Sensor Replacement Policy 2017

[jaapv]

White dots with halos are most likely corrosion. The way to find out is to send the camera to leica for a sensor clean and inspection.

 

[Calzone]

Cal,

How did you go about setting up your sensor repair. Who looked at it to confirm that there was an issue.

What did the spots on your sensor look like?

I've seen the worm like images posted by others, but are dots with halos corrosion...

Joe

Joe,

The spots on my sensor did not get cleaned by my Visible Dust sensor cleaning kit. I showed you some of the artifacts that looked like dirt on some of my prints that I didn't spot. These were only evident on some shots in blue skies.

Know that these were landscape shots at F5.6.

I have the expensive cleaning kit that includes a magnifier with a ring of LED's to inspect your sensor. It also includes the "Arctic Butterfly" to electrostatically remove dust, and a blower ball with a check valve. If you would like to borrow my kit let me know. BTW I only have had to clean my sensor a few times. The first time was after the initial 9 months of heavy use. I actually had oil from the camera mechanicals on the sensor and had to do a wet clean.

I think only possibly only one other time I had to wet clean my sensor in the about the 5 years I have owned it. Pretty much the blower ball and Artic Butterfly is all that is required.

BTW with the magnifier I saw no imperfections, but it really was a great tool for checking for dust and oil/grease. Understand that I'm not one to change lenses in the street, and even at home in a clean/sheltered enviornment I seldom changed lenses.

My corrosion looked more like dirt, rather than dust, and did not look like spots with halos. There were only a few minor areas, and it was not widespread.

Look for my PM.

Cal

 

[Fraser]

Cal,

How did you go about setting up your sensor repair. Who looked at it to confirm that there was an issue.

What did the spots on your sensor look like?

I've seen the worm like images posted by others, but are dots with halos corrosion...

Joe

Take some pics of a blue sky underexposed by 1 or 2 stops at f16 or similar so you can see the marks, send a wide shot showing a lot and then another couple cropped to show a bit more detail and email it to here (explaining the situation).

customer.care@leica-camera.com

good luck

 

[cz23]

It seems to me that if you own an M9-series camera with original sensor that's nearing five years since purchase, you should send it in regardless of what personal testing does or does not show. I certainly would.

I'm sure Leica's inspection is way more sophisticated than any blue sky test we would perform.

John

 

[jaapv]

Both my M9 and Monochrom1 are on their way to Wetzlar right now. I did not even bother to check the sensor myself.

 

[mexipike]

I just got off the phone with Leica and they were very helpful. They actually had me do the exact blue sky test you mentioned and send it to them. They confirm that I most likely have the corrosion issue and will need to send it.

I'm coming around on Leica's service and I feel that Leica NJ is really putting an effort in to deal with peoples concerns on this issue and get everyone to a happy place before the cut off date.

 

[Calzone]

I just got off the phone with Leica and they were very helpful. They actually had me do that exact blue sky test you mentioned and send it to them. They confirm that I most likely have the corrosion issue and will need to send it.

I'm coming around on Leica's service and I feel that Leica NJ is really putting an effort in to deal with peoples concerns on this issue and get everyone to a happy place before the cut off date.

MP,

I only have good things to say. I used the short list to keep my camera to use for 4 months, and was told 8-10 week turnaround, but it ended up being 12 weeks. Oh-well I say.

Bill the Service Manager told me the camera basically gets overhauled, so it will be like a factory rebuilt camera. My MM got used heavily. Other than the sensor corrosion never a problem. I only had two batteries and never experience the short battery life others have complained about. Also my camera is silvering around the edges, and the old vulcanite was worn smooth in some places from my finger tips.

Also Leica did me a great-great favor and lent me a 24-90 SL zoom for NYC Fashion Week. They were very generous to me, and know I am not a working pro. I will be forever grateful.

BTW all the above was no cost to me. I expect to continue to love this camera for years to come. How cool is that?

Cal

 

[pepeguitarra]

Thanks John. I actually had the sensor changed in the peak of the problem couple of years ago. It took only 3 months for them to do it. I have an M8.2 that can use in the meantime. What I like from Leica is that they are very thorough in the work they do and they also check for other problems.

 

[ptpdprinter]

It took only 3 months for them to do it.

Leica has done a masterful job of tamping down expectations among its adherents. We're now at a four month waiting list, three month repair time.

 

[Calzone]

Pepe,

I only have one experience and that was late last year. In the summer I contacted Leica and got on a list. This allowed me to use my camera for 4 months. I sent in my Monochrom in December and was told 8-10 weeks turnaround, but it ended up being 12 weeks. No big deal.

Leica paid for the shipping round trip. Bill, the Service Manager, told me the camera would get overhauled, and basically it would be pretty much a new camera.

I understand that a sensor replacement means the electronics gets changed out as the sensor and circuit are an assembly. New firmware is installed, and the vulcanite is replaced.

I am pleased.

Cal

 

[rfaspen]

Well dang. I just decided to check out this thread and see what it was about. Not good news for me. No corrosion (that I can see) on my M9 yet. I just checked with the blue sky shot about 15 mins. ago. I have dust (some of it kind of linear) but no white halos.

I might do what others are suggesting: send my M9 to Leica before August anyway. I'm curious how Ellen's (ornate_wrasse) experience goes. Like her, I also bought my M9 from an RFF classified and I also live in Oregon (south of Portland). We have no Leica resources nearby -- closest is the Leica Store in Bellvue/Seattle Washington -- so I'm just not sure how to proceed.

Funny thing is I have been so careful to protect my M9 from high humidity, safe in the thought that should this dreaded corrosion still arise even with my great care, it would be dealt with. Maybe I should have taken it out in rainy and foggy weather more? Maybe I shouldn't have stored it in the humidity control cupboard?

 

[jszokoli]

Cal,

Sent a e-mail off just stating that I wanted a sensor cleaning and evaluation and got a call tag just like that...

Joe

 

[Calzone]

Joe,

It is pretty easy, but not speedy. The bonus if you get your sensor replaced is an overhauled camera.

Hope for corrosion.

BTW my sensor corrosion looked like dirt; it could not be cleaned; and it only appeared in some prints (no halos).

Cal

 

[Huss]

Leica has done a masterful job of tamping down expectations among its adherents. We're now at a four month waiting list, three month repair time.

No kidding.

 

[raid]

It seems to be mandatory (for all precatical purposes] to send in your M9 for a check-up before the August deadline.

 

[jaapv]

Leica has done a masterful job of tamping down expectations among its adherents. We're now at a four month waiting list, three month repair time.

Last reports from German users: Turnaround in Wetzlar: three weeks.

 

[ptpdprinter]

Last reports from German users: Turnaround in Wetzlar: three weeks.

Unfortunately, the time frame in the United States is significantly longer.

 

[jszokoli]

Well lets see, my camera was picked up by UPS today bound for NJ. So the clock starts...
(Well maybe calendar)

Joe

 

[jsrockit]

Well lets see, my camera was picked up by UPS today bound for NJ. So the clock starts...
(Well maybe calendar)

Joe

Good luck... at least you have a Sony is the meantime! 😉

 

[pepeguitarra]

Well lets see, my camera was picked up by UPS today bound for NJ. So the clock starts...
(Well maybe calendar)

Joe

Did you just addressed it to Leica in NJ, or did you call them first?

Pepe