M9, M9-P new sensors

[froyd]

How can one tell if an M9 has had the sensore repalced to the newr "corrosion-proof" version? I see ads on Ebay for M9 that say, vaguely, that "the sensor has been replaced". Well, replaced with what? I assume at some point, early M9s with sensor issues might have had their sensors replaced with similar corrosion-prone assemblies.

 

[Gregm61]

If the firmware number is 1.204, Leica loaded that when they installed the replacement sensor in my M9-P. The newest firmware is 1.210.

 

[Rob-F]

I'm not taking chances. I bought mine from Photo Village. It came with a note that the sensor had been replaced. But, as you say, replaced with what? So I had our local store send it in for sensor clean and check. Better safe than sorry. In your case, since you have not bought yet, you should probably buy only from a store that can tell you for sure.

 

[willie_901]

Can a camera with the original sensor function with firmware 1.210 installed?

If so, you are at the mercy of the sellers' honesty. Then, I think legitimate paper work from Leica is indisputable.

Otherwise, the firmware version would tell the tale.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

We have RFF members who needs second round for replacement.

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/249569-leica-m9-corrosion-sensor-replacement-starts-now/
Leica only started to replace corrosive parts with non-corrosive after September of 2015.
So, if sensor was replaced in 2016 or later it is safe to buy, if papers are provided.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Can a camera with the original sensor function with firmware 1.210 installed?

If so, you are at the mercy of the sellers' honesty. Then, I think legitimate paper work from Leica is indisputable.

Otherwise, the firmware version would tell the tale.

1.210 is openly available for install. I went from 1.202 to 1.210 by myself after purchasing 2015 made M-E in October of 2016.

 

[froyd]

Thanks, very helpful and interesting.

 

[rscheffler]

Probably the only way to be sure is to request supporting paperwork from the seller. This might be more tricky if done through a store, but if it's a private sale, the previous owner should have it. If they bought it from someone who had it done, should have asked for the supporting paperwork.

That said, the paperwork I received back with my camera after its sensor replacement was somewhat vague and didn't outright state 'sensor replacement' but test photos indicate no more white spots with black halos around them.

Another option might be to contact Leica with the serial number and ask for confirmation. Not sure they will share service history details, but maybe they can provide a simple yes or no.

Ko.Fe.'s point is also very relevant. Only recently with the latest cover glass type is the replacement considered a 'permanent' one.

 

[jsrockit]

Anyone who has had their sensor replaced should surely have paperwork to prove it from Leica no?

 

[Luke_Miller]

The paperwork I received from Leica NJ with the returned camera was also very vague, but it referenced the service P.O.number. That document specified all the work that was performed. So in my case both documents are necessary to verify that the sensor was replaced.

 

[f16sunshine]

It seems like Leica could confirm this question with a serial number.
SHOULD Be very simple right ?

 

[Doug]

Unfortunately, Leica is very vague about the specifics of the service, I've found. Hard to "prove" much of anything...

 

[Huss]

And herein lies the crux of Leica going back on their word re. sensor replacement. You may have a new sensor, but it may be a new one of the old defective design.

 

[Rayt]

Unfortunately, Leica is very vague about the specifics of the service, I've found. Hard to "prove" much of anything...

Not sure about NJ but my friend got his sensor replacement from Wetzler recently and the paperwork detailed everything that was done and he said Leica replaced an array of parts. I sent my MM to Wetzler yesterday.

 

[Gregm61]

If the camera's firmware is 1.204, it was installed by Leica when the new sensor was installed. I've left mine at that version since it came back from the factory with the new sensor in May, 2016.

 

[jaapv]

Unfortunately, Leica is very vague about the specifics of the service, I've found. Hard to "prove" much of anything...

I would be extremely surprised if Leica (Wetzlar) could not confirm which sensor was built in. Just ask.

 

[willie_901]

And herein lies the crux of Leica going back on their word re. sensor replacement. You may have a new sensor, but it may be a new one of the old defective design.

Well, that would be profoundly self-defeating – to the point of absurdity.

In the past, Leica made mistakes dealing with digital M issues. This started with the M8 IR contamination surprise. I am not aware of an example where Leica didn't eventually do the right thing.

Leica handled the recent TL2 Visoflex problem much differently. Leica was transparent and effective. Leica announced there was an issue and quickly released a firmware update to solve the problem. Perhaps this indicates Leica learned a lesson from the M9 sensor episode?

Rectifying the M9 IR filter layer problem was expensive, but it was also a wise investment. First, it avoided a class action law suit. Second, it generated good will and strengthed the Leica brand. This is a win-win solution.

Consider this. Sooner or later the IR filter film of every single old-style sensor will fail. Detection of the fraud you suggest is inevitable. The resulting negative publicity would be viral and toxic.

Therefore, the stupidity level required to risk the benefits of a huge investment just to save a very small amount of money installing some old-style sensors is unimaginable.

 

[jaapv]

Sooner or later the IR filter film of every single old-style sensor will fail

Where does this assertion come from? There is no evidence to support it.


The old style sensors that were installed was in the time that no new style sensor was available yet. Should Leica have left the users out in the cold until the new-style sensor was developed? I think not.
As soon as the new sensor came into production that was the only one used.

 

[sojournerphoto]

Anyone who has had their sensor replaced should surely have paperwork to prove it from Leica no?

No. When Mike me was replaced it was just returned with a short note that I didn't even think to keep. No one would have viewed that as evidence in any case. On the other hand, if you've bought one and register it on their user website, they are very helpful and would probably tell you what you need to know.

Mike

 

[Huss]

Therefore, the stupidity level required to risk the benefits of a huge investment just to save a very small amount of money installing some old-style sensors is unimaginable.

Leica already reneged on their promise of life time sensor replacement...