Opting for Voucher Instead of Replacing Corroded M9 Sensor

[raycpa]

It appears my sensor has the corrosion. I called Leica NJ and they said send it in for inspection and if corrosion is confirmed they'll either issue a voucher toward a new model or replace sensor for free and that would take about four months. I have had the M9 for a few months and so I'm not an expert on what i can and can't do with this model. Have many people opted for the voucher and bought a new M or M-P? If so, what tipped the scale?

BTW, I bought the M9 for about $2,000, it had about 1,500 clicks, and is in my opinion very clean with no blemishes.

If I went the voucher route I'd get the M-P. Biggest factor is stealthiness and sapphire LCD. Live view would be nice but I don't need (or want) the video feature.

I'm new to the forum so please forgive if I posted this in wrong section.

Thanks.

 

[jsrockit]

Makes sense to me... but how much will you have to put in to obtain the M-P?

 

[raid]

If you enjoyed using the M9 I would replace the sensor and save some money this way.

 

[willie_901]

Difficult decision.

I guess it depends on the face value of the voucher and how inconvenient it would be to be without a digital M body for 4 months.

The $2,000 with 1,500 clicks sound pretty sweet. Is the M9's 0.68 magnification factor working well for you? I don't know if the MP's 0.72 magnification factor is significantly better.

 

[Ronald M]

"Perspective is governed by where you stand – object size and the angle of view included in the picture is determined by focal length." H.S. Newcombe

They still don`t understand. But not everyone has the book from the 1960`s where it is all explained.

Guess it is like politics and "free stuff" from the government.

 

[Luke_Miller]

My M9MM has sensor corrosion also. I contacted Leica NJ and was told a four month wait for a replacement sensor, but that I did not have to send it in now - that they would put my name on the list and contact me when it was time to send it in. The corrosion does not currently show in my images so I continue to shoot with it until I get the call. I do not expect it to be gone more than three weeks.

 

[jsrockit]

That sounds like a win / win to me Luke.

 

[Calzone]

My M9MM has sensor corrosion also. I contacted Leica NJ and was told a four month wait for a replacement sensor, but that I did not have to send it in now - that they would put my name on the list and contact me when it was time to send it in. The corrosion does not currently show in my images so I continue to shoot with it until I get the call. I do not expect it to be gone more than three weeks.

Luke,

Thanks for the post. I suspect that I have some corrosion on my sensor and your information is very helpful.

Cal

 

[Vince Lupo]

If you don't need the video feature, how about the M262? It does not have LiveView, however.

 

[Calzone]

That sounds like a win / win to me Luke.

John,

There is a Chinese expression: Time is the best weapon.

I've been holding out, but know if Leica came out with a monochrome version of the SL I would likely use the voucher to upgrade and give up my beloved MM. I hope that I'm not delusional, but to me I think it is a logical progression to advance the line of monochrome cameras to include the SL.

I'm still waiting.

Cal

 

[Out to Lunch]

This must have been asked before.... please provide a link in which ''corrosion'' of a Leica sensor is explained in clear terms. Many thanks, Peter

 

[nobbylon]

I think the m9 group of cameras has reached it's stable price now and is therefore great value. I'd have a new sensor fitted and use it as it certainly wont depreciate much further in the immediate future. My M9p had a new sensor fitted before the latest type was offered so when the time comes i'll be getting it changed again.

 

[jsrockit]

I hope that I'm not delusional, but to me I think it is a logical progression to advance the line of monochrome cameras to include the SL.

I'm not so sure Cal. The SL might be its modern camera they are hoping brings them into the future (AF, zoom lenses, etc.). The Monochrome may be better suited to the M philosophy. Anything can happen though... Monochrome Q? Who knows!

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

This must have been asked before.... please provide a link in which ''corrosion'' of a Leica sensor is explained in clear terms. Many thanks, Peter

http://en.leica-camera.com/World-of...ortant-Information-Concerning-the-CCD-Sensors

The M9 / ME sensor can degrade in some conditions, and they'll replace it for free with a new sensor that isn't susceptible to the problem

 

[Calzone]

I'm not so sure Cal. The SL might be its modern camera they are hoping brings them into the future (AF, zoom lenses, etc.). The Monochrome may be better suited to the M philosophy. Anything can happen though... Monochrome Q? Who knows!

John,

I'm asking for lightning to strike twice. I'm not so sure, but I know that a lot of the development costs of the SL are already paid for, and to make a monochrome version does not take a lot of effort. Meanwhile it adds to their brand, their legacy, and their reputation in a big way.

Let's see how good this new CEO is.

Although I have the D3X I think perhaps a SL could replace it for "Maggie's" blog. A monochrome version means I would definitely make the jump and have both versions. For me it would be the game changer.

Cal

 

[raid]

How is a corroded sensor identified? What could I look for? Is there a write-up on it at RFF?

 

[JMQ]

Raid, do a google search...lots written. Essentially take a photo of a clear sky or solid color wall using a small f-stop (f8 or smaller), and look for dots or worms.

 

[Huss]

Raid, do a google search...lots written. Essentially take a photo of a clear sky or solid color wall using a small f-stop (f8 or smaller), and look for dots or worms.

And it will not be one tor two, or twenty dots like dust spots. It will be hundreds of them. That's how it appeared on my M-E.

I moved to the M240 because I did not want to be w/o my camera for four months, again.

But.. $2K for an excellent condition M9 which will now have a brand new sensor is a very good deal. Used M240s are now $3500, so a $1500 difference.
To the OP, how much is your voucher good for? It seems you bought a $2000 M9 because you were being money wise, so if now you need to come up with $4K to get into an M-P, it would be a much better deal (and smarter IMO) to buy a used M240 for $3500 AND keep your M9 with it's replaced new sensor. At that time should you decide, you could sell either of those cameras.

 

[raid]

Will do. Thanks.

 

[raycpa]

Price was a big factor when I bought the M9. I bought an M3 six months before the M9 so I didn't have much cash to go digital.

As far as detecting corrosion, the Leica rep told me spots that look like dust but have white centers indicate a problem. I called them today and was told their customer service department was in training so I have to call them tomorrow.

I think the voucher/trade in program means I give them the M9 and $3,750 and i get the M-P. Not 100% on that so don't quote me.

Thanks to everyone for replies.