[Leica] Leica M9 sensor corrossion

[Frank Filippone]

My M9 had a sensor cover plate that fell off.  It rattled around in the camera.  Leica did fix it, without cost, and it was replaced with a 
non-corroding sensor cover.  So I have some experience with this problem.  The actual silicon sensor is in a very thick bathtub type ship carrier.  
There is a glue layer ( think double sided scotch tape) that holds the cover glass to the bathtub.  My camera had a fault of this glue layer.  It is a 
pretty easy fix to repair. Getting TO the bathtub might be a challenge, but after that, there is little that could go wrong.

KolariVision is a reputable sensor cover glass replacer.  I have had 2 cameras modified by them to do IR work.  They were quick.  Both cameras were 
Nikon DSLRs.  I also own ( still) a Kolari modified Sony A7rii that had a ultra this cover plate installed for using M lenses on the Sony without 
(minimizing ?)  corner color smearing.

The thought that there is a problem with contamination is pretty out there.... If I were doing the repair my self, maybe I could get something in 
there that is a contaminant but a professional service takes precautions.  Clean room type laminar flow hoods, etc.

I would put my vote in for KolariVision.

BTW, you really need to do a fix.  The camera is almost worthless in its present condition. It is worth a bit less than $2000 when fixed.  Fixing used 
to cost $1000 from Kolari.

And as an overall comment, it is really quite easy to spend someone else's money.

Frank Filippone
BMWRed735i at Gmail.com

On 4/15/2024 7:57 AM, Lluis Ripoll via LUG wrote:
> I have a problem with my M9: sensor corrossion, I’m looking for a reliable service for repair it, if possible in Europe, the only I’ve found are: Kolarishttps://kolarivision.com/product/leica_m9_repair/, andhttps://maxmax.com  in USA, andhttps://advancedcameraservices.co.uk  in UK. I read generally good references but someones not good.
>
> I would like ask if someone know some references and/or other Companies that are able to do this work.
>
> I know that no one replace the sensor.  The repair consist to remove the glass that is corroded and replace with new sealed glass. I have read that this operation has risks of contamination and that in the long run the problem could be reproduced.
>
> I’m not interested to buy another Leica, I only use the M9 for family records all my other work is with film as you know, the problem is not rush, at wide apertures and cloning the bad signs I can still work but the defect is in progress and I guess that soon I shall take a decision. Thank you very much in advance.
>
> Saludos cordiales
> Lluis
>
>
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