M9 Long Term

[JSU]

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Thank you Chris, but if I am not mistaken, are you confusing the date Leica first started replacing corroded sensors, which I believe was Oct 2015? The first batch of these replacement sensors also turned out to be susceptible to corrosion. Leica then introduced a Mk II replacement sensor, which is not prone to corrosion. What I would like to know, is when Leica introduced this Mk II replacement sensor. I hope I am making sense, and thanks again for taking the trouble to answer my original question.

 

 

My pair of M9-P went in for sensor replacement in March, 2015 and were returned to me in June, 2015. If I recall correctly, the improved sensors were announced in August, 2015 and were installed pretty soon, thereafter.

 

Both my M9-P bodies are en route to NJ, due to arrive this Tuesday, for sensor replacement for what surely looks to be corrosion. 

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[ianman]

Body build date is probably incorrect. Both my M9s have exactly the same date & time - to the second. Serial numbers are correct.

 

Body:0.052 Oct 23 2012,08:56:34

I have the exact same body date too... quite impressive as it's almost three years after I actually received it 

[chris_livsey]

Body build date is probably incorrect. Both my M9s have exactly the same date & time - to the second. Serial numbers are correct.

 

Body:0.052 Oct 23 2012,08:56:34

 

 

I have the exact same body date too... quite impressive as it's almost three years after I actually received it 

 

Thank you both, obviously, perhaps, this is a firmware build date rather than a body build date?

Mine makes three BTW 

[jdlaing]

Thank you both, obviously, perhaps, this is a firmware build date rather than a body build date?

Mine makes three BTW 

 

That would be correct.

[chris_livsey]

 If I recall correctly, the improved sensors were announced in August, 2015 and were installed pretty soon, thereafter.

 

 

It was in late June.

 

https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2015/06/leica-announces-permanent-fix-for-ccd-sensor-corrosion-on-m9m9-pmmm-e-models/

 

But Leica said After completion and evaluation of this testing phase, we will begin the replacement of corroded sensors by the new-generation sensor.

 

AFAIK Leica never gave a definitive date after which new sensors were fitted.

 

One of the first reports of a returned camera with a new sensor: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/249569-leica-m9-corrosion-sensor-replacement-starts-now/page-3?do=findComment&comment=2899666

Edited April 16, 2018 by chris_livsey

[Sspector15]

My M9 had a shutter failure (locked up) in April 2015. I sent it to NJ for repair and they also replaced the sensor; this was May 2015 and it took a couple of weeks.

 

My Monochrome went in for its second sensor in February; the M9 went back for a second one this month. BOTH CAMERAS OUT AT THE SAME TIME!!! AACK.

 

I thought I may have caused the corrosion during an attempt at wet cleaning, but the crystalline spots were there on images from last November. This time, I was looking at $925 for the replacement and an indeterminate service date (like 6-9 months). The 9 months is just too long to wait, so I've opted for the upgrade to a 262 (and I'll be patient awaiting the Monochrome's return--irreplaceable). I hope I made the right choice.

 

I tried going back to film for a few rolls on my M6.... embarrassing, I'm afraid. It's like going back to playing guitar -- lot's of relearning. 

[JSU]

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When I replaced / upgraded my pair of M8.2 bodies with the pair of M9-P bodies, I expected them to be the last digital Leicas I would own. I didn't realize at the time that it would include replacing the sensors in both bodies, twice.

 

I have no idea what long term means with Leicas in this digital era. I still have a trio of M6 Classic bodies which served me unfailingly for years in the grind of shooting for a daily newspaper. I had them overhauled by an independent Leica specialist 8 years ago, the first time they had ever been in a shop for any reason. I expect them to last me for the rest of my days. My track record with digital Leicas doesn't remotely instill the same level of confidence.

[JSU]

My M9 had a shutter failure (locked up) in April 2015. I sent it to NJ for repair and they also replaced the sensor; this was May 2015 and it took a couple of weeks.

 

My Monochrome went in for its second sensor in February; the M9 went back for a second one this month. BOTH CAMERAS OUT AT THE SAME TIME!!! AACK.

 

I thought I may have caused the corrosion during an attempt at wet cleaning, but the crystalline spots were there on images from last November. This time, I was looking at $925 for the replacement and an indeterminate service date (like 6-9 months). The 9 months is just too long to wait, so I've opted for the upgrade to a 262 (and I'll be patient awaiting the Monochrome's return--irreplaceable). I hope I made the right choice.

 

I tried going back to film for a few rolls on my M6.... embarrassing, I'm afraid. It's like going back to playing guitar -- lot's of relearning. 

 

 

I was quoted, and have written checks for, $960 per body for replacing sensors in both my M9-P bodies and return shipping. Only time will tell.

 

My M6 Classic bodies still get a few rolls of Tri-X each per year, not quite the 20 rolls per week (average) I shot for decades before my daily newspaper went digital and the Leicas went to a shelf at home. 

 

I long for the days of sending in my M3, M2 & M4 bodies for a clean & check and seeing on the repair docs: "returned to original Leitz tolerances and specifications." I never sent in my M6 bodies, I just used them from the day they came out of the box. Leica does not give me that level of confidence now. Maybe again, someday, only time will tell. It will take a while, a long while.