Leica M9 battery problem!

[rusphoto]

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Hello everyone!

This might have been already discussed but I'll ask again. I tried today insert my original M9 battery after keeping it fully charged for about 5 month but it doesn't go into the camera compartment, it's completely swollen... I guess it happened because the battery was fully charged and I didn't use it for a long period of time? My question is: Do you usually fully discharge the battery before keeping it for extended time or it doesn't matter?? Also, any recommendation for non original Leica M9 batteries? Is it safe to use them? Thanks so much for your time!

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[mujk]

Yes, this chemical reaction can happen when something goes wrong inside the battery or when it is physically damaged. The reaction often starts when charging the battery,  but not necessarily because the battery is charged to 100%. Povided of course that the charger and internal battery management work as they should so that the battery is not overcharged.

If the reaction stops by itself (possibly by the safety valve releasing excess pressure) the battery may still be functional, probably with reduced capacity. If the reaction does not stop, the battery will eventually explode and/or burst into flames. It is of course not recommended to continue using swollen batteries, even if they work.

Lithium batteries do not need to be fully discharged at any point. The recommended charge level for maximising battery life during long term storage is 50%. 

[AceVentura1986]

14 hours ago, rusphoto said:

Hello everyone!

This might have been already discussed but I'll ask again. I tried today insert my original M9 battery after keeping it fully charged for about 5 month but it doesn't go into the camera compartment, it's completely swollen... I guess it happened because the battery was fully charged and I didn't use it for a long period of time? My question is: Do you usually fully discharge the battery before keeping it for extended time or it doesn't matter?? Also, any recommendation for non original Leica M9 batteries? Is it safe to use them? Thanks so much for your time!

Years ago, I inserted a newly charged battery in my M8 and found that it was a little swollen, just barely enough that I would notice but not so much that the battery wouldn’t seat properly. I thought nothing of it, got off two shots and damaged the camera. Coincidence? Maybe, but I’ve never had happen before or since. If I were you, the moment a battery becomes swollen I would discard it. YMMV. 

[dpitt]

This just happens, probably just by aging. I have had a few occurrences, always with very old (10 years old) batteries. Two with the battery still in camera (one Canon and one Leica) and stuck in there so that it could only be extracted with great difficulty. My advice is to not use this battery anymore. If it swells too much it could get stuck in your camera.

Edited April 9, 2024 by dpitt

[Ko.Fe.]

I had one non Leica battery alread swollen on delivery from Europe to Canada. It worked for couple of years.

Where are numerous threads about m9 third party batteries. With everything in details.

If not on this page, then on the second one. 

 

[Budfox]

Swollen batteries usually means they are worn out and might start leaking weird chemicals soon. Best to discard for a number of reasons.

[wizard]

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Am 7.4.2024 um 22:55 schrieb rusphoto:

My question is: Do you usually fully discharge the battery before keeping it for extended time or it doesn't matter??

Lithium ion batteries should never be stored fully discharged. They may be stored fully charged, but if stored for an extended period of time, it is recommended that they are charged to just 50 - 70 % of their full capacity. Also, lithium ion batteries do not like hot temperatures, at least not for an extended period of time, so should be stored in a dry and relatively cool place (ambient temperature, no fridge). I have lithium ion batteries which are more than 10 years old (e.g. in flashlights) and still work well.

I would not use a swollen battery, as this is a sure sign of something going or having gone wrong within the battery.

[rusphoto]

14 hours ago, wizard said:

Lithium ion batteries should never be stored fully discharged. They may be stored fully charged, but if stored for an extended period of time, it is recommended that they are charged to just 50 - 70 % of their full capacity. Also, lithium ion batteries do not like hot temperatures, at least not for an extended period of time, so should be stored in a dry and relatively cool place (ambient temperature, no fridge). I have lithium ion batteries which are more than 10 years old (e.g. in flashlights) and still work well.

I would not use a swollen battery, as this is a sure sign of something going or having gone wrong within the battery.

Thanks for this info! I also noticed that my charger is getting very hot together with batteries, could be a cause of swollen also? Considering that all batteries for Leica M8 and M9 were produced from year 2006 there should be some life cycle end on it.

[Ronazle]

I assume that like most batterys, they should not be stored in direct contact (battery body, not shorted terminals) with metal or a grounded surface?  Essentially a question, not a statement.  Regards, Ron

Edited May 11, 2024 by Ronazle

[Budfox]

I just bought a couple of new M9 batteries from Leica. In the UK they are now marked as UK/CA. This is a new post-Brexit mark replacing the internationally recognised CE mark.

However, might it suggest that Leica are still making new M9 batteries - or else just re-labelling existing old stock?