In late 2014, Leica publicly acknowledged an issue with some of the CCD sensors used in their M9, M9-P, M-E, and Monochrom cameras where corrosion spots may appear in images. They began replacing the defective sensors free of charge, and will continue to do so. A trade-up program was also mentioned, and now Leica has officially presented a trade-up offer allowing those with affected cameras to move up to either the Leica M (Typ 240) or the M-P (Typ 240). The details are as follows:
Step 1: If you believe that there are corrosion spots on your sensor, send your camera in to Leica Store Miami for evaluation.
Step 2: Leica Store Miami will then work with Leica Camera customer care in New Jersey to determine if the CCD does indeed show the corrosion spots.
Step 3: If it is determined that your sensor is defective, you will have the following trade-up options:
- Trade Leica M9 or M-E for Leica M (Typ 240): $3,500
- Trade Leica M9 or M-E for Leica M-P (Typ 240): $3,750
- Trade Leica M9-P for Leica M (Typ 240): $3,150
- Trade Leica M9-P for Leica M-P (Typ 240): $3,450
Step 4: Once your preferred trade-up option is decided upon and payment is made, Leica Store Miami will ship you the replacement camera. Please note that if no corrosion is identified on the sensor, the camera will be returned to you as it will not be eligible for the trade-up. While there is not a program in place for the Leica M Monochrom at this time, please contact Leica Store Miami if you have a Monochrom with an affected sensor.
It is important to note that if you wish to keep your CCD camera, Leica will replace the sensor free of charge. If your camera is exhibiting the CCD corrosion issues, please contact Leica Store Miami either via phone at 305-921-4433 or email.
The full text of Leica's press release identifying this problem is below:
Leica M9/ M9-P/M Monochrom/M-E
Important Information Concerning CCD Sensors
In some cases, particularly when using the camera models Leica M9, M9-P, M Monochrom or M-E with smaller apertures (5.6-22), effects caused by corrosion of the sensor glass may be encountered. Leica offers a free replacement service for the CCD sensors of cameras affected by this problem as a goodwill arrangement. This goodwill arrangement applies regardless of the age of the camera and also covers sensors that have already been replaced in the past. Customers who have already been charged for the replacement of a sensor affected by this problem will receive a refund.
The marks on images mentioned earlier are related to the properties of the CCD sensor. The sensors are equipped with a specially coated IR filter cover glass to ensure optimum imaging performance. Should this coating layer be damaged,corrosion effects that alter the filter surface may begin to appear after several years.
The effect described does not affect the CMOS sensor of the Leica M (Typ 240).
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