What to do with failed m9?

[ken_nyus]

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I have an M9 that I haven’t used in a number of years. I recently got it out only to find the sensor is failing. 
The first example image is portrait orientation, the second is landscape. It fails worst when first powered up. 

I have also been out of the loop for Leica news for a number of years.

Doing some reading I find I missed the sensor corrosion issue, but now also any chance of a sensor replacement from Leica?

My understanding is also that there is an m9 trade-in offer towards an M11, but it is only available for a corroded sensor? 

I’m thinking of moving up to an M11, but what to do with the M9? How can I get some value out of it towards an M11?

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[Siriusone59]

I don't know about the trade in program but seem to recall reading about it some time back.  There is a company that does repair on the m9 sensor.

 https://kolarivision.com/product/leica_m9_repair/#reviews

They might be a suitable option if Leica isn't repairing  them any longer.

[irenedp]

that might be the card or your reader. I would check the card in another camera (and same as the reader). That kind of banding is usually an error in reading the file 

[Casey Jefferson]

I had this problem with my recently acquired original sensor M9, only happened in one short session where I set my camera to jpeg fine + DNG, probably stressing the writing of this old machine...No problem with just DNG. Hope that helps!

[dpitt]

I hope that the workaround of Casey works for you.

If you still have the original sensor, then it is very likely that your sensor has some form of corrosion. In that case you could contact Leica to see what your options are for trade in/upgrade. I know of one case as late as Nov 2023 upgrading to M11.

You could try the test below to see if there are any defects.

M9 sensor test for corrosion:

1. Set ISO on lowest value (ISO 160)
2. Output must be JPEG L or DNG
3. The lens aperture must be closed fully (highest number 16 or 22)
4. Set camera on A position for exposure
5. Take a white paper minimal A4 size
6. Hold the M9 over the paper so that it fills the frame and turn slowly in circles above the paper, then shoot.

The shot will have motion blur but that is the point. Because any dust or corrosion is moving with the sensor, it will be crystal sharp while any dust  on the paper will show blurred.

Now pixel peep at 100% on your screen:

Any black spots are harmless dust or dirt particles, spots or stripes with lighter halos around them are corrosion defects and cannot be cleaned away.

Edited June 27, 2024 by dpitt

[ken_nyus]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

- I do have it set for DNG only

- the bad image looks the same on the camera screen, as it looks read from the card on my laptop

- I did try another SD card (an old one, probably older than the one that was in the camera), and the results are still bad

It actually looks even worse today, almost total failure. Same results with either SD card.

First image is with a lens on the body, second image is with the body cap on.

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Edited June 27, 2024 by ken_nyus

[Casey Jefferson]

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Ouch, that's the classic sensor failure there. Leica will definitely take in your M9 for trade in (confirmed by Leica Singapore staff here as of last month).

I recalled mine just some magenta coloring on one side and strangely it's only on highlights. I've read somewhere that's due to sensor heating up, here at:

https://cameraderie.org/threads/kaf-18500-ccd-used-in-the-m9-and-m-monochrom-is-discontinued-sensor-replacement-no-longer-possible.51045/page-6#post-393352

At least mine was pretty mild and never happen since I switch back to DNG only, touch wood that my M9 going to serve me for long long time.

Disclaimer: My M9 had the filter glass replaced.

[ken_nyus]

Thanks Casey. I did speak to Leica New Jersey last week. I will be sending the camera in to see what they can do. I asked about trade-in and they said the offer was only for the corrosion issue.

We’ll see what happens.

[ken_nyus]

I sent the camera in to NJ. They got back to me yesterday. They are classifying it as a sensor corrosion issue, and are offering me an upgrade path.

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, ken_nyus said:

They are classifying it as a sensor corrosion issue

I seriously doubt that is corrosion, but it always helps to have the local office on your side! Just don't tell Wetzlar.

[Jean-Michel]

Whatever the issue is, it definitely is a sensor matter even if it is not corrosion. The M9 sensor is read from two halves of the sensor and it looks like there is a failure here. In any case your camera cannot be repaired, and has no value. At least Leica gives you some financial value if you decide to buy a new Leica camera. 

[ken_nyus]

Yes I am grateful they are offering me a trade-in deal.

[ken_nyus]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Put my order in for an M11-P today (silver).

Now I’m thinking about the M9 accessories I have that are no longer useful, like m9 batteries and chargers.

I have a few viewfinder magnifiers and diopters, I don’t know if these will fit the m11.

I also have a Luigi half case for the m9. Looking at Luigi’s web page today I didn’t see any cases for the electronic M’s anymore?

[Jean-Michel]

2 hours ago, ken_nyus said:

Thanks for the replies everyone. Put my order in for an M11-P today (silver).

Now I’m thinking about the M9 accessories I have that are no longer useful, like m9 batteries and chargers.

I have a few viewfinder magnifiers and diopters, I don’t know if these will fit the m11.

I also have a Luigi half case for the m9. Looking at Luigi’s web page today I didn’t see any cases for the electronic M’s anymore?

Just be kind and, if you know a Leica dealer, let them give those to someone who owns an M9; or post the give-away in this forum. Lots of good feelings rather than a few pennies for the no longer useful stuff to you.

[LocalHero1953]

2 hours ago, ken_nyus said:

Looking at Luigi’s web page today I didn’t see any cases for the electronic M’s anymore?

Here you are!

 

[ken_nyus]

34 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Here you are!

 

Thanks, his website can be confusing, I think I found the true front page.

[LocalHero1953]

3 minutes ago, ken_nyus said:

Thanks, his website can be confusing, I think I found the true front page.

No. It is always confusing!

[ken_nyus]

47 minutes ago, Jean-Michel said:

Just be kind and, if you know a Leica dealer, let them give those to someone who owns an M9; or post the give-away in this forum. Lots of good feelings rather than a few pennies for the no longer useful stuff to you.

I’m happy to give away the m9 batteries and chargers, also the Luigi m9 half case (aged brown, full grip, detachable back) and his strap which I never used.

I am on the east end of Long Island if anyone is local.

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[69xchange]

On 7/12/2024 at 2:43 PM, ken_nyus said:

I’m happy to give away the m9 batteries and chargers, also the Luigi m9 half case (aged brown, full grip, detachable back) and his strap which I never used.

I am on the east end of Long Island if anyone is local.

I’ll pay for shipping if you are still giving them away! 

[ken_nyus]

9 hours ago, 69xchange said:

I’ll pay for shipping if you are still giving them away! 

I sent you a message.