for the calming words, guys. I have been lucky so far all these years here at the Gulf Coast. I keep equipment always air conditioned at home. in a closet with a large cylinder filled with Silica. Once om a while, I air the equipment.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Thanks for the calming words, guys. I have been lucky so far all these years here at the Gulf Coast. I keep equipment always air conditioned at home. in a closet with a large cylinder filled with Silica. Once om a while, I air the equipment.

Silica gel in a closed space can dangerously lower the humidity to below 10-20%. You should never let the RH drop below 40%. There are cheap hygrometers both mechanical and digital that are designed for dry boxes that you can use to keep the RH in check (www.tfa-dostmann.de)

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Why is that a potential problem. Almost all electronics are shipped in closed containers with Silica Gel.

It is a problem when they are removed?

RH 30% and below will cause the lubricants in mechanical instruments to dry.

 

[raid]

I don't often charge the Silica, and I depend more on the AC. I am aware if the drying effect.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

My previous post was related to the experience of every eyeglass wearer, who goes from cold in the winter, to indoors only to suffer massive condensation.

But your post made me look at some white papers by lubricant manufactures especially Dow Corning. I find issues with lubricant evaporation, but temperature seems to be the main concern.

"long-term storage at moderate temperatures and low humidity has little effect on most premium lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and process oils." --Lubrication and Maintenance of Industrial Machinery: Best Practices edited by Robert M. Gresham, George E. Totten.

I do wonder if it would be a concern with older cameras lubricated with natural grease or oils - such as Nikon rangefinders?

I am not sure if certain lubricants are not affected by low humidity, but this is what Zeiss recommends:

http://lenses.zeiss.com/camera-lenses/en_de/website/service/fungus_on_lenses.html

 

[willie_901]

RH 30% and below will cause the lubricants in mechanical instruments to dry.

Lubricants are hydrophobic. Oil and grease doesn't interact with or depend on water to function or stay in place. So I don't understand how low humidity can affect lubricants.

Low humidity could affect old rubber seals from obsolete technology. Nut modern seals should not be affected. Leather would suffer most from extended periods in low humidity environments.

 

[raid]

I recharged the silica last evening, and now there is a canister with humidity drawing silica inside the closet with my equipment.

 

[CrisR]

So, i have an update!

September 16th was my birthday, and among my presents i had an email from Leica Mayfair that said the following:

"Your Leica M9 recently went back to Germany with sensor mark problems. A new sensor will be required, and this will be fitted without charge. Unfortunately, we’ve just been told that sensors are out of stock and are not expected for about eight weeks. I’m very sorry about this delay, and hope it does not inconvenience you too much."

Needless to say, i was floored. A new sensor is not a cheap repair, nor a 5 minute job. The delay on the sensor stock was the least of my concerns, and i made sure to reply as such.

I honestly was not expecting a replacement at Leica's expense. I believe this is customer care that's above and beyond what is expected. If i bought a 3 year old Ferrari, out of warrantee, with an engine that was barely operating due to it's previous owner not taking adequate care of it, i would not expect a new engine to be dropped in at Ferrari's expense.

If i wasn't already sold entirely on Leica, now and for the foreseeable future, you can guarantee that i am now. Canikon users can say what they want about the cost, about Leica being about "hype" or any of the other M system bashing that goes on, Leica Solms know how to take pride in their products and support their users in a manner that exceeds expectations.

 

[N.delaRua]

That is such fantastic news. The delay would be something I could totally handle relative to the cost...

You really did luck out.

 

[tjh]

Glad to hear that the sensor problem is being taken care of. Speaks well for Leica.

Tom

 

[RichC]

Cool! Happy birthday!

 

[Nigel Meaby]

Great news Chris....I had a similar experience with Leica with my (former) M9. Slightly different sensor issue but same outcome. 🙂

 

[willie_901]

Very impressive indeed... congratulations!