S Sensor replacement

[Deliberate1]

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Friends, I am curious to know whether the current replacement sensor for the S 006 is of the same generation as the v.2 M CCD. Apparently, with the early M retrofits, Leica just replaced with a new "old" sensor. Only later did they use a new version that reportedly fixed the problem. Anyone one know? Not academic. I am seeing the same kind of telltale signs of corrosion that prompted the return and repair of my M9 last year.

Obliged.

David

Edited April 24, 2018 by Deliberate1

[jip]

I believe, and I don't know for sure... that the S2 and S006 sensor has remained the same so they just replace it with a new 'old' sensor. 

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[Jeff S]

I haven’t seen any S sensor announcement from Leica akin to the permanent fix for the M9 based cameras, which required close work with the sensor supplier, or like the permanent AF fix for S lenses. For the latter, Leica still hasn’t officially explained the exact nature of the problem or the fix.

 

Jeff

[Deliberate1]

I haven’t seen any S sensor announcement from Leica akin to the permanent fix for the M9 based cameras, which required close work with the sensor supplier, or like the permanent AF fix for S lenses. For the latter, Leica still hasn’t officially explained the exact nature of the problem or the fix.

 

Jeff

Jeff, obliged for yours. The M9 sensor failure is well-known and was prolific enough to command the full attention of Leica. What is the prevalence of similar failures in the S line, say on a percentage basis, if that can even be estimated. There are spotty examples reported on line. But nothing that approaches the wide spread incidence of corrosion in the M line. Perhaps because of the difference in camera production numbers between the M CCD line and S CCD version. I see junk that might be corrosion, but could just as well be dust with a halo. Off to Leica Miami for the diagnosis. And my 70mm that crapped out this weekend as I was shooting my mom's 90th birthday. Had the Q as a back-up, which was the better tool, anyway.

David

[Jeff S]

Yes, David. The reason I raised the S lens AF motor issue is that there seemed to be greater frequency of failure, and more forum noise, than around S sensor corrosion. But, even then, Leica never came clean with an official explanation about the lens issue(s).

 

You may recall that despite the more commonly known M9 series sensor corrosion, it wasn’t until the forum almost exploded that Stefan Daniel posted here with an apology and a full explanation about the cause and resolution. So, if the S lens issue didn’t generate anything comparable, it seems unlikely that the lesser known S sensor corrosion will elicit any formal response. Perhaps a call to Leica might provide more info. I doubt however that we’ll ever get insight into the frequency of occurrence on any of these issues, for any product, including the M.

 

For me, it seems clear that Leica will do more to protect and issue communications around its core product (until now), the M line, in ways that it won’t for other products. We know what happened to the R. I have no idea about Leica’s commitment to the S line. Perhaps the rumored June product announcement will provide some context.

 

Jeff

[John McMaster]

It is censor covering corrosion rather than the sensor, I have had my M9, original Monochrom and S2-P all in for the fix.  The Monochrom is the only one of those still getting regular use, but no issues since.

 

john

[Jeff S]

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It is censor covering corrosion rather than the sensor, I have had my M9, original Monochrom and S2-P all in for the fix. The Monochrom is the only one of those still getting regular use, but no issues since.

 

john

The official announcements I’ve seen on the fix don’t reference the S line, only the M9 based cameras (M9, Monochrom, ME, etc.).

 

Jeff

[Deliberate1]

Gents, fortunately my S is still under warranty. I have not seen, nor have I bothered to explore for that reason, whether Leica considers an S CCD sensor replacement a "good will" gesture or a generic camera failure subject to warranty limitations.

I discern two kinds of corporate treatment for product failure - the ones that surface in substantial numbers and must be seen as a design/manufacture defects that affect the herd, like the M CCD sensor or S motor, and all others subject to individual warranty limits. What may separate the two is that pesky internet and the sharing of common experiences that become avoidable for Leica, and other companies, once identical, widespread product failures create a very uncomfortable narrative.

Edited April 26, 2018 by Deliberate1

[Jeff S]

The distinctions you raise are sometimes further complicated by: (1) whether there is an identified solution and permanent fix or just a temporary solution; and (2) will Leica allow pre-emptive repair or not. Add to that the often poor or non-existent communications, as well as potentially different customer service experiences, and you end up with the expected and protracted forum debates.

 

Jeff

Edited April 26, 2018 by Jeff S

[Deliberate1]

.....as in, ye pays yer money and ye takes yer chances.

 

David

[Jeff S]

.... or not.

 

Jeff

[leicapages]

Just to add to this topic that an S 006 I once had also ended up with “dirt” permanently fixed on the sensor. Leica did not admit it was a corrosion issue but replaced the sensor unit nevertheless, and at no cost.

[Rolo]

Had my S 006 sensor replace last month after 3 years and only 4,000 frames. Leica advised that it would be replaced free of charge as it was less tha 5 years from new.

 

I’d like to know if the new sensor has been re-designed for longer life.