M9/P/ME -> post corrosion state - best buy now?

[jaapv]

Just to be clear there are only 1000 cameras, in total, that are potentially ever going to develop the corrosion?

!

That is not what I said, I said less than 1000 were diagnosed with corrosion and repaired.

 

[photomoof]

For the M9 it will have firmware version 1.204, which is specific to the re-designed sensor.

Thanks for your sensible and definitive answers to my original question, especially the firmware version! 🙂

I finally just deleted out of this discussion, as noted I had a loner M8, it had significant issues, so I just never went back. The camera however, was great fun to use. But lately I have, like the OP, considered another run at a digital Leica. I may ask for another loaner and see how I get along with it.

 

[Calzone]

The M9 is a very good deal right now. No other digital camera shoots M or LTM lenses better. The 240 has other features, ISO, 24mp, EVF etc, but to my taste and others lenses like the 28 cron or 50 lux are nicer on the M9, often. It loves most of the older lenses also. You don't need to edit much. The MM is the same camera, same sensor, at base. How many complaints do you hear about the MM?

20 years from now, the M9 will still be used.

Plus one on the 28 Cron and 50 Lux ASPH being some of the best glass on my Monochrom. The 35/1.8 Nikkor in LTM renders wonderfully also with wonderful/perfect contrast. Other interesting lenses are the Minolta 45/2.8 Super Rokkor and black Canon 28/3.5.

To me the CCD has vast midrange and sometimes it is the size of the pixel rather than how many that matters.

Cal

 

[TRIago]

Yes.


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[Emile de Leon]

Lets hope Leica ordered enough new sensors...for a few years..

 

[jaapv]

They get ordered in batches.

 

[Bike Tourist]

I've been eyeing an M-9 or M-E. First of all, does Leica USA make the sensor swap? Do you have to be the original owner? Roughly, what percentage of cameras seem to be effected? So many questions, but the investment is substantial.

 

[kermaier]

I have an M9-P that I bought second-hand from an individual. I brought it in to Leica USA in NJ because the rangefinder focusing cam roller was sticking. They (unsolicited) told me that the sensor cover glass was corroded, and offered to replace it (regardless of ownership/warranty status), and included the rangefinder repair at no cost. It took a long time before the new sensors were available for this service to be completed, and the original vulcanite body-covering is not longer avaiable, so it came back to me with the newer M240-style covering. But, otherwise, the experience was smooth and cost-free.

Be aware, however, that Leica will not replace your sensor unless it shows evidence of corrosion -- no pre-emptive service.

 

[JMQ]

does Leica USA make the sensor swap?

Yes

Do you have to be the original owner?

No

It does take several months....

 

[Ken Ford]

I have an M9-P that I bought second-hand from an individual. I brought it in to Leica USA in NJ because the rangefinder focusing cam roller was sticking. They (unsolicited) told me that the sensor cover glass was corroded, and offered to replace it (regardless of ownership/warranty status), and included the rangefinder repair at no cost. It took a long time before the new sensors were available for this service to be completed, and the original vulcanite body-covering is not longer avaiable, so it came back to me with the newer M240-style covering. But, otherwise, the experience was smooth and cost-free.

Be aware, however, that Leica will not replace your sensor unless it shows evidence of corrosion -- no pre-emptive service.

Just to be sure I'm understanding this correctly (since I haven't read up on digital Ms) - if I purchase a used M9 or M9-P and it develops the sensor corrosion, Leica will repair it free of charge even though I'm not the original owner?

If that's the case, a used M9 or M9-P is an attractive option for me - I've been considering an X-Pro2, but I'd prefer staying in the Leica camp so I can use my M lenses as intended.

 

[sojournerphoto]

Just to be sure I'm understanding this correctly (since I haven't read up on digital Ms) - if I purchase a used M9 or M9-P and it develops the sensor corrosion, Leica will repair it free of charge even though I'm not the original owner?

If that's the case, a used M9 or M9-P is an attractive option for me - I've been considering an X-Pro2, but I'd prefer staying in the Leica camp so I can use my M lenses as intended.

Point 1- exactly, Leica has committed to replace defective sensors regardless of whether you are the original owner

Point 2 - I have an M9 and and XPro2 at present. There are similarities, but there are also differences.The Xpro2 is a super camera and feels 'faster' than the M9, but it isn't a rangefinder. It does provide me with an slr substitute on occasion when I use the evf, but I use the OVF much more. The sensor is staggeringly good.

 

[Ken Ford]

Point 1- exactly, Leica has committed to replace defective sensors regardless of whether you are the original owner

Point 2 - I have an M9 and and XPro2 at present. There are similarities, but there are also differences.The Xpro2 is a super camera and feels 'faster' than the M9, but it isn't a rangefinder. It does provide me with an slr substitute on occasion when I use the evf, but I use the OVF much more. The sensor is staggeringly good.

Wow, that puts a totally different spin on things. I think I need to look at M9-Ps before I commit to the Fuji switch. I'd much rather keep my Leica glass!