For a while now, some users
of the Leica M9 have reported problems with white spots appearing in their
images. Sensor cleaning is not the issue
because any dirt shows up in form of dark spots or streaks. The problem apparently lies in the glass
cover plate; the spots are caused by corrosion.
Leica today issued a response
to the problem by saying:
Important Information Concerning the CCD Sensors of
the Leica M9 / M9-P / M Monochrom / M-E
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.
We have now identified the problem and are currently
concentrating our efforts on finding a permanent technical solution. 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). Should you be considering an upgrade from your camera
to a Leica M or M-P (Typ 240), Customer Care would be pleased to make you an
attractive offer following a check of your camera and under consideration of
the model and its age.
If the imaging quality of your camera gives cause for
complaint in this respect, we recommend that you send it directly to Leica
Customer Care or the authorized Customer Care department of your country’s
Leica distributor. As longer waiting times may otherwise occur, the camera
should only be sent to Customer Care after prior arrangement.
Contact: Web site:
http://en.leica-camera.com/Service-Support/Repair-Maintenance.
E-mail:
Customer.Care@leica-camera.com.
Telephone: +49-6441-2080-189.
For us, it is important that we offer only technically
faultless products. We are therefore particularly sorry if the imaging quality
of your camera should be adversely affected in any way. We hope that the
goodwill arrangement we have decided upon will allow us to remedy the problem
as soon as possible and rebuild and maintain the trust you have always placed
in our brand.
That is a very positive
reaction and Leica is to be commended for standing behind their products in
this manner.
No comments:
Post a Comment