Gut Wrenching Day - M11-P cracked rear LCD monitor

[Whafe]

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I’m working hard to practice acceptance these days.

Unfortunately, today, my Leica M11-P’s LCD screen cracked, and now it has to be sent back to Leica in Germany for repair. It's totally my fault—I’ve been carrying it on my bike just like I’ve done with my Leica Q2 for over 14,000 KM without a hitch. It seems the Q2 is a bit more rugged in this department. I captured several photos of Spring carrot harvesting in New Zealand with the cracked screen.

I'm reaching out to the community for some advice. Does anyone have tips on how to speed up the repair process? The usual turnaround is about six months, and I’d love to get the M11-P back in action sooner. Any insights on expediting Leica repairs or effectively communicating with their service team would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone in this great community had a rear LCD screen replaced on their M11? 

Again, it's my fault. However, am I correct that the rear LCD on the Q2 is far more rugged than the M11-P?

Back to the Leica Q2 full-time. 

I'm looking forward to getting back behind the lens. Thanks in advance for any help! 🙏📸"

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[pedaes]

That is bad luck and sorry to read. Looks like a hard knock - hope you have insurance as will not be 'cheap' repair.

M11-P's have sapphire glass screen, which is best there is.

I think everyone would like to know how to expedite repairs so I don't hold out much hope there. We all want our cameras fixed quickly and if only....

Good luck!

[LocalHero1953]

First, I'm sorry to hear about this accident - there's nothing that can be said that will help except that most of us have done something similar, with more or less expensive consequences. I threw my Apo-Summicron-M 75 Asph onto the cobbles outside Parma Cathedral some years ago - picked my camera bag up the wrong way and it bounced out - Leica had to rebuild it.

Second, I don't have any advice on how to speed up the repair process - it is likely to be slow!

I know nothing to suggest, either from specs or reported experience, that the M11 LCD is weaker than that of the Q2. How were you carrying it? On a strap over your shoulder? Half-case? In a bag over your shoulder? In a pannier or handlebar bag? FWIW I use an Ortlieb Ultimate Six padded handlebar bag for my Q2 (and CL before it), on roads and unpaved tracks. Having fallen on a M9+lens while walking, my bruised kidneys advised me not to take the same risk of a camera on a strap while cycling.

Edited October 17, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[maxpower]

Also sorry to hear about this and unfortunately nothing I can do to help with that or speeding up the process.

But as to your question comparing the rear LCD of the Q2 and M11-P, I believe this is because the sapphire glass used on the M11-P being very hard (more scratch resistant). However in general sapphire is more brittle and can crack easier. Whereas the glass used on the Q2 is likely a version of "Gorilla Glass" which doesn't break as easily, but can scratch quicker. Which one is better is debatable, but In the end unfortunately neither is resistant to bad luck.

(disclaimer: I am not an expert on this though, and also don't know exactly what types of glass are used in all various Q/M bodies, so I might be wrong.)

[monoxy]

Sorry to hear that happened... I hope you can get it fixed in a timely manner. Was it the handle bar?

[Robert Blanko]

Sorry to hear and good luck with a fast repair!

Cracking the screen was always one of my main concerns. That’s why I used a kind of protector and now love my M11-D. 

[JoshuaR]

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My Leica accidents so far:

- Dropped my M10 w/ 35 FLE from chest height onto the kitchen floor. It bounced three times and the camera was wrecked, showing only a green screen and refusing to take pictures. Sent it to Leica in New Jersey and they fixed it for a hefty sum in about three months.

- My already-beat-up 28mm Summicron dropped out of my daughter's stroller and rolled across some cobblestones. The filter and filter ring dented, such that the filter couldn't be unscrewed, and the filter glass cracked, forcing me to break it very carefully and remove it without scratching the front element. I sent it to YYE and he fixed it for cheap in three days.

- Somehow managed to hurl my 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux reissue up into the air, so that it bounced on our patio table, rolled onto a chair, then onto the floor, then down three stone steps and into the wet grass. The metal of the lens is now a bit dented at the bottom but, happily, it works fine at all distances and apertures.

Which is all to say—sorry for your accident! These things happen, unfortunately, and the repairs take time and cost more than we'd like....

[setuporg]

At least not a rare lens, and the M11-D mentioned above could have cheered you up…

[Jeff S]

7 minutes ago, setuporg said:

At least not a rare lens, and the M11-D mentioned above could have cheered you up…

Banging the back of a screen-less camera might have been worse, internally. 
 

Jeff

[jgeenen]

Leica uses Sapphire Glass on the M11-P and Gorilla Glass (I believe Type 5) on the M11 (without P) and Q2.  Although Sapphire Glass has much better specs on scratch and break resistance, it  - although often marketed as - not unbreakable. A substantial force ("hit") with an edgy object can seriously damage your screen. If glass breaks or not, is more a question of lack of luck than of absolute resistance. An additional screen protector (if you don't feel distracted) is always helpful. It will absorb the first hit and distribute the energy across the screen. I personally would without doubt protect my M11-P screen with a hardened glass protector for 10 Bucks or less. On the bike I use a protective leather half case as well as a neopren sleeve. Knock on wood - so far without any issue.

I wish you all the best for a fast return time. 

Fans of M11-D should be aware that the electronics for ISO selection sits closely below the back dial. A damage of that dial could cause harm to the M11-D.... 

[Whafe]

10 hours ago, maxpower said:

Also sorry to hear about this and unfortunately nothing I can do to help with that or speeding up the process.

But as to your question comparing the rear LCD of the Q2 and M11-P, I believe this is because the sapphire glass used on the M11-P being very hard (more scratch resistant). However in general sapphire is more brittle and can crack easier. Whereas the glass used on the Q2 is likely a version of "Gorilla Glass" which doesn't break as easily, but can scratch quicker. Which one is better is debatable, but In the end unfortunately neither is resistant to bad luck.

(disclaimer: I am not an expert on this though, and also don't know exactly what types of glass are used in all various Q/M bodies, so I might be wrong.)

Thank you for your thoughts re the glass etc, I tend to agree with you. Am perplexed but accepting. Can honestly say, the Q2 has been bomb proof.

[Whafe]

11 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

First, I'm sorry to hear about this accident - there's nothing that can be said that will help except that most of us have done something similar, with more or less expensive consequences. I threw my Apo-Summicron-M 75 Asph onto the cobbles outside Parma Cathedral some years ago - picked my camera bag up the wrong way and it bounced out - Leica had to rebuild it.

Second, I don't have any advice on how to speed up the repair process - it is likely to be slow!

I know nothing to suggest, either from specs or reported experience, that the M11 LCD is weaker than that of the Q2. How were you carrying it? On a strap over your shoulder? Half-case? In a bag over your shoulder? In a pannier or handlebar bag? FWIW I use an Ortlieb Ultimate Six padded handlebar bag for my Q2 (and CL before it), on roads and unpaved tracks. Having fallen on a M9+lens while walking, my bruised kidneys advised me not to take the same risk of a camera on a strap while cycling.

Paul, thank you for your thoughts. Indeed carry it in a well padded handlebar bag. All I can do is compare it to the Q2, of which as I mentioned has done 3 years in the padded handlebar bag with many off road bike packing trips. The M11 has not been off road, as have mentioned, it is my fault, the learning is, the M11 is no where near has rugged as the Q2

[Whafe]

1 hour ago, jgeenen said:

Leica uses Sapphire Glass on the M11-P and Gorilla Glass (I believe Type 5) on the M11 (without P) and Q2.  Although Sapphire Glass has much better specs on scratch and break resistance, it  - although often marketed as - not unbreakable. A substantial force ("hit") with an edgy object can seriously damage your screen. If glass breaks or not, is more a question of lack of luck than of absolute resistance. An additional screen protector (if you don't feel distracted) is always helpful. It will absorb the first hit and distribute the energy across the screen. I personally would without doubt protect my M11-P screen with a hardened glass protector for 10 Bucks or less. On the bike I use a protective leather half case as well as a neopren sleeve. Knock on wood - so far without any issue.

I wish you all the best for a fast return time. 

Fans of M11-D should be aware that the electronics for ISO selection sits closely below the back dial. A damage of that dial could cause harm to the M11-D.... 

Johannes, a HUGE thank you for your thoughts. I will indeed in the future be putting a screen protector on the M11.. The journey of life hey, all a learning journey

[pedaes]

1 minute ago, Whafe said:

no where near has rugged as the Q2

You don't know how the Q2 would have survived EXACTLY the same abuse.

[LocalHero1953]

5 minutes ago, Whafe said:

Paul, thank you for your thoughts. Indeed carry it in a well padded handlebar bag. All I can do is compare it to the Q2, of which as I mentioned has done 3 years in the padded handlebar bag with many off road bike packing trips. The M11 has not been off road, as have mentioned, it is my fault, the learning is, the M11 is no where near has rugged as the Q2

I would certainly not expect that damage while in a padded handlebar bag😲

[Whafe]

32 minutes ago, pedaes said:

You don't know how the Q2 would have survived EXACTLY the same abuse.

Not being rude, however I do know how the Q2 would and has survived. It has been faithful on every ride in a padded handlebar bag for 3 years. Where by the M11 has done 3 months with no off road rides. (My own disclaimer, I am NOT blaming Leica, it is my fault)

[Whafe]

31 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I would certainly not expect that damage while in a padded handlebar bag😲

Agree totally Paul, my handlebar bag has the padding out of another LowePro camera bag... 

[hdmesa]

3 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Banging the back of a screen-less camera might have been worse, internally. 
 

Jeff

You can crack the screen with light to moderate force, though. It just has to hit something the right way.

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[hdmesa]

12 hours ago, Whafe said:

I’m working hard to practice acceptance these days.

Unfortunately, today, my Leica M11-P’s LCD screen cracked, and now it has to be sent back to Leica in Germany for repair. It's totally my fault—I’ve been carrying it on my bike just like I’ve done with my Leica Q2 for over 14,000 KM without a hitch. It seems the Q2 is a bit more rugged in this department. I captured several photos of Spring carrot harvesting in New Zealand with the cracked screen.

I'm reaching out to the community for some advice. Does anyone have tips on how to speed up the repair process? The usual turnaround is about six months, and I’d love to get the M11-P back in action sooner. Any insights on expediting Leica repairs or effectively communicating with their service team would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone in this great community had a rear LCD screen replaced on their M11? 

Again, it's my fault. However, am I correct that the rear LCD on the Q2 is far more rugged than the M11-P?

Back to the Leica Q2 full-time. 

I'm looking forward to getting back behind the lens. Thanks in advance for any help! 🙏📸"

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Sorry this happened to you. Unlikely they can speed up the repair, but they might offer a loaner camera if you ask nicely and they have one available. After you have a repair order number and have shipped it out, email info [at] leica-camera.com – include your serial number and/or repair number in the subject line. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

[Guest]

27 minutes ago, Whafe said:

Not being rude, however I do know how the Q2 would and has survived. It has been faithful on every ride in a padded handlebar bag for 3 years. Where by the M11 has done 3 months with no off road rides. (My own disclaimer, I am NOT blaming Leica, it is my fault)

The Q3 is a different size to the M11. The M11 screen will be in a different position within the bag and may have been in contact with a sharper/harder object on the handlebar.

In any case, there are far too many variables to infer anything about the relative strengths of the two screens.

I hope you get it fixed soon!