The Next Step for my Leica M9 - Returning from Leica Service USA

Back on December 13, 2014, I wrote about the newly-acknowledged sensor coating corrosion problems with the Leica M9. (Click Here) to read about Leica's announcement and "goodwill arrangement" to replace affected sensors.

 

I sent my M9 off soon after, and began inquiring about options. As of today, here's the situation:

1. Leica USA Service has checked my camera, cleaned the sensor, and shipped it back, free of charge.
2. Leica USA Service has indicated that my camera does not have the sensor issue. I'm surprised, but must assume that they're better equipped to diagnose it than I am.
3. In Leica's announcement, they promise "an attractive offer" to upgrade. Despite trying as nicely yet persistently as I can, no information about my options for upgrading to a new model with different sensor has been forthcoming.

I was not, and still may not be in the market for the new Leica M240. I really like a lot of things about my M9, and for the way I use a digital rangefinder, see no need for a costly upgrade. However, this widespread sensor problem does worry me. If I could assume that Leica will continue this "goodwill arrangement" for several years, I would stop worrying about it, and simply keep shooting my M9. Perhaps that's what I'll do.

 

Or, maybe I'll step out of Leica's digital rangefinder world for a while, and sell the M9, straight back from service. At least I could sell it with full certification from Leica regarding its condition.

 

The truth is I've used this camera and enjoyed it very much. If it were not the most expensive camera I'd ever purchased, I would consider it money well-spent, and use it as long as I can. I've made a lot of pictures with it, and definitely enjoyed the process. I'll just have to wait until it returns, see if the rest of the goodwill arrangement (the upgrade offer) ever materializes, and decide.

 

I have mixed feelings about Leica's handling of this so far. I respect that they acknowledge the issue, and checked and cleaned my camera for free. I paid for the same service one year ago, just because it needed cleaned. However, it's pretty clear that Leica was not ready to actually make the attractive upgrade offer they promised in their announcement, and no one at Leica USA or the Leica Store have any information with which to make an offer. The company needs to get this part coordinated, quickly.

 

So, do I feel I've been treated fairly? Kind of. Do I feel that I've been treated as I would if I were a Mercedes-Benz owner with a known, acknowledged potential defect in my car? Absolutely not. Leica, at least to me, is a premium camera seller. I paid more for the features on this camera than I would with any other camera manufacturer, just as a Mercedes owner does with their car. Leica, you need to take a page out of the premium car manufacturer's book in terms of customer communication and retention.

 

My M9 story's not over yet, but even I don't know exactly where it's going.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Leica Makes Good on M9 Sensor Problems - Mine Is Going Back

 

Image Source: http://en.leica-camera.com/World-of-Leica/Leica-News/About-Leica-News/Global/Important-Information-Concerning-the-CCD-Sensors

 

My Leica M9 was just serviced about a year ago at Leica USA.

 

Recently, a problem with the Leica M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E camera sensors surfaced, related to corrosion of a coating on the IR filter. Leica is offering a "goodwill arrangement," under which they'll replace any affected sensors free of charge. They're also offering attractive upgrade options if owners are interested in upgrading to the M240 or MP (240).

I think I'll send my camera in and see what the options are.

(Click Here) to read the official announcement of the goodwill arrangement.

 

Having a problem like this is never good for camera owners. It can only hurt the resale value of used cameras. But, given that it happened, this seems like a generous response by Leica. I'll be sure to report what happens with mine.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Sigma Steps Up Its Game - Mount Conversion Service

Image Source: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/change-your-mount

I have precious little experience with Sigma products. I have owned one or two of their zooms in the past, and have occasionally borrowed a Sigma lens from a friend while out in the field. Other than that, the only Sigma product I currently own is an 800mm mirror lens from way back. Not a high quality beast, but certainly interesting to use. In fact, it's time to dust it off and play with it again soon.

So why am I writing about Sigma now? Well, they're doing some very interesting things.

My take has always been that Sigma produces a very wide range of products, from the cheapest plastic consumer lenses to high end super telephotos. I think they're focusing on bringing their name up in the ranks by focusing more on the high end.

While hardly a competitor for more standard CMOS sensor cameras, the Sigma Foveon has many die hard adherents, and the results seem to be great. I've never tried one seriously.

More interesting to me is their new "Art" series of lenses, which now includes a 35mm f1.4 and newly-arriving 50mm f1.4, both reported to be best in class (or very near it), even as compared to the equivalent lenses from Nikon, Canon, and others. I've been eyeing both of these lenses for my Nikon kit. There's also the earlier 20mm f1.8 that sure would come in handy in low light concert shooting. My Nikkor 20mm f2.8 sees a lot of use in these shows, but I sure could do with the extra f-stops.

But, here's another example of Sigma catering to serious amateurs and professionals - a mount conversion service. How many times have you or one of your friends wished you could switch camera systems and mounts without having to start over buying lenses? Sigma will now convert any of their new lenses from the Art, Contemporary, or Sports lines between any two of these mounts:

• Nikon
• Canon
• Four-thirds
• Sigma
• Sony
• Pentax
• Sony-Emount

Compared to the cost of purchasing new lenses, the service price is quite reasonable ($80-$250 per lens).

(Click Here) to read more about this very interesting service. It would be great to know that your conversion was done by the most capable Sigma lens technicians, and verified with precision test equipment.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Leica USA Service on my M9 - How Did It Go? Details, Dates, Prices

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/service/service_and_repair/

After using my Leica M9 reasonably heavily last year, most significantly for my Whole Lotta Leica series, I decided it was time to send it off for a nice cleaning and checkout at Leica Service USA. I don't believe in cleaning my own sensors, though I know many people do it with no problem.

(Click Here) to see all of my Whole Lotta Leica posts from last year.

(Click Here) to get to Leica's service page.

I know that I was curious before shipping my beloved camera off. How long will it be gone? How much will the service cost? What else should I expect? So, in an effort to help anyone else with these questions, I'll describe my experience in some detail.

First, am I satisfied with my experience? In brief, yes. I got everything I expected, basically in the manner that I expected. I now feel that my M9 is as good as new, in fact certified so.

Here's a brief timeline of what transpired:

December 26, 2013 - I packed the M9 up in its original packaging, and shipped it off to Allendale, New Jersey, via Fedex Ground (I live in Virginia, so it's a relatively short distance).

December 30, 2013 - delivery exception. I didn't anticipate it, but Leica Service was closed the entire week between Christmas and New Years.

January 2, 2014 - the M9 is delivered to Leica Service USA.

January 13, 2014 - having not heard anything, I send an email query to get the status of my estimate.

January 14, 2014 - I receive a prompt, very polite response and estimate ($475). This is probably a minimum, as my camera was working just fine and only needs routine service and cleaning.

January 15, 2014 - I call Leica Service USA to give them my credit card number and authorize service. I am informed that service would take 3-4 weeks from this point.

February 7, 2014 - Leica ships the M9 back to me via UPS.

February 11, 2014 - I receive the camera back, in great condition.

A few questions I had during the process:

1. If I hadn't inquired on January 13, how long would it have been before I received an estimate? No way to tell.
   
2. Would they automatically process my 15% service discount for being a member of LHSA (International Leica Society)? Answer: Since this is a relatively new program, they didn't seem to know right away what I was talking about. However, the discount was applied correctly. Note that this is a major benefit of being an LHSA member, and even with a minimal service order price, the discount compensated for my LHSA membership for a full year.

(Click Here) to explore and join LHSA.

Other things to note?

I was informed that the covering on my M9 would be replaced with a different material, as the original is no longer available. I was a little concerned about this, especially since I use the accessory M9 grip, whose covering matched the original camera covering. Not to worry, the new covering is better in my opinion, and looks just fine with the original grip covering.

I feel quite comfortable with the experience overall, and will not hesitate to use Leica Service USA in the future. My camera is clean, certified in 100% good operating order, and ready to go!

Thanks, Leica Service USA!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

My Leica M9 Goes Home to Leica US Service For a Checkup

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/service/service_and_repair/

Happy 2014! I'm Glad You're Here at DMC-365!

Well, 2013 was a great year for me and for my blog. Readership has steadily increased over the year, and I've really enjoyed the Whole Lotta Leica and Skeletons From The Closet series I did throughout the year.

My Leica M9 has been integral to the WLL project, and deserves a nice cleaning and check-up, even though it's performing like new. So, off it went yesterday in its original packaging to the Leica Service Department in New Jersey.

(Click Here) to find Leica US's Service page.

And here's another great reason to join the LHSA (International Leica Society) - 15% off on Leica service! I'm sure that will more than pay for the price of membership for this year. LHSA offers an excellent quarterly magazine (available in hard copy or electronic versions), a nice Google+ page, national and local events, and much more.

(Click Here) to go to the LHSA and join!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Panasonic Among Japanese Companies "Sabotaged" in China

 

Image Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/japanese-companies-shut-china-offices-as-islands-row-escalates-8145211.html

 
Panasonic is among the Japanese companies whose factories have reportedly been "sabotaged" in the current international dispute between China and Japan regarding the Senkaku islands.
 
(Click Here) to read more on the Independent's news site.
 
I've seen one post on regarding worries that Panasonic's cameras that are made in China may be affected. I doubt very seriously that this is a concern. If you're so inclined, you can see the debate here:
 
(Click Here) to read some hand-wringing and argument about potential quality issues related to these activities.
 
Me, I'm not worried. I have a lot of faith in Panasonic's Quality Assurance, and that's borne of real experience, both in their factories, and in their products, which I use regularly.
 
Now, if someone told me their online and phone services for customers, or warranty department, had been sabotaged some time back, I may have to agree... Sorry, that's a snarky comment, yet also borne of real experience.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Leica M8 Goes Off For a "Check Up"

 
Image Source: http://www.reddotforum.com/content.php/248-Leica-Announces-Service-Discount-on-M8-M8.2-Tune-Up
 

Leica USA service is offering a special check up for M8 owners.

 

(Click Here) for details on red dot forum. Thanks to Dale Photo for posting the information.

 

Basically, the service includes a cleaning, calibration of the sensor, rangefinder, and meter, pixel mapping, and sensor cleaning. Another big plus - it comes with a one year warranty.

 

This service normally costs $475. From now until September 15, 2012, it's available for $350!

 

FYI - the contact number in the link above takes you to Dale Photo. You can contact Leica service directly at 800-222-0118. They'll give you the details on how to ship your camera, and information to include.

 

Now that I've bought the M9, I'm probably going to sell my M8. I say probably because it's going to be hard to let go of it. I figure the service will 1) help the camera sell faster, and 2) give the new owner coverage for a full year. Of course, if I decide to keep it, I'll have a functionally brand new M8.

 

So, my M8 is on the Fedex truck as I write! If you have an M8, you may want to consider this service special seriously.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com