MaxMax fixing M9 sensors; converting to monochrome

[Dante_Stella]

Don't know if any of you get MaxMax's newsletter, but they are now fixing M9 sensors:

- New cover glass, $1,500
- Full spectrum, $1,500
- Monochrome (full spectrum or regular) $2,500

These prices might or might not scare you, but their technical explanation is interesting, that the sensor was not actually coated, and that's why it's oxidizing. These guys are the best at converting anything to anything.

https://maxmax.com/maincamerapage/monochrome-cameras/leica-m9

Dante

 

[raid]

These services are not cheap, Dante. Are they worth such expenses?

 

[Darthfeeble]

I know its a Leica repair but that's ridiculously high, close to ten times what Lifepixel charges for the cameras that they do.

 

[Dante_Stella]

I know its a Leica repair but that's ridiculously high, close to ten times what Lifepixel charges for the cameras that they do.

Kolari charges a grand to change an M9 cover glass. Supply and demand.

Dante

 

[Beemermark]

I know its a Leica repair but that's ridiculously high, close to ten times what Lifepixel charges for the cameras that they do.

I think cheaper than Leica?

 

[dourbalistar]

Kolari Vision have also jumped into the M9 repair fray. $1,000 to replace the sensor glass, which is the source of the corrosion. Of course, they can also do their IR and UV work:
https://leicarumors.com/2020/09/11/...-corroded-leica-m9-ccd-sensors-for-1000.aspx/

 

[dourbalistar]

I think cheaper than Leica?

I think Leica stopped doing the sensor replacements all together recently:
https://leicarumors.com/2020/08/07/...ctive-sensors-can-no-longer-be-replaced.aspx/

 

[Beemermark]

I think Leica stopped doing the sensor replacements all together recently:
https://leicarumors.com/2020/08/07/...ctive-sensors-can-no-longer-be-replaced.aspx/

I was probably lucky (though still P'Od). I got mine done with Leica for around $600~700. And that did include a CLA.

 

[jsrockit]

Let’s try to focus on the good news (even if expensive) regarding these third party services. We already have plenty of threads about Leica no longer doing these repairs and who got screwed and who was lucky and Leica's promises, etc.

 

[Archlich]

Looks like it's all-out for third parties to offer alternative services once Leica's support is over, while exposing the "changing sensor" scheme is actually not mandatory in fixing the corrosion, which happens only on the glass cover.

I recently discovered an already thriving industry in China to replace that cover for even lower cost. Roughly $250 for a fix, $500 to convert to monochrome PLUS installing M-M firmware.

Kinda wanna give it a try.

 

[raid]

Could you post the links for such companies?

 

[Out to Lunch]

Let me second raid...please share the internet links in China. Thanks, OtL

 

[Archlich]

Raid and OtL, they're minor repair shops only reachable through Taobao, Xianyu (Alibaba's Craigslist) and Wechat.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=608577132591&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=584166933197&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=553198901726&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail

From pictures you can see they're actually on it.

Some have actual customer feedback of positive results. I've asked them and got the quote above. All promise it won't alter the camera's performance. Not sure to what extent that would hold though since the thickness might be different after all.

They cannot change the CCD ID so you'd always be able to distinguish one of these from those that's been to Wetzlar for a new sensor.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

2500 for Monochrome from M9 which is in "for parts" price category is good deal.
1500 to have M9 back to normal is same price as Leica Camera AG was charging owners to have Leica Camera AG fixed.

 

[raid]

Raid and OtL, they're minor repair shops only reachable through Taobao, Xianyu (Alibaba's Craigslist) and Wechat.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=608577132591&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=584166933197&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?sp...uqcBG&id=553198901726&ns=1&abbucket=13#detail

From pictures you can see they're actually on it.

Some have actual customer feedback of positive results. I've asked them and got the quote above. All promise it won't alter the camera's performance. Not sure to what extent that would hold though since the thickness might be different after all.

They cannot change the CCD ID so you'd always be able to distinguish one of these from those that's been to Wetzlar for a new sensor.

Thanks!
Would you mail to such repair shops your M9?

 

[yossarian123]

Does this also include the MM Monochrom sensor repair? Both links only mention M9.

 

[Archlich]

Thanks!
Would you mail to such repair shops your M9?

I'm eyeing a faulty M-E to try it out. If ever pulled the trigger I'd give one of these places a try.

Price of the M9/M-E with corrosion in China has been kept high, presumably because the existence of these shops and people know they can be fixed one way or another.