Leica M9 sensor replacement ends. Upgrade to a newer model is now the only option

It is no longer possible to replace your M9 sensor if it shows signs of the well-known corrosion issue. Instead, Leica is offering to upgrade to later models. The trade-in values are about right if you take into account the most recent cost of sensor replacement.

According to the Leica website, the production of CCD sensors for the M9 Leica M9 models has been discontinued:

…subsequent deliveries are no longer possible and defective sensors cannot be replaced. Until further notice, all other repairs on the M9 model generation can still be carried out. In place of the sensor exchange, we are offering new attractive conditions to our customers to trade in their camera with a defective sensor and purchase a current Leica camera model.

Leica M Monochrome with 75mm Apo-Summicron-M (Mike Evans)
Leica M Monochrome with 75mm Apo-Summicron-M (Mike Evans)

In view of the continuing popularity of the M9 and its derivatives, largely because of the CCD technology as opposed to the current CMOS, this will disappoint many owners. However, those cameras that have already been upgraded should suffer no corrosion and will continue to perform.

Girl with Sunglasses. Leica Monochrome with CCD sensor taken by George James
Girl with Sunglasses. Leica Monochrome with CCD sensor taken by George James

As an example, you can upgrade your M9 to a Leica M10 for £4,320 (thus valuing the old M9 at a reasonable £1,430). Upgrading an M9-P to M10-P costs £4,620 (saving £1,870) and an M9 Monochrom to M10-M costs £5,040 (saving £2,210).

A full list of permutations is available here

The Wurlitzer at Leicester Square Odeon, Leica Monochrome (Mike Evans)
The Wurlitzer at Leicester Square Odeon, Leica Monochrome (Mike Evans)

In addition to price details, the information sheet also discloses that the M10 is now available only in black-chrome finish.

The silver version of the M10 bites the dust in August 2020 (Image Leica Camera AG)
The silver version of the M10 bites the dust in August 2020. Now, only the black-chrome version will be available (Image Leica Camera AG)

Read more on the M9 sensor problem here

8 COMMENTS

  1. The Kodak Sensor Division became “Truesense” then was bought out by ONSEMI. ONSEMI has shutdown production of all CCD’s, not just the KAF-18500 used in the M9 and M Monochrom. I’m glad that my M9 and M Monochrom both have the new version of the sensor. Dalsa Teledyne has also discontinued manufacturing of full-frame CCD’s. SO- the M9 and M Monochrom with new sensors are the last of their kind.

  2. I would rather have the option to buy an M10 with a CCD than a Lenny Kravitz version of that camera.

    In the meantime I will have to be satisfied with my discontinued M-D and my Sigma with the “film like” Foveon sensor.

  3. I read this and thought that is just such a short sighted view being taken by Leica, this is one of those cameras, with a sensor that is so genuinely unique that they should find a way to keep this going. Not the best business decision ever made.

    It is weird though the CCD, CMOS thing, as it baffles me a little, when I researched CCD sensors they are a massive industry and used in many other imaging systems, just sadly not in our cameras these days. A great shame. We need cameras with different image capabilities and having a sensor that renders differently is brilliant for giving us options.

  4. I wonder whether there could be a “Kickstarter” initiative that produces copies of this sensor in one’s and two’s for owners who want to replace their sensors. Other industries have developed this type of bespoke supply line for old components, no longer kept or produced by the original manufacturer.

  5. Very disappointing as far as I am concerned. And this is not only directed at Leica but at the entire industry. Not ensuring the longevity of their products is shortsighted and will come back to haunt them.

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