Check Your M9 / M9P / Monochrome Sensors For Cracks!

[CameraQuest]

I'm told by a Leica tech that some M9 owners have cracked sensors and don't realize it from improperly mounted sensors.

The reason is that the cracks appear as lines in the image often don't show up in smaller size prints.

Check towards the corners of your sensors first, with a magnifier.

Or have a tech check for you.

As these sensors are no longer used in the newer M, getting a cracked M9 sensor replaced now UNDER WARRANTY while replacements are still available takes on new urgency!

Stephen

[ajramirez]

Is the sensor in the ME different? I thought it was the same sensor as the M9.

[EdwardKaraa]

I bought a used M9 and discovered the crack in the sensor by taking a standard dust spot test shot at infinity and small aperture. The crack was very obvious and unmistakable. The camera was returned and I bought a brand new one with no cracks so far

[Vickko]

sigh, warranty expired in March this year.

[seanbonner]

Originally Posted by ajramirez

Is the sensor in the ME different? I thought it was the same sensor as the M9.

I was told this by Leica directly. The Leica M uses a new sensor, but the ME uses the same sensor as the M9

[EdwardKaraa]

Does the problem still occur in the most recent batches? I don't believe so.

[raid]

Leica should accept the free return and repair of all cameras with cracked sensors, regardless of being under warranty or not. This is unacceptable, and it should be like a car recall.

[D.J.]

Originally Posted by CameraQuest

... while replacements are still available takes on new urgency!

Stephen

Oh dear,
Is this going to be like the M8 screen fiasco with no parts available?

[Nigel Meaby]

My sensor was replaced for free out of warranty. They should be doing this for everyone as it's a known fault.

[raid]

Originally Posted by Nigel Meaby

My sensor was replaced for free out of warranty. They should be doing this for everyone as it's a known fault.

This is good to know. Else, I would forever dump any digital Leica.

[jaapv]

I think your tech confused a few things. The sensor crack occurs sporadically and the cause is officially unknown. The most likely suspect is the layering of the IR filter. It is impossible to miss on your image.
The unnoticed defect is the red line, caused by a dead pixel.
The M9 sensor is still in the Truesense catalog, is the same as for the ME and should be available as a spare for at least ten years after production on the ME stops.

Originally Posted by CameraQuest

I'm told by a Leica tech that some M9 owners have cracked sensors and don't realize it from improperly mounted sensors.

The reason is that the cracks appear as lines in the image often don't show up in smaller size prints.

Check towards the corners of your sensors first, with a magnifier.

Or have a tech check for you.

As these sensors are no longer used in the newer M, getting a cracked M9 sensor replaced now UNDER WARRANTY while replacements are still available takes on new urgency!

Stephen