Leica S Corrosion Problem?

[analog-digital]

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Hi Folks

I heard today that the Leica S also has also corrosion problem, Like the M9. Does anyone know more?

I have seen it myself.

Edited April 9, 2021 by analog-digital

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[John McMaster]

My S2-P certainly had it, off to Solms it went...

john

[analog-digital]

The sensor exchange cost about $$ 4000.-

But no one really knows whether it will be replaced with a newer sensor or the old one. That would then be fatal

[BernardC]

2 hours ago, analog-digital said:

But no one really knows whether it will be replaced with a newer sensor or the old one. That would then be fatal

Someone mentioned that only certain batches of sensors were affected. Leica Service should be able to confirm, but I doubt that they would install a sensor from a bad batch.

[Sarnian]

I spoke to a Leica Rep about this about a year ago and he assured me that all replacement sensors are problem-free and they're not just old stock.  

[analog-digital]

Correction: I mean S2....... sorry

[ZHNL]

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9 hours ago, Sarnian said:

I spoke to a Leica Rep about this about a year ago and he assured me that all replacement sensors are problem-free and they're not just old stock.  

This is correct and all S006/S2 without new sensor will fail. Get one with replaced sensor and treat S like a film gear:) 

it is still offering the most enjoyable shooting experience of all system, well, when there is enough light. 

[Karaminder]

Count me as one with a corroded S2 glass.

I'm trying to hunt down a repair solution.

 

[analog-digital]

Has the S2P also a corrosion Problem?

[Sarnian]

16 minutes ago, analog-digital said:

Has the S2P also a corrosion Problem?

Possibly not but probably likely.

[LeicaR10]

Karaminder,   I sent you a PM with a suggestion.  r/ Mark

[GMB]

The CCD sensors of the S2/S2P and S006 had corrosion problems. The cause was how the cover glass was glued on the sensor. Once aware of the problem Leica worked on a solution and eventually developed one.  S006 produced after that were equipped with the “new” sensor and did not develop corrosion. 

Leica also put in place for cameras with the “old” sensor. I think originally, they replaced free of charge any sensor that showed corrosion; first with old sensor and, after they developed the new sensor, with the new one.  Subsequently, they changed the program.  If a sensor developed corrosion within 5 years after purchasing the camera (or after replacement of an old sensor with an old sensor), the replacement was free of charge.  If corrosion occurred later, they charged costs. 

I assume that if corrosion is noted now, the five years have passed. Paying about 4000 dollars to have an S2 repaired makes no sense in my view.  I would talk to Leica whether they exchange the faulty S2 for a preowned and refurbished S007 or S006 at about the same cost as the sensor replacement would be. They have taken in quite a few of these cameras through the S3 upgrade program. 

Good luck. Georg 

[Frühlingsbote]

For what it's worth. I just asked directly if there is a way to check by serial number for new/old batches. This is what they told me (translated): 

The Leica S 006 can have sensor problems. This is independent of the serial number and the sensors have also been replaced in affected cameras.

In other words, any Leica S 006 could be affected unless the sensor has been replaced. No newer Leica S 006 stock that could be identified by serial number. 

Edited April 22, 2021 by Frühlingsbote

[helged]

The safest way to get info about the sensor is to send an email to Customer.Care@leica-camera.com (with the S house serial number); they typically respond within one day. 

[subdragon]

On 4/17/2021 at 4:34 PM, GMB said:

The CCD sensors of the S2/S2P and S006 had corrosion problems. The cause was how the cover glass was glued on the sensor. Once aware of the problem Leica worked on a solution and eventually developed one.  S006 produced after that were equipped with the “new” sensor and did not develop corrosion. 

Leica also put in place for cameras with the “old” sensor. I think originally, they replaced free of charge any sensor that showed corrosion; first with old sensor and, after they developed the new sensor, with the new one.  Subsequently, they changed the program.  If a sensor developed corrosion within 5 years after purchasing the camera (or after replacement of an old sensor with an old sensor), the replacement was free of charge.  If corrosion occurred later, they charged costs. 

I assume that if corrosion is noted now, the five years have passed. Paying about 4000 dollars to have an S2 repaired makes no sense in my view.  I would talk to Leica whether they exchange the faulty S2 for a preowned and refurbished S007 or S006 at about the same cost as the sensor replacement would be. They have taken in quite a few of these cameras through the S3 upgrade program. 

Good luck. Georg 

Do you know about when they switched to the "new" sensor?

Best regards. Yin

[GMB]

3 hours ago, subdragon said:

Do you know about when they switched to the "new" sensor?

Best regards. Yin

Unfortunately not. 

[Tomislav Stanich]

On 4/9/2021 at 9:54 PM, analog-digital said:

Correction: I mean S2....... sorry

The same difference. 

On 5/6/2016 at 8:23 PM, Kwesi said:

 

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