Not sure why there\'s a need to start yet another thread on this (very real) problem here. There are monumentally long threads on LUF (700+ posts) and the the French Leica forum at Summilux.com (700+ posts), both referenced in the article on La Vida Leica. From reading even parts of these long threads it\'s quite clear the problem is extensive and seems to be a design fault.
My own experience is that both my M9-P and M-Monochrom had to have sensor replacements because of de-lamination 12 and 8 months ago, respectively. Last week I checked the sensors and found the beginning of de-lamination on both cameras, meaning that in several months both cameras will need to have their sensors replaced, as the de-limitation continues until there are large spots and lines of spots all over the sensor. Incidentally, after I had the sensor replacements, my two cameras did not have any wet cleaning.
The difference between de-lamination (or corrosion) spots and dust spots is easy to see and has been illustrated and documented with pictures in both the LUF and Summilux.com threads: the de-lamination spots have a darker center than dust spots and a lighter aureole or halo around the circumference.
My feeling is that Leica will make good on this — they will have to for their reputation — but am concerned that Leica does not yet have a fix so that, when a sensor is replaced, the de-lamination is likely to reappear if the camera continues to be used under the same conditions of, presumably, humidity and temperature. This has unfortunately been the case with my M9-P and M-Monochrom. My other concern is that, as more and more cameras have sensor de-lamination, it will take many months at Leica Customer Service for sensor replacement. I don\'t relish the idea of having the two cameras at Wetzlar for, say, 4-6 months. There are reports from some users that Leica has informed them that currently there are no replacement sensors available.
It is also disturbing that Leica has not yet stopped the sale of new M-Monochrom and M-E cameras, considering that a Leica staff member made an announcement on LUF that there is currently no solution for the de-lamination problem.
Dec 06, 2014 at 08:36 PM
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