Ruffmeister
Member
Hi all,
Newbie to RFF and this is my first post, so apologies if this has been asked already.
Currently shooting with an M8 and was considering a jump to the M9.
My initial concern is the sensor with regards to corrosion. I notice a few for sale in the UK which state 'Sensor replaced in 20**'
Am I right in thinking that if the sensor has been replaced, the problem then won't reoccur? I have read mixed things on Leica replacing sensors like for like and replacing them for sensors with a correction.
Love shooting with the M8 and the files from the CCD are great.
Thanks,
Newbie to RFF and this is my first post, so apologies if this has been asked already.
Currently shooting with an M8 and was considering a jump to the M9.
My initial concern is the sensor with regards to corrosion. I notice a few for sale in the UK which state 'Sensor replaced in 20**'
Am I right in thinking that if the sensor has been replaced, the problem then won't reoccur? I have read mixed things on Leica replacing sensors like for like and replacing them for sensors with a correction.
Love shooting with the M8 and the files from the CCD are great.
Thanks,
Luke_Miller
Established
When the sensor replacement program began the re-designed sensor that was not subject to the corrosion issue was not yet available. So some M9/ME bodies have a replacement using the original sensor. I believe it was mid-2015 when the re-designed sensor became available. Since many (maybe most) of the original sensors have not experienced this problem even a body with an original design sensor is probably going to be OK. In any event Leica will replace the sensor if corrosion occurs.
willie_901
Veteran
As Luke summarized the risk of being stuck with a defective M9 sensor is essentially zero.
There are two considerations when buying a camera with a first generation sensor assembly; not having access to the camera while it is being repaired and how long the supply of new sensors will last. The later concern is speculative. Leica may in fact have ordered more than enough new sensor assemblies and replacement will be possible for many years. But the worse case scenario is Leica offers you a significant discount on a current digital M body.
If the replacement was a first generation sensor assembly, then eventually atmospheric moisture will reach the IR filter layer of the cover glass and delamination (a.k.a. corrosion) will occur. It is not possible to predict how long this will take, only that at some point it will happen because the IR filter film in the first generation sensor reacts with water.
So, what you need to see is the sensor replacement invoice/paperwork. This will determine if the replacement was a first generation assembly or the improved assembly with a IR filter layer that does nit react with water.
There are two considerations when buying a camera with a first generation sensor assembly; not having access to the camera while it is being repaired and how long the supply of new sensors will last. The later concern is speculative. Leica may in fact have ordered more than enough new sensor assemblies and replacement will be possible for many years. But the worse case scenario is Leica offers you a significant discount on a current digital M body.
If the replacement was a first generation sensor assembly, then eventually atmospheric moisture will reach the IR filter layer of the cover glass and delamination (a.k.a. corrosion) will occur. It is not possible to predict how long this will take, only that at some point it will happen because the IR filter film in the first generation sensor reacts with water.
So, what you need to see is the sensor replacement invoice/paperwork. This will determine if the replacement was a first generation assembly or the improved assembly with a IR filter layer that does nit react with water.
Mcary
Well-known
If you decide to get the M9, I'd suggest holding on to the M8 until you're sure that the M9 doesn't have the corrosion issue. I purchased an M9 in late Nov of 2015 and everything seems fine for a while then I started noticing dead pixels so I sent it to Leica NJ asking them to check for possible remapping as well as the corrosion issue. Turns out it did suffer from the corrosion issue and will likely be something in July before I get back it so very pretty that I was unable to sale my M8 and have now decided that I'll keep the M8 as a back up/second body.
Ruffmeister
Member
Thanks for the replies. Some good stuff to take into consideration here.
It's not something I'm looking to rush into yet, and I would need to sell some gear first anyway. I'm looking to simplify ideally and not worry about what camera to shoot with (I use a 5DC and Fuji X too), and with the M8, I've found it delivers what I want in a camera and often ends up the 'go to'
It's not something I'm looking to rush into yet, and I would need to sell some gear first anyway. I'm looking to simplify ideally and not worry about what camera to shoot with (I use a 5DC and Fuji X too), and with the M8, I've found it delivers what I want in a camera and often ends up the 'go to'
pepeguitarra
Well-known
I had my camera sensor replaced beginning 2015 and it has not shown any sign of problem. The sensor used to replace was the same old sensor. If it happen again, Leica will change it for the latest one corrosion-proof. I always said, I will not change my M9 for anything else.
TRIago
Established
The same here. Mine's got the replaced CCD as well and I see no reason for a change. The M9 really is a classic. I have newer Fujis and Canons as well, played with newer Nikons and even Leicas. For the kinda stuff I need a camera for, the M9 is still king.
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Fraser
Well-known
I would second that have a backup! I love my m9 but it's quite frustrating to have it gone for so long mine has only been gone for about a month and Leica were very quick to get it checked etc and I think it's a great thing they are replacing the sensors but now it seems to be just sitting in repair. The first time a couple of years ago I bought a Fuji x100 as my carry about camera this time I picked up a Nikon df and I've got to say at the moment the df seems a lot better value for money!