D2 Sensor

[mrpaul]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have read just about everything I could find on the D2 sensor. I know that it is no longer replaced and quite understandable based on the age of the piece.

 

I have one with a serial number 299xxxx with no issue to date though I have only had it a few weeks. The previous owner suggests that there were roughly 12K actuations.

 

Has all known D2s with serial numbers in that range ultimately fail? It matters not at this point and I will continue to use it regardless. More of a curiosity question. I know many here have long moved on from the D2. I am just starting and my limitations are far greater than the D2s.

 

Paul

[wda]

Paul, I think most sensors of that age will either have failed by now or survived. Most owners I knew had experienced sensor failures which Leica replaced. I would relax and enjoy your D2. (It would be prudent to avoid using the camera for any serious or unrepeatable photography)

 

If the worst happens and Leica cannot repair it, I guess there are still a few copies lurking in cupboards which will surface for sale at reasonable prices over time. If you are truly worried, an email to Leica service team should reveal whether your camera has been through the sensor replacement programme. Leica keeps such records.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[williamgm]

As David says, Leica in Germany will soon tell you if your camera has had a new sensor fitted. I bought a Digilux about 18 months ago, emailed the number to Leica who confirmed it had not been replaced. As the sensor was faulty, they replaced it under the (then) extended warranty offered for the Digilux. Of course, this scheme has now ended, but I'm not sure of the supply position with regard to sensors for this camera, whether repairs are charged or not. By the way, the serial number on my camera is 298xxx.

Although an old camera by digital standards, it has rapidly become a firm favourite, so I intend taking good care of it & hope it continues to work for a long time yet.

 

Geoff

[Miraildes]

I recently sent my Digilux 2 to Leice in Germany because it no longer powered up when turned on. They told me that the sensor had failed and that they could not repair it because the sensor used was no longer available. I asked them which model of sensor was in the camera, and they replied saying that they were not allowed to give me that information! I had already had the sensor changed for free back in 2004 when the problem with the original Sony sensor was recognised. I find it absurd that, considering neither the Digilux 2, nor the sensor, are currently being manufactured, that Leica refuse to tell me which sensor the camera contains. Does anyone out there know which sensor was used in the Digilux 2?

[k_g_wolf ✝]

Welcome to the LEICA- Forum! Sorry, you don´t have a more positive question to ask.

 

I think, in a case like this, I would just get another D2. They are sold pretty reasonably

these days, esp. when you consider, how much they used to be. If your seller could confirm

a late sensor exchange, you should be safe for some more D2- years.

 

 

Best

GEORG

[mrpaul]

I sent an email to Leica customer service a couple of weeks back to see if my D2's sensor had been replaced. Have yet to hear from them. As previously stated, it really does not matter at this point considering warranty and replacement are no longer available. More of a curiosity than anything.

 

The D2 works just fine and if it should fail and some point, I would just look for another D2 or Panasonic variant as a replacement. There seems to be plenty available and as Georg pointed out for a reasonable fee if you know what you are receiving.

[wilfredo]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My D2 will no longer turn on. Is that the dreaded Sensor failure? I hadn't worried about it failing because my understanding was that Leica would replace it. If that is no longer the case, I can't tell you how disappointed I am.

Leica should have offered a recall!

 

On the other hand, I'm wondering if the batteries are simply too old to recharge? Could that be the problem? If so, that seems to be an easy fix since these batteries are still on the market.

Edited February 13, 2015 by wilfredo

[farnz]

… On the other hand, I'm wondering if the batteries are simply too old to recharge? Could that be the problem? If so, that seems to be an easy fix since these batteries are still on the market.

Wilfredo,

 

If you bought the batteries with your D2 ca. 2004 then it's very likely to be the batteries because Li-Ion batteries have an average service life of around 7 or 8 (depending on the source of the information). Mine are still just holding out although they're not reliably holding charge and I've 'retired' them after finding inexpensive replacements online.

 

Pete.

[mrpaul]

Wilfredo,

 

I ordered replacement batteries for my D2 from Amazon a few weeks back and they work just fine. My D2 came with one original battery that does not hold a charge for long. It is my only digital camera so I ordered two batteries.

 

I never did hear form Leica regarding my sensor. It appears they have moved on even for inquiries on previous replacement. My own investigation with conversations from the previous owner strongly suggests that my sensor in indeed original. Hopefully it will continue to function for some time. Still learning to use it and improve my skills.