Jump to content

Leica CCD sensor corrosion, replacement (pre)requirements


stric

Recommended Posts

<p>Hello, I have question about Leica's program to replace "corroded" CCD sensors on M9 series models, because I am considering to purchase a used model that's still with the original sensor.<br>

Does one need to experience problems with the sensor in order to be eligible for replacement? <br>

Does one need to be the original owner of the camera, in other words, is the original purchase receipt necessary?<br>

How long does it take to have the sensor replaced in the USA?<br>

Thank you.</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p><em><strong>Stephen L.</strong></em> is correct, so directly from the factory, this is the key:<br /> "<strong><em>the camera should only be sent to Customer Care after prior arrangement</em></strong>"<br /> <br /> E-mail: <a href="mailto:Customer.Care@leica-camera.com" target="_blank">Customer.Care@leica-camera.com</a>. Telephone: +49-6441-2080-189.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I purchased an M9, converted to M9-P specs, from Tamarkin during 2015. In January 2016 I printed the service form off the Leica website, filled it out and mailed the camera in with the form on 1/26/16. A few weeks later I receive a reply in the mail they had inspected the sensor and it needed to be replaced. Four months later in mid-May, the camera with the new sensor arrived. No charge.</p>

<p>If you think the camera's sensor has corrosion, send it in. If it needs to be replaced, they will replace it, no charge. If it just needs to be cleaned, that's what they'll do. They will not just replace it unless it really needs to be. No prior arrangements need to be made. The only question is, how long will you have to wait, and that will depend on whether they have a supply of sensors when your camera gets there. Four months has been a pretty standard answer I have seen from several who have had the work done and no, no purchase receipt is required. They're doing this for anyone who has an M9, bought new or used.</p>

<p>There are numerous M-9's now on eBay and other places being sold as having the new sensor. It's an easy check to confirm. If it has been replaced, the firmware will have been updated to 1.204. I would just buy one that's already had the work performed.</p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>I have one at Leica for a replacement. I did not contact them in advance as no one ever answered the phone in Customer Service. I received an acknowledgement of receipt about 10 days after shipment. Roxana emailed me that the current time was approximately 8 weeks. In Leica Time I'm expecting this to be 12 weeks. Possibly longer.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 10 months later...

Sent mine to Germany.

I heard they were replacing the body covering with the original 'leather' instead of the revised pebble look 'stuff'.

And it did in fact come back with a new 'Original' covering. Firmware now 1.210 - I couldn't be more pleased with the result !

 

Let me add that the colors out of this CCD sensor when handled properly (Post processing), really do resemble the ole Kodachrome...

 

On a 7 year old camera, pretty amazing; few if any companies will back their products in this manner without 1st being forced legally.

 

P1010665.JPG.9d0555914060ce606ce81497f9a117c0.JPG

A 10 out of 10 - The entire Leica service process was truly flawless...

Edited by Gus Lazzari
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is an old thread, but as good a place as any to note that the free sensor replacement programme is now over, unless you bought the camera new in the last 5 years:

 

CCD sensors of the Leica M9 / M9-P / M Monochrom and M-E camera models // 2017 // Global // Leica News // World of Leica - Leica Camera AG

 

I wouldn't buy an M9/ME now without confirmation that the new version of the sensor was already fitted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's exactly why, when my M9-P came back with the new sensor installed, I placed the work order from Leica New Jersey in the box with all the other documentation, so I would have it if the day ever came that I wanted to sell or trade it in.

 

I believe I have seen new M-E's still out there for sale, so anyone doing that would still be Ok for another 5 years, but anyone HAD to know, Leica would not be in a position to do the free sensor replacement-thing forever on these models. As soon as I had an inkling of the issue, I got my camera in to them to get it done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...