Leica Camera announced today they will end the free CCD sensors replacement for M9/M9-P/M-E/Monochrom cameras that are older than 5 years on August 15th, 2017. After that date, Leica will continue to replace the sensor only in cases where the cameras have been purchased as new products within the last five years. For cameras older than 5 years, the sensor replacement will still be available for 982 euros (around $1000). Here are the details:
Following the successfully implemented and largely completed replacement program for corroded sensors that affected M9, M9-P, M Monochrom and M-E camera models, we would now like to inform you about how this program will be handled in the future.
Until August 15, 2017, we will continue to offer free replacement of sensors for these camera models if they are affected by the corrosion problem. This will also apply after August 16, 2017 for the models listed above, but only in cases where the cameras have been purchased as new products within the last five years.
From August 16, 2017, and until further notice, we will offer our customers the following new program for all camera models mentioned above that were purchased more than five years ago. Here, the customer pays a portion of the replacement costs for the affected CCD sensor amounting to 982 euros (825 euros plus 19% VAT). In addition to this we also offer you a free general overhaul* of your Leica M camera and a one year warranty in line with the same terms as for new products. This offer expresses our commitment to conserving the value of your camera.
We have also revised our upgrade offers with more attractive terms for our customers. Instead of a sensor replacement, we offer our customers the alternative option of sending us their camera affected by sensor corrosion as partial payment for the purchase of selected Leica M camera models of the Typ 240 generation at even more attractive terms. Leica Customer Care will be pleased to inform and advise interested customers about the terms and conditions of the upgrade offer.
With regard to the above, we would like to remind you that the replacement of CCD sensors and the upgrade offers apply only to cameras confirmed to be affected by this problem, and only to the models of the Leica M-System we have listed above. Preventive replacement of sensors is not included in this program.
*The general overhaul of the Leica M-camera includes the following items:
HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHETHER MY LEICA M IS MORE THAN FIVE YEARS OLD?
The date on which you purchased your camera as a new product applies. The sales receipt serves as proof of the date of purchase. If you no longer have your sales receipt, the age of the camera will be determined from its serial number. In this case, the date on which it was supplied to the dealer applies.
WHICH POINT IN TIME IS USED FOR DETERMINING WHETHER MY CAMERA IS WITHIN THE PERIOD DESIGNATED FOR THE FULL GOODWILL ARRANGEMENT?
The date on which the defect was reported to Leica Camera AG applies. In each concrete case, a check of the camera by Leica Customer Care is required to prove that the problem is due to the corresponding sensor defect. This check can be made by sending the camera or a suitable test exposure to Leica Customer Care and subsequent checking of the camera by specialist personnel at Leica.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO PAY IF I DECIDE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE UPGRADE OPTION INSTEAD OF HAVING MY CAMERA REPAIRED?
Leica Customer Care can provide concrete prices for your upgrade wishes on request.
CAN I ALSO UPGRADE TO A LEICA M10?
Due to the extremely high demand for the new Leica M10, this model is excluded from the upgrade programme. Only the direct successors of the Leica M9 listed below are available as options in the upgrade programme:
• Leica M (Typ 240)
• Leica M-P (Typ 240)
• Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
