If corroded sensor never changed?

[Ko.Fe.]

What will happen if corroded sensor never changed?

My purchased new in 2016 M-E showed first tiny something in early 2017.
Then, in the spring it grow to the "worm" like line. And by 2017 September (year after purchase) "worm" populated to few and similar size, shape.
I only see it on the sky images and f8 or less. Real life pictures at f8 and more doesn't seems to be affected. Sometimes and not often I have to clone in LR one or two "worms" (curved lines).

How bad corrosion could grow? Could it be something dangerous, like falling glass?

 

[f16sunshine]

Do I understand correctly It's a filter layer that corrodes not the cover glass?

I imaging it will just keep getting worse. These things usually do.

 

[Ronald M]

Keep away from humidity and dry clean only(touchless).

Write a photoshop action to drag clone tool down the two lines.

Take pictures up side down as required

Sooner or later you will buy a new sensor. That is why I tell people not to buy used Leicas.

 

[35photo]

I think it would eventually lead to this... This is what happened to my M9 eventually although frankly I never looked closely at my sensor but it did have some mysterious spots...

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Do I understand correctly It's a filter layer that corrodes not the cover glass?

I imaging it will just keep getting worse. These things usually do.

I have no idea where it is exactly, special magnifier I have shows it on the surface.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I think it would eventually lead to this... This is what happened to my M9 eventually although frankly I never looked closely at my sensor but it did have some mysterious spots...

Thank you! Now I know it eventually will become unusable.

 

[35photo]

Thank you! Now I know it eventually will become unusable.

Sure not a problem! Eventually the photos just faded to black... the one I posted the second image from when it first started happening...

 

[willie_901]

I don't think it's possible to make meaningful predictions.

It's a good sign the visible corrosion sites are growing slowly. If there's additional corrosion that's too small to see at f 8, then it doesn't matter because you can't see it.

So, I will speculate it could be several years before some of those small sites become significantly larger.

I agree with Ronald M's advice regarding humidity.

Since the culprit is a chemical reaction between the IR filter film and water vapor, the only issue is the rate of corrosion. Unfortunately, I also agree Ronald M's conclusion that sensor replacement is inevitable. I wonder if the best course of action is to replace the sensor now when there is an ample supply on hand.

 

[raid]

I live close to the water here in Florida. It can get very humid. How can I escape humidity?
I guess, my Leica digital camera(s) are always in danger of getting such damage nto the sensor. Right?

 

[f16sunshine]

I don't think it's possible to make meaningful predictions.

It's a good sign the visible corrosion sites are growing slowly. If there's additional corrosion that's too small to see at f 8, then it doesn't matter because you can't see it.

So, I will speculate it could be several years before some of those small sites become significantly larger.

I agree with Ronald M's advice regarding humidity.

Since the culprit is a chemical reaction between the IR filter film and water vapor, the only issue is the rate of corrosion. Unfortunately, I also agree Ronald M's conclusion that sensor replacement is inevitable. I wonder if the best course of action is to replace the sensor now when there is an ample supply on hand.

Yes.... don’t wait.
This could become a dead end instead of a turn around 🙂
Who knows when Leica will exhaust the sensor supply.
Could be soon could also be never. Why take a chance ?

 

[Godfrey]

I live close to the water here in Florida. It can get very humid. How can I escape humidity?
I guess, my Leica digital camera(s) are always in danger of getting such damage nto the sensor. Right?

There are a number of Leica digital cameras. As far as I'm aware, only the M8-M9 series cameras have this corrosion problem.

 

[raid]

I wonder if the replacement sensor for the M9 is more resistant to corrosion.

 

[rfaspen]

There are a number of Leica digital cameras. As far as I'm aware, only the M8-M9 series cameras have this corrosion problem.

In Fact, I think its only the M9-ME cameras. I haven't heard about corrosion in the M8. Somehow different?

 

[rfaspen]

I wonder if the replacement sensor for the M9 is more resistant to corrosion.

I've read here (RFF) and elsewhere that the newest replacement sensor is supposed to be free of the qualities that made the original sensor prone to corrosion. However, I have only read this and don't know if its true. I do know that people looking to buy used M9s/MEs are now very picky about the date of the replaced sensor.....with the idea that the latest version is free of issues.

Raid, I think you and I are pretty late to the sensor replacement game. We should be receiving new, bullet-proof sensors. But when? Its been months...

 

[Luke_Miller]

In Fact, I think its only the M9-ME cameras.

Also the first Monochrom.

 

[raid]

I've read here (RFF) and elsewhere that the newest replacement sensor is supposed to be free of the qualities that made the original sensor prone to corrosion. However, I have only read this and don't know if its true. I do know that people looking to buy used M9s/MEs are now very picky about the date of the replaced sensor.....with the idea that the latest version is free of issues.

Raid, I think you and I are pretty late to the sensor replacement game. We should be receiving new, bullet-proof sensors. But when? Its been months...

No, I am fine there. I mailed Leica my M9 before last August. They gave me a M240 loaner. It may have been a special case for me.
I checked today with a lens rental place. They ask for $350/week for the M240.

 

[raid]

In Fact, I think its only the M9-ME cameras. I haven't heard about corrosion in the M8. Somehow different?

My M8 is fine so far. It may be only the M9/ME, as you have said.

 

[cz23]

How it will progress is anyone's guess, but the trend seems likely not good. I would be more concerned about sensor availability a year or two or three from now. They are CCD and of very low volume, so who knows? I'd get it updated soon for sure.

John

 

[rfaspen]

Good point about the continued availability of replacement sensors...

I think I would get the sensor replaced sooner rather than later. I know the hesitation because its hard to send off a camera you like and use frequently.

 

[music_healing]

i ve changed my ME sensor 3 times since 2013

it can be bad... even shooting at wide open.. the 2nd time corrosion show many patch like fungus and spots with spiculated hands, all over the frame ...

unfortunately, I feel the 3 rd sensor .. is quite different with previous 2 .... the one that warranty not corroded

the color is a bit different and i get a lot of IR leak and a bit moire (which never happen ever with last 2 ccd sensor)

Sincerely
William