Cost of renewing sensor

[t024484]

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Yes, Virginia. The green cover glass is thin, so it doesn't absorb very much IR. But it is the glass that does the absoption. The multilayer coating is for reflex suppression, not for IR protection. If multi-layer coating as such protected against IR, why would we have this IR issue? Every damn lens would be IR safe. The coatings on IR cutting filters is specially computed to act on wavelengths above some 700-750 nanometers. It is not the same as just any multi-coating.

 

If you parse the Kodak statement, you will find that it does not say that the coating does it, which implies that it is the Kyocera B-7 glass that does it. But they should have been less frugal with their commas:

 

"... a 0.5 mm thick coverglass (Kyocera B-7) doubling up as an IR absorption filter, with a multilayer anti-reflective coating."

 

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Leaving everything in this thread for what it is, and regretting that the sensor had to be replaced, I think that Lars is making a valid point.

Reading Kodak's own specs on the Leica sensor, I find on page 4 "Cover glass: IR absorbing with AR coating on both sides".

 

Hans

[jaapv]

Valid, but not very relevant in the context. In order to scratch the glass, one has to go through the coating first. However, the result is the same: a new sensor and somewhat over 1000 Euro damage. So let me revert to my recommendation: Before swiping the sensor give it a good blow with the Giotto Rocket Blower to remove all loose particles. I personally do not trust a sensor brush as much for that purpose.

[Shootist]

Well I thought I read about this scratch before so I looked at the OP's posting history and I found the original thread on this subject.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/86843-damaged-m8-sensor.html

 

In that thread the OP stated he used a brush to sweep out/off the sensor before doing a wet cleaning. Never mentioning if he blew out the chamber, which I take it as he didn't and that he never turned the camer upside down so that in the act of blowing out the shutter/sensor area any dirt (particles) would have a chance to fall out of the camera. Then you have the brush. Did it carry anything into the sensor area? Was there some oil on the brush that left a deposit on the sensor and then became smeared with the wet cleaning looking like a scratch.

 

There was a few post suggesting that he try to clean it again and there was never a post back by the OP on any of the suggestions.

 

I'm not saying the OP is lying. It seems that he believed there was a scratch and it seems Leica did also (That is if Leica even took a hard look at the sensor or just replaced it following the owners instructions to do so). But if it was my M8 I would of rubbed and scrubbed until I wore through the glass cover or cracked it. What's the difference if it really did need replacing.

 

I stand behind my first post in this thread, improper cleaning method

 

For those that suggest it is better to send the camera out to have the sensor cleaned I disagree. First you have the shipping cost and or the time it take to take the camera to some repair place that actually does this (and will stand behind it if they make a mistake). Then there is the time it takes to get to wherever and back to you and you are letting someone you don't know handle your very expensive camera. No thanks.

 

If you follow some simple steps cleaning the sensor on any digital camera is a no brainer and done in the most 5 minutes.

[Walker]

I was the OP, and here are some additional info.:

 

- I did use a brush (the "Butterfly") before applying the wet cleaner

- I did not use a blower of any kind, but did look over the sensor through a dedicated lupe (magnifying glass)

- A blower and upturned camera house may well have eliminated the problem. Just take care not to use a too strong canned air type of thing.

- After I noticed the scratch (remember: such faults does not turn up in photos unless they are taken with the smallest aperture opening, and in light areas), I tried to scrub it several times. I then got it controlled by the dealer's technician, and it was sent to Solms as a consequence.

- They did a wonderful job, by the way. All buttons etc are much tighter now, and the camera is as new again.

- I agree with some commentators: the price is actually good news. It is expensive but not prohibitive to "rebuild" the M8

- I do think the whole cleaning procedure is too complicated and too risky for ordinary consumers. Additionally, I could pay for two cleanings with what i have paid for cleaning equipment!

 

William