Bostontom Posted May 20, 2008 Share #1 Â Posted May 20, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Dear all, Â I'm in the process of trying to pick up my first Leica, a Digilux 2. I've been confining my bidding on Ebay to those which have had the sensor replaced by Leica -- but I wonder at this remove from initial production whether cameras that have yet to report a problem are OK. Â So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix? Â Many thanks in advance for the advice. (And -- if anyone has a thought soon, there's an example going for a reasonable price I wouldn't mind bidding for.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Hi Bostontom, Take a look here An aspiring Leica-phile's Digilux 2 question. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
sdommin Posted May 21, 2008 Share #2 Â Posted May 21, 2008 So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix? Â I used my Digilux 2 for almost 3 years before it went bad and had to be sent in for repair, so it wasn't a problem that showed itself quickly. In fact, I believe most users started having the problem around the same time I did. Â I would think twice about getting a D2 that hadn't been sent back UNLESS Leica will still take them back (and I don't know whether or not they will). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrethorst Posted May 21, 2008 Share #3 Â Posted May 21, 2008 So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix? Â From several threads on this and the DPReview forum, I gather that it was a bad design, not batch, of sensor, and all cameras can (and possibly will) be affected. I would only buy a camera that has had the sensor replaced with the fixed design. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted May 21, 2008 Share #4 Â Posted May 21, 2008 You are probably best to restrict your choices to those with a replaced sensor. Although AFAIK Leica are still (and will continue to) honouring their commitment to replace sensors FOC (and you can still find a copy of their note re this on this forum) it is best to play safe. You have made a superb choice in the D2, and there's a large thread in this Digital forum re the special "glow" that it produces - go find it and have a look! (You will also find quite a few on my web galleries - sorry for the blatent advert!) Â Oh - and welcome to the forum! Post some pics when you get your D2! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted May 21, 2008 Share #5 Â Posted May 21, 2008 Tom - Â Welcome to the Forum. Â My experience parallels that of my colleagues above, and I encourage you to bid just on those D2s that have had their sensors replaced. Even though I've had my D2 for more than 4 years I still use it regularly and happily. Please show us your photos once you get your D2, and feel free to come to the Forum for help and advice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucek Posted May 21, 2008 Share #6 Â Posted May 21, 2008 FYI - My Digilux 2 sensor went bad in March. Leica repaired and returned the camera within 4 weeks, free of charge. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted May 21, 2008 Share #7 Â Posted May 21, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Tom, I would be more concerned with the camera's condition and the person who owned it, rather than the chip. Leica is replacing the chip free of charge and repairs are taking about 6 or 7 weeks at this time. Â Mine was one of the early ones and only failed 4 years later. It was gone 7 weeks and is very fine now. I got a fix for the focus mount and a new top cover at their prescription for $240. They tossed in the CLA and a 1-yr guarantee. No problem, here. Â As I said, I would be more concerned with how the camera had been treated. Â It's a terrific camera. I see them at $455 to $900. That's a great price for this camera that cost $1,800 new. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bostontom Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share #8 Â Posted May 21, 2008 Many thanks to all...I am reassured, and am actively bidding. It may take a while...but I'll get one. And as for one suggestion above, I came to the idea of getting a four year old piece of technology because of the Digilux 2 photo thread below. Amazing work. Â Thanks to all for the warm welcome and good advice. Â Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 21, 2008 Share #9 Â Posted May 21, 2008 Personally if I was buying a s/h digital camera I'd buy from a dealer who offers a 6 or 12 month g'tee (being a complicated electrical product there's more that can go wrong than just the sensor after all). You may pay a little more but it would be worth it IMO. Â I've not used a D2, I have a D1 which is also a nice camera, but I've only ever heard great things about the D2, so you should be happy with it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucek Posted May 22, 2008 Share #10 Â Posted May 22, 2008 I don't know what Digilux 2 cameras are going for on eBay but I see that KEH Camera in Marietta GA has a few available. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rliamo Posted May 22, 2008 Share #11 Â Posted May 22, 2008 It seems that most of the D2's that failed had a serial # starting with 2 and most of the trouble free ones start with 3.Be careful not to get too caught up in the sensor,and forget about the Summicron that's bolted on the front,which is the D2's magic ingredient.Good Luck with your hunt..PS sweet camera in B&W into the bargain.....Liam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bostontom Posted May 27, 2008 Author Share #12 Â Posted May 27, 2008 Dear all, Â Many thanks for the advice. Took the plunge on Friday, ordering a Leica-refurbished D2 for delivery tomorrow. Â I can't wait. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
normanf Posted May 29, 2008 Share #13 Â Posted May 29, 2008 Its a good camera and the Leica lens is the worth the price of the acquisition. It does have its drawbacks but that can be said of every good made by the hand of man. I'm happy with my Panasonic LC-1. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajthornbury Posted May 30, 2008 Share #14 Â Posted May 30, 2008 Enjoy it. It is a camera that is a joy to use. I am sure that like most of us D2 owners you will cherish and appreciate it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPerson Posted May 31, 2008 Share #15 Â Posted May 31, 2008 It seems that most of the D2's that failed had a serial # starting with 2 and most of the trouble free ones start with 3. Â Â Not always! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymond Tam Posted June 1, 2008 Share #16  Posted June 1, 2008 Dear all, I'm in the process of trying to pick up my first Leica, a Digilux 2. I've been confining my bidding on Ebay to those which have had the sensor replaced by Leica -- but I wonder at this remove from initial production whether cameras that have yet to report a problem are OK.  So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix?  Many thanks in advance for the advice. (And -- if anyone has a thought soon, there's an example going for a reasonable price I wouldn't mind bidding for.)  I have no guts to buy CAMERA from E-bay because I don't want any problem later on if any rather I will buy if from reputable shop in stead. I bought my Digilux 2 used from the shop and they ngave full guarantee and so far I am very happy. At last, you have think why they want to sell it thru E-bay? rgds Ray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymond Tam Posted June 1, 2008 Share #17  Posted June 1, 2008 Dear all, I'm in the process of trying to pick up my first Leica, a Digilux 2. I've been confining my bidding on Ebay to those which have had the sensor replaced by Leica -- but I wonder at this remove from initial production whether cameras that have yet to report a problem are OK.  So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix?  Many thanks in advance for the advice. (And -- if anyone has a thought soon, there's an example going for a reasonable price I wouldn't mind bidding for.)  I have no guts to buy CAMERA from E-bay because I don't want any problem later on if any rather I will buy if from reputable shop in stead. I bought my Digilux 2 used from the shop and they ngave full guarantee and so far I am very happy. At last, you have think why they want to sell it thru E-bay? rgds Ray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raymond Tam Posted June 1, 2008 Share #18  Posted June 1, 2008 Dear all, I'm in the process of trying to pick up my first Leica, a Digilux 2. I've been confining my bidding on Ebay to those which have had the sensor replaced by Leica -- but I wonder at this remove from initial production whether cameras that have yet to report a problem are OK.  So: to the best of the knowledge of this most knowledgeable community, was the issue one of bad sensors in the batch which failed fairly quickly -- or is this a problem that I should be wary of in any camera that has not been back to Leica for the fix?  Many thanks in advance for the advice. (And -- if anyone has a thought soon, there's an example going for a reasonable price I wouldn't mind bidding for.) Hi again I forgot to tell you that my Digilux2 sent to Leica New Jersey for replace the CCD and checked all functions according to spec free of chage then recturned to me within 5 weeks! Ray Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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