Monochrom with M8 vertical line sensor problem

[Richard G]

I've just noticed a bright vertical line with one bright pixel along it exactly the same, and in the same position, bottom left of the image, as posted previously here for the M8 and M8.2 (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98644). I can't find reference to this with the M9 and Monochrom. It is white against grey, black against white, and can vary in length from the lower one fifth to the whole image. I got it at 1600 but can get it at 320 (base ISO) and 3200 and 10000. I've tried Kingston and Transcend cards: no difference. Mine is less than 12 months old so I suppose there will be no issue in getting it repaired, and likely will require a sensor replacement. Very deflating. I think they can do this in Melbourne but it will take a while. I've got some film here still, of course.

 

[aldobonnard]

Hi Richard,
Finding dead pixels, or hot pixels, is normal. From day one, any sensor will have a few. The thing which the internal MM/M9 camera s/w does not provide is a dynamic re-mapping of these (the good old Epson R-D1 has got this feature with firmware v2). I read somewhere that Leica service will do that re-mapping free of charge.
I saw one hot pixel/line appearing on my M9, that doesn't bother me anymore, because lightroom and acr get rid of it. Shoot DNG and check with your raw converter how it goes. Hopefully your camera doesn't need a sensor replacement !

 

[Richard G]

Thanks Aldobonnard. How does what you describe work? I shoot raw and import into Lightroom. I copy the DNGs in. Should I try something different to get rid of this?

 

[aldobonnard]

Firstly, for me on the M9, this occurs with high shutter speed and low light, when the shadow area matches the hot pixel zone. Otherwise I can't see it.
Second, when importing, I don't see it anymore. I have no action really. Since I do not check on the screen when I take photos, this issue may well have been there for long without me noticing.
The MM would have a different profile in LR/ACR PP and perhaps with everything being B&W, that catching may not work the same, or not work at all (?). Your feedback seems to say so. In this case, I'm really sorry, but my best advice would be to use the free Leica service which your warranty gives you. I agree, it's not the most satisfying feeling to get this sort of surprise with a new camera.

 

[Richard G]

I'm sure you're onto the answer with the software processing consequence of this new single dead pixel, the remapping you refer to. If some adjustment is possible to make it only that pixel that is down then I could live with it. Odd that it's occurred in the same part of the sensor as previously reported. Like you I've found with certain illumination the abnormality is undetectable. It's only come up recently after thousands of shots.

 

[Koolzakukumba]

You don't get that problem with film, Richard. 😀

I've just noticed a bright vertical line with one bright pixel along it exactly the same, and in the same position, bottom left of the image, as posted previously here for the M8 and M8.2 (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98644). I can't find reference to this with the M9 and Monochrom. It is white against grey, black against white, and can vary in length from the lower one fifth to the whole image. I got it at 1600 but can get it at 320 (base ISO) and 3200 and 10000. I've tried Kingston and Transcend cards: no difference. Mine is less than 12 months old so I suppose there will be no issue in getting it repaired, and likely will require a sensor replacement. Very deflating. I think they can do this in Melbourne but it will take a while. I've got some film here still, of course.

 

[Richard G]

You don't get that problem with film, Richard. 😀

One of my best pictures with the Rolleiflex plus Rolleinar 2 has a vertical blue line down the Ektar print: scratch from a roller.....? Admittedly one shot only. Yes, a new film sensor every shot is attractive. Leica now have three current film cameras with no word of them retiring any, and one just released. Maybe digital is a phase for me too. We'll see.

 

[Richard G]

Fixed. The local Leica repair agent remapped the pixel and all is well. Little more than a week out of action.

 

[Vince Lupo]

You don't get that problem with film, Richard. 😀

If you have shutter bounce and a pinhole in your curtain you can -- just ask any Exakta owner 😀

 

[Richard G]

Just had a line due to pixel problem erased by Camera Clinic in Melbourne. They remapped the pixel and it was a quick turnaround. Took the M9-P in on Monday. Ready for collection Thursday. Great.