Leica Q2 Pixel Strip Issue

[alexstelma]

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Hey guys, 

 

I'm new to the forum as I just picked up my first Leica - a beautiful Q2. While I have loved the design and sharpness, and all of the other features well appreciated here on the forum, I was just reviewing some test images and had a rather alarming issue that I can't seem to find elsewhere. Right down the middle of the image is a strip of dead pixels, as you can see in the sample image attached. 

 

I purchased the camera practically new but second hand, so don't have recourse with a store per say but the seller was seemingly honest and good (he shot about 20 photos on it before having to sell it for life reasons) and as such I do have the receipt from the store it was purchased at and the original warranty. 

 

Is this cause for a replacement? Can it be repaired? I greatly appreciate any insight!

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[jaapv]

First try a new SD card and if it persists return the camera to the store where it was purchased for repair. The most likely cause is a failing sensor. If there are guaranty issues because you are the second owner, you can always claim warranty from Leica Wetzlar.

[alexstelma]

I was under the impression that since it is a new issue on a barely used camera, and the pixels appear differently in each problematic image that it was more likely a write issue, do you think it could be the entire sensor failing? The previous owner never experienced issues, we just spoke on the phone - only change is the firmware update to 3.1

 

Ill try a few SD cards to see if it is a problem with the card or the write process, and if not see what recourse I may have with the store/warranty. Thanks for the insight

[alexstelma]

After extensive troubleshooting I have come to the following conclusions, for anyone that may be able to help ....

 

1. The issue does not show in camera or in the embedded preview, only when opening the raw DNG format

2. The strip of pixels does not appear in the JPG equivalent of the problematic image

3. I can't yet tell what triggers it but it seems to be a combination of a particular memory card and the electronic shutter

 

If i can determine that it is in fact just a faulty memory card I am a happy boy, but this is of course alarming given the price tag of the camera so if anyone has any further ideas or insight it'd be appreciated.

[jaapv]

It may be that you are lucky. As to the SD card, did you format it in this camera prior to use?

[alexstelma]

To my best recollection I did yes. 
 

correct me if I’m wrong, but if it was a sensor issue would it not show up more consistently? Amongst other cards and settings? Or in the preview, or JPG versions? Just trying to rule out the sinister options prior to making the happy trip to buy a new memory card. 
 

I’m coming from the canon world and have very little knowledge as to the Leica realm so there’s layers of learning here on my end. The same memory card in my Canon R5 doesn’t create issues. 

[jaapv]

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28 minutes ago, alexstelma said:

The same memory card in my Canon R5 doesn’t create issues. 

That may be your problem. Switching cards between brands and even camera types can create all kinds of nasty problems. Get your Q a nice new card and format in camera.

[alexstelma]

This actually was a new card, however it was from Amazon which I learned only today is apparently fraught with fraudulent cards, so may be the case