Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/08/07

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Subject: [Leica] Battery Report M9 Firmware 1.196
From: robert.rose at mac.com (Robert Rose)
Date: Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:58:57 -0700

I have three batteries, and recently upgraded my M9 to Firmware 1.196

#1 came with my M8 camera, part 14464, marked with the Leica Camera name 
moulded into case.  Looks like a real McCoy:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461931-REG/Leica_14464_Rechargeable_Lithium_Ion_Battery_f.html
http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/accessories/power_supply/2216.html
 
#2 came with the M9, but is identical with the M8 battery.

#3 I bought after getting the M8.  It is marked a little different from the 
other two.  Can't recall what I paid or whether it was represented as a 
genuine Leica.  It has a decal marking, not case moulded, somewhat like (but 
not identical to):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-M8-M8-2-M9-M9-P-ORIGINAL-RECHARGEABLE-BATTERY-NEW-/190699351621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c66912e45#ht_500wt_1128

So, I would say these are two genuine M8 batteries, and one might be a 
genuine battery, or a good counterfeit.

Anyway, all three fit the M charger, work fine in the M9, and report a full 
charge.

FWIW, I have had extensive experience with replacement batteries for Apple 
notebooks.  Like Leica, the Apple batteries seem over-priced, and the 
Chinese replacement batteries are way cheaper.
When you first get one they seem to work okay, and once in a while you get a 
good one that holds its charge and you feel smart because you just saved 
over $100.  However, some Chinese batteries have small tolerance problems, 
and don't fit precisely (it might fall off).  Some don't fully charge, or 
recharge.  In that case you just lost your $25 bargain.  From this I would 
say that the suspect battery has to be tested in an M9 to be sure.

Anyone want to send me a battery, I would be happy to test it in an M9 with 
1.196 firmware for you, no charge, but you have to pay shipping both ways.  
I am in California.  Just contact me off-list.

Bob Rose




Replies: Reply from red735i at earthlink.net (Frank Filippone) ([Leica] Battery Report M9 Firmware 1.196)
Reply from red735i at earthlink.net (Frank Filippone) ([Leica] Battery Report M9 Firmware 1.196)