Strange white spots on M9 sensor?

[Clong34]

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I have found strange white spots on my M9 sensor. It doesn't seem to be dust as dust spot and oil spots are black.

I have cleaned the sensor with an Artic Butterfly and then wet cleaned it with a swab and isopropyl with no success besides the removal of dust and oil

Under closer investigation I have found these same spots but not as well pronounced, on pictures that date back a year. Attached is a picture of the full frame and a 100% crop in the top left corner.

Additional to this what seems to be a long scratch has also appeared.

I have cleaned sensors before and have never managed to scratch or damage anything

Could this be a delaminating sensor?

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[jaapv]

It certainly could be a sensor defect. Send the files to Leica for evaluation.

[Lightwrangler]

Your sensor is broken, the top layer is perforated and the cleaning solvent infiltrated. Call Leica. It's a known defect. First they will ask you to send the files, then they will exchange your sensor for free.

 

Mike

Edited November 9, 2013 by Royal_Corona

[Clong34]

Thanks for your reply.

I plan to send the camera to Solms come Monday and they can evaluate the sensor.. I can't get it clean anyways and if it can be cleaned then for once it can be done professionally by leica, even though I believe I may be waiting some time for it's return.

I've just never seen anything like this before and was hoping someone else had a similar experience.

[BA-photos]

Thanks for your reply.

I plan to send the camera to Solms come Monday and they can evaluate the sensor.. I can't get it clean anyways and if it can be cleaned then for once it can be done professionally by leica, even though I believe I may be waiting some time for it's return.

I've just never seen anything like this before and was hoping someone else had a similar experience.

 

I had similar issue with my M9. I initially thought it was dust as well but after unsuccessful sensor cleaning attempt and a close inspection, I realized that they were permanent spots on sensor. I sent the camera to Leica service center and they replaced the sensor for free. Camera was not under warranty.

After I sent the camera to Leica, I found the following discussion that seems to be similar issue:

 

The M9 and amazing customer service from Leica at the Solms factory by Lee Craker | STEVE HUFF PHOTOS

[Philjh]

My M-E had similar problem only I had lines rather than spots. It's now in Solms having it's sensor changed. Apparently Leica was going to return the camera after a sensor clean then changed their minds. Only had camera since march so it's annoying, but I've got a loaner M9 from my dealer so can keep taking pics.

[albertospa]

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I also wanted to point out this problem on my M9.P. The spots you see on smooth surfaces with small apertures (about f 8). I sent an email with photos at Solms 4 days ago but I have no answer yet. What do you advise me to do? Thank you.

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[k-hawinkler]

I also wanted to point out this problem on my M9.P. The spots you see on smooth surfaces with small apertures (about f 8). I sent an email with photos at Solms 4 days ago but I have no answer yet. What do you advise me to do? Thank you.

 

Clean the sensor.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[jip]

I also wanted to point out this problem on my M9.P. The spots you see on smooth surfaces with small apertures (about f 8). I sent an email with photos at Solms 4 days ago but I have no answer yet. What do you advise me to do? Thank you.

 

That is just dust on the sensor, clean the sensor. There are numerous threads on this forum about how to do it. Use the search box!

[earleygallery]

Dust or perhaps oil spots on that last image. Give the sensor a 'wet' clean.

[albertospa]

All very good at giving advice. The sensor is not dirty! Those spots are located inside the sensor and therefore must be replaced. I wrote to Leica and got no answer.

[250swb]

Have you even tried cleaning it?

 

Steve

[edwardkaraa]

I have the same spots on my sensor. They are impossible to remove, I tried several wet cleanings with no success. The spots are not even visible with a loupe so I suspect them to be something else. I sent photos to Leica and asked about the nature of this problem and how to clean the sensor. No reply yet but still hoping.

[earleygallery]

All very good at giving advice. The sensor is not dirty! Those spots are located inside the sensor and therefore must be replaced. I wrote to Leica and got no answer.

 

Errr, you asked for advice and people gave you their advice, based on the image you posted. If you already know that the camera has to go back to Leica why did you waste our time?

[250swb]

I have the same spots on my sensor. They are impossible to remove, I tried several wet cleanings with no success. The spots are not even visible with a loupe so I suspect them to be something else. I sent photos to Leica and asked about the nature of this problem and how to clean the sensor. No reply yet but still hoping.

 

Not all cleaning fluids are the same. Try another brand, or one that specifically removes oil for example. Many people find they need two types, one to remove the dirt/oil, and then another to make the glass clear and free from smears.

 

For instance I use Visible Dust 'Plus', and that cleans the sticky dust off, then Eclipse to remove the smears left behind by the 'Plus', but Eclipse doesn't work very well on its own.

 

Steve

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Hallo,

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[albertospa]

I wrote it because I wanted to know if this problem was also presented to someone on this forum and how it had solved. Of course I had already tried to clean the sensor in a professional manner with no results. In the meantime, I learned that this is a problem that Leica can only be resolved by replacing the sensor. On the web there are many cases like mine. I wrote an email to Leica but nobody answered.

Now I will send the camera to Solms but first I would like to know how long I have to wait for the repair.

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Hallo,

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[chiptw]

Hmmm my M9 had exactly the same issue, and my local dealer (Taiwan) had sent it to Solms for repair, Leica told us that they would replace the sensor for free, even though it was out of warranty.

 

Yet be forewarned, my M9 was sent to Germany in late August and as up to today, still have not had it returned heard that they were out of replacement sensors--causing the delay. So not very happy, although my local dealer has let me use a loaner M9, when needed. But still not happy. So guess be patient when sending your defective M9 to Germany.

[mastrantonio]

ciao

 

I have same spot on my M9 - august 2011 Leica shop in Roma-

I ask how many time will take to have camera fixed back, I work with my M9.

 

 

 

 

[250swb]

ciao

 

I have same spot on my M9 - august 2011 Leica shop in Roma-

I ask how many time will take to have camera fixed back, I work with my M9.

 

You can clean the oil and dust spots off yourself in a few minutes. Plenty of advice already available in threads dedicated to cleaning.

 

Steve

[colmac]

The magic of film: Change it yourself in a minute - less if you have the fast loader - no need to send your beloved toy to Solms where it joins the end of a long queue .

Col