Leica M9 FF-CCD corrosion - A most satisfactory conclusion

[raid]

It is worrisome though. I hope that Leica will focus on the sensor problem.

 

[Huss]

This is turning into the most combed over, boring, overblown subject ever posted on RFF. 😛

Overblown?
I dunno, I've spent $6K on a camera that works for 9 months before it breaks.
Twice.

And Leica continues to sell that same, unchanged camera.

Really, I get that they are working on a solution. But in the meantime they should pull current stock from the shelves. Not doing so is just disingenuous.

 

[Bille]

Overblown?
I dunno, I've spent $6K on a camera that works for 9 months before it breaks.
Twice.

And Leica continues to sell that same, unchanged camera.

Really, I get that they are working on a solution. But in the meantime they should pull current stock from the shelves. Not doing so is just disingenuous.

"We have now identified the problem and are currently concentrating our efforts on finding a permanent technical solution."
http://uk.leica-camera.com/World-of...ortant-Information-Concerning-the-CCD-Sensors

In the meantime, no need to panic.

 

[Pioneer]

This is turning into the most combed over, boring, overblown subject ever posted on RFF. 😛

I have to agree. This is getting boring.

Leica has told you what they intend to do. Either that is good enough and you want to keep the camera, or you don't. That is entirely up to you and I am sure you will make the decision that satisfies you.

For me, I am going to take my MM out and grab some photos. Good luck all and I hope you are all have a good Holiday!

 

[willie_901]

Hi Folks,

I'm just thinking: is the M8.2 Sensor affected ?
Why yes or why no ?

The M8.2 sensor is not affected since it does not have an IR filter. The deamination occurs in the M9 IR filter glass assembly.

 

[uhoh7]

This is turning into the most combed over, boring, overblown subject ever posted on RFF. 😛

Not even remotely close 😉

 

[x-ray]

Overblown?
I dunno, I've spent $6K on a camera that works for 9 months before it breaks.
Twice.

And Leica continues to sell that same, unchanged camera.

Really, I get that they are working on a solution. But in the meantime they should pull current stock from the shelves. Not doing so is just disingenuous.

Fortunately I no longer have an M9 but I totally agree.

I'm guessing the solution they come up with is a generous trade in allowance. I know they are talking that already. Think about it, if they say we can't come up with a satisfactory solution it releases them from the cost of developing another sensor and the cost of replacing tens of thousands of sensors. How many tech would they have to hire to replace 30,000+ sensors and the equipment to do the job plus the facility for this to happen. How many months or years would this take? Also if they play their cards right they'll make a few dollars on the trade in of your M9 on a 240. It's a win win for Leica.
I'm betting there's no replacement solution, only a trade in program.

 

[x-ray]

Have you stopped to consider the cost of 40,000 cameras sold at $6500? It's $260,000,000. This is hardly overblown.

 

[Huss]

"We have now identified the problem and are currently concentrating our efforts on finding a permanent technical solution."
http://uk.leica-camera.com/World-of...ortant-Information-Concerning-the-CCD-Sensors

In the meantime, no need to panic.

So why on earth are they still selling that camera?

I have a feeling they do because of the current Leica demographic. Rich people with little interest in photography, just an interest in acquiring the label. If they do use the camera, it would be on a very rare basis and so they may never realize there is an issue.

Of course, those of us on this site are the exception to that rule, but if we think that we are the majority of the purchasers, I would think that we are very mistaken. There is a reason the whole Leica Store concept was developed. And launched in extremely upmarket neighborhoods.

 

[Huss]

I'm guessing the solution they come up with is a generous trade in allowance. I know they are talking that already. ... Also if they play their cards right they'll make a few dollars on the trade in of your M9 on a 240. It's a win win for Leica.
I'm betting there's no replacement solution, only a trade in program.

I looked into that. I took my M-E into an official Leica Store, run by Leica USA.

They said that for the trade in, the camera would first have to be sent to Leica NJ, where it would be examined and the value determined. Then they would give an offer. All the while you would be without your camera.
No estimation of time was given.

Doesn't really sound customer-centric, does it?

 

[x-ray]

I looked into that. I took my M-E into an official Leica Store, run by Leica USA.

They said that for the trade in, the camera would first have to be sent to Leica NJ, where it would be examined and the value determined. Then they would give an offer. All the while you would be without your camera.
No estimation of time was given.

Doesn't really sound customer-centric, does it?

I agree, no it doesn't.

If leica says we can find no suitable replacement sensor what choice will owners have other than eventually make a paperweight out of it.

Leica is still selling defective cameras from what I read. If my theory land out they've moved their defective inventory and made money on it and then will take them back on trade and sell each owner another camera at a discount but sti making money. It's a win win for Leica. Meanwhile The customer has been scammed again and paid for another camera that Leica should be giving you at no cost to make good on the defective gear each of us have bought.

 

[noimmunity]

I will never again purchase a Leica.

I think the conclusion was satisfactory in the sense that it gave Leica M9/MM/M-E owners an event horizon for dividing into two groups. One group is reassured enough to keep on keepin' on. The other group has reached a definitive conclusion about their relation to Leica digital M products.

Arguing about it really is kind of boring.

I propose having two separate threads. One takes the present thread title, the other takes the opposite view.

 

[ktmrider]

Just Got Tagged!

Just Got Tagged!

I purchased a used M9 about 14 months ago from Ken Hansen. It had just come back from NJ with a rangefinder adjustment and general check up. I used it for a year including 3 months of travel in Europe. I sent it to Leica NJ the first week of December for a CLA.

Well, I just got off the phone with Leica and it has a bad sensor. Leica NJ is out of the CCD sensors and does not have an ETA for more. So, I don't know when my M9 is coming back.

I am headed to Guatemala in March for a month. Perhaps it will be back by then. If not, I have an M2 from 1958 and a Fuji X100.

Am I ticked off? Don't know. I guess it depends on how long it takes to get it back.

 

[ktmrider]

Well, called Leica, NJ, last Tuesday to ask if they had an estimate on when the sensors would arrive to repair my M9. They had no idea. Three days later I get an email that the M9 had shipped.

I originally sent the camera in for a CLA and was told about four weeks turn around time. They had the camera about six and replaced the sensor for free so I can not really complain.

Have an essentially a new M9 with a one year warranty. Now I admit I would have been happier if the corrosion problem had never occurred but I can not complain about how Leica has handled the issue.

My next trip is to Guatemala for a month to study Spanish. I will probably leave the M9 at home due to problems with theft. Am thinking original X100 and 500CM.

 

[Calzone]

Thanks for the update.

Your experience mirrors my friend's who bought a M9 way back when, had it updated into a M9P for a new warrentee, and then had his sensor replaced when he sent his M9P in for a sensor cleaning for free last year.

I am a Monochrom owner and have been using my MM for now two years without issue. I wet cleaned my own sensor just once, and now any dust that accumulates is easily removed with a blower ball.

The timing of being without my MM is a big worry, but I am not concerned so much about getting my camera repaired as the inconvenience of being without my Monochrom.

Cal

 

[willie_901]

Well, called Leica, NJ, last Tuesday to ask if they had an estimate on when the sensors would arrive to repair my M9. They had no idea. Three days later I get an email that the M9 had shipped.

I originally sent the camera in for a CLA and was told about four weeks turn around time. They had the camera about six and replaced the sensor for free so I can not really complain.

Interesting report... thanks.

ON Semiconductor, Inc. (who purchased Truesense Imaging for $92 million in cash last spring) must be thrilled. I wonder if they are working three shifts a day to meet demand? This bodes well for all M8/M9 owners.

 

[nightfly]

So if you have an M9 that doesn't show signs of the corrosion are you better off sending in or waiting till this appears?

I purchased the M9 specifically because I really like the look the CCD sensor produces so I'd hate to have to trade it at some point for a new sensor which captures colors differently.

 

[seakayaker1]

Happy with Leica response to the sensor issue.

Happy with Leica response to the sensor issue.

FWIW, i called Leica NJ in December and arranged to have my M9 sent in for repair. They requested it arrive by January 15th for them to inspect. I received a letter this week stating that they will replace the sensor under the warranty program and the work should be completed by February 27th.

So I am happy that this is coming to a satisfactory conclusion. I hope to enjoy several more years of use with the M9.

 

[user237428934]

So if you have an M9 that doesn't show signs of the corrosion are you better off sending in or waiting till this appears?

What do you want Leica to do? Replace your working sensor with unknown probability of developing corrosion with another working sensor with unknown probability of developing corrosion?

Be nice to the other M9 owners who really need a repair and don't steal the time of the Leica technicians.

 

[Pioneer]

I agree with tom.w.bn.

Mine came back about 2 weeks ago from its annual cleaning with a clean bill of health. 5 years on the original sensor, so not all 40,000 or so Leica M9s have developed the problem. Until mine develops the problem I am not going to worry about a new sensor.

No sense in borrowing trouble. I like the one I have.