uhoh7
Veteran
what, no hanging? Dang!
M9 sensor swap-- what does your documentation say?
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russelljtdyer
Writer
A New Sensor, but Varying Notes
A New Sensor, but Varying Notes
This is a late response to the original post, but I'm responding for others who might have a similar question and read this thread in the future.
A few weeks ago, I brought my Leica M9 to a store in Milan, near where I live, to have the image sensor cleaned -- they do that for free. I did this because there were several spots appearing on images. They kept it a few days and then told me the sensor needed to be replaced. They sent it to Leica in Wetzlar for me -- they didn't change me for the shipping cost either.
I received an email saying that they confirmed that the image sensor needed replacing and they would replace it for free -- which was very cool. They returned the camera to the Leica store in Milan after three weeks.
There were two letters accompanying the camera. One was entitled "Delivery Note". It mentioned working on the camera to include updating the firmware, adjusting the rangefinder, and cleaning. It did not say that they replaced the image sensor. The second letter included in the package was entitled, "Repair Invoice". On that one it says that the sensor was replaced and I was charged nothing.
To address your original concern, in my situation Leica did not say they replaced the sensor in one letter, but they did say it in the other. Plus, it looks like a different image sensor -- which could be my imagination -- there are no spots, and the firmware has been upgraded. Maybe you have one letter, but not the other.
A New Sensor, but Varying Notes
This is a late response to the original post, but I'm responding for others who might have a similar question and read this thread in the future.
A few weeks ago, I brought my Leica M9 to a store in Milan, near where I live, to have the image sensor cleaned -- they do that for free. I did this because there were several spots appearing on images. They kept it a few days and then told me the sensor needed to be replaced. They sent it to Leica in Wetzlar for me -- they didn't change me for the shipping cost either.
I received an email saying that they confirmed that the image sensor needed replacing and they would replace it for free -- which was very cool. They returned the camera to the Leica store in Milan after three weeks.
There were two letters accompanying the camera. One was entitled "Delivery Note". It mentioned working on the camera to include updating the firmware, adjusting the rangefinder, and cleaning. It did not say that they replaced the image sensor. The second letter included in the package was entitled, "Repair Invoice". On that one it says that the sensor was replaced and I was charged nothing.
To address your original concern, in my situation Leica did not say they replaced the sensor in one letter, but they did say it in the other. Plus, it looks like a different image sensor -- which could be my imagination -- there are no spots, and the firmware has been upgraded. Maybe you have one letter, but not the other.
Jim-st
Well-known
I was also puzzled by the documentation I received from Leica Wetzlar when my M9 came back after I'd sent it in to have the sensor looked at/ replaced
I got the same two documents as Russell, and also a little black Test Certificate card with the Leica logo on the front and the words "Your Leica product has been repaired by an experienced engineer and has undergone a comprehensive final inspection" in three languages inside, and signed with the initials A.R.. But the actual Repair Invoice said only the following:
Like the OP I have also wondered if this is really proof that the sensor was replaced, and I can only say I'm quite satisfied it must have been, as the strange spots I was seeing in the images from it are gone and have not recurred since it came back from Leica.
So I'm satisfied I have a new sensor, but not satisfied any future buyer will believe that on the basis of the documentation Leica provided 😱
willie_901
Veteran
One has no control over the thoughts of future buyers.
Still, it is completely clear to any rational person your sensor was replaced. Any other interpretation of the paperwork violates the principle of Occam's razor.
Additionally, future buyers could have access to a recent DNG file from a well-illumnated, monochrome surface at f 16 (or higher) that should reveal the absence of artifacts commonly found on images from first-generation M9 sensors.
cz23
Well-known
My MM invoice says "Necessary service charge."
I emailed NJ Customer Service to request confirmation than the sensor was changed, and they replied that it was. I saved the invoice and the email exchange as a PDF. In case I ever sell it, that should satisfy a buyer.
I agree it should be stated on the invoice. But maybe they'd rather not document it.
John
I emailed NJ Customer Service to request confirmation than the sensor was changed, and they replied that it was. I saved the invoice and the email exchange as a PDF. In case I ever sell it, that should satisfy a buyer.
I agree it should be stated on the invoice. But maybe they'd rather not document it.
John
Fraser
Well-known
cz23
Well-known
Yeah, that's pretty certain.
No cover replacement? Mine says that as well.
John
No cover replacement? Mine says that as well.
John
Jhausler
Established
Just got my M9 back from Leica NJ last week. The sensor glass had cracked and they replaced it for free (as they do). The documents did not say anything to the effect of "sensor replacement", but the crack is gone 🙂
I think they replaced the leather while it was there as well...
only took 3 months!
I think they replaced the leather while it was there as well...
only took 3 months!
victoriapio
Well-known
Just got back my M9 which had lines on images plus other sensor issues, and all the service sheet says is:
1. Necessary service charge 3 Hrs
2. Leather covering replaced
3. Circuit M9 REV 4 + 5
4. Sealing ring, 1 X 1,5
RFers on various threads think the "Circuit M9 REV 4+5" is the sensor replacement. I'll verify via email ....
I was not charged for the service.
1. Necessary service charge 3 Hrs
2. Leather covering replaced
3. Circuit M9 REV 4 + 5
4. Sealing ring, 1 X 1,5
RFers on various threads think the "Circuit M9 REV 4+5" is the sensor replacement. I'll verify via email ....
I was not charged for the service.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Leica cannot replace the sensor without replacing the leatherette.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I sent in my MM to Leica N.J. last December. When I got my camera back the paperwork had no mention of sensor replacement, but the circuit board was changed (zero charge), latest firmware installed, some type of calibration, and a labor charge of 3 hours.
Anyways the dead giveaway for a sensor replacement was the firmware update. Evidently the electronic circuit board gets changed out with the sensor. Also the new cover is performed because the old covering has to get removed any time the camera is opened up for repair.
So the cost to me was zero BTW. No charge for shipping either.
I hope this helps.
Cal
Anyways the dead giveaway for a sensor replacement was the firmware update. Evidently the electronic circuit board gets changed out with the sensor. Also the new cover is performed because the old covering has to get removed any time the camera is opened up for repair.
So the cost to me was zero BTW. No charge for shipping either.
I hope this helps.
Cal
victoriapio
Well-known
Sorry I failed to add that my firmware was updated although that was not stated in the worksheet.
