scottwitt Posted June 22, 2014 Share #1 Posted June 22, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Just picked up the M240 to use as a second, and more reliable body. After having shot 160k+ frames on my M9, the sensor is starting to go (pixel streaks along the right side of the image at ISO 800+). I'm wondering, is it possible to "hack" the M9 body to think it's a MM by replacing the M9 sensor with the MM sensor? Perhaps there's also a firmware update needed as well, so the M9 would pull in the menu options from the MM, specifically the higher ISO. I'm sure someone has considered this and has a POV to share. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Hi scottwitt, Take a look here replacing M9 sensor with MM b+w sensor?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
knisely Posted June 22, 2014 Share #2 Posted June 22, 2014 Sorry, not happening. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonogilmour Posted June 22, 2014 Share #3 Posted June 22, 2014 I think this would go under the title of "absolutely impossible" Just keep the M9 and buy an MM. They're all fantastic cameras. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 22, 2014 Share #4 Posted June 22, 2014 I think it could be done, however it would probably be more expensive than buying a new Monochrom. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamgm Posted June 22, 2014 Share #5 Posted June 22, 2014 A little off-topic, I know, but as I bought a Leica Digilux 2 about a year ago (my only Leica, as I cannot afford to venture any further into Leica-land!). I particularly enjoy using it for B&W work, and thought a Digilux 2 Monochrom would be a great camera - of course, I realise it's never going to happen, unfortunately! Geoff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted June 22, 2014 Share #6 Posted June 22, 2014 After having shot 160k+ frames on my M9, the sensor is starting to go (pixel streaks along the right side of the image at ISO 800+). Unless I am misinterpreting what you mean by "pixel streaks", this problem might be easily fixed by having Leica remap the sensor. Even if not so simple, it is the kind of problem that it would be worth having Leica take a look at to get a quote for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted June 22, 2014 Share #7 Posted June 22, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) After having shot 160k+ frames on my M9, the sensor is starting to go (pixel streaks along the right side of the image at ISO 800+). Welcome. 160k frames? That's impressive (to me, at least...). Is the camera still on its original shutter? And I'm pretty sure that a conversion from M9 to MM is impossible (at least economically), as it's not just the sensor and the FW that would need to be replaced, but also the motherboard. Sensor re-mapping is definitely worth a try. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert-gregory Posted June 23, 2014 Share #8 Posted June 23, 2014 I just got my M9 back from Leica Japan having a new sensor, covering, checked and adjustments done. When they wrote to tell me the work was finish (in under 2 weeks), one of my first thoughts was 'could a MM sensor have been used?' I did ask - no reply - and really didn't expect one. Just wishful thinking as I'd really love a MM. BTW; Its kind of amazing to me. Here I have a 4+ year old camera and Leica did all this work 'under warranty' no charge. I know we hear about all the 'problems', as for myself there have been very few, and the service has been exceptional. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnakChan Posted June 25, 2014 Share #9 Posted June 25, 2014 I just got my M9 back from Leica Japan having a new sensor, covering, checked and adjustments done. When they wrote to tell me the work was finish (in under 2 weeks), one of my first thoughts was 'could a MM sensor have been used?' I did ask - no reply - and really didn't expect one. Just wishful thinking as I'd really love a MM. BTW; Its kind of amazing to me. Here I have a 4+ year old camera and Leica did all this work 'under warranty' no charge. I know we hear about all the 'problems', as for myself there have been very few, and the service has been exceptional. !? They changed your sensor, covering (presumably top/bottom plates) & adjustment in 2 weeks? My M9 went into Leica Ginza to have the sensor replaced and they said it'll take 3 months as it had to go to Solms and they won't replace my top/bottom plate (lightly scratched). Which Leica Japan did you go? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 25, 2014 Share #10 Posted June 25, 2014 Covering has to be exchanged with any repair that involves opening up of the body, the top plate has to come off anyway and is a rather simply exchanged part and the bottom plate is user-replaceable. If Leica has the parts available it is a two-day job in express service. I am not aware whether Leica Japan is able to replace sensors. The problem with sensor replacements is that they are items that come in batches so lead times may be quite long. The production process has different logistics from the repair service, in other words, CS can not just pull a sensor out of the production line. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnakChan Posted June 25, 2014 Share #11 Posted June 25, 2014 AFAIK, Leica Japan (or Leica Ginza at least) can do simple adjustments, cleaning, and large part replacements. The can't do sensor changes. Which is why I'm surprised robert_hitt's M9 could get a new sensor in under 2 weeks when I was told a 3 month wait (which doesn't bother me since I've got the M240 & M7 anyway). Like robert_hitt though I'm pleasantly surprised they're fixing my out of warrany M9 sensor for free so I guess I shoudn't be complaining about an extended wait. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert-gregory Posted June 26, 2014 Share #12 Posted June 26, 2014 !? They changed your sensor, covering (presumably top/bottom plates) & adjustment in 2 weeks? My M9 went into Leica Ginza to have the sensor replaced and they said it'll take 3 months as it had to go to Solms and they won't replace my top/bottom plate (lightly scratched). Which Leica Japan did you go? Sorry for the misunderstanding. No, not the bottom/top metal plates (they only have a few places the brass is showing anyway, no big deal). They replaced the camera vulcanite covering. Actually I liked the old vulcanite better than the new cover and not sure why they had to do this. If they had to send this to Germany this was exceptionally quick, in our communications there was no indication that it was sent to Germany, only "we would like to exchange the CCD sensor as under warranty." I just sent it into Leica Japan Tokyo Customer Care. They have always been responsive and good. I email them telling them what I am sending and the problem. They tell me to send it, notify me when they receive the equipment, let me know what work to be done and time. The work has always been first rate. Best, Robert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 26, 2014 Share #13 Posted June 26, 2014 As I said, they have to replace the leatherette as it has to be removed to open up the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsy Posted June 26, 2014 Share #14 Posted June 26, 2014 They replaced the camera vulcanite covering. Actually I liked the old vulcanite better than the new cover and not sure why they had to do this. Leica ran out of the "vulcanite" that they used when the M9 was originally launched. The replacement has a different texture and feels a little 'stickier'. Aesthetically I think the older vulcanite probably looks better but I quite like the newer, slightly grippier, version. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 27, 2014 Share #15 Posted June 27, 2014 However, Cameraleather sells "Levant Black" covers which are structured like film M Vulcanite and have a great feel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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