photolandscape Posted June 27, 2007 Share #1 Posted June 27, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I just received two 3.7V 1700mAh Li-Ion batteries "for Leica M8" from a dealer in Hong Kong. I haven't charged them yet, but will tonight. Realistically speaking, am I crazy to use them? I don't know batteries very well, but is there really any risk in trying them out and using them if all seems well? I know everyone says, if you paid $4795 for the M8, why on earth would you use cheap batteries? My answer would be--the official Leica charger and batteries seem to be a weak link with the M8 at times. Can I really do any worse with after-market batteries? Especially when they cost me $18 each including shipping? Between lenses, computers, monitors, printers, ink and everything else, if I can save some money--why not? Unless someone convinces me otherwise, I'm going to try one in the next couple of days. If all seems well, I'll continue with them over a couple of weeks and will let the forum know what sort of results I get. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 27, 2007 Posted June 27, 2007 Hi photolandscape, Take a look here M8 After-Market Batteries. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wparsonsgisnet Posted June 27, 2007 Share #2 Posted June 27, 2007 Steve, go here: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/26764-aftermarket-batteries-any-good.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted June 27, 2007 Share #3 Posted June 27, 2007 Problems could arise from two kind of features : A) Mechanical : dimensions can be not within the tolerancing of the originals; "don't fit right" : loose or (worst) hard to "click in" the receptacle of the M8; easy to verify: if loose, electrical contact could be unstable (no damage) ; in the other case, could damage the retaining system: unpleasant but can be repaired. Electrical : unlikely, I think, but if the battery is really bad done, could give some erratic overvoltage, and this can hurt the electrical circuitry with unpredictable problems: I read with attention the superb dismantling of the M8 carried on by Mark Norton in this forum, but do not remember if some kind of protection on overvoltage is provided, and if it is made in an easy way to repair. Of course, the best thing would be to carry on a serious test session with proper instruments when battery has been charged for the first time... annoying work. In conclusion, I really suppose that they can work right, but I confess that I prefer someone else than me makes the first trial... (after reading Parson's post...) Sorry.... I didn't know that the problem had already been scrutinized and tested in field... our forum really great... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveB Posted June 27, 2007 Share #4 Posted June 27, 2007 I have six after-market batteries and the original Leica one as well. They're all in equal rotation in my Pelican box and I've shot about 3000 pictures with them and the M8 over the past five weeks or so. I've noticed no difference between the original battery and the after-market batteries in terms of physical dimensions, time to charge, number of shot obtained before recharge, etc. I'll need all seven for an extended 3 week canoe trip beginning next month. If anything changes, I'll advise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted June 27, 2007 Share #5 Posted June 27, 2007 Steve, Be aware of the well-documented potential for Lithium Ion batteries to catch fire or explode. All L-ion batteries contain cut-out circuitry to eliminate the risk but the quality of the cut-out circuitry in after market batteries is not known. And it is reasonable to assume that in order to offer the batteries at such attractively low prices, economies will have been made somewhere. Additionally, it is not clear whether an M8 that has been damaged by an after market battery would be covered under the warranty. Hate to be the pourer of cold water but it's better to be informed. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted June 27, 2007 Share #6 Posted June 27, 2007 SURELY Leica would not warranty a camera with an aftermarket battery...and they are right... the problem is to demonstrate you have used one... every M8 customer has his own original. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethC Posted June 27, 2007 Share #7 Posted June 27, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I ended up buying a couple, they haven't arrived yet so watch this space. My thinking was that with all the after market batteries used in Canon cameras (I came from a 300D to a 20D to a 5D) and the lack of complaints about them then I should be pretty safe. Frankly, I've been disappointed with the charge that the Leica battery is holding and I've never read anything about any battery spontaneously combusting except on this forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
photolandscape Posted June 28, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted June 28, 2007 I've charged one and am now charging the other. Will put them through their paces over the next few days in San Francisco and once I have will report back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_brown Posted June 28, 2007 Share #9 Posted June 28, 2007 I bought two from HK right after they were introduced and have used them since. Their performance and quality seems just as good as the original Leica batteries. They haven't blown my camera or charger yet! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted June 28, 2007 Share #10 Posted June 28, 2007 My son some years ago had a small Canon digital that used non-rechargeable 2CR5 batteries. It was putting a severe strain on his pocket money, keeping up with the demand for new batteries. I bought from Hong Kong, a charger and two lithium batteries. Battery one stopped working after about 4 months. Battery two leaked in the camera, luckily cleanable. I would happily buy and use a non-OEM battery from a reputable local supplier, who could provide a warranty that any damage occasioned by a faulty battery would be covered but would not risk my M8 with a battery bought through ePrey or overseas mail order/internet purchase. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff Posted June 28, 2007 Share #11 Posted June 28, 2007 Some aftermarket batteries may come from reliable well established manufacturers, while others are only a thin line away from being cheaply made, high profit counterfeit knockoffs. Unfortunately, the market is rife with the later and talking in general, unspecific make and model terms is misleading. Many harmful affects of poorly designed batteries do not manifest themselves in immediate and obvious ways. Slightly over, under or fluctuating voltage output can place a strain on electrical circuitry, causing failure to result only after some duration of use. Would you use cheap gas in a Porsche and expect it to run perfectly and the engine to hold up over time, or would you state that you tried it, it runs, and therefore recommend to others to do the same? Would you make the claim that your home is hurricane-proof simply because it has never been destroyed in such a storm? To reiterate what has been repeatedly stated before. Why contradict the merits of a $5000 Leica camera purchase, based on quality and workmanship, only to risk it’s functionality and warranty by cutting corners on cheap, poorly designed batteries? I don’t get it. Geoff myspace.com/geoffotos Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted June 28, 2007 Share #12 Posted June 28, 2007 I ended up buying a couple, they haven't arrived yet so watch this space. My thinking was that with all the after market batteries used in Canon cameras (I came from a 300D to a 20D to a 5D) and the lack of complaints about them then I should be pretty safe. Frankly, I've been disappointed with the charge that the Leica battery is holding and I've never read anything about any battery spontaneously combusting except on this forum. Well, maybe it will never happen a M8 get fired, but the problem of self-combustion in Li-Ion batteries is real... if you search for, some months ago a significant combustion issue arised in the Laptop PC market, and was widely reported for it hurted a significant number of PCs by a well known manufacturer (Dell, seem to remember, and maybe HP had to take some preventive action, for the supplier was the same) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
total_recall Posted June 28, 2007 Share #13 Posted June 28, 2007 are the original LEICA batteries too expensive for you guys? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 28, 2007 Share #14 Posted June 28, 2007 Problems could arise from two kind of features : A) Mechanical : dimensions can be not within the tolerancing of the originals; "don't fit right" : loose or (worst) hard to "click in" the receptacle of the M8; easy to verify: if loose, electrical contact could be unstable (no damage) ; in the other case, could damage the retaining system: unpleasant but can be repaired. Electrical : unlikely, I think, but if the battery is really bad done, could give some erratic overvoltage, and this can hurt the electrical circuitry with unpredictable problems: I read with attention the superb dismantling of the M8 carried on by Mark Norton in this forum, but do not remember if some kind of protection on overvoltage is provided, and if it is made in an easy way to repair. You missed one: substandard coating of the electrical contacts, causing corrosion - which may only become apparent after a few months to years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted June 28, 2007 Share #15 Posted June 28, 2007 If the M8 continues to sell well, my guess is that reputable manufacturers like Hahnel may bring out an M8 battery, just like they seem to be about to bring out a dual battery charger. Of course, it may be that Hahnel is already the M8 battery maker, in which case it will probably not happen. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
photolandscape Posted June 28, 2007 Author Share #16 Posted June 28, 2007 "To reiterate what has been repeatedly stated before. Why contradict the merits of a $5000 Leica camera purchase, based on quality and workmanship, only to risk it’s functionality and warranty by cutting corners on cheap, poorly designed batteries? I don’t get it." Geoff www.myspace.com/geoffotos I understand the analogies. What no one seems to know is, are these aftermarket batteries up to snuff? I'm spent tons of money on my M8 and lenses, but at some point, there is only so much cash on hand, and if these batteries prove to be worthy, I'm going to take a chance and try them out. I simply cannot shell out $500-$600 for batteries I will need on a long trip where electricity will be hard to come by. And knowing that the official Leica batteries probably cost about $10 each to make, makes it even harder for me to fork over several hundred dollars more. Time will tell. To me, the risk is small and worth taking. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlaidlaw Posted June 28, 2007 Share #17 Posted June 28, 2007 I understand the analogies. What no one seems to know is, are these aftermarket batteries up to snuff? I'm spent tons of money on my M8 and lenses, but at some point, there is only so much cash on hand, and if these batteries prove to be worthy, I'm going to take a chance and try them out. I simply cannot shell out $500-$600 for batteries I will need on a long trip where electricity will be hard to come by. And knowing that the official Leica batteries probably cost about $10 each to make, makes it even harder for me to fork over several hundred dollars more. Time will tell. To me, the risk is small and worth taking. Steve, Look at my post above. One of the cheap lithium batteries I got for my son's Canon leaked - are you prepared to take that risk with your M8? Would not a better solution for you be to take the 12v lead and keep charging a lesser number of batteries off vehicle/boat, etc low voltage systems or even a solar charger. You might even be able to get one of the new Hahnel dual chargers. Wilson Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
egibaud Posted June 30, 2007 Share #18 Posted June 30, 2007 These batteries may be perfect.... but imagine you have a short circuit with a Leica battery.... happy to have a garanty. Imagine you have the same problem with an after market battery????? bye bye M8 I do not understand how someone can try to save US$50 on a US$5000 camera even if the battery may work perfectly. Eric Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M D C Posted June 30, 2007 Share #19 Posted June 30, 2007 Hi it really isnt worth using after market batteries. I have had many experiances with people who have used similar products for Canon, Nikon etc and the product rarely lasts as long as the original or is of the same build quality. I am sure some will be ok but who can you turn to if one decides to melt in the camera. I have seen this happen with a Canon.Please beware. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted June 30, 2007 Share #20 Posted June 30, 2007 I've just put some 50$ covered tires on my Ferrari! They are great! Not one has blown at 175 mph and I have not skidded off the road yet! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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