Lecia M9 captures only half image and right side of image is black

[ggbca]

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I haven't used my Leica M9 in awhile and recently shot a few photos and noticed that it only capture half of the photo.  The right half of the photo is black.  I switched lens and it takes the same type of issue.  I looked at the sensor and there's no corrosion.  I have the latest firmware installed.  Any ideas on what could be the issue.  Thanks.

Edited November 30, 2020 by ggbca

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[jaapv]

Most likely a failed sensor-motherboard. Not repairable.. On the unlikely off-chance that it is the SD card, try another card.

[Graham (G4FUJ)]

If another SD card doesn't fix it I'd suggest a full reset to defaults (make sure battery is fully and correctly charged).  However, I suspect Jaap's first comment is probably correct.

[ggbca]

Thanks for you input.  I tried switching out the SD card however the camera did not recognize it hence the camera still thought that the SD Card slot was empty.  I tried resetting the camera using the formatted SD card too.  Both of these did not fix the issue hence I think jaapv's comment is right. 

Thanks again for your quick response. I guess I have to buy a new Lecia M camera.  

 

[jaapv]

Yes, that sounds like terminal. If it is any consolation, even if the camera could be repaired, the cost would probably be more than a good used one. You can send it to Leica. There is a possibility that they will send you an upgrade offer at a reduced price.

[ggbca]

Update on the SD card test.  I used a 128GB SD card and this will not work with an M9 as it has a limitation of 32GB.  I didn't have smaller cards around so I could perform the new card test. 

Having said that I contacted my local Leica store and sent them a jpg of my photos and their technicians did an analysis and they determined that the sensor was damaged.   They stated what you stated that Leica can do a trade back if I wanted to upgrade to an M10.  The Leica store would assist me with the process.  I have the option of purchasing a used M10 that is in near mint condition or do a trade in.  I'm finding out approx how much a trade in would be worth.  

I thought I give you an update and thanks again for your help.  You can always count on Leica and the community to answer any questions.  Happy holidays!

 

[Matthew Hong]

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It’s great to see the post that mentioned the same situation of my M9, may I know the update of your camera? Have you traded in to a newer model? Or you are able to have it fixed, many thanks in advance! 

[ggbca]

I did not take Leica up on the trade in yet.  You can't replace the sensor because it is no longer used in the cameras. 

[Casey Jefferson]

This problem is closely related to corrosion of the filter glass, the oxidation probably happened to extend from the edge and underside of the glass, further damage the tiny copper wirings of the CCD sensor. I watched a video of China based technicians explaining this which he was replacing the filter glass (like kolari vision/maxmax). One can see the CCD sensor has wirings on two side, if one side happened to get corroded it'll affect the image exactly half.

[jaapv]

Highly unlikely, given that the corrosion is on the IR filter between coating and glass and does not affect the sensor at all.  It is next to impossible that it would spread to the sensor connectors.

It means that the readout or data processing of  the sensor is faulty. The sensor is read out in two halves and processed through two DACs. The electronics on the motherboard have failed.   As the motherboard and sensor are a single part it cannot be repaired.

[analog-digital]

@ggbca

1. format the existing SD card
2. make a full reset
3. remove the lens and see if it behaves normally when shuttered
4. is the "half" image also on the display?
5. take a picture without SD card and look at it on the display

Somehow it's strange, but the sensor can't expose only half.

Do you have a photo of it?

[Adam Bonn]

The ‘morbid’ curiosity here is whether Leica will offer the upgrade option as technically it’s not a corroded sensor problem...

[starfisher]

Now you have a half frame M9. Try block out half of the viewfinder and use it as a PEN...

[jaapv]

On 5/9/2021 at 10:58 AM, analog-digital said:

@ggbca

1. format the existing SD card
2. make a full reset
3. remove the lens and see if it behaves normally when shuttered
4. is the "half" image also on the display?
5. take a picture without SD card and look at it on the display

Somehow it's strange, but the sensor can't expose only half.

Do you have a photo of it?

Yes it can it is two independent halves in terms of readout and initial electronic processing.  If one half develops a fault or the ADC goes, you get only half a sensor and exposure. 

[kangaroo2012]

My M9 did the same thing but was replaced under warranty back when Leica did that.

The fix was good but I moved to the M10 and have been happy ever after.

Philip

[Raid Amin]

I had an identical issue with my M9 several years ago. I sent Leica Camera NJ my camera, and they determined it was the sensor and associated other issues. I still use this M9 even though I also use an M10. The M9 has fixed for $500 (labor), and I was given an M240 on loan for 8 months until the M9 was returned to me repaired. 

 

 

"Thank you for your email. We sincerely regret that your M9 was defective and had to be send in for repair.  Judging by your description of the fault a printed circuit was defective not the sensor itself.

This can happen since electronic components are more susceptible to external influences (temperatures, cosmic rays etc.). Since this particular circuit is attached to the sensor board the whole component has to be exchanged. This is the reason why Leica carries the cost for the part and charges only for the labour once the camera is out of warranty."

 

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Raid Amin

[martinot]

Yes, the M9 is really not the most reliable camera in history.

[Ray Vonn]

On 5/23/2021 at 2:23 AM, Raid Amin said:

I had an identical issue with my M9 several years ago. I sent Leica Camera NJ my camera, and they determined it was the sensor and associated other issues. I still use this M9 even though I also use an M10. The M9 has fixed for $500 (labor), and I was given an M240 on loan for 8 months until the M9 was returned to me repaired. 

 

 

"Thank you for your email. We sincerely regret that your M9 was defective and had to be send in for repair.  Judging by your description of the fault a printed circuit was defective not the sensor itself.

This can happen since electronic components are more susceptible to external influences (temperatures, cosmic rays etc.). Since this particular circuit is attached to the sensor board the whole component has to be exchanged. This is the reason why Leica carries the cost for the part and charges only for the labour once the camera is out of warranty."

 

 

Wow, 8 months.

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[jaapv]

Unfortunately there are no more sensor units available any more, so I fear that this problem is terminal.

[João Oliveira]

I think it is a real shame that an expensive camera as Leica is does not provide replacement parts after some years, specially considering that failures like the one reported in this issue is probably due to manufacture faults. It should be a choice of the user to continue using a specific model. There is much to be said about the sensor saga, but one that fails electronically after this time can hardly be called a manufacturing fault.