Sensor Replacement Policy 2017

[Huss]

Sadly, seems like I have missed this chance. Just got this info re this replacement opportunity and my camera is older than 5 years. I guess, the fair approach would be not setting this deadline of Aug 15, or to advertise this piece of news properly, so the users will now it in time and through different sources. As I understand, as an alternative they replace it by a newer model with "attractive conditions". M10?

That exactly is the issue with this. Leica went back on their word re. lifetime sensor replacement for this model, and those that do not waste their time on the internet may never have known of the change of policy.
I never received a notification, I just knew about it from websites such as this one.

I would complain to Leica Wetzlar. Nicely 😉

 

[cz23]

Sadly, seems like I have missed this chance. Just got this info re this replacement opportunity and my camera is older than 5 years. I guess, the fair approach would be not setting this deadline of Aug 15, or to advertise this piece of news properly, so the users will now it in time and through different sources. As I understand, as an alternative they replace it by a newer model with "attractive conditions". M10?

Unfortunately the M10 is specifically excluded from the upgrade offer.

If you are the original owner of a registered camera and you were not notified, I would certainly make that case to them. Worth a try and only fair. Good luck.

John

 

[jaapv]

That exactly is the issue with this. Leica went back on their word re. lifetime sensor replacement for this model, and those that do not waste their time on the internet may never have known of the change of policy.
I never received a notification, I just knew about it from websites such as this one.

I would complain to Leica Wetzlar. Nicely 😉

Actually, they never made a lifetime guaranty, if you read properly. 🙁

 

[pagpow]

Adding my experience.
Shipped UPS ground July 26
UPS delivered notice Aug 2
Leica Conformation of receipt Aug 3
Leica repair order confirmation received Aug 25, with confirmation of sensor problem and notice that a missing part necessary for the repair will delay the work for "a couple of weeks".
No indication of estimated time to completion.
Giorgio

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Does this mean Leica will replace the sensor on my M9?

Does this mean Leica will replace the sensor on my M9?

Hi all,

I received an email from Leica which had the following on a PDF attachment:

Necessary Labours

Error Description

Sensor cover glass, coating is seperatin (sic)

Adjust rangefinder

Clean, lubrication and adjustment

Leather covering

CIRCUIT M9 REV 4+5

The total cost indicated was $0.00

They apparently want me to authorize the repairs.

My question is, does this mean they will replace the sensor?

Ellen

 

[Luke_Miller]

I believe the sensor is a component of the circuit board listed as a repair part.

 

[cz23]

Ellen, yes, the "cover glass" item is the sensor replacement.

The description on mine was so vague that I asked them to state that the sensor was replaced, which they did. That's good to have so there is no ambiguity if you decide to sell.

You'd think they would standardize this service description, but I've heard so many variations of the same repair.

John

 

[raid]

I believe the sensor is a component of the circuit board listed as a repair part.

This is correct. My M9 got three years ago a new board which includes a new sensor. I am now editing for the sane M9!to get same repair.

 

[raid]

You will get a camera back with a new sensor and other stuff done too.

Hi all,

I received an email from Leica which had the following on a PDF attachment:

Necessary Labours

Error Description

Sensor cover glass, coating is seperatin (sic)

Adjust rangefinder

Clean, lubrication and adjustment

Leather covering

CIRCUIT M9 REV 4+5

The total cost indicated was $0.00

They apparently want me to authorize the repairs.

My question is, does this mean they will replace the sensor?

Ellen

 

[ornate_wrasse]

Thanks all. Good to know that this means the sensor will be replaced.

Thanks too for the suggestion to ask Leica to state this in the event I ever sell the camera

Ellen

 

[Rob-F]

So it looks like it took about 70 days for Ellen to receive word that her sensor would be replaced. I sent mine in (through Schiller's) about 35 days ago. So maybe I will know something in another 35 days (or not).

 

[raid]

It was much shorter time until I was notified that my M9 had sensor issues.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

So it looks like it took about 70 days for Ellen to receive word that her sensor would be replaced.

Yes, and I did not mention in my post how unresponsive Leica was to my inquiries. A few weeks ago, I both made phone calls and sent emails to try and find out what was happening with my camera. There was absolutely no response to those communications until this email arrived a couple days ago 🙁

Ellen

 

[Calzone]

I believe the sensor is a component of the circuit board listed as a repair part.

Luke,

You are correct: sensor and electronic circuit board is an assembly; and both get replaced as a unit.

Cal

 

[dreamsandart]

Just a positive update from this side of the big pond...

Had my M9's sensor replaced and back to me a couple weeks ago after a 2-month wait while at Leica Japan service. The hold-up was the availability of the sensors from Leica Germany. Now the work is finished, an 'as new' camera, maybe better in overall function than it was new.

And... just got an email that monochrom sensors are now in stock and they have asked me to send in my monochrom for service, estimated time 2-weeks for the complete work. Although this is past the August 15th cut-off date, they had said to keep my camera till the sensors were available. Very helpful and thoughtful.

In some ways - the sensor problem has not really affected my photography - it's been a blessing in disguise. Digital cameras that are still relevant after 8 and 5 years and again, basically like new (well, except a few outside blemishes ;-)

 

[Rayt]

Two weeks before the deadline I called a fellow Leica MM user to ask how to check for sensor issue because I could never see any defect on the images. He offered to check for me and made a comment like they are all affected. Anyway he cleaned the dust off of my sensor and put it under a magnifier and showed me the dozens and dozens of what looked like Noriega's face on the sensor. They are all affected he said again. Anyway the consensus was that none of us could see it in actual use but since the replacement was free every one of our little Leica group had sent their CCD machines in. I got my acknowledgement email from Leica Camera AG two weeks ago that my sensor along with some other parts will be replaced free of charge.

 

[Huss]

J Digital cameras that are still relevant after 8 and 5 years and again, basically like new (well, except a few outside blemishes ;-)

and yet an M3 is still relevant after 60 years..
😉

 

[Huss]

dubble bubble

 

[Corran]

none of us could see it in actual use

Must not be looking hard enough. It was painfully obvious in the sky - and even in busy scenes, if the corrosion spots were right on the eye of someone in a portrait it was unusable without masking in an eyeball from another image. Last straw for me was some good shots that took a lot of time to edit from a wedding with exactly that issue. Stopping down will exacerbate it but mine starting showing the spots even at f/2.8. Shooting landscape at f/8+ and a wide angle, the sky was unusable without hours of spotting and masking.

MM is newer so maybe it would get worse but I noticed what I thought was just dust years ago on my M9.

The image showing corrosion on my M9 that I sent along with the camera is earlier in the thread.

 

[Rayt]

Must not be looking hard enough. It was painfully obvious in the sky - and even in busy scenes...

I suppose it may be less obvious with wide aperture b/w shots. No doubt the marks are there.