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Planning to get my first Leica

tohstanley

By tohstanley
in Leica M9 / M-E

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tohstanley

tohstanley

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Hi All, i'm new user here. I'm planning to get my first Leica. Been reading many info and articles from the website and forums. Finally decided to get a M9 because of the CCD sensor.

I never own any Leica camera before, may i know is that any major problem about the M9? Hope to get feedback from the experienced user here.

 

Thanks.

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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Most commonly reported M9 issues relate to SD card compatibility and/or freezes, the latter often related to using discreet mode (not yet fixed in firmware).

 

You can use the search box to review old discussion, but my advice is to just shoot a lot and don't worry about anything unless you experience a problem. Then, chances are, there will already be feedback here.

 

Just buy from a reputable dealer with some warranty. And carry insurance for the rest.

 

BTW, the CCD vs CMOS sensor debate has also been hashed to death here. Leica has landed on CMOS for the M (still without AA filter). The far more important issue for you IMO should be the overall rangefinder experience….some love it, some don't connect. The quality of pics will be up to you…all the sensors are good enough.

 

Jeff

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colonel

colonel

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Congratulations on the purchase of this classic, epic and eccentric camera.

I predict much joy of ownership!

 

The main issue with the M9 is the potential cracking of the coating covering the sensor.

 

This can be observed with lines or large blotches on photos, however its important not to confuse with dead pixels or dirt which can both be fixed fairly easily. local Leica shops, or folk on this forum, can help with diagnosis.

 

Sensor replacements are carried out at Leica headquarters and typically take 2-6 months depending on your luck!

 

To date Leica has repaired this for free when it occurs, even out of warranty, but should not be relied upon as the M9 population ages. When certain parts fail on the M8 which Leica can not replace it instead offers a discount on a new Leica M or M-E.

 

Apart from the above, which is infrequent but does happen, the M9 is very reliable. I have had 5. 1 needed a sensor replacement and 1 needed a rangefinder correction (which is not technically a fault just a calibration).

 

The quid-pro-quo is that despite all the cameras I use (and thats alot :D ) the M9 sensor produces the most stunning photos at base ISO of any camera I have ever used.

 

Its also much easier to use it in low light as the latest version of lightroom is much better with the M9 today then on its release. You should google the techniques available but strangely I found it easy to take in low light using the techniques available:

 

9879919735_bc437ef9a9_c_d.jpg

 

9880043783_5615926e5c_c_d.jpg

 

8279332706_c87da10862_c_d.jpg

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patrick parker

patrick parker

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Hi All, i'm new user here. I'm planning to get my first Leica. Been reading many info and articles from the website and forums. Finally decided to get a M9 because of the CCD sensor.

I never own any Leica camera before, may i know is that any major problem about the M9? Hope to get feedback from the experienced user here.

 

Thanks.

 

Welcome! Ccd sensors are overrated unless you are concidering buying an MM. leicas make sense to me because I ve been using them for a long time now. If you want the rangefinder experience look no further , purchase a fujifilm x100T.

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IWC Doppel

IWC Doppel

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Your making the right decision, the M9 and CCD sensor is special IMO. I moved from M8 to M9 and won't move to M240, I will add an MM and another film M again.

 

Whilst there are problems with all cameras and the M9 has known faults, I have taken 18,000 Shots and not had one yet. Build quality is what Leica is about, particularly with lenses. Some older glass is divine ;)

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M9reno

M9reno

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You should read:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/307974-strange-white-spots-m9-sensor.html

 

especially post 137:

"Based on this thread, we feel the need to clarifying a couple of things about the sensor marks issue you have been experiencing. The issue is linked with corrosion effects on the cover glass of the CCD sensor in Leica M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E cameras. They manifest themselves as marks on images captured at smaller apertures (f/5.6-22). The new Leica M (Type 240) with the CMOS sensor is not affected by this problem. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience encountered and we have set up the following scheme for servicing the sensors of the products affected. Please be aware that a contact-free cleaning of the sensor is essential in preventing the issue.

 

• Customer care will perform sensor cleaning free of charge by prior arrangement.

• In the case of damage as a result of corrosion, the sensor will be replaced free of charge up to three years following the date of purchase. Leica Camera AG will cover the full costs of replacement, amounting to 1,800 euros plus applicable VAT. This does not apply to sensors damaged by scratching or breakage of the sensor glass.

• In the fourth and fifth year following the date of purchase, sensors damaged by the corrosion effects described will be replaced for a fixed charge of 600 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 1,200 euros.

• In the sixth and seventh year following the date of purchase, sensor replacement will be offered at a fixed charge of 1,200 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 600 euros.

• For the eighth and more years following the date of purchase, sensor replacement will be offered at a fixed charge of 1,500 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 300 euros.

• The prices stated apply for direct shipment of the camera to Leica Customer Care in Wetzlar or the Customer Care department of a national distributor. Additional costs may arise when the camera is sent to Leica through a dealer.

• Mandatory warranty conditions will apply after customers have taken advantage of the extended goodwill arrangement.

• As longer waiting times may otherwise occur, the camera should only be sent to Customer Care after prior arrangement.

•

We will continue watching this thread so you are welcome to react here.

 

^JJ with Leica-camera"

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tohstanley

tohstanley

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You should read:

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/307974-strange-white-spots-m9-sensor.html

 

especially post 137:

"Based on this thread, we feel the need to clarifying a couple of things about the sensor marks issue you have been experiencing. The issue is linked with corrosion effects on the cover glass of the CCD sensor in Leica M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E cameras. They manifest themselves as marks on images captured at smaller apertures (f/5.6-22). The new Leica M (Type 240) with the CMOS sensor is not affected by this problem. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience encountered and we have set up the following scheme for servicing the sensors of the products affected. Please be aware that a contact-free cleaning of the sensor is essential in preventing the issue.

 

• Customer care will perform sensor cleaning free of charge by prior arrangement.

• In the case of damage as a result of corrosion, the sensor will be replaced free of charge up to three years following the date of purchase. Leica Camera AG will cover the full costs of replacement, amounting to 1,800 euros plus applicable VAT. This does not apply to sensors damaged by scratching or breakage of the sensor glass.

• In the fourth and fifth year following the date of purchase, sensors damaged by the corrosion effects described will be replaced for a fixed charge of 600 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 1,200 euros.

• In the sixth and seventh year following the date of purchase, sensor replacement will be offered at a fixed charge of 1,200 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 600 euros.

• For the eighth and more years following the date of purchase, sensor replacement will be offered at a fixed charge of 1,500 euros plus applicable VAT. Leica Camera AG will cover the remaining costs of 300 euros.

• The prices stated apply for direct shipment of the camera to Leica Customer Care in Wetzlar or the Customer Care department of a national distributor. Additional costs may arise when the camera is sent to Leica through a dealer.

• Mandatory warranty conditions will apply after customers have taken advantage of the extended goodwill arrangement.

• As longer waiting times may otherwise occur, the camera should only be sent to Customer Care after prior arrangement.

•

We will continue watching this thread so you are welcome to react here.

 

^JJ with Leica-camera"

 

Thanks for the info, wonder is this affected to many user?

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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Next will get a 35mm lux.

 

Oh my. New user, zero Leica experience, and already with GAS.

 

Why not just take pics for a year or two with your already two marvelous lenses….then see if you're lacking anything for your picture needs. Buy print supplies instead….or take a trip.

 

Jeff

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tohstanley

tohstanley

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Oh my. New user, zero Leica experience, and already with GAS.

 

Why not just take pics for a year or two with your already two marvelous lenses….then see if you're lacking anything for your picture needs. Buy print supplies instead….or take a trip.

 

Jeff

 

You are right, maybe i should just take pic with these 2 lenses first.

Thanks for the advice!

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  • 2 weeks later...
Hamad

Hamad

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Welcome to the family .... i am sure you gonna have great time using it. there is no major problems except for indoor white balance which is bit tricky but after few atempts of manual adjustments you be good. And if you plan to use any wifi SD card in order the have your images wirelessly sent to you computer or mobile i would strongly say that stay away from them. M9 has serious issues with the Wifi cards as if they both hate each other. :)

rest is superb and best of luck shooting with the M9. what lenses you got with it. :)

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