M9 sensor damaged? (weird spots, bleeding)

[donod]

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Hi everyone, I noticed couple of weird spots in my pictures. However I continued taking the pictures and the weird spots stopped appearing. But last week with no apparent warning, my sensor started "bleeding". First it turned completely white and then completely black and then random pink patterns started appearing. I have uploaded the pictures here.

I guess the best approach now would be to ship the camera to Germany? If I do so what all should I include with the camera? I don't have a lens cover and my summicron lens needs some greasing so I will just send it with the camera. What about battery, charger and memory card?

*The images are posted in chronological order*

Spots on the same position

http://imageshack.com/a/img909/806/lDb1zt.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img911/9986/N1KaLc.jpg

 

This was taken just before (1 picture before) the sensor started bleeding

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/3865/yxHIS8.jpg

 

Sensor started bleeding and the image was completely white

http://imageshack.com/a/img904/6682/5T8yCN.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img661/7263/IhH0R4.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/8516/AFcPx8.jpg

 

These are how the pictures look now

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/8544/f67Tqi.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/1337/QtlpZf.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/9678/ojc4sU.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/9620/ydc9C1.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img674/7035/te3Uqp.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img904/7799/kezaZr.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/7108/6xxdAd.jpg

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[wda]

Bad luck. Definitely in need of attention from Leica. Contact your nearest country agent and be advised. Usually only the body is needed (well packed). Include the lens if you wish that to be serviced as well. On an unhappy note to welcome you to the forum.

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[k-hawinkler]

How old is your M9?

What's the typical humidity where you live?

[donod]

I got my camera in the U.S. second hand last year. The previous owner had bought it in 2010. Shutter count is less than 4k.

I am currently travelling in India and will be back to states only in feb. I inquired with Leica but they have no representative in India. So I guess my only option is to send it to Germany (?). Humidity around this part of India is usually around 60-70%

Does anyone have any clues on what the issue with the sensor might have been? In another forum someone said that it looked like solid state problem.

[jaapv]

At any rate this has nothing to do with delamination. It looks like the motherboard has failed. As this is one unit with the sensor, it will mean a sensor replacement.

Sending it to Leica Germany is an excellent option. Don't send it to the USA, they have some silly "second owner" policy over there. FedEx is your friend, but beware of customs pitfalls.

There is no need to send cables, batteries or straps with the camera, although Leica is quite diligent in returning loose parts.

Do include the SD card with the failed shots, if you still have it, though.

Edited November 25, 2014 by jaapv

[bill33]

Hello,

 

I have exactly the same problem and my M9 is in Wetzlar now from the 15th of october.

Waiting for a new sensor.

 

[wattsy]

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Is there anyone with an M9 that isn't waiting for a sensor replacement?

[k-hawinkler]

Is there anyone with an M9 that isn't waiting for a sensor replacement?

 

Yes, mine, delivered to me on December 30, 2009.

BTW my M9 has never left the typically dry air of New Mexico.

Especially in the winter, indoors humidity is very low, around 15 %.

I wonder whether there is a lower limit for humidity one shouldn't get below either.

So, what's the optimal humidity and temperature to keep an M9 in when not in use?

[bocaburger]

I'm definitely over any remorse for having sold my M9.