If corroded sensor never changed?

[Out to Lunch]

If corrosion is here all you need is one clear sky shot with f16.

Not really, when you google 'corrosion leica m9 - m-e' you'll find a lot of shots with corrosion -including spots with a white halo and fungus type of abnormalities. In my case, it all seems to be crud.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

It is not clear whether or not all M-E's are affected.

Initially Leica said "In some cases" and included the M-E, later when they announced the new sensor they said: "Latest information on the CCD sensors of the Leica M9 / M9-P / M Monochrom and M-E camera models
Since the recognition of a corrosion-related problem on the cover glass of the sensors of the above-mentioned camera models (see information from 10.12.2014), we have been working with our sensor supplier on a long-term technical solution." without saying some. I conclude the potential for corrosion is present in all those cameras with original and with an "original" replacement sensor. Not all are affected but all may be affected over time.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Whatever it may be, I can't have it checked right now and will continue to apply the rocket blower and swabs....and hope for the best.

 

[pepeguitarra]

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?

The "only happens at apertures smaller than f5.6" was the original excuse of Leica. Until the pressure of the forums forced them to admit the wrong. It will continue to go bad. Mine was like that and I cloned a lot of photos, but finally they changed the sensor, and ever since no problem. My suspicion is that the more humid the environment, the easy is to get it corroded. I have been safe for almost three years with the new sensor.

 

[raid]

My M9 got a new sensor less than 3 years ago. I sent the camera to NJ Leica, and they installed a new sensor. This sensor is now corroded according to Leica NJ. So the "new sensor" from last replacement is not from the "new sensor" generation? Maybe.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

My M9 got a new sensor less than 3 years ago. I sent the camera to NJ Leica, and they installed a new sensor. This sensor is now corroded according to Leica NJ. So the "new sensor" from last replacement is not from the "new sensor" generation? Maybe.

Raid it depends how much less than three years:
The "new" sensor was announced in June 2015 and around October that year they began fitting them.
The new sensor required updated firmware which was the early "tell tale", there have been updates since so that ID has gone, new firmware adjusts for either sensor.
It is possible to look at the hidden data in the M9 service menu AT YOUR OWN RISK:
Power on

Delete -> up (2x) -> down (4x) -> left (3x) -> right (3x) -> Info

Cleared by turning the camera off.

Under Hardware you should see something like:
CCD ID 15, CCD Board 2, Control BRD 2, M16CID 0.

The CCD ID of new sensors is 15 and 16 (thought to be the year but not proven) 5 and 8 and 11 are old sensors, the MM has a different code. All anecdotal and unconfirmed by Leica but owners have dates returned and data accessed, this despite the sometimes vague Leica paperwork which often does not clearly state what was done.

 

[willie_901]

I think it was the adhesive used to cement the cover glass (or filter) that went bad on the M9, and not the glass itself.

While the adhesive could be a problem as well. The primary mode of failure is the IR filter film reacts with water vapor. If I remember correctly, the first IR filter film met the minimum thickness and IR energy attenuation requirements. But unfortunately this material is labile to water.

Herre is a quote from Stefan Daniel, Director, Leica Product Management Photo posted on another forum on Dec 10, 2014.

"We have been closely following debates on the CCD sensor issue in forums and blogs and take the opinions and criticism we read very seriously. For us, it is important that we offer only technically faultless products. We are therefore particularly sorry if the imaging quality of your camera should be adversely affected by corrosion effects on the IR filter cover glass. We would also like to express our sincerest regrets to all customers who may have encountered this problem."

 

[raid]

We met with Stefan Daniel during out visit to Leica AG in Wetzlar. He seems to be a very nice person with genuine interest in Leica users' concerns and interests.