Digilux 2 in for repair

[sketchguy]

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Hello everyone,

 

I used to be an active member of the Lecia boards a few years ago. Work and life took took up most of my time and my level of posting dropped. Thought I'd update my profile and jump back on the boards.

 

The reason for this post is that my D2 suddenly stopped working a few weeks ago. I had brought it (along with my compact D-Lux 2) with me during a trip to the Mayan Riviera in hopes of capturing some great shots. The camera was dead on arrival. No power with any of my three fully charged batteries. Fortunately, my D-Lux 2 was more than sufficient for the 5-day trip!

 

Upon returning home, I tried powering the D2 directly to AC, but that also failed. So I sent the camera to New Jersey for repair last week. I called today to inquire if the problem was determined and an estimate for repair and was informed of the following:

 

1. The circuit board needs to be replaced.

2. The auto focus is being adjusted

3. The CCD is being updated

 

Unfortunately, not everything is under warranty, so the bill will come out to $487.50, with an estimate completion by May 21st. (yikes, almost 8 weeks!) I decided to go ahead with the fix and wanted to know if any other D2 owners had a similar problem, and if their returned camera came back in better shape after the improvements?

 

I also wonder how they would determine that the auto focus needs adjustment - is this tied into the circuit board functions? And also, the fact that the CCD is being "updated" - does this mean a brand new CCD with added functionality, or simply to replace an older sensor that might be failing?

 

I still get great shots with the D2, so really haven't considered upgrading to the D3. I figured the $500 to repair and update it was worth it.

 

Incidentally, here are the D-Lux 2 pictures from my trip to Mexico a few weeks ago:

 

Riviera Maya - a photoset on Flickr

 

Looking forward to interacting with the Leica community once again!

 

-Steve

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[Alberto]

Excellent pictures of Riviera Maya, I hope you get soon your Digilux 2, this camera is a beauty.

 

Alberto.

 

Photos by Alberto Quintal - photo.net

[Joe Dojcsak]

Hello everyone,

 

I used to be an active member of the Lecia boards a few years ago. Work and life took took up most of my time and my level of posting dropped. Thought I'd update my profile and jump back on the boards.

 

The reason for this post is that my D2 suddenly stopped working a few weeks ago. I had brought it (along with my compact D-Lux 2) with me during a trip to the Mayan Riviera in hopes of capturing some great shots. The camera was dead on arrival. No power with any of my three fully charged batteries. Fortunately, my D-Lux 2 was more than sufficient for the 5-day trip!

 

Upon returning home, I tried powering the D2 directly to AC, but that also failed. So I sent the camera to New Jersey for repair last week. I called today to inquire if the problem was determined and an estimate for repair and was informed of the following:

 

1. The circuit board needs to be replaced.

2. The auto focus is being adjusted

3. The CCD is being updated

 

Unfortunately, not everything is under warranty, so the bill will come out to $487.50, with an estimate completion by May 21st. (yikes, almost 8 weeks!) I decided to go ahead with the fix and wanted to know if any other D2 owners had a similar problem, and if their returned camera came back in better shape after the improvements?

 

I also wonder how they would determine that the auto focus needs adjustment - is this tied into the circuit board functions? And also, the fact that the CCD is being "updated" - does this mean a brand new CCD with added functionality, or simply to replace an older sensor that might be failing?

 

I still get great shots with the D2, so really haven't considered upgrading to the D3. I figured the $500 to repair and update it was worth it.

 

Incidentally, here are the D-Lux 2 pictures from my trip to Mexico a few weeks ago:

 

Riviera Maya - a photoset on Flickr

 

Looking forward to interacting with the Leica community once again!

 

-Steve

 

Yep, my D2 also stopped working for no apparent reason. The sensor simply stopped functioning. I too sent my camera off to be repaired and was told I won't get it back for several months.

I own and have used an M-3, M-4 and M-6 professionally, and never experienced a single major problem. It's obvious that Leica's digital cameras are flawed, and based on numerous reports in this forum, it appears Leica has suffered numerous quality control problems. The number of dissatisfied customers is staggering. Based on my D-2 experience, and the total lack of reasonable customer support, I never again will buy another Leica digital camera. And if you're thinking about buying a D-3, my advice to you is forget it!

--Joe (quote)

[spylaw4]

The failure of the D2's sensor is a well known problem. This thread and this one should tell you all you need to know about this part of your D2's illness.

I have no idea as to why the circuit board failed, or why the focus needs adjustment, but at least they have checked it out thoroughly.

 

It might be a long wait - but it's worth it - the D2 is a gem!

[roguewave]

Steve, I want to second Brian's comments. I'm particularly lucky in that I have one of the last batch of D2's. It is a wonderful camera. As far as complaints with Leica's digitall cameras, they are squarely focused in the M8 camp. I own a D3 & DMR and both are superb tools. The DMR is the best & most versatile digital product Leica offers. If you bought the D2 new, you might press them about the work being covered, as the list of issues with the sensor is deep and in light of the fact that you have purchashed other Leica products. They may do this on good will.. Never hurts to try. You made a good choice in getting the D2 and a better one in keeping it. I have 6 Leica cameras, but only the D2 sits on my bedside table, ready & able. Good luck.

[satori]

The failure of the D2's sensor is a well known problem. This thread and this one should tell you all you need to know about this part of your D2's illness.

 

I drop into this forum from time to time, and I've dropped in this time because my D2 is not right. From the threads above I believe I have the same problem those users had. I love this camera, it's so much like a 35mm SLR, I understand the focal lengths on the lens barrel, the aperture ring and shutter speed are where they should be, it's just a dream to use, so I *really* want to get this fixed.

 

I'm in the UK, should I send this directly to a Leica service centre or do so through a camera dealer? Maybe even the one where I purchased the camera?

 

It might be a long wait - but it's worth it - the D2 is a gem!

You're preaching to the converted!

 

Thank you for bringing these threads to my attention. Good luck to the OP with getting his fixed.

[spylaw4]

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Satori - send it directly to Milton Keynes - maybe phone them first - 01908 256400.

Leica Camera Ltd

Davy Avenue

Knowlhill

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[satori]

Satori - send it directly to Milton Keynes - maybe phone them first - 01908 256400.

Leica Camera Ltd

Davy Avenue

Knowlhill

Milton Keynes MK5 8LB

Thank's for the pointer. I'll give them a call.

[wparsonsgisnet]

My D2 went to Leica a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, my dealer called and said, yes, the sensor repair would be taken care of free of charge, and, oh, BTW, they want $xxx to repair the focus something.

 

At first I said never mind, it was working when I had it, but I called him back and said tell Leica to fix it. If Leica says it's out of spec, then it should be fixed.

[johnjs]

Alas, my Digilux 2 failed about two weeks ago, I thought I'd be one of the lucky ones as the camera remained most of the time on a shelf in my office, it's in like new condition except for the apparent sensor failure. I'll have to go back and read the D2 failure threads again to brush up on the issue. Essentially, what happened is that upon powering up for the first time in perhaps a month or so, the sensor went into the wild vertical wash-out. I seem to recall that as being one of the symptoms. Other than this, I've never had a problem with the camera and I absolutely love the lens on it and it's unique rendition. I contacted Leica in NJ and they promptly emailed me with instructions, it's myself whom is dallying as I haven't yet sent it in. I really don't care if I'm without it for a half a year, but will look forward to it's return. In the meantime, I continue with my Zeiss 50 on the D200, awaiting the prosumer version of the full frame.

Best - John

[symmetron]

My D2 is also in for CCD replacement. It's the only digital camera that even comes close to the Leica look on film. I've owned Nikon D200s and currently own 2 D300s and although extraordinarily versatile, they do not match my D2 and in no way approach the results of my film Leicas especially regarding skin tones (where Leica excels). I have tried to focus (literally) more on people pictures and still find that the Leica film cameras are still the best.

[d_lague]

I had a sensor failure on my LC1 out of warranty and I paid about $450 having it fixed by Panasonic. I am very happy I had it done.......I love this camera......have an L1K and other digital cameras, and feel the LC1 is a classic that produces some stunning work.

[Daniel Beacock]

My D2 failed last weekend, serial number 2996xxx, and having contacted Germany direct they have told me the sensor will be replaced FOC, so I'm going to send it to Milton Keynes.

 

Interesting to see the comment about the adjustment being necessary on the auto focus, I've had a feeling that the auto focus has never been right with the camera since new as it was always a little "soft" whenever I used it. I thought it was just a flaw with the camera and have pretty much used manual focusing exclusively since then. Anyone else found this with their D2's?

 

I'm a little nervous now as to what it's going to cost to have it adjusted if the auto focus is out of whack!

 

Daniel

[Thomas Edwards]

Yep, my D2 also stopped working for no apparent reason. The sensor simply stopped functioning. I too sent my camera off to be repaired and was told I won't get it back for several months.

I own and have used an M-3, M-4 and M-6 professionally, and never experienced a single major problem. It's obvious that Leica's digital cameras are flawed, and based on numerous reports in this forum, it appears Leica has suffered numerous quality control problems. The number of dissatisfied customers is staggering. Based on my D-2 experience, and the total lack of reasonable customer support, I never again will buy another Leica digital camera. And if you're thinking about buying a D-3, my advice to you is forget it!

--Joe (quote)

 

...i used to think my digi3 could never replace my digi2...these days, my digi3 with the 25lux is my first choice, with the digi2 being relegated to wide angle shots...

[satori]

Satori - send it directly to Milton Keynes - maybe phone them first - 01908 256400.

Leica Camera Ltd

Davy Avenue

Knowlhill

Milton Keynes MK5 8LB

 

I know it's a long way past the original date, but I thought I should drop back and say thanks for the pointer. I gave them a call, as you suggested, they said send it in, so I did. I thought it'd take them a while, but in about twelve days I had it back. Works perfectly again, and I'm a very happy customer.

 

I believe that if it had been a camera of similar age from any other manufacturer then the solution would have been to buy a new one. Leica has such a great name to uphold, and they do it by looking after customers well. Well done Leica, and thank you.

[Pol-Alexandre]

Hello to all in this thread ! I feel useful to insert again a message of satisfaction I did insert elsewhere a week ago :

 

"I am just a newcomer but I want to show my immense satisfaction with Leica CS in Solms. My D2 had become blind, so 1) I write an E-Mail to CS and receive an encouraging answer signed Frau LUH. I ship my camera on August 5, receive a repair contract by Aug 8 (free repair). The camera enters the workshop by Aug 11 and comes out by Aug 19 (followed on the CS repair site !). Also, I had indicated on the repair request form I was out of home between Aug 20 and 31, so they waited to be sure I was back home and shipped on Sep 2, and was delivered to me by DHL on Sep 4.

Superb Packaging, Superb Camera (like new !), Superb Communication (Danke, Frau LUH !). In my life (75 soon), I never met such a fantastic Customer Service !!!

Now I start enjoying my Digilux 2 !!

Thanks again to LEICA ! I am starting to make advertisement !

Pol-Alexander" :)

 

Conclusion : Never hesitate to contact Leica CS if you suspect a CCD failure. Lucky we are to live so close to Solms, Germany !!