Why do most Leica M9 CCD sensors fail within a few years?

Because the sensor's cover glass was left without an adequate protective coating — an uncoated Schott BG-type glass that oxidizes in humidity, producing corrosion spots. The photography press has described this as a design decision rather than user error.

Did Leica promise a free, lifetime CCD sensor replacement?

Yes. In 2014 Leica offered a free replacement 'as a goodwill arrangement, regardless of the age of the camera,' and in 2015 announced a 'permanent fix.' Leica's Asian distributor, Schmidt Marketing (Hong Kong) Ltd, promised consumers a lifetime warranty on the CCD sensor.

Does Leica still replace corroded M9 sensors for free?

No. Effective 16 August 2017 free replacement was restricted to cameras bought new within five years; it then became a paid repair exceeding US$1,000 and later up to about US$1,800; and in August 2020 Leica ended sensor replacement entirely, declaring future repairs impossible.

Why do owners accuse Leica of cheating and deceiving customers?

Because Leica sold cameras with a known defect, promised replacements 'regardless of age,' then withdrew that promise, repeatedly raised prices, and deleted its original announcement page — which now returns 403 Forbidden.

Leica Deleted Its Promise — The M9 CCD Sensor Scandal | Cheating Customers, Broken Lifetime Warranty

Leica 2014 announcement about CCD sensor corrosion

Press report: Leica announces permanent fix for CCD sensor corrosion

Blog report: Leica announces permanent fix for CCD sensor corrosion

Protest banners: False Promotion, Cheating Clients, Concealing quality issues before sales