A Leica M9 with zero future corrosion risk. Additionally, many users report better sharpness and less color shift than the original Leica ID 16.
Leica Wetzlar still offers paid replacements, but there is a catch. As of 2023 (and continuing into 2026), Leica exhausted its supply of new ID 16 sensors. The current paid service involves:
You see Stage 2 corrosion, you are not handy with electronics, and you cannot afford a $1,000 repair. Sell it as a "parts camera" or "for conversion only" on eBay. Be honest about the corrosion. leica m9 ccd id 15 corrosion
You cannot see corrosion at f/2.8. It becomes visible at small apertures (f/8 to f/16) against a clear, evenly lit sky or white wall.
This article delves deep into the phenomenon of Leica M9 CCD ID 15 corrosion, exploring the science behind the decay, how to identify it, and the options available for restoration. A Leica M9 with zero future corrosion risk
Since Leica stopped production of CCD sensors, third-party repair shops have stepped in. The gold standard for ID 15 corrosion is (USA) and MaxMax (USA) or JCH Service (Germany).
The is legendary for its full-frame Kodak CCD sensor, which many purists believe offers a film-like color rendition that modern CMOS sensors cannot replicate. However, this legacy is complicated by "sensor corrosion"—a defect in the cover glass coating that can lead to permanent image degradation. For prospective buyers and current owners, the designation As of 2023 (and continuing into 2026), Leica
For years, ID 15 sensors were considered the safe zone. They lasted longer than IDs 11-14. However, as we enter 2026, reports have surged of ID 15 sensors developing corrosion years after the official Leica replacement program ended. Why? Because the root cause—a hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) layer between the cover glass and the micro-lenses—was merely mitigated, not eliminated, in ID 15.
Corrosion typically appears as white spots or "halos" in images, most visible at smaller apertures like f/11 or f/16. Unlike dust, which creates dark spots, corrosion creates distinctive "surface of the moon" artifacts. Understanding CCD ID 15
