Leica M-E: back ordered for 14 months

[Michael Markey]

Dear Michael,

What? Like it's not good enough to make some of the finest cameras in the world for almost 90 years? And to have over a year of back orders? Yeah, I can see how they are complete failures.

Cheers,

R.

Dear Roger

No , I wasn`t suggesting that they were complete failures.

Outsourcing components can be a risky business and it seems that its this which may be causing them difficulties.

A healthy back order list does , I agree, indicate a degree of confidence but not one which is sustainable should third party suppliers continue to disappoint .

Of course this is all speculation on my part.

On a separate note may I wish you and Francis a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Regards

Michael

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Roger

No , I wasn`t suggesting that they were complete failures.

Outsourcing components can be a risky business and it seems that its this which may be causing them difficulties.

A healthy back order list does , I agree, indicate a degree of confidence but not one which is sustainable should third party suppliers continue to disappoint .

Of course this is all speculation on my part.

On a separate note may I wish you and Francis a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Regards

Michael

Dear Michael,

Well, yes, but how many imaging chip manufacturers are there in the world?

And Frances and I likewise wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year (remember prosperity?)

Cheers,

R.

 

[Michael Markey]

Dear Michael,

Well, yes, but how many imaging chip manufacturers are there in the world?
And Frances and I likewise wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year (remember prosperity?)
Cheers,
R.

Dear Roger

I confess have no knowledge of the chip market or indeed what options are available for companies such as Leica in terms of what chips they can procure.

I am minded however to get either an M9 or ME sometime in the future so naturally these matters are a concern.

Prosperous .... I`ll need to think about that although we are told things are getting better 🙄

Regards
Michael

 

[lenticularis]

Sensor supply and QA

Sensor supply and QA

I bought an M9 last July and was unable to fix its issue of an unreadable SD card. The SD card interface is on the same assembly as the sensor and the rear LCD.

Leica are being fantastic in fixing this under goodwill, a camera that I bought 2nd or 3rd hand out of warranty, however I have been recently advised that my camera will finally be fixed this month after the arrival of parts.

Delay had been due to sensor supplier quality issues, so this is not something caused by a previous production batch, but by their current supply chain.

 

[jsrockit]

Outdated? I have 20x30s hanging in my house shot with the M9-P. Mine performs quite admirably. Frankly, my M8 still performs admirably and the file sizes are easier to handle. I haven't seen anything from the M240 in still work that totally eclipses what the M9 can do. I think the M9 is going to have a nice, long run... and the M9-P is going to become the 'last of the true Leica rangefinders." Ok... maybe that's the M-E... but you get the point. 😉

Relax, I even acknowledged it is a great camera (and yes, I've owned one). It's outdated because it is not the M240, Leica's newest model. It offers modern high ISO, that is something the M9 does not offer. I love the M9, but it is showing its age somewhat.

 

[______]

Given the pace of technical improvement, the problem with a 14 month backorder is by the time it is filled, advancements will have occurred. Since Leica is not leading the way in this area, they will simply fall further behind. Not to say you can't still shoot great images with what you have. But will those sensors Leica ordered to fullfill expected demand even still be available for repairs. Isn't this the reason for the delay Leica is experiencing with regard to repairing the M9. What are you supposed to do - buy two bodies so you are not without a camera for the months is takes to get your other body be repaired?

 

[willie_901]

Let's face it. Leica faces a terrible disadvantage because they can't use the same sensors used by other brands.

People would not understand that the color filter lens array (and other components) in front of the sensor photodiodes is what distinguishes the results. The photodiodes' quantum efficiency, full-well charge capacity and read noise levels are important, but they are only part of the story.

If Leica used SONY or Toshiba sensors they would have a reliable, high-quality supply stream, but people would incorrectly ask, "Why spend a lot more money for the same sensor?"

 

[jaapv]

More than slightly puzzled. Why should Leica want to use a me-too sensor? There is nothing wrong with the current CMosis offering on the M either, if people like DXO are to be believed.
The ME is aimed at users who prefer a CCD sensor, warts and all. Afaik Sony and Toshiba do not offer CCD sensors, so Leica will have to wait for Truesense to get their act together, I fear...🙁

 

[cz23]

I see the Miami Leica store lists the M-E as in stock.

John