Leica Ends Free Sensor Replacement for M9/Monochrom Bodies

[Musotographer]

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I collected my M9P with its new sensor from Leica Mayfair today. I took it in on 16 May, the day after the announcement, so I make that just over eight weeks - quite a while to be without one's camera, but considerably less time than I was expecting it to take, given the pressure Wetzlar must be under to service the sudden rush of faulty sensors coming in before the deadline. I just consider myself lucky that corrosion had already been confirmed by Mayfair earlier this year.

Edited July 13, 2017 by Musotographer

[Ecar]

Both my M9 and M9-P were sent to Leica Switzerland on May 21, then on to Wetzlar.

Got them back today with new sensors, so that's about 8 weeks. I was told 8-10 weeks and, to be honest, I thought I'd be lucky to get the bodies back by September - that was a pleasant surprise.

I have now sent the MM in for a sensor check.

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[gu_al]

My M-E just returned last week as well. 9 Weeks. Smooth like butter and with the new sensor.

[lucerne]

My M9-P arrived in Wetzlar two weeks ago. I then received confirmation that sensor replacement was necessary However, I was also sent some invoices for approval subject to my choice of a la carte cover and also an optional replacement back since the text engraving was fading.

I was under the impression that the text could be repaired but apparently not.

If I only have the sensor repair, I expect the reassembly would require adjustment and a general clean at no charge. (A CLA).

I'm not expecting any charges for the basic work.

Does everyone get an invoice for handling irrespective of having no a la carte leather or bodywork improvement.

 

How much?

Any comments?

[Adrian Lord]

So, if i take my M9 to Leica Mayfair before or on August 15th, I am OK for free repair, irrespective of the age and ownership history of the M9?

 

Or will there be a nasty "Oh, sorry sir, it has to arrive at the factory by August 15th and we can't guarantee that..."

Edited July 31, 2017 by Adrian Lord

[lucerne]

So, if i take my M9 to Leica Mayfair before or on August 15th, I am OK for free repair, irrespective of the age and ownership history of the M9?

 

Or will there be a nasty "Oh, sorry sir, it has to arrive at the factory by August 15th and we can't guarantee that..."

Adrian. Age and ownership is not an issue if you notify them before 15th. No need to take the camera to London. Just notify london that there appears to be a problem. London will generate (and email you) an official free return to factory label and you can arrange collection by the courier for direct delivery to Wetzlar. That part is very slick. Do that ASAP and you will be fine. Germany will examine the camera and send an estimate which includes the warranty work plus some optional extras. They will admin charge you if the sensor is not faulty.

 

Alternatively, you can email customer services at Wetzlar and they will generate the paperwork etc. Leica Mayfair responds quicker.

Edited July 31, 2017 by lucerne

[Adrian Lord]

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Adrian. Age and ownership is not an issue if you notify them before 15th. No need to take the camera to London. Just notify london that there appears to be a problem. London will generate (and email you) an official free return to factory label and you can arrange collection by the courier for direct delivery to Wetzlar. That part is very slick. Do that ASAP and you will be fine. Germany will examine the camera and send an estimate which includes the warranty work plus some optional extras. They will admin charge you if the sensor is not faulty.

Many thanks- I am most grateful. I'll call them in the morning.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Antony Parks]

I just got my much used and much loved M9 back in just over 4 weeks. Second sensor change ( I was to be charged for the first one and then told it was free before I had paid anything).

 

I am begining to think that the new sensor is even better than the old one. It seems to have a broader latitude in exposure, the auto setting seems to give me better results, there would seem to be less flare in contre jour shots....the colours are beautiful.

 

In short I think my M9 is better than ever.

[lucerne]

Can someone who has had the work done confirm what charges were made by Wetzlar for the sensor replacement and other routine work. My M9 is with them now. They have offered a free sensor replacement but are requesting a fee for a full service, and also a fee for a new coloured leather cover chosen from the a la carte menu. Surely the camera has to be cleaned during dismantling and adjusted on reassembly anyway, and a standard replacement cover would be included. BUT Should I invest another 200-400£ at this point in the cameras life.

Your opinions are sought.

Thanks.

Edited August 2, 2017 by lucerne

[gu_al]

What is written in the working order, apart from sensor replacement and calibration, firmware update, calibration of the rangefinder and I feel the back control wheel much smother than before, so maybe although not described a full revision.

Edited August 2, 2017 by gu_al

[Morpheon]

Does this look like corrosion?

 

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(crop of 750 x 500 from uncompressed .dng)

 

Hi, Matthias from Germany here.

I am rather new to the M9 and Leica in general.

I bought a used M9 last year from around 2009/10 with original sensor and 9k actuations , which the previous owner (a very nice gentleman) had checked for corrosion (+ had the sensor cleaned) at Wetzlar, prior selling it to me.

 

This would mean that the corroding happenend from May 2016 until now.

Is this realistic?

Also my understanding the corrosion, once there, will get worse, is that true?

 

Would you recommend sending it in?

 

Best regards and many thanks

Matthias

Edited August 5, 2017 by Morpheon

[Luke_Miller]

The spots do not look like the corrosion I had on my M9 and MM.  They were dark spots with a lighter "halo".  Yours are the opposite and I see a few other faint spots in the image.  I did not have faint corrosion spots. If the posted image is the full frame - my spots were much smaller.  suggests having your camera checked by Leica, but my guess is they are not corrosion.

Edited August 5, 2017 by Luke_Miller

[jaapv]

Does this look like corrosion?

 

L1004327.jpg

 

(crop of 750 x 500 from uncompressed .dng)

 

Hi, Matthias from Germany here.

I am rather new to the M9 and Leica in general.

I bought a used M9 last year from around 2009/10 with original sensor and 9k actuations , which the previous owner (a very nice gentleman) had checked for corrosion (+ had the sensor cleaned) at Wetzlar, prior selling it to me.

 

This would mean that the corroding happenend from May 2016 until now.

Is this realistic?

Also my understanding the corrosion, once there, will get worse, is that true?

 

Would you recommend sending it in?

 

Best regards and many thanks

Matthias

 

Yes to all questions. Send it in.

[Morpheon]

Yes to all questions. Send it in.

Thanks for giving me a clear picture, I will reach out for the customer service.

The window of opportunity is closing rapidly but fortunately you just need to contact them in time, that you sense corrosion.

 

 

Which point in time is used for determining whether my camera is within the period designated for the full goodwill arrangement?

The date on which the defect was reported to Leica Camera AG applies. In each concrete case, a check of the camera by Leica Customer Care is required to prove that the problem is due to the corresponding sensor defect. This check can be made by sending the camera or a suitable test exposure to Leica Customer Care and subsequent checking of the camera by specialist personnel at Leica.

[sixteen pads]

Dear Friends, 

 

Would anyone know the steps of actually determining the corrosion problem ?

I take the photo and send it to Leica and wait for their reply whether it is a yes or no ?

How much time do they take to get back ?

 

I just kind of realized about the end of this program, only few days left. 

What a mess this story. 

 

I would appreciate your feedback. 

 

thank you

[MarkP]

Send or take it into Leica tomorrow

[Adrian Lord]

Just get it to the Leica dealership nearest to you as soon as possible there is no point making your own assessment as long as you get it there before the deadline you'll be okay

 

 

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Edited August 9, 2017 by Adrian Lord

[Hallstein]

I don't know why so many people in here are reporting such a long wait.

This is what Leica replied me today:

 

Thank you for your mail.
Our current repair duration is 6-8 weeks after a confirmation. We apologize for the prolonged wait.

(...)
Do not hesitate to contact us for further questions.

[DandA]

It depends which servixe center of Leica you send it too.

 

Dave (D&A)

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[lucerne]

There's not much time left. This thread has repeatedly advised anyone who is seeing symptoms of a bad sensor to contact a Leica dealer, who will arrange collection of the camera and transport it to Wetzlar. Leica Wetzlar will then examine the camera and contact the owner with a report and estimate for repair. If nothing is wrong, they can make a small administration charge and return the camera. If they find a fault they will let you know and give you some options. Sensor is replaced free but some work is optionally offered.

Better be safe than sorry. At this time, no one should be asking questions on this forum about what they should do. Miss the deadline and you may be charged 800 euros for the sensor.

What bit of the procedure isn't clear?

Wetzlar is quoting 6-8 weeks and they aren't closing the customer services for annual summer holidays.

Edited August 9, 2017 by lucerne