Leica M9 FF-CCD corrosion - A most satisfactory conclusion

jaapv

jaapv

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As published on LUF just now:

Stefan Daniel said:
Dear Forum Members,

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.

We have now identified the problem and are currently concentrating our efforts on finding a permanent technical solution. Our response to this problem is a full goodwill arrangement offering free replacement of affected CCD sensors. This goodwill arrangement applies regardless of the age of the camera and also covers sensors that have already been replaced in the past. Customers who have already been charged for the replacement of a sensor affected by this problem will receive a refund.

The effect does not affect the CMOS sensor of the Leica M (Typ 240). Should you, as an M customer, be considering an upgrade from your camera to a Leica M or M-P (Typ 240), Customer Care would be pleased to make you an attractive offer following a check of your camera and under consideration of the model and its age.

We have posted the details of the problem and the terms and conditions of our goodwill arrangement in the News section of our corporate Web site at http://en.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/Leica-News/About-Leica-News/Global/Important-Information-Concerning-the-CCD-Sensors have provided a link to the currently available Leica M Monochrom and M-E models. We will also be notifying our distributors regarding the new terms and conditions.

We are aware that Leica’s reputation for superior quality and endurance was the driving factor for your decision for Leica. We profoundly regret that we have been unable to completely fulfil our promise to you and our own standards from the outset. We are now making every effort to find a permanent and satisfactory technical solution for this problem and hope that our goodwill arrangement is able to rebuild and maintain your trust in the Leica brand!

Best regards,

Stefan Daniel
Director
Product Management Photo
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Before judging Leica's response as ''a most satisfactory conclusion'', one should have a hard look at the terms and conditions of the proposed arrangement:

the terms and conditions of our goodwill arrangement in the News section of our corporate Web site at Important Information Concerning the CCD Sensors // Global // About Leica News // Leica News // World of Leica - Leica Camera AG
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I am relieved.

I feel the "Goodwill."

Now it is all about timing, waiting and being patient. In my past I was waiting for Leica to create and make a dream camera for an old B&W film diehard, and then it created the Monochrom.

Cal
 
For me this is a very satisfactory conclusion. As Mr. Daniels indicated, I purchased my M9, and then my Monochrom, partly based on Leica's reputation for superior products. The other part was the ability to use their superb optics in creating great digital photographs.

I wish Leica great success in finding a suitable technical solution that retains the unique IQ of their M9 series of products.
 
dogberryjr said:
It appears to me that people flipping out is what drove Leica's decision.
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If I understood the saga properly Leica tried to charge owners for repairing/replacing the defective sensors based on the age of the camera.

Unfortunate decision by Leica, if it is indeed a manufacturing flaw.

That said, Leica does not seem to have much luck with digital Ms.
 
what dan says.

"permanent technical solution" and "attractive [upgrade] offer" tick my boxes. thank you leica and mr daniel.

and thanks to jaap for the post as well.
 
A good conclusion and a breath of fresh air after all the FUD perpetuated on this issue.

Hmm. I have no issues with my M9 to date, but I'd be interested in an update to the M-P typ 240. I wonder how much of a trade-in/discount they're offering.

G
 
Can't wait to see Ikanagas's take on this in his next YouTube video. Yes I can. I'll be out with my Monochrom and M9-P having fun. Thanks to everyone who shook the tree and brought on this just solution.
 
I felt that Leica would likely be doing this based on their past response to issues. Tim Cook and Apple need to take heed. They still won't acknowledge that all 2011 MacBook Pros are ticking time bombs and eventual doorstops. And any 'repaired' replacement graphics boards are failing too (it's a design issue that Apple won't fess up to.) An almost 2-year old thread about this issue: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4766577?start=0&tstart=0 And now finally a class action lawsuit: http://www.wbmllp.com/news/class-action-filed-against-apple-for-defective-2011-macbook-pro-laptops The sad part is that Apple easily has the spare cash to do a free fix/recall but instead hopes it will just all go away somehow. But Leica with much smaller reserves, takes the more honorable route....

It's not 100% clear in the announcement by Daniel, but does this apply to all M9/M-E/MM cameras out there? In other words, buy a second hand M9 today and the new owner will be covered, too? And also get the upgrade offer? These cameras will still be taking a bit of a hit on the used market (after all, who wants to buy a camera that potentially might mean waiting for repair, and who knows how long any permanent fix might take assuming that there finally is one.) If the offer covers all cameras, and not just original owners, then buying used might mean some good deals out there now. One can buy a used M9/M-E/MM knowing it will be fixed and/or can also get an upgrade to the M240.
 
I already have several more cameras than I really need so I won't be picking up any additional M9 for myself. But someone who has thought about picking up a used digital M may want to consider looking for one now as the sensor replacement policy is certainly fair.

Of course, as cameras age, there are other mechanical issues that can begin to develop. However it does appear that Leica will still be able to repair any of those as they develop over time.

For myself, I would still like to get some clear guidance from Leica on how best to clean my sensor. I don't really do it myself, I have a trustworthy tech I know do it for me, but I would like to give him the latest guidance from the manufacturer.
 
dogberryjr said:
It appears to me that people flipping out is what drove Leica's decision.
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Doubt it, it's simply prudent to not screw your customers, especially if the problem lies with the sensor supplier and the costs is being passed partly or wholly onto them.
 
The only reason that Leica have made this offer is because of what has been said and fear of losing repeat and future business. Honorable company with photographers best interests at heart I think not. It doesnt take a genius to work this backtrack out.
When they have a product that lives up to their own and others hype and is backed up long term then maybe their PR damage limitation departement can go home.
I'll stick with my film M's and digital Nikons thanks.
Seriously Leica, get your act together and you could maybe deliver the camera you are always talking about!
 
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