mark_a_h Posted August 2, 2007 Share #1 Posted August 2, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've come back from a little trip and looked over my photos. I think I'm in serious trouble. Some seemed OK, but far too many of them have a purplish tint. They are all outdoor shots with the white balance set to sunlight or auto. They should be coming out correct like in the past. I've just shot some more test shots this morning and they ALL are crap. That also appear the same way on the camera's LCD screen and viewfinder. Here's an OK one from the trip. Here's one of the worst from the trip. (The sunset wouldn't be causing the colour.) As I said, other photos have the purple haze, but this is the first time I've seen banding out of the Digilux 2. Test shot done a little while ago. Should look like a bright sunny morning. Some questions for those who may know: I'm aware of the repair policy on the D2's faulty sensor. I'm in Toronto, Canada. Where would I send the camera for repair? To Solms or New Jersey. Will they accept it for free repair even though the sensor is not yet fully corrupted? I bought the camera used from an individual. (I have a receipt from him). The camera warranty is registered under the former owner's name. Will Leica repair the camera for me anyway? Anyone know if Leica is doing the "trade-in your D2 and upgrade to a D3" offer for photographers in Canada? Thanks for any answers, Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Hi mark_a_h, Take a look here Yikes! Is my Digilux 2 sensor failing?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted August 2, 2007 Share #2 Posted August 2, 2007 1 yes- it looks like there is something wrong. 2 I would deal with Solms in every case 3 That offer- I don't know. It is a completly different camera, will cost you money anyway instead of a free repair and a used Digilux2 is worth far more than the offer - not such a good deal imo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted August 2, 2007 Share #3 Posted August 2, 2007 Mark, Yes, it indeed looks as if the sensor is giving up its ghost. Since you are in Toronto, I would recommend sending the camera to New Jersey; I think that raplacement sensor shortage is the same in Solms and in NJ, repair time should be the same. I am in Vancouver and sent the camera to Allendale. As you, I have bought it used and do have the previous owner's information. However, I sent it in under my own name and have had no problems - Allendale mailed me a recipt indicating the repair will take about 2 - 3 months and that it will be N/C. Apparently they will even change the body covering which is peeling off in places. As to an offer of a Digilux 2 for a Digilux 3 exchange - I would not do it even if it was offered to me (it was not). Leica wants about US$1,000 for the exchange. If you have the Digilux 2 repaired and still want the Digilux 3, you can buy its Panasonic equivalent for about US$1,200 and be ahead of the game. The Digilux 2 and 3 are entirely different, with the 2 being really special. Even now, when I bought the M8, I am still looking forward to use the Digilux 2. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted August 2, 2007 Share #4 Posted August 2, 2007 Mark, I am afraid your mauvish tinted images are typical of a D2/LC-1 sensor just before it finally gives up the ghost! Unable to help with service in Canada but the previous advice to send it to Solms for repair is very sound. I also agree that it it would be preferable to get the camera repaired AND buy the Panasonic version of the D3. The D2 is a great camera and is already a classic to many people and it's used value (post sensor repair) is now likely to increase. As Leica try to take more D2's out of the market and many more will probably never be repaired, the prices may well escalate faster. But regardless of it's investment value, the D2 is a wonderful camera to have and use, repair it and keep it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_a_h Posted August 2, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted August 2, 2007 Thanks for the replies so far. I've sent an e-mail to Leica repair USA with some photos attached asking their opinion on the sensor and next steps. Doubice, glad to hear that your situation is being handled as I'm in the same boat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_a_h Posted August 2, 2007 Author Share #6 Posted August 2, 2007 And an update: Leica replied to my e-mail a couple of hours later and told me to ship it to New Jersey for repair. They also asked for a copy of the sales receipt I had the last owner make up for me at sale time. So I'm without camera now, with a two week trip coming up mid-August plus September and October trips planned as well. Guess I won't be burdened with the responsibility of photography for a while. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwalker649 Posted August 2, 2007 Share #7 Posted August 2, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Is this a problem with every sensor or just random? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_a_h Posted August 2, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted August 2, 2007 Is this a problem with every sensor or just random? It's not random. The Sony sensors of many Digilux 2 cameras are faulty leading to Leica's extended warranty for their replacement. How widespread this problem is, I cannot say. But I don't believe every single Digilux 2 made will fail. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted August 3, 2007 Share #9 Posted August 3, 2007 There is another thread from a few weeks ago that gives the serial numbers of those cameras likely to be fitted with the faulty sensor. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwalker649 Posted August 3, 2007 Share #10 Posted August 3, 2007 There is another thread from a few weeks ago that gives the serial numbers of those cameras likely to be fitted with the faulty sensor. I searched for that thread with no luck...do you know what it was called? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hpc47 Posted August 3, 2007 Share #11 Posted August 3, 2007 Mine went out, too a few weeks ago. I have had the camera for about 2 years. Contacted Leica, NJ and they are going to replace the sensor free of charge...'natch I will have to pay about $180. for the check-up, sensor re-alignment and other "adjustments", oh well...I love the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 3, 2007 Share #12 Posted August 3, 2007 A good reason to deal with Solms - cost for the whole workup of the camera with the sensor replacment - nil. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhsimmonds Posted August 3, 2007 Share #13 Posted August 3, 2007 Mike, I may have misled you as it was for the Panasonic LC-1 equivalent, anyway the serial numbers are all from 2004 model cameras with serial numbers from A4SYxxxxx to G4SYxxxxx. I would imagine that the D2 version sensor problem will also be of 2004 origin (manufacture not necessarily sale). The Leica service depot in your country should be able to advise you if your serial number is in the problem range. Apparently later D2/LC-1's have not experienced this problem due to a faulty sensor supplied to Panasonic, hence also Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elansprint72 Posted August 3, 2007 Share #14 Posted August 3, 2007 And an update: Leica replied to my e-mail a couple of hours later and told me to ship it to New Jersey for repair. They also asked for a copy of the sales receipt I had the last owner make up for me at sale time. So I'm without camera now, with a two week trip coming up mid-August plus September and October trips planned as well. Guess I won't be burdened with the responsibility of photography for a while. Mark, Bad news about the sensor but having seen the sort of shots you produce from your trips I'd go out and get a little stop-gap digi-cam, this could always act as a back-up when you do get the D2 repaired. It would be such a shame not to record the stuff that you see on your trip. The little pocket Pana-Leicas seem to take fabulous shots (particularly the one with the zoom), apologies, I have no interest in model numbers so I can't quote the details to you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Metroman Posted August 4, 2007 Share #15 Posted August 4, 2007 I e-mailed Leica UK yesterday to ask if they knew which serial numbers might be affected. I also asked if there was a time limit on the repair programme. The reply I got was: "There has been no indication of which Leica Digilux 2 is prone to failure. Unfortunately our experience is that it just happens. I guess the repair programme will continue for the foreseeable future and it is possible that some cameras may not experience the sensor failure. Keeping my fingers crossed that mine has been ok so far! Kind regards Customer Service" Make what you will of that. My current D2 (3015149) is fine but you almost get to the point of willing it to fail to get the peace of mind of having had it repaired. Knowing my luck it will go on the fritz the day after they announce the programme has ended. However, it hasn't put me off looking for a second one. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted August 4, 2007 Share #16 Posted August 4, 2007 Make what you will of that. My current D2 (3015149) is fine but you almost get to the point of willing it to fail to get the peace of mind of having had it repaired. Knowing my luck it will go on the fritz the day after they announce the programme has ended. However, it hasn't put me off looking for a second one. My S/N is 2988*******, one of the earlier English sales and I share your concerns. I am just going to stop worrying about it and use it normally. No tropical exposures are likely to get in the way! David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wa4eio Posted August 8, 2007 Share #17 Posted August 8, 2007 I had the same experience - purple haze and all. Called NJ. Sent them the camera. Leica has a web-based repair tracking system - never could find a status. Camera came back in 2 months. There was no charge. I felt that Leica did the right thing. All it cost me was the shipping to NJ. Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie135 Posted August 8, 2007 Share #18 Posted August 8, 2007 Mine, s/n 2991221 blew up about three months ago.....all well now. Cost for repair and postage? Zilch. Brian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonySx Posted August 8, 2007 Share #19 Posted August 8, 2007 Mine gave up the ghost 13th June this year. Took it to Milton Keynes ( the New Jersey of the UK ) and got it back today. Clean, refurbished and working well. It was over 3 years old when it failed but Leica did the honourable thing and repaired it for the cost of me taking it to Milton Keynes. And I'm glad to have it back...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
prk60091 Posted August 15, 2007 Share #20 Posted August 15, 2007 Mine, s/n 2991221 blew up about three months ago.....all well now. Cost for repair and postage? Zilch. Brian. my s/n 29977xx hasn't blown up yet maybe we should create our own list of messed up s/n Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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