Digilux 2 sensor failure - could not have happened at a better time.....

[doubice]

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While packing my Digilux 2 for a holiday trip I switched it on to check the battery status, only to be greeted by the dreaded smeared image on the display......... No warning, nothing.

 

Fortunately, I also have a Panasonic DMC-FZ30, my wife's D-Lux2 and a whole bunch of M bodies to beat myself over the head with in frustration.

 

I guess a trip to Leica New Jersey is in the Digilux's future, once I am back from holidays. Can anybody comment on the time involved for the repair? I hope the indefinitely extended sensor warranty is still valid and will be when I come back home......

 

Grrrrrrr.....

 

Jan

[Riley]

Jan, thats hard to say, but this one

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/digital-forum/20083-another-dead-d2.html#post268843

 

took 9 weeks

 

glad you have a backup sorted, have a good trip

[dugby]

Same thing happened to me before a Tokyo Paris London family trip.

I had only a D-Lux2 as backup.

 

So in desperation, I bought an L1 (D3) at almost full RRP (MSRP).

Fortunately this turned to take better photos than my working D2.

 

Anyway, the D2 repair took 8 weeks. I chose to send mine direct to Solms, bypassing

any potential delays by our local dealer who wanted a commission on the repair and is just a messenger-boy for Solms.

 

Despite the initial anxiety, I thank Leica whole heartedly for honouring the new repair

warranty, as mine was clearly, 'out of warranty'.

[doubice]

Thanks for the responses from Ozzie!

 

I am wondering if any US or Canadian Digilux 2 users who experienced the same problem, could comment. Should I send the camera to New Jersey or, directly to Solms? The New Jersey option seems simpler, but do they actually perform the work there?

 

Dugby,

 

The L1 seems like a nice option, but the size deters me from taking the plunge. Also, there will be an M8 in my future eventually........

 

Best,

 

Jan

[blau4666]

I had the same thing happened to me just before my trip to Florence. Had to use the Digilux 1 as a backup. It has been 7 weeks since I sent the camera to Leica NJ, called them last week and they said the CCD are on back order and to expect another 3-4 weeks wait. There is no charge on the repair or on the return shipment.

[Annie135]

If Leica U.S.A. are anything like they are in the U.K. they only act as a forwarding agents. My D2 went up in smoke in the middle of March. From memory I think I was planning a trip to Sheffield at the time Leica said sensors were on back order and would be available middle of May....but, 5th of May mine was returned direct from Solms. I reckon the whole experience was very positive, they even replaced the scuffed leather. And yes the camera was out of warranty.

 

I've never trusted them since they changed their name and moved to that god forsaken Milton Keynes place. But my faith has been restored, Leica are often very slow but they usually get there in the end.

 

Brian.

[rebride]

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Should I send the camera to New Jersey or, directly to Solms?

 

Jan,

The identical has just happened to my D2. It looks like thelifetime of the sensor has been reached.

I contacted Solms and they told me to send my D2 to them, which I will do.

 

Dejan

[nigelrea]

My D2 failed on the last day of our holiday in Ireland when the recorded images suddenly went pink.

 

First shot with the camera 29th May 2004 first problem started 26th May 2007.

 

I emailed Leica UK and got a prompt reply. The camera has now gone for investigation and they are saying 6-8 weeks.

 

I have been thinking for some time that the picture quality was not as good as it was when I first bought the camera so this should be sorted now.

 

Nigel Rea

[Timhl]

Jan, count on at least 8 weeks, but don´t worry about warrenty.

And don´t worry about quality. Mine came back as good as new.

Even the white lettering on the lens was renewed.

 

Tim, Denmark.

[meremonkey]

Thanks for the responses from Ozzie!

 

I am wondering if any US or Canadian Digilux 2 users who experienced the same problem, could comment. Should I send the camera to New Jersey or, directly to Solms? The New Jersey option seems simpler, but do they actually perform the work there?

 

Dugby,

 

The L1 seems like a nice option, but the size deters me from taking the plunge. Also, there will be an M8 in my future eventually........

 

Best,

 

Jan

 

Just sent mine in to my dealer (Camtec in Montreal). They told me about 6 weeks. I've got my fingers crossed.

[thomasdh55]

Mine took about 8 weeks using the New Jersey shop. No problems, and it was returned with a new battery.

[judybabinski]

I sent my Digilux 2 to NJ. They sent a letter saying that the repair was "ordered" April 19, 2007 with completion expected in 4-5 weeks. Have called a couple of times to check on status. Latest info is 1) they are doing the repair in NJ, 2) the parts, ie sensors, are on back order and they expect a shipment end of June and another one mid July. So I think I am looking at mid July at the earliest before I get the camera back which is a 3 month turn around.

 

Maybe best to send directly to Solms.

 

Judy

[chrisbo]

I sent my very, very pampered and hardly used Digilux II with a failed sensor to New Jersey about seven weeks ago. Unfortunately, the Leica on-line repair tracking system hasn't worked with the number Leica provided. I received word about two weeks ago via email that the sensor failure is covered under warranty and that the repair process has started. I'm thankful that Leica is repairing the camera under warranty.

 

The incidents with the Digilux II sensor failures and the problems with the M8 remind me of the problems with the expensive Range Rovers and older Jaguar cars. My neighbor who bought a new Range Rover needed to keep a back-up car ready to allow for the frequent visits to the garage for repairs. The repairs were always covered by warranty, but the frequency of the garage visits kept the car out of his driveway for at least 1/2 the time he owned it. Leica digital camera owners may need a backup camera ready for when their camera goes to Germany.

 

All whining aside, at least I've been able to reach a representative of Leica on the phone and via email and my problem is being solved. That's more than many consumers get from most of the other camera manufacturers.

[krabat]

.... when the recorded images suddenly went pink.

 

I have got the same problem with my DL2, and I have sent it yesterday to Solms.

 

 

And now I am waiting for the information what will be, and how quick...

[rsh]

I love the Photo. Great Art. Seriously, digital cameras are mini computers and are subject to the ills of electronics. That said, even mechanical cameras can fail, but no M4, M4P, M5 or MP of mine has ever failed, and they have only been out of service for a CLA.

 

My M8 is in Germany at the moment, but that is life.