Sensor Replacement Policy 2017

[ptpdprinter]

So to expand why I'm upset: I have been very careful with my camera to avoid exposing it to humid situations. Explicitly, my thinking has been that I should embrace my responsibility to protect my camera from corrosion-inducing conditions and Leica will appreciate my considerate behavior when the sensor eventually needs to be addressed. Suddenly, it feels like the opposite is true.

You shouldn't have to baby a Leica. If the sensor is defective, and Leica has acknowledge that they are, it should be replaced. It's regrettable that Leica has abdicated its responsibility by pulling the plug early on its replacement policy. At the same time, its trade-in policy is to be commended. Unless you are wedded to the CCD, moving to a CMOS sensor might be a good long-term strategy.

 

[raid]

Hi Cal,

Thanks for the tips. Ellen has been very helpful here.
I recall that I must remove the battery from the camera before mailing it. Right?


Raid

Raid,

I did what Ellen did last December. They gave me a shipping label, and as I remember it covered and included insurance but it was only valued at $1K.

I was told 8-10 weeks, but the turnaround was in reality 12 weeks. Understand this was right before the holidays and I believe there is a holiday/New Year shut down.

I would do what Ellen did, and be prepared for the long wait.

For me the long wait was worth it. Basically I got my camera factory overhauled and upgraded. I am pleased, and know my camera was used very heavily for 5 years. I bought it new. The top and bottom plates are worn into silver along the edges, but my camra came back with new leatherette.

Good Luck.

Cal

 

[Huss]

Unless you are wedded to the CCD, moving to a CMOS sensor might be a good long-term strategy.

The problem is you can now buy a used M240 for what Leica wants for the trade up. I would not trade to a new M240, especially seeing the moment you use it it will lose $3500 in value as it is now an old model.

I would either:

1/ Keep the newly repaired M9
2/ Sell the newly repaired M9 and buy a used M240 (it will be about a $700 difference)
3/ Keep the newly repaired M9, buy a used M240

I did #2.

 

[ptpdprinter]

The problem is you can now buy a used M240 for what Leica wants for the trade up. I would not trade to a new M240, especially seeing the moment you use it it will lose $3500 in value as it is now an old model.

I would either:

1/ Keep the newly repaired M9
2/ Sell the newly repaired M9 and buy a used M240 (it will be about a $700 difference)
3/ Keep the newly repaired M9, buy a used M240

I did #2.

Leica's trade-up offer now extends beyond the 240 if that is any solace.

https://leicarumors.com/2017/06/16/...chrom-cameras-with-ccd-sensor-corrosion.aspx/

 

[jszokoli]

I inquired with Leica NJ about turn around for the sensor replacement is 20-25 weeks. Just sent my Monocrom in, lets see what that's camera time line will be.

Joe

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I recall that I must remove the battery from the camera before mailing it. Right?

Even though your question was directed to Cal, I'll take the liberty of jumping in here and sharing my experience. Before I sent in my M9 to Leica in NJ, I did the following:

1. Removed the SD card
2. Removed the battery
3. Removed the lens [this should be obvious!] and replaced with a body cap
4. Removed the Leica strap. I probably did not need to remove the strap from the body, but I was afraid they would misplace it and I would never get it back

As regards # 1, # 2 and # 3, I figured that Leica in NJ has plenty of SD cards, batteries and lenses they can use to evaluate my camera's sensor 😀
As regards # 4, the strap can hardly be considered necessary to evaluate the sensor.

The camera is scheduled to be delivered on Tuesday 6/20, so if I made the wrong decisions in shipping the M9 to Leica, I'm sure I'll hear about it soon.

Ellen

 

[raid]

Thanks, Ellen.
I would not have thought of (4) Remove Leica strap!

 

[jaapv]

Sendding Li-Ion batteries through the mail is severely restricted. These are the U.S. regulations for domestic mail. Internationally it is virtually impossible.
Leica specifically asks not to send batteries.

349.221 Lithium Metal (Nonrechargeable) Cells and Batteries — Domestic

For domestic mailings only, small consumer-type lithium metal cells or batteries (also called primary lithium cells or batteries) like those used to power cameras and flashlights are mailable domestically under the following conditions. See 622 or IMM 136 when mailing batteries internationally or to APO/FPO/DPO destinations.

General. The following restrictions apply to the mailability of all lithium metal (or lithium alloy) cells and batteries:
Each cell must contain no more than 1.0 gram (g) of lithium content per cell.
Each battery must contain no more than 2.0 g aggregate lithium content per battery.
Each cell or battery must meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, and subsection 38.3 as referenced in DOT’s hazardous materials regulation at 49 CFR 171.7.
All outer packages must have a complete delivery and return address.
All packaging must meet all applicable requirements specified in 49 CFR 173.185.
Except for mailpieces containing button cell batteries installed in equipment (including circuit boards), or no more than 4 lithium metal cells or 2 lithium metal batteries installed in the equipment they operate, mailpieces containing lithium metal batteries must bear markings that indicate that the package contains lithium metal cells or batteries; that the package is to be handled with care and that a flammable hazard exists if the package is damaged; that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking, if necessary; and a telephone number for additional information. Mailers may use a DOT lithium battery handling label, in domestic air or surface transportation, to meet these marking requirements provided all required elements are included.
Except for mailpieces containing button cell batteries installed in equipment (including circuit boards), or no more than 4 lithium metal cells or 2 lithium metal batteries installed in the equipment they operate, mailpieces containing lithium metal batteries must also be accompanied by a document that indicates that the package contains lithium metal cells or batteries; an indication that the package is to be handled with care and that a flammable hazard exists if the package is damaged; an indication that special procedures must be followed in the event the package is damaged, to include inspection and repacking, if necessary; and a telephone number for additional information.

 

[Calzone]

All good points.

Sorry I did not state the obvious.

Thanks for the help.

Cal

 

[rfaspen]

Well, thanks to Ellen's help, I've decided to send mine in. I may wait til the end of the week to initiate the process because of the chance to obtain a replacement digital M (likely an M240) that I can use while my M9 is away. If I like the replacement camera enough, I may have the opportunity to attempt to keep it (all depends on cash flow).

Here's hoping I have corrosion I don't see.

...and thanks again Ellen.

 

[raid]

I just tried to call Leica Camera NJ, but I was put on hold when using Leica Repair as the option. I will call later again.

 

[Huss]

I just tried to call Leica Camera NJ, but I was put on hold when using Leica Repair as the option. I will call later again.

Did the hold message give an estimation of wait time?

"Your call will be answered in 25 weeks.."

😀

 

[raid]

I called up Leica NJ today. A man talked to me in the end. He sounded very nice. He told me that the waiting time is 24 weeks. He also told me that only "new model M9 have sensor troubles" He said that M9 model 5 years or older should be fine. I will tomorrow give him the serial number of my M9 so that he can check if it is "an old model" or not.

On the other hand, this M9 already was at Leica NJ in the summer 2014 when the M9 suddenly showed half of the screen as black. I sent it for repair, and they replaced the board, I think.

Does this make it a "new model M9"?

 

[jaapv]

That is absolute nonsense, he was telling you fairytales; my first series M9 (September 2009) is having its sensor replaced right now. It had a new sensor in 2010 for a motherboard failure.
If they replaced your motherboard - which is standard procedure with the fault you mention- they will replace the sensor too. It is one unit.

 

[raid]

I agree with Jaap. I am just humoring them for a little. Tomorrow I will get a shipping label from them, and then my M9 will be sent over.

 

[Rob-F]

So, am I to conclude that I should send my M9 to Leica, even though I don't believe I see a problem? I posted my "blue sky" shots, and nobody said they saw a problem with them. Even so, might Leica find a problem with my sensor?

I wonder: If I can do without my M9 for 24 weeks, do I really even need it?

 

[raid]

I will send my N9!even though I am not seeing any signs if sensor problems.

 

[cz23]

So, am I to conclude that I should send my M9 to Leica, even though I don't believe I see a problem? I posted my "blue sky" shots, and nobody said they saw a problem with them. Even so, might Leica find a problem with my sensor?

I wonder: If I can do without my M9 for 24 weeks, do I really even need it?

Hi Rob,

Sorry about not responding to your prior post. Your sensor looked so clean to me. But I just enlarged it and wonder about the spot shown here.

If I were you I'd inspect it thoroughly at 100%. There are other smaller spots near the top that look suspicious to me.

Only Leica will be able to tell for sure. It's a tough call that only you can make. Presumably, they are inspecting right away and quickly returning those that are OK.

You could maybe also send them a full image file and get their opinion. At least they could advise you.

John

 

[Rob-F]

I'm getting close to thinking I should just send it, like Raid is doing. Are we supposed to call first, for a return authorization?

 

[Archiver]

@raid - the Leica NJ man was telling you bollocks. My M9 is from the second shipping, early 2010, and it is now in for sensor replacement with enough corrosion as to look like it has scrofula. "Only models from five years ago or sooner are affected"? That's crazy.

On the plus side, Camera Clinic in Melbourne have been wonderful to deal with. Nicki is lovely and helpful.