Sensor Replacement Policy 2017

[cz23]

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?

That seems sensible to me. I empathize. Twenty-four weeks or the later prospect of $1000. That's what you'd call a lose-lose proposition.

John

 

[Corran]

Just sent my Leica M9 off to NJ. I called them before sending and was nonplussed - pressing "4" to get to the Service Department, a recording told me the address to ship to and to include my name, address, etc., and then the phone hung up. Did not instill a lot of confidence.

My M9 was purchased used a few years ago and has developed large spots on the sensor, about 10 over the entire area of the sensor along with lots of dust and such that seems impervious to simple air cleaning. I didn't want to wait and send it to a local shop for sensor cleaning due to this thread and the imminent stop to sensor replacement, so I sent it right to NJ. There's no way I am paying thousands to "upgrade" to a newer camera - I want a new sensor or a fix to this one. I hope Leica does not disappoint here but I am real worried. I guess we'll see.

 

[Luke_Miller]

My M9 was purchased used a few years ago and has developed large spots on the sensor, about 10 over the entire area of the sensor along with lots of dust and such that seems impervious to simple air cleaning. I didn't want to wait and send it to a local shop for sensor cleaning due to this thread and the imminent stop to sensor replacement, so I sent it right to NJ. There's no way I am paying thousands to "upgrade" to a newer camera - I want a new sensor or a fix to this one. I hope Leica does not disappoint here but I am real worried. I guess we'll see.

While you will likely be disappointed by the length of your wait, I believe you will be pleased with the condition of your M9 when it is returned. I've had two bodies at Leica NJ for sensor replacement. When they were returned the sensors were spotless, the coverings were new, and the camera was exceptionally clean.

 

[Corran]

I hope so. I can wait - my business cameras are primarily Nikon DSLRs.

 

[raid]

I am expecting any moment an email from Leica NJ with a mailing label that I will use for mailing my M9 to them. I can use my M8 and my M 4/3 cameras and my SWC and the Land 250 camera for the next 25 weeks.

 

[rfaspen]

Just sent my Leica M9 off to NJ. I called them before sending and was nonplussed - pressing "4" to get to the Service Department, a recording told me the address to ship to and to include my name, address, etc., and then the phone hung up. Did not install a lot of confidence.

This concerns me. I hate that feeling of not being acknowledged you get with this kind of interaction. Not what I would expect from Leica. Not nowadays with the emphasis on being a "luxury brand".

I want the experience raid or Ellen had. Talk to a real person. Get a mailing label from them. The 24+ week wait will be what it will be. I'm a resourceful person and it's the least of my concerns. What concerns me most is the fact that I don't see any obvious corrosion on my sensor right now, and it might not show up until sometime AFTER the end of the goodwill program (August). What are the chances?

Anyone know of a way to induce corrosion -- quick, within a week or so? 😀

 

[Corran]

Mailing label?!

Well first of all I haven't read this entire thread so perhaps I should have. I double-boxed the camera, included the "form" I found online with my info and the camera info, and a CD with a DNG and JPG showing the issue.

At USPS I sent it Priority with $3,000 of insurance (to cover what I paid for the camera, used) and paid extra for a Return Receipt so that I could have physical proof of delivery and who signed for the package. Total cost was $52 and some change.

There should absolutely have been a person on the other side of the phone when I hit 4 for the Service Department or at the very least an online system to generate a mailing label. Well whatever, it's done now. I will see what happens.

By the way, about the corrosion - I'm not even sure if that's what it is. You can see the photo I posted. I lived for many years in south GA, just a few miles away from FL, and the humidity is killer. That's supposed to be the catalyst I thought but not sure. I moved last year but still in the humid south. I want to like the M9 but when I have images ruined by copious artifacts all over the image I get frustrated. The Leica system is already limited in capabilities compared to my pro DSLRs so such problems make things even worse. I have used my M9 at weddings as a small second camera with a fast 50 in tandem with my DSLR and I do like it a lot for candids and low-light, short DOF imaging.

 

[raid]

Could you point me to where I could get "the form" that I need to enclose with the camera?
Thanks.

edit: I found it!

 

[raid]

This concerns me. I hate that feeling of not being acknowledged you get with this kind of interaction. Not what I would expect from Leica. Not nowadays with the emphasis on being a "luxury brand".

I want the experience raid or Ellen had. Talk to a real person. Get a mailing label from them. The 24+ week wait will be what it will be. I'm a resourceful person and its the least of my concerns. What concerns me most is the fact that I don't see any obvious corrosion on my sensor right now, and it might not show up until sometime AFTER the end of the goodwill program (August). What are the chances?

Anyone know of a way to induce corrosion -- quick, within a week or so? 😀

I tried Option 4, but then I chose Option 7 (Repair). There, a person will talk to you!
Do you send credit card information up front or do you wait until you get back information on the repair?

 

[Corran]

Did not realize there was another option. Baffling to have different Service and Repair numbers. If I need to ask about the repair I will call again and go to 7...

 

[Calzone]

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?

Rob,

I will state again that the corrosion I saw on some prints (always in the same location) was not evident with the blue sky stopped down test.

Computer monitors are very bright, and even my calibrated 27 inch EIZO dimmed down in a darkened room does not show all the detail that comes out in prints. Basically I can print what I can't see. Basically I trust my prints more than my monitor, even a $2.3K EIZO.

The corrosion I saw in prints very much looked like what JohnWolf posted, and this stain was not printed in all my files, and was only visible intermittently.

I have a Visible Dust sensor cleaning system. Part of that kit is a illuminated magnifier that has a ring of LED's to really inspect the sensor. Visually I could not see any defect.

What one needs to think about that "Oxidation" is a chemical reaction and one has to consider that "Oxidation" that is causing "corrosion" could happen at a molecular level that is not readily visible.

Your computer screen is not showing the output of an electron microscope, and clearly the enlargements I print (up to 20x30) magnify and make visible any defect or artifact. To me my prints don't lie, and do you believe your eyes and the low magnification that you are trusting? To me this simple test is just that: down and dirty.

I would just send your camera in.

Cal

 

[raid]

Thank you for this convincing argument Cal. I will try to mail off my M9 this week.

 

[willie_901]

...
I didn't want to wait and send it to a local shop for sensor cleaning due to this thread and the imminent stop to sensor replacement, so I sent it right to NJ. ...

I think this is a wise decision. Even the most skilled, careful and thoughtful technician could compromise the sensor assemblies' cover-glass coating during a wet-cleaning procedure.

Even a coating disruption too small to see with the naked eye could result in exposure to atmospheric vapor. Then slowly (perhaps very slowly) but surely the IR filter layer would breakdown.

 

[pet905]

I have been following this thread and decided to send mine MM in to Leica N.J. in early June after emailing them. I just received a reply confirming corrosion issue and will be in line for a sensor replacement along with additional services as mentioned in previous postings. I did not suspect corrosion problems but was encouraged by my Leica dealer to send my camera in for an inspection. I would highly recommend all owners to send their camera in for the inspection before August 31st.

Peter

 

[ornate_wrasse]

decided to send mine MM in to Leica N.J. in early June after emailing them. I just received a reply confirming corrosion issue and will be in line for a sensor replacement

That's good that it only took about three weeks from the time you sent it to Leica NJ until you heard from them confirming corrosion on the sensor.

In their reply to you, did they give you an estimate of how long the sensor replacement would take?

 

[raid]

They told me 24 weeks .,...

 

[jaapv]

Yes -replacement times are getting out of hand. Leica appears to be overwhelmed by the flood they created.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Here's an update about my M9 at Leica NJ:

My M9 was delivered to Leica NJ on Wednesday morning, as per notification from UPS. On Thursday morning I received an email from Sarah Mayville at Leica Customer Care thanking me for "sending your product to Leica Customer Care". The attached PDF also states "We will inform you about the analysis as soon as possible"

I'm glad my M9 arrived safe and sound at Leica NJ. Perhaps I will also hear in about three weeks if they have found any corrosion on the sensor.

Last week I was at Pro Photo Supply here in Portland and several different camera manufacturers were there, including Leica. I was able to see and hold different models that Leica sells. I must admit I fell in love with the Leica Q. It seemed to be a camera that would work well for me. It uses only one lens, a Summilux, and has fast autofocus to boot. My aging eyes need autofocus these days! I am hoping they find corrosion on the sensor of my M9 because then I can buy a Leica Q at a discounted price, much less than full retail. The Leica rep that I spoke with said that the Q is selling well and is very popular. I can understand why.

 

[raid]

Ellen,
What will be final cost of the Q, and how much discount would you get when trading in your M9 for the Q? Does such a trade depend on having a damaged sensor on the M9?

 

[cz23]

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/

So if you go for a Q, Leica offers $1900 for your M9.

But if you go for a 240, your M9 is worth $3495.

Is my math right?