Shutter remained open for some weird reason. Leica NA want to replace....

[iriscaddis]

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• In May the camera went in for a focus adjustment; Leica NA performed a CLA while it was there.

• No other repairs have been done since then.

• Aug/Sep. Shutter remained open exposing the sensor and making a clicking sound. I finally figured out how to close by selecting Live View and Voila! the Shutter closed. I could still take pictures and appear fine to the naked eye.  But I sent it in for a check and Leica NA came back with wanting to replace the CMOS and Shutter assembly.

My main concern is this: if there are no replacement parts available for the CMOS assembly (noted in the Leica estimate), a failed replacement could render the camera unusable — basically a paperweight. That would be really disappointing.

If Leica does replace the entire CMOS and shutter assembly, I plan to confirm the following with LNA before authorizing the work:

• Is the sensor a genuine LEICA MAX 24MP CMOS with the Maestro processor?

• Is the sensor/module new or used/refurbished?

• Is this a 1-for-1 replacement of the original CCD ID 15 sensor using OEM Leica glass or Schott glass?

Anything else I should add to that list and your overall thoughts?  I’ve been researching and those are the points I definitely want LNA to confirm.

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[Mute-on]

Why do you think that there are no replacement parts available for the CMOS assembly? Did Leica suggest this is possible? If so that would make no sense at all since it is their repair recommendation in the first instance.

You seem to suggest Leica is in the habit of using non-genuine parts in their own repair service, which is perverse. If the correct part was not available you would be advised of this, just as Leica has advised in the past, e.g., M9 sensor replacements.

[iriscaddis]

45 minutes ago, Mute-on said:

Why do you think that there are no replacement parts available for the CMOS assembly? Did Leica suggest this is possible? If so that would make no sense at all since it is their repair recommendation in the first instance.

You seem to suggest Leica is in the habit of using non-genuine parts in their own repair service, which is perverse. If the correct part was not available you would be advised of this, just as Leica has advised in the past, e.g., M9 sensor replacements.

Thanks for the reply. To answer your question that no warranty due to no availability was in the estimate, "Replace or repair electronic/mechanical assemblies (No warranty for C-mos sensor set board)," and "Shutter unit AFE-3173T” but no further language from them on warranty. When I called today, Leica said they are working on sourcing the C-MOS parts.

I dont think I intimated they're using non-OEM parts. My question was to confirm with them the parts. Only b/c the color rendered with the existing camera is fantastic and I dont want that to change, ergo, my question on OEM. I hope that helps. Thanks

[Mute-on]

Hmmm. I see. The no warranty makes sense given the age of the camera (unless the parts had been replaced more recently with a repair warranty).

However their comments on the phone to the effect that they were “working on sourcing the CMOS parts” sound equivocal. This could simply mean they need to source them from Leica Germany, or that they need to source them from the supplier. I would hope it doesn’t mean they are unsure whether the parts can be sourced at all!

In terms of the colour rendering, I completely understand. I’m very happy with the colours from my M262 and would hope that any future repair needs can be met using the original parts. However I understand that there is an economic limit on parts availability within a certain period of time after a product is discontinued. It has been suggested that for Leica digital components this is at least 10 years. Let’s hope even longer is possible.

 

[iriscaddis]

4 hours ago, Mute-on said:

Hmmm. I see. The no warranty makes sense given the age of the camera (unless the parts had been replaced more recently with a repair warranty).

However their comments on the phone to the effect that they were “working on sourcing the CMOS parts” sound equivocal. This could simply mean they need to source them from Leica Germany, or that they need to source them from the supplier. I would hope it doesn’t mean they are unsure whether the parts can be sourced at all!

In terms of the colour rendering, I completely understand. I’m very happy with the colours from my M262 and would hope that any future repair needs can be met using the original parts. However I understand that there is an economic limit on parts availability within a certain period of time after a product is discontinued. It has been suggested that for Leica digital components this is at least 10 years. Let’s hope even longer is possible.

 

Appreciate the replies @Mute-on  very helpful.