Sensor Replacement Policy 2017

[raid]

I agree with Ellen. I want such a statement to be clearly stated on the report. I expect my M9 back soon. I am using the M240 loaner as often as possible until I have to mail it back.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I am using the M240 loaner as often as possible until I have to mail it back.

Lucky you to get to use an M240 loaner. Did Leica send it to you while your M9 is being repaired? I should have such luck!

 

[sevres_babylone]

Mine only came with a "Test Certificate", listing Service Number, Product, Serial Number, and Date: 10/27'2017. It says "This Leica product was tested and inspected by Leica factory trained technicians and found to meet all factory standards." Unfortunately it is silent as to whether that means the standards of 2011 or of 2017🙂

Sensor aside, they certainly adjusted the rangefinder, and my CV 75 F1.8 is focusing perfectly wide open.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Mine only came with a "Test Certificate", ... Unfortunately it is silent as to whether that means the standards of 2011 or of 2017🙂

Sensor aside, they certainly adjusted the rangefinder, and my CV 75 F1.8 is focusing perfectly wide open.

Glad to hear they adjusted the rangefinder.

I agree that Test Certificate unfortunately gives you no assurance that the sensor was replaced 🙁

Why can't Leica be more clear on this when they send the cameras back? :bang:

 

[cz23]

.... Has anyone asked Leica to state clearly that the sensor was replaced? If so, how did they respond?....

Ellen

Ellen, mine also said "necessary labor." I asked them by email to explain and they stated specifically that the sensor was changed. I saved the email thread as a PDF. Which was good because I sold the camera and the buyer wanted proof.

Indicentally, mine also took six hours. A four+ month wait for a six-hour repair is pretty crazy. They must have a lot of them. At least it's back now. Enjoy.

John

 

[raid]

Lucky you to get to use an M240 loaner. Did Leica send it to you while your M9 is being repaired? I should have such luck!

Yes, I was very lucky. I am getting used to using the M240, which is "dangerous"! When I switch over to my M8, it feels like going from an SLR to a RF camera. Things are basic and I have to pick my images one at a time, slowly.

 

[raid]

The original Leica NJ communications with me had in it "damaged sensor". By default, getting the M9 repaired implies getting a new sensor. Having this done late in 2017 also implies that the sensor is the new type sensor.

 

[Rob-F]

I believe the new sensor came out in mid-2015. So I'd think that any M9 accompanied by paper work dated from that date forward could be assumed to have the new sensor. It's probably even safer to think that any sensor replaced before then has merely a "new old" sensor, not a "new new" one.

 

[raid]

So now we have the categories:
1. new-old-sensor
2. new-new-sensor
3. old-old-sensor
4. old-new-sensor.

Good luck with convincing a prospective buyer of your M9 about your claims that your M9 have a "new new sensor".

 

[Huss]

Sensor aside, they certainly adjusted the rangefinder, and my CV 75 F1.8 is focusing perfectly wide open.

My M-E never focused well wide open from new until the sensor replacement and included rf adjustment.
Which means they delivered a new camera to me w/ the rf improperly adjusted. Makes those quality check certificates they include w/ every new product seem pretty useless.

 

[jszokoli]

So my M-E is back from it's vacation in NJ. Sent it in May 22nd, back in my hands September 25th, 16 weeks far better than the 25 weeks that had been quoted.

Well now I'm getting impatient for the return on my Monochrom. It was sent in more than 20 weeks ago, and while I did get a estimate that the repair would be free that was the last I heard.

What have other people experienced for NJ turnaround on Monochrom's.

Joe

 

[Calzone]

Well now I'm getting impatient for the return on my Monochrom. It was sent in more than 20 weeks ago, and while I did get a estimate that the repair would be free that was the last I heard.

What have other people experienced for NJ turnaround on Monochrom's.

Joe

Back in December 2016 I was told 10 weeks, but it ended up being 12 weeks. Realize that there is a holiday/New Year's shutdown that likely extended my turnaround.

Also the bottleneck with Monochrom's seems to be the supply of sensors. I suspect this still persists. I was able to take advantage of a waiting list to continue using my Monochrom for 4 months to avoid a 6 month wait.

Last night I was shooting my Monochrom and SL at the Brooklyn Accelerator. Really glad I still own my Monochrom. It may be very simple, basic, and primitive, but it is still a great camera with a unique rendering that I love.

My experience with Leica service has been positive, but I'm not dealing with this log-jam that currently exists. Mighty glad that I got my sensor replaced in a timely manner.

Cal

 

[DwF]

Update

Update

Joe and Cal,

I spoke to Leica NJ this morning. Mine is an MM as well and my repair order dates to May 23rd. They assured me they would be calling Germany specifically inquiring as to status on the shipment of those sensors. And I should be getting an email with info as soon as they have news to report.

Cal, the MM may be primitive but elegantly so! 🙂

David

 

[Calzone]

Cal, the MM may be primitive but elegantly so! 🙂

David

David,

That is its charm. Most like a film camera because it is so basic and elemental. Definitely a novel rendering. CCD sensors are more expensive to manufacture than CMOS, so it is unlikely another B&W only CCD camera will be made by Leica. No frills.

I love mine warts and all.

Mine is heavily used. The top plate shows wear through the black anodize and there is a nickel patina along the corners and edges.

The M-246 is a way more advanced camera.

Cal

 

[cz23]

Joe and Cal,

I spoke to Leica NJ this morning. Mine is an MM as well and my repair order dates to May 23rd. They assured me they would be calling Germany specifically inquiring as to status on the shipment of those sensors. And I should be getting an email with info as soon as they have news to report.

Cal, the MM may be primitive but elegantly so! 🙂

David

Wow, David. 5+ months and still no MM sensor inventory. What is going on there?!

John

 

[airfrogusmc]

Leica has both my M-E and my MM. So it looking like it's going to be a while longer. My MM went in early June and my M-E in July when I picked up the M 10. I'm really hoping by New Year.

 

[Luke_Miller]

Wow, David. 5+ months and still no MM sensor inventory. What is going on there?!

I suspect that since the CCD sensor in question is not used in current production cameras it is likely a special order item and requires a change in the production process to manufacture. So only available in batches and the batches are produced on an infrequent basis.

 

[raid]

... and it is for free. I can wait.

 

[DwF]

Thanks for the responses and empathy! All that Leica glass just sitting! :-( I have to say all of the customer service folks have been very nice and taken time each time I phone to look into the status. I will for sure keep you all posted.

 

[Calzone]

I suspect that since the CCD sensor in question is not used in current production cameras it is likely a special order item and requires a change in the production process to manufacture. So only available in batches and the batches are produced on an infrequent basis.

I believe Luke's insight is true and valid. In particular it seems the Monochrom sensor is in the shortest supply.

Cal