Professional Repair
of the Sensor Glass of Your Leica M9
for Corrosion Damage and Scratches
We replace the damaged filter on the sensor of your Leica camera
This item is exclusively intended for customers from the United Kingdom
Due to customs regulations, the repair must be processed as a “refinement procedure” (customs repair process).
- After placing your order, please provide us with the serial number of your Leica.
- We will issue a pro forma invoice for the full repair price.
- With this invoice, you arrange shipment of your Leica through your postal service or courier.
- When filling out the customs forms, please declare clearly that the camera is being sent to Germany for repair (refinement) and attach the pro forma invoice on the outside of the parcel.
This way, you avoid import duties and VAT on the total value of the camera on our side.
When we return the repaired camera, your local customs office will see that it was sent to Germany for repair. They may then charge duties and VAT only on the repair amount, not on the full value of the Leica.
Because of this customs procedure, the repair price is slightly higher than within the EU.
Process in Two Steps
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Shipping the camera: You order the item “Leica-M9-Inspection” and send us your Leica M9. We carefully check whether replacing the defective filter is possible. We inspect all Leica M9 models (Standard, M9M, M9-P, M-E, Titanium).
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Inspection and repair: In about 9 out of 10 cases, the repair is possible. After confirmation, you purchase the item “Leica-M9-CCD-Repair”. If repair is not economically feasible, we return the camera unrepaired. Note: The price for “Leica-M9-Inspection” covers the return shipping costs in this case.
Sending in the Leica and Repair Time
Please send your Leica well packed and fully insured in neutral packaging. Accessories and battery are not required. Please remove the memory card.
Due to high technical requirements, repairs may take up to 4 weeks in exceptional cases. You may request a more precise estimate at any time.
Our Repair Service Includes
- Removal of the defective filter
- Installation of a new corrosion-resistant special filter
- Fine adjustment of optical properties
- Comprehensive final image quality control
- 24 months warranty on the filter glass
Technical Background:
Many Leica M9 cameras suffer from sensor corrosion. The cause is the degradation of the IR-cut filter.
Our solution: replacement with Schott BG61 glass, which is fully compatible with the original Leica filter.
The images show sample photos taken with damaged Leica cameras and next to them photos taken with the repaired sensor. These are real images from several repaired cameras.
Note:
In many Leica M9 cameras affected by the so-called sensor corrosion, we have recently discovered an additional issue:
Along with the progressing degradation of the filter glass over time, the ceramic adhesive connecting the damaged sensor glass to the sensor also begins to break down. An oily, yellowish liquid consisting of sulfuric acid is formed.
This liquid forms at the edge under the filter glass where the former ceramic adhesive bonds the glass to the sensor. Since the liquid is mobile, it can move under the glass and reach the delicate microlenses on the sensor. There it causes stains or permanent damage. It can also destroy the golden bond wires that control the sensor. This acid is the definite death of the sensor. This phenomenon is relatively new and is now being reported by other repair shops as well.
Why is quick repair important?
Over time, the old adhesive continues to break down, creating more and more acid, and increasing the risk of permanent sensor damage. Timely opening and cleaning is therefore crucial.
What does this mean for the repair?
When removing the sensor glass, we must remove the acid completely and very carefully. Although we work with utmost caution, there is always a fundamental risk that a drop of this aggressive liquid reaches the microlenses or that the bond wires have already been damaged by the acid. In such a case, the sensor would be irreparably damaged.
Important addition: our new procedure
After identifying these new damages, we have developed our own method over many months that allows us to remove the acid without residue. In addition, we are also able to repair damaged bond wires to a certain extent. We continuously improve these working methods and the necessary tools. This means: as time goes on, we expect the repair success rate to continue increasing — but one thing is clear: time works against the sensor.
How do we proceed?
• In the cost estimate, we inform the customer whether the camera suffers from classic sensor corrosion or is also affected by the acid problem.
• If the acid problem is present, the repair can and should still be performed.
• The price remains the same as for a standard sensor glass replacement.
• However, we require a waiver for possible consequential damages, since the risk arises from the pre-existing acid — not from our work.
• At the same time, we point out that a sensor affected by the acid problem will very likely be destroyed anyway if nothing is done — while the repair attempt offers a realistic chance of saving it.
Vertical Rangefinder Adjustment
If necessary, we recalibrate the rangefinder. If the images are vertically misaligned during focusing, we recommend an adjustment.
Camera Leatherette
In addition to sensor repair, we offer replacement of the leatherette on your Leica camera. Worn parts are replaced with high-quality material (additional cost: €50).
🌍 International customers: Orders from all over Europe are possible. For non-EU countries, a handling fee of €100 applies.
Experience & Trust
More than 5,000 cameras and lenses have already been repaired and modified by us. Over a thousand positive eBay reviews provide trust.
Questions? Call us — our contact information is in the legal notice.