D2 LC1 Failures

[J Mitchum]

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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.

 

They're laying it on a bit thick aren't they? Who here has had a Digilux 2 or LC1 fail due to tropical climate conditions? Just as with the M8 defect they make it sound like the odds of it happening are a billion to one. The comment about other make's cameras is interesting though. Perhaps it really is a Sony sensor after all.

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[thomasl.se]

All good as far as I'm concerned. It's an apt recognition of high standards, and I don't mind if they wash their hands with a bit of tale, as long as they're rinsed and cleaned.

 

Riley, thanks for the news flash. I'm off doin' some sniping

[Riley]

They're laying it on a bit thick aren't they? Who here has had a Digilux 2 or LC1 fail due to tropical climate conditions? Just as with the M8 defect they make it sound like the odds of it happening are a billion to one. The comment about other make's cameras is interesting though. Perhaps it really is a Sony sensor after all.

 

There have been recorded failures in humid environments, perhaps there is an association

 

As to the sensor, while Panasonic make there own sensors, if you take the wider view that these cameras were short run to test the market for L1, then perhaps the sensor was sourced from Sony who were at the time providing the 2/3" to many makers.

 

With respect John, they are doing the right thing here, they are accomodating D2 owners out of warranty on a redundant product, be happy.

[J Mitchum]

Yes, I'm just saying they put a lot of spin into their announcement. I'm curious as to the conditions they failed under for those posting here.

[kameraguy]

In light of the recent Leica Press Release regarding the acknowledgement of DL2 owners in need of CCD repair, my faith in Leica digital products is becoming restored. Not sure if Leica scans forums such as this to determine the state of the community as well as current issues, or the number of CCD repairs they have gotten as of late...but either way, it's definitely a stand-up gesture for Leica to do this. I only hope this repair would also apply to those of us who purchased the DL2 used from a private party.

 

Now, I wonder for those folks (that are the original owners under warranty) that had to repair their camera out-of-pocket will somehow be able to get re-imbursed for the sensor repairs they did ?

[kameraguy]

BTW- is there any mention of exactly "how long" Leica will cover units for this particular issue? Just curious.

 

I'm currently trying to cover all bases here and see Leica's response in supporting those of us who purchased a DL2 through a private sale and get stuck in the "non-transferrable warranty" loophole. I'm hoping the response will be favorable:

 

 

from: Christian del Rosario <kameraguy@gmail.com> hide details 8:26 am (3 minutes ago)

to: repair@leicacamerausa.com

date Dec 21, 2006 8:26 AM

subject Question: Leica Camera AG - Extended customer service for LEICA DIGILUX 2

mailed-by gmail.com

 

 

RE: Leica Camera AG - Extended customer service for LEICA DIGILUX 2

 

Dear Leica Repair,

 

In light of this recent Press Release, I would like to confirm if this service will extend to DL2 owners who purchased their units through a private sale. It is my understanding the warranty is not transferrable, however there is much talk regarding the recent DL2 CCD failures as tracked on sites such as http://www.leica-camera-user.com. Many of us have purchased a DL2 from a private sale, and have experienced CCD failures. We would appreciate it if this repair is extended to us as we value our purchase and enjoy using the DL2. if the problems are confirmed due to a faulty component due to manufakturing, it would be most appreciated to be covered under this repair.

 

Regards,

Christian del Rosario

USA

[thomasl.se]

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Christian,

 

It's transferable; while invoice alone is no good, correctly filled warranty card with the authorized dealer's stamp is all you need.

 

Thomas

[kameraguy]

Thomas, but what happens if I don't have the warranty card, which is the case for myself. This is the scenario i'm talking about. By private sale, I mean from an indivudal, who has already sent-in the warranty card.

 

Sorry, I should have clarified this.

[Riley]

kameraguy

i can appreciate you concern, it doesnt sound as tho its all that open ended does it

 

but i can say this

panasonic, who are in identical circumstances

have as yet not put up a global offer like Leica have

i have pressed the flesh with a panasonic engineer in the US

who claims that Leicas responce was on panasonics advice

and i am aware of at least a few LC1's that are under repair from sensor faults

so its puzzling to say the least what the depth of the generosity is

 

as i work with my cameras, im debating if i should change systems, or get another backup

because i just cannot be without a fully functional camera

but unlike other photographers here, i simply must have 4x3 framing

and there are few good choices in ultrawide cameras excepting getting back into olympus

and get back into endlessly plugging away at menus

 

not happy jan...

[thomasl.se]

Christan,

 

As long as it's got the stamp; and of course the serial number is adequatly discernable, you're in business.

 

I walled the Nordic Leica rep about this, and I couldn't make him say no go as long as the stamp is there.

 

Thomas

[kameraguy]

Thomas,

 

By stamp, i'm assuming this is on the warranty card? Is it elsewhere? Because I do not have the warranty card.

 

Thanks,

Christian

[thomasl.se]

Christian,

 

Yes, the dealer'a regular rubber stamp imprint on the card.

 

Thomas

[kameraguy]

Ok, so in my case I do not have the card, so I do not have warranty support through Leica (if this is their criteria for warranty coverage). So the e-mail i sent is for my situation, which I suspect others would fall under if purchasing a used DL2 without this card.

[thomasl.se]

If they have the card, you're covered. Check with them if the serial number is a match; then all is hunky dory.

[kameraguy]

Thomas,

 

If that is the case, then it appears my problem is that I am dealing with Leica USA.

 

Because when I sent in my DL2 for repair the first time, they confirmed they had the camera registered but denied my claim for the non-transferrable warranty reason.

 

It's going to be ok for me this time as i was able to find and ask the original owner to re-send in the camera for repair on my behalf. But if this happens again, I can't expect to have this same luck.

 

Maybe things are different dealing with Solms directly.

[Riley]

i just read back and see Christian has a sensor fault

i really dont see what you guys are on about

repairing the sensor is FREE

you do not need warranty

[kameraguy]

Riley,

 

My experience with the denial of coverage is based on my submission in August 2006 to Leica Repair USA. In light of what has been announced, maybe their procedure has changed.

 

 

All I am stating are my personal experiences with the whole process.

 

Either way, what I CAN confirm is Leica USA denied me warranty coverage in August 2006 because I did not have the camera registered in my name. I also did not submit a warranty card because i do not have one. It was obvious they had the camera serial# tracked to the original warranty card submitted. So Leica USA had all proof the camera was registered. This is exactly what happened to me. These are the facts. Read into it however you like.

 

Maybe this will be helpful to others. i do not know. But i did not see anyone with similar experiences so i thought i would document mine here incase anyone has the same problem.

 

- Christian

[thomasl.se]

i really dont see what you guys are on about

Warranty coverage. In general.

 

Cheers

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[ded2001]

My digilux 2 stopped operating after about a year and a half. I returned it to Leica in New Jersey and it was repaired under warranty in about six weeks. The repair ticket listed "replaced circuit board".

 

David Diamond

[Riley]

Christian

the detailed statement is pretty clear

and supercedes the other advice you have

the sony (im pretty sure thats what it is now) sensor issue seems to be travelling wider since then ?

we have all noticed since then, a lot more sensors going down so Leica have acted on that

you need to ask them what your next moves are to get it repaired

not waste time on the mythology of unnecessary warranty provisions