M11 and SD card issue

[lct]

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This is not normal, and unless otherwise provided for by your local law, you have no duty to prove the cause of this failure. If the camera does not work as intended, you are entitled to claim under the warranty of your dealer and/or Leica unless they can prove that you are at fault which seems unlikely at first glance but i'm no techie.

[jaapv]

A bent or damaged contact in the card slot is plenty of proof. However, let’s wait what comes out of this. It may be -but less likely- electronic failure, which can happen to any electronic device. I think we can rule out software issues as the camera was working properly previously and suddenly quit. 

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[irija]

4 hours ago, jaapv said:

It is quite possible that one of the contacts in the card reader got damaged, especially when using a micro SD card adapter. These things are basically el-cheapo mass-produced stuff that is meant for occasional use on a card reader, not for regular use in cameras. If so, the camera needs a new card slot, and although the part is generic and not expensive, the replacement needs a full dismantling of the camera and is certainly not cheap. As that would be outside damage it is not covered by guarantee ( but possibly by insurance) There have been cases where Leica extended courtesy, but that is by no means a given. However, start out by cleaning the SD contacts in the camera. A small amount of Contact Spray on an SD card and insert a few times. 

So what you are saying is that in all my years of using a Canon AND Sony product with these adapters and ZERO issues, it’s still my fault and that Leica takes ZERO responsibility? Hopefully it’s better than that. 
 

Thank you for the advice in the contact spray cleaner though. I have never used that before and will look for some. 

[jaapv]

Whatever brand camera you are using, the card slot inside comes out of the same factory in SE Asia And yes, they can be damaged in use. But wait what Leica tells you.
I am indicating the most likely cause, not an absolute diagnosis. Only Leica can tell whether it is some fault of the camera or external damage. 

[Kwesi]

9 hours ago, irija said:

Been using my M11 for months and with many different cards and now, my M11 has exhibited this issue. It DOES NOT WORK at all with ANY SD Card, micro or with an adapter. The orange light remains on. I was on 1.4.0 and was told to update my firmware so I did via wireless on the Fotos app to 1.5.0.1 and still not working.
 

It’s really frustrating holding an almost $20k camera kit combo and it’s not working. So embarrassing. I called my SA and will have them deal with this. I almost want my money back. 

did the camera stop working while the card was in the camera or only after it was reinserted? Also does the camera work with just the internal memory?

[irija]

On 9/3/2022 at 8:36 AM, Kwesi said:

did the camera stop working while the card was in the camera or only after it was reinserted? Also does the camera work with just the internal memory?

The camera will NOT turn on or actuate the sensor curtain WUTHan SD Card inserted and will just show an orange light. When you remove said card (I have tried all types), and re-insert the battery, the camera functions as required. I am able to take pictures and they remain on the internal memory. 

[irija]

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Update: I took my M11 to Leica Boston and they have put a rush order on the repair. I like the Boston associates as that’s also where I procured a Silver M11. I brought it in as it was in the state of freezing and unfortunately, they too were able to replicate the issue. Because I did that, I had no body caps or lens caps. (I feel they should have readily on hand but they were able to provide a rear lens cap) I should have brought everything with me but I travel often so it’s not on my person.
 

It’s really disappointing to not have the camera in hand as it has become my everyday carry but will let you know what they come back with. For posterity sake, it got sent out on Friday, September 16, 2022.

[geotrupede]

On 9/3/2022 at 1:37 PM, irija said:

Thank you for the advice in the contact spray cleaner though. I have never used that before and will look for some. 

Respectfully, if there is an issue, do not try to fix it. Get the money back and get another camera. it is not your job to repair the item and also, by doing so with spray and other fancy items may void the warranty. AVOID.

respectfully

G>

 

[irija]

13 minutes ago, geotrupede said:

Respectfully, if there is an issue, do not try to fix it. Get the money back and get another camera. it is not your job to repair the item and also, by doing so with spray and other fancy items may void the warranty. AVOID.

respectfully

G>

 

Getting the money back for a newer M11 would have been the first option but alas, I have had it since March so that option is out the window. I did not spray any contact solution and didn’t try to remedy it myself besides the firmware update and trying different cards. I’m hoping for positive news come next week. I heard there was a backlog of repairs for which they may have caught up recently since their move of North American Headquarters. Crossing fingers. 🤞🏽

Edited September 18, 2022 by irija
spelling

[lct]

@irija Did you try UHS-I (not UHS-II) memory cards? Just curious as i have the feeling they cause less problems. I cannot explain why, just that i have no issues with them so far. 

[irija]

On 9/18/2022 at 8:51 AM, lct said:

@irija Did you try UHS-I (not UHS-II) memory cards? Just curious as i have the feeling they cause less problems. I cannot explain why, just that i have no issues with them so far. 

Thank you for the suggestion. I have not but in this year and age of technology, this should be a nonissue ya know? But I do get it. 

[lct]

I have no idea. Just a simple tip from a guy having zero issues with my memory cards since 2002 more or less.

[Overgaard]

On 9/3/2022 at 11:01 AM, jaapv said:

A bent or damaged contact in the card slot is plenty of proof. However, let’s wait what comes out of this. It may be -but less likely- electronic failure, which can happen to any electronic device. I think we can rule out software issues as the camera was working properly previously and suddenly quit. 

True. I had that issue in the Leica M11 charger. The contacts in it seem a little more in danger for being hit by something. The fast double blinking shows something is wrong, and then the contacts is a good place to start before trying to change cables and everything else. 

Updated my list of possible Leica M11 errors and their solutions here. 

[Fotoklaus]

Am 3.9.2022 um 14:47 schrieb jaapv:

Whatever brand camera you are using, the card slot inside comes out of the same factory in SE Asia And yes, they can be damaged in use. But wait what Leica tells you.
I am indicating the most likely cause, not an absolute diagnosis. Only Leica can tell whether it is some fault of the camera or external damage. 

Perhaps they can find someone who writes a proper software for their cameras down there as they do for million other cmaeras built. Card- Issue and Leica...still present in 2022.

[jaapv]

Interesting; Software to fix a mechanical defect…

[irija]

Another Friday goes by and no updates besides receipt of my camera. It’s been 3 weeks now. 

[Syrjames]

Hi,

my new M11 has been working for a month. Been using Sony tough card. 
suddenly, it stopped working. Camera doesn’t completely start. Shutter only half opens and there is no way to operte menu. Rear light remains orange. 
it does the same with any card I have. 
bTW, remove the card and the camera operates perfect. 
 

any ideas how to fix this?

Thanks!

[frame-it]

3 minutes ago, Syrjames said:

remove the card and the camera operates perfect. 
 

any ideas how to fix this?

don't use that card?

[lct]

49 minutes ago, Syrjames said:

[...] Been using Sony tough card. suddenly, it stopped working. [...] any ideas how to fix this?

Problems with that card have been reported on this forum. Was my first card on the M11 last year. Immediate freeze. The card went to the bin and i use Sandisk cards now. If you have freeze problems with other cards or the internal memory alone, you may wish to set up or update user profiles under firmware 1.6. Worked fine for me, don't ask me why, but i have strong opponents here so... Vote For The Minority! .

Edited February 19 by lct

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[jakontil]

5 hours ago, Syrjames said:

Hi,

my new M11 has been working for a month. Been using Sony tough card. 
suddenly, it stopped working. Camera doesn’t completely start. Shutter only half opens and there is no way to operte menu. Rear light remains orange. 
it does the same with any card I have. 
bTW, remove the card and the camera operates perfect. 
 

any ideas how to fix this?

Thanks!

Hopefully it’s just the sony tough issues with m11 that caused it