My DMR has gone on holiday to Solms for a cure!

[graeme_clarke]

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My DMR occasionally put a line about 2 pixels wide across the width of the frame, about a third from the top, when shot in portrait position, and only when set at ISO 200 or higher. This problem was reported on the forum many months ago but contributors have been silent on this matter since then. The unit will be two years old later this month.

 

I thought the problem had been fixed by the firmware v1.3, but sadly not so. Leica UK have been very helpful. I sent them the back and all the accessories, and three specimen photographs from a v1.2, and this, the most recent, using v1.3, taken at iso 800 with the 28-90mm lens. The first picture below is the full frame, the second a crop of the area where the fault occurs. They've sent it all back to the factory.

 

Has anyone else had this fault, was the factory able to fix it and about how long did it take?

 

Graeme

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[andybarton]

Touch wood, Graham...

 

Sorry to hear of this. I hope that Solms can fix this soon.

[topoxforddoc]

Oh dear. I hope it's not too expensive a fix. Maybe it'll be a digilux 2 free sensor repair. You never know, it' s bearly Christmas.

 

Charlie

[psquared]

I gather they have spare sensors for repairs. I wonder how long the supply would last. I hope they turn it around quickly for you.

[rob_x2004]

All said, if it is one bit of gear I would like....Sorry for the superfluous rsponse. But the DMR is impressive.

[bono0272]

I had the same problem on my first DMR, about 1 1/2 yrs ago, the local agent sent my DMR back to Solm, I got back the unit about 2 months later but still found the same issue, which I believed the factory didn't replace anything. Finally the local agent replaced another DMR for me.

 

Yes this issue had been mentioned many months ago. My new DMR will sometimes have this line appear again, but only at ISO 800 or higher, and with some electronic interference next to me (e.g. TV, electronic ballast of a fluroscent light, etc.). If I take photos under sunlight, so far I don't find any problems. But Graeme your picture was taken under sunlight...

[graeme_clarke]

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Richard,

When I first saw the fault it was after pushing some shots taken at iso1600 in a cathedral - pretty dark, then lifting the shadow detail which, as you say, revelaed the line. However, the more recent problems have occurred at iso 200 in sunlight.

 

As I recall when the fault was discussed 18 months ago, it was thought to be a firmware or processing problem rather than a "mechanical" sensor fault. The fact it occurs when the camera is held in portrait mode rather than landscape supports this notion.

 

I hope they fix the problem on mine - where would a dealer get a replacement new one now?

 

Graeme

[bono0272]

Graeme,

 

Then I think my old DMR was having different problem from your one. When I shot photos with my old DMR, the same white line appeared at the same position, no matter I was shooting portrait or landscape, at ISO from 400 up. Usually this line appeared when I used a flash, or near some electronic devices.

 

I got this DMR replaced because even the agent here in Hong Kong sent it back to Solm and then return, the problem was still there. So finally I had a new one. But since the DMR is discontinued, I am afraid you may not get a full replacement now. Hope that you can get it fixed.

[dhsimmonds]

Perhaps you will get an offer of a brand new D3 to replace your DMR?!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Seriously, I am sure that Solms/Wetzlar will solve the problem for you as Leica have always said that they will continue to support the DMR after it was withdrawn from production. Remember the latest firmware 1.3 was issued long after this digital back was discontinued.