The 2024 batch Leica M11-D & Leicavit Disaster: Electronic "INT Err" Loops, Sensor Lines, and Snapped Belts for Leicavits. (A detailed failure report)
In November 2025, I purchased a "like-new" M11-D (2024 batch) from a private seller for HKD 50,000 (~USD 6,400). The unit was originally bought from a Leica Flagship store, used only twice, and came with a spare battery and charger. It seemed like the dream setup—until January 2026.
The Okinawa Collapse (Jan 2026):
While shooting in Okinawa, the dream turned into a technical nightmare:
• The "INT ERR" Loop: The viewfinder suddenly flashed "Storage Full," followed by a persistent, blinking 'INT ERR'.
• Blinded Metering: Once the error started, I lost all internal metering and exposure compensation data in the OVF. I was forced to use the Leica FOTOS app and Live View just to adjust exposure.
• Sensor Artifacts: Any long exposure shot resulted in dense, vertical sensor lines.
Round 1 of Repairs (Feb - March 2026):
I sent it to the Service Center in Hong Kong. The technician’s verdict was grim: "Everything your machine can break is broken."
• "Fix" reported: Rangefinder assembly replaced.
• Result: Picked it up in late March, only to find the camera overheating instantly and the battery life significantly degraded. The sensor lines? Still there.
Round 2 - The "German Customs" Limbo (April - May 2026):
Due to the Easter holidays and the persistent issues, I sent it back in early April. As of early May, the technician informed me that the camera is still stuck in German Customs.
The Leicavits Mechanical Failure (Two Units, Both Day-One Buys)
This is where it gets ridiculous. I am a fan of the Black Paint aesthetics, so I bought two Leicavits from the Leica IFC store the first day they arrived in stock in Hong Kong(Aug 22 & 29, 2025).
- Unit #1 (Glossy Black Paint): Started using it in Sept. By Dec 23, while shooting the giant Christmas tree at West Kowloon, the internal belt/mechanism simply snapped after one shot. It became loose and rattled vertically. Repair time: 3 months.
- Unit #2 (Matte Black Paint): This was supposed to be a collection piece, but I had to use it while Unit #1 was in service. By mid-March (during a trip to Bangkok), the second unit failed with the exact same mechanical issue.
The "Isolated Incident" Gaslighting:
When I reported the failures of Leicavits, both the Store Manager and the Service Technician told me the same thing: "We’ve sold many of these, and yours are the only two units with this issue."
I find that hard to swallow. Two separate units (one Glossy, one Matte), both purchased on their respective launch days, failing with the exact same mechanical snapping within months? If I’m truly the "only one," I should probably stop buying Leica and start playing the lottery.
Has anyone else here had their Leicavit M belt snap or tension loosen? I refuse to believe I’m the only "unlucky" one in the world with a 100% failure rate on my gear.