Informal Survey--Monochrom Sensor Corrosion

[fotografr]

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I'm curious if the sensor corrosion issue is eventually expected to affect all or most M Monochroms or if it is a problem with a lower percentage.

 

The reason I'm asking is that I have an opportunity to purchase a "like new" M Monochrom. I owned one previously but sold it due to fear of developing corrosion. I've regretted it ever since because when I look through my files, the MM images look much better than anything I've gotten from my M240, or any other camera.

 

--Are there M Monochrom owners who have not had sensor problems? If so, how long have you owned the camera?

 

--Does anyone have a sense of the percentage of cameras affected by the corrosion? Andreas, perhaps?

 

Thanks,

Edited February 6, 2017 by fotografr

[Jay B]

I had a M9 Monochrom from a month after it's launch date until last week.

No sign of any sensor problems in mine.

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[geotrupede]

All MM I have tested had the issue (these were 3 used units for sale at a good shop and 1 replacement unit which was given me whilst waiting for the third sensor).

In fact mine had sensor changed twice. Leica was very generous at fixing this a second time and for good with the new type sensor.

Time to develop the problem: about 1.5 years of intense use (changing lenses all the time, but cleaning only at Leica).

 

The matter is that if you use open apertures it is unlikely to be an issue.

It only becomes a problem when one uses f11 onwards and if one takes pictures of a uniform (or about uniform) surface.

 

So for street photos, where background is plenty of details, even with f 11 may be fine. But for an architectural shots or anywhere the sky is involved then there may be a problem.

 

G.

[fotografr]

All MM I have tested had the issue (these were 3 used units for sale at a good shop and 1 replacement unit which was given me whilst waiting for the third sensor).

In fact mine had sensor changed twice. Leica was very generous at fixing this a second time and for good with the new type sensor.

 

 

G.

Thanks much. Are the replacement sensor also CCD?

[geotrupede]

Yes, CCD and it works perfectly.

I was a little dubious as camera came back with firmware 1.008, but apparently FW is not relevant for Monochrom. The new replacement sensor is perfect and Leica have done a great job.

I do use a lot of close apertures so for me is a problem to have spots over the frame.

G.

[johnwolf]

Yes, the replacement sensor is CCD. Mine was just returned with a new sensor.

I've never seen a defect percent listed anywhere. Not that it matters because we know it's a lot and yours could very well become one of them.

Perhaps you can find one that had the replacement after the MM good faith program started. Wasn't that around January 2016? 

 

John  

Edited February 6, 2017 by johnwolf

[fotografr]

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I have gone ahead with the purchase because the one I found is like new with only 132 shutter actuations. I guess I'll just expect the sensor to corrode at some point then it'll be gone for awhile and I'll get it back with one that should last the life of the camera, or me.

Edited February 6, 2017 by fotografr

[dunhoy]

You made the right decision to purchase - and if the sensor develops problems Leica will fix it - so win win

[fotografr]

You made the right decision to purchase - and if the sensor develops problems Leica will fix it - so win win

Tracking shows it arriving tomorrow. I can't wait to get back to Monochrom shooting. The biggest photo equipment mistake I ever made was getting rid of my first one.

[fotografr]

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm finally back shooting with my favorite camera of all time--the Monochrom M fitted with a brand new 50mm Summilux asph. It feels fantastic!

[geotrupede]

Congrats!

[Samir Jahjah]

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

I'm curious if the sensor corrosion issue is eventually expected to affect all or most M Monochroms or if it is a problem with a lower percentage.

 

The reason I'm asking is that I have an opportunity to purchase a "like new" M Monochrom. I owned one previously but sold it due to fear of developing corrosion. I've regretted it ever since because when I look through my files, the MM images look much better than anything I've gotten from my M240, or any other camera.

 

--Are there M Monochrom owners who have not had sensor problems? If so, how long have you owned the camera?

 

--Does anyone have a sense of the percentage of cameras affected by the corrosion? Andreas, perhaps?

 

Thanks,

 

It seems mine is showing this corrosion after many years of good use !

 

 

 

[marcg]

My M is being returned to Germany today for a free sensor replacement. The major Leica store which I went to were absolutely fantastic. I spoke with them their and they told me that more than 50% of all CCD cameras will develop corrosion – and it is simply a matter of time and that they expect it will become a lot more.

I see the OP of this thread decided not to purchase an M in mint condition because he was worried about the possibility of corrosion developing. Unless someone knows that Leica have placed some time limit on their replacement scheme, I would have thought that this was not a good decision because it would have meant that he would have had the use of a camera in pretty well new condition for quite some time and would then have essentially known its history – and when/if the creation eventually developed, he would get a free upgraded second-generation sensor and a full service – all free of charge.

[Printmaker]

I had to have my MM1 sensor replaced a few months back and my M9 is in the shop now having its sensor replaced for the second time. The first replacement was a few months before Leica developed a "permanent" replacement. That first replacement only lasted two years. And my S2 needed its sensor replaced. That's 3 Leica CCD cameras and each one needed at least one sensor replacement.

 

I have a M10 on order and plan to trade in my S2. I'll probably sell my M9 when it comes back with a new sensor. But I'll keep my MM1. It is too good to sell or trade.

 

I love the look of the Leica CCD cameras but loosing a camera for 4-5 months every 2-3 years is getting old. Hopefully the MM1 replacement is really permanent.

[fotografr]

 

 

I see the OP of this thread decided not to purchase an M in mint condition because he was worried about the possibility of corrosion developing.

That's incorrect. If you read the thread again you will see that I did purchase it and am extremely happy about it.

[Guest]

I would think that the most important factor in M9/MM sensor corrosion is heat and humidity. Virtually all M9/MM cameras in Thailand have had sensor corrosion. 

I bought my MM in September 2012 in Paris and then spent six months in Thailand. Back in Paris, when I brought the camera in to the dealer for sensor cleaning, he saw what we now know is corrosion and sent the camera to Solms for sensor replacement, which took two weeks. But that new sensor was not the current non-corrosive one; by mid-2015 signs of initial corrosion showed up and in January 2016 I sent the camera from Bangkok to Wetzlar for sensor replacement with the new, non-corrosive sensor, which took three weeks.

_______________

Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine

[fotografr]

L1016828.jpg

 

It seems mine is showing this corrosion after many years of good use !

That's one of the worst cases I've seen.

[Samir Jahjah]

That's one of the worst cases I've seen.

This is exactly what they told me at the Leica Store in Washington DC! The camera was sent for sensor replacement.

[R3D-D0T]

That's one of the worst cases I've seen.

 

I spilled my coffee seeing this photo.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[ldhrads]

I live in Florida, both my MM1 and M9-P have their original sensors and, knock wood, haven't had corrosion issues yet!