Absolutely flat batteries and M9 indicator

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I have 7 genuine Leica M8/9 batteries. Four of them have been stored in a cupboard (were half charged initially) for just over a year and I expected them to be flat from self discharge. When I put them in the M9 the battery indicator showed they were 100% full. However in the charger they needed the usual time to get to 80%. An 80% charged battery indicated correctly in the M9, as did it when 100% charged. Once the battery had been used for a few shots the camera bargraph showed the expected slight reduction in capacity. That didn't happen before the batteries were charged.

 

I don't know what level of discharge a battery needs to get to for an erroneous indication but it's probably wise to be aware of this quirk to avoid an unfortunate situation. It could be only my camera that does this, there's no easy way of telling.

 

Bob.