Digilux 2 serial numbers and sensor failure

[laptoprob]

My beloved D2 failed yesterday. Only vertical stripes: sensor died. Appearantly Leica is replacing them under warranty because the Sony sensors fail.
I read somewhere that only some batches have this annoying problem. I can't find out any more. So here I go: mine is serial 2990xxx.

What's yours? Or is yours still OK? If so, what's the serial?

[Nikon Bob]

I believe that the Oly C5050 that I have has a Sony sensor and it was replaced under warranty as my cam was in the serial number range for the recall. I never had a problem with the original sensor though. It would be interesting to know if the Digilux 2 and C5050 shared the same sensor. I hope that Leica will replace your sensor under warranty.

Bob

[laptoprob]

Why does this thread not show in the main threads list?

... must have been blind I guess...

[Trius]

The Oly 5050 sensor problem exhibited different symptoms, but yes, it was a Sony sensor problem. Specifically, as I understand, the IR cut glass was not cemented well enough in front of the sensor, and after some use, dark, rainbowed, purpled or other such images were the result, both in the captured image and in the LCD if it was being used for composing.

To this day Olympus is replacing 5050 sensors and they have a list of SNs. You can call the Oly (America) support line to determine if your 5050 is subject to the recall.

[ernstk]

Mine is 2991xxx and is OK, although it is not used that much.

Ernst

[laptoprob]

Not that many D2 users around here I guess?

[nikonhswebmaster]

Digilux 2/Panasonic Lumix LC1 is oddly reported to be a SONY sensor, in a Panasonic camera.

"December 19, 2006 – Leica Camera AG announced last week extended customer service for all owners of the Digilux 2. The free extended customer service specifically applies to sensor replacements after malfunctions were reported, according to a Dec. 13 Leica press release.

The sensor on the Digilux 2, now replaced by the Digilux 3, can fail in extreme weather conditions. “Prolonged use of the camera in tropical climate conditions has occasionally led to effects such as black stripes in the image or even a totally black image,” stated the release.

Leica offers repair service free of charge after the normal warranty period."

I doubt many bought the digilux 2, or 3. B&H does not even list the 3. In the US the 3 sells for $2200 while you can buy the same camera as a Lumix for under $1000 on Amazon. Not much of a chance even with the passport warranty that anyone will fork over 1200 more.