D2 LC1 Failures

[Riley]

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Im interested in the nature of the failures with either Digilux 2 or Panasonic LC1

More in the style of what you know for sure ie:

 

The date of the failure was ........

The repairer claimed part X failed

Or the symptoms where ...........

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[davephoto]

fortunately, i haven't anything to contribute. i just hope this thread doesn't become a long one. =)

[stuny]

Rob -

 

Almost exactly two years ago I brought my D2 top Leica USA because the rubber covering was beginning to lift, and the focus and/or zoom (can't recall which) had begun to fee "gritty". The checked out the camera and installed newer firmware (My D2 was a very early one) which supposedly improved auto focus, a feature I very seldom use. they ordered the replacement rubber covering and some part for the lens. When the parts came in a month or so later I sent the camera for them to install the parts.

 

All has been fine until late last week. Now I get a magenta cast in most photo situations. I will bring it back to them -- there's still another three months on the warrantee.

[dugby]

I find the recent D2 issues all happening in the last few weeks, so so amazing, it's almost like a time-bomb got triggered in a batch of them.

 

My D2 images on the LCD and EVF have a melted effect with some separation of the colours.... and the image is generally unrecognisable. If I press the shutter, sometimes it takes a perfect shot, othertimes, a 'melted image'

 

I'm so annoyed as we are heading for Tokyo-Paris-London for the next 4 weeks....and I'd been preparing my photography around the D2. Reluctantly I bought an L1 (D3).

[kamilsukun]

Not a failure but a strange thing happened last week.

Browsing through the photographs at the camera I noticed three duplicate images following sequantially with a different time stamp. The image is the photograph of a bird which is impossible to rephotograph accidentally netiher in a burst mode nor bracketing mode. They were time stamped one minute apart each. And these three images were placed in between the images which were time stamped sequantially.

It is quite funny.

Image A 7:30 A.M. serial no L10106890

Image B 7:35 A.M. serial no L10106891

Image C 7:37 A.M. serial no L10106892

Image D 11:10 A.M. serial no L10106893

Image D (duplicate) 11:11 A.M. serial no L10106894

Image D (duplicate)11:12 A.M.serial no L10106895

Image E 7:39 A.M. serial no L10106896

Image F 7:42 A.M. serial no L10106897

 

They were all from the same shooting.

 

Perhaps a card failure.

[sfage]

Mine went reverse video... well, "mostly" reverse. Reds are green, greens are red and when the lens is directed near a window (sunlight), it turns the light black.

[Riley]

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thanks for the replies

 

when did that happen shane ?

[kameraguy]

Hello all,

 

I am a longtimelurker, but recently have been more acktiv on the forums to seek information which is similar to the problems I have had with my Digilux 2.

 

Please excuse my ignorance on the D2 sensor issues, as i have recently found posts regarding this after my own sensor failure.

 

I may have a special situation, but hopefully someone else is in the same boat. I purchased a used Digilux 2 in April 2006 and for the most part it worked exceptionally well. However I encountered what has now been identified as a failed CCD sensor. My symptoms are full Menu displays functioning, however a completely black LCD and EVF.

 

This occured "out of the blue" in August 2006. I was using the camera earlier in the day, and later when trying the camera again...nothing on the LCD. So weird as the camera sees so well designed and I do not abuse my equipment (i'm sure we all think this, but you know what i mean hopefully).

 

I called Leica USA and they asked the camera be sent in for inspection. What I found was good and bad.

 

Leica USA confirmed the sensor has failed, and the serial# confirmed the camera was still under warranty. BUT, because I was not the original purchaser, the warranty would not be honored and I was to be charged $600 (!) for this repair. (as a side note, I am *not* impressed with Leica NJ. They are not friendly at all!)

 

My lack of understanding of the Leica warranty caused me to argue but the fact was the warranty is not transferrable. A bummer for me!!

 

So i declined the repair and have been holding on to my dear paperweight since then hoping i could find a cheaper method for the repair.

 

Now after stumbling upon the D2 posts regarding sensor issues while researching a possible M8 replacment (one can dream, right?), I would like to know does a possible recall include "all D2 owners" or only the "original" owners? As I am quite new to the recent developments, has there been more info that applies specifically to D2 owners for this problem? Now that it appears my camera *may* be part of that defective batch, I hope I may be covered under a recall.

 

I am intently following these developments as I sure do miss using the camera. And I don't mind paying for a repair if needed, however IMHO $600 is highway robbery.

 

Would appreciate any advise and updates to this sensor issue.

 

Best Regards,

Christian

[Riley]

ok i had a look around Over 7 Million Parts and Accessories at PartStore

 

they list the sensor at $3.10

but there are several ic boards at around $100

 

if only it was as simple as swapping the circuit board with the sensor attached

[fulito]

My LC1 failed exactly two years and one month after purchase. Unfortunately, legal warranty in Spain lasts two years. I'm trying to get it repaired under warranty by Panasonic in Spain, no success yet, but still trying.

 

It was bought in August 2004 in Barcelona. The usual symptoms: suddenly (after 6000 pictures) the image was distorted, both in the LCD and the viewfinder. Pictures can be taken, but then you get the same distortion in the picture, like "up-to-down" melting of colors.

 

According to official service, the problem is in the CCD, with no signs of misuse. Total repairment cost is 376€. They are waiting until I get a definitive response from customer support centre.

[mschlapfer]

Julio:

They look anything like this? These are images 157 and 158 from my "new in the box" D2. Had the camera for a month...been out of my hands for 3 months and I still don't know what's going on.

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[Riley]

thats a sensor alright

bad luck, it being new an all

[fulito]

Michael:

 

Yes, my images looked exacly like yours after the problem showed up!

 

Regards,

Julio.

[fulito]

BTW, it's been told in dpreview forums that the LC1 uses the Sony's ICX282 5Mp 2/3 CCD sensor, which somehow contradicts the general understanding that Panasonic made its own CCD's, but it makes a lot of sense as several others already announced problems with Sony's CCDs (Sony, KM, Nikon, ...).

 

If this is true, why isn't Pansonic accepting responsibility for the problem?

 

Julio.

[svllee]

Hi there..

 

Been a lurker on this forum for a while, and just registered to say that after reading about all these D2 / LC1 failures, wanted to add that my LC1 bought in the UK early 2005 also failed late last year all of sudden, with the same problem as previously described. However, this was an intermittent fault, and there was no way I could predict when or in what settings or conditions it would fail. I sent the camera into Panasonic UK for a diagnosis and the fault was that it needed a new PCB to the sum of £350! plus I had to pay a £50 (i think) diagnosis fee which was not refundable and postage! I told them to send it back and it remains fine ever since, although I have no faith in using the camera on any personal projects / on holiday etc.

 

It now appears that there seems to be a worldwide discovery of the fault and it should be addressed in a proper manner, like Apple's iBook logic board replacement programme (although that took a class action suit to get it going). I really love the LC1 and the lens, it was compact and performance was excellent but I have shyed away from Panasonic and Leica digital products for now, sigh.(I cancelled my M8 pre-order)...

[lcw]

Guys,

 

I seem to be a lucky star. Bought my Digilux 2 in March 2004 and had no issue with it whatsoever. For me it is still one of the best lenses ever sold on a digital camera. I have several posters up to 60 x 80 cm. And I enjoy them every day.

 

Cheers,

 

Lars

[danielt]

After 2 years and 5 months my Digilux 2 has stopped to work

The problem is SENSOR FAILURE

The camera was sent to Solms on 04.12.2006 and until now I have not any answer from Leica

[Tim B]

Daniel,

 

Don't hold your breath!

 

I took my D2 for repair on 11th November - 4 weeks ago - and have heard absolutely nothing from Leica. Nor do I really expect to, they seem very bad at communication with customers in such cases. As long as they get on with the job, I don't really mind.

 

I tried the "repair tracker" on Leica's website but neither my job number, nor camera serial number brought any reposnse.

 

Still hoping for a return before Christmas, but somehow I doubt it.

 

Good luck!

__

 

Tim

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[imported_peter_m]

Not sure if any of you caught the link on this thread http://www.leica-camera-user.com/customer-forum/11562-digilux-2-recall.html#post118972

 

Digilux 2 owners are in luck http://www.leica-camera.us/news/news/1/3897.html

 

Lets just hope Panasonic will do something like this. Had my LC 1 since February 05 all is fine so far.

 

Peter

[Riley]

Let us not doubt the veracity or honesty of Leica again, looks like owners of D2, despite being out of warranty and out of production, shall be repaired

 

Leica Camera AG - Extended customer service for LEICA DIGILUX 2

 

Extended customer service for LEICA DIGILUX 2

12/13/2006

 

Leica Camera AG is offering all owners of the LEICA DIGILUX 2 a customer service free of charge even beyond the stated warranty period. Specifically, this refers to exchanging the digital camera's sensor in the case of a rarely occurring malfunction. Leica Camera AG has opted for this extended warranty due to the fact that there have been a few reports of this malfunction caused by faulty manufacturing which also affects some other makes' cameras.

Prolonged use of the camera in tropical climate conditions has occasionally led to effects such as black stripes in the image or even a totally black image. This malfunction can be the result of sensors whose specifications do not meet the respective Leica Camera AG production and testing standards. Even though the malfunction occurs only after prolonged use in extreme conditions, i.e. perhaps even after the warranty period has expired, thanks to the service described here, the LEICA DIGILUX 2 customers can rely on having their camera repaired free of charge over a longer period of time. Thus, supported by this measure, Leica Camera AG is ensuring that the LEICA DIGILUX 2 will retain its value after having been discontinued.