Leica M240 series battery scarcity

[splitimageview]

used for $179 at B&H https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/1312554/leica_24003_bp_scl5_lithium_ion_battery_pack.html

 

[JeffS7444]

As of 6 May 2025, BP-SCL2 is appearing as a backordered item, but you can add it to your B&H order. If they'll honor it, I doubt you'll find a better price: $90!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1864131-REG

 

[Sanug]

The batteries are chipped and have proprietary software on them. There will be no third party batteries.

For me this would be enough reason to avoid the brand.

 

[splitimageview]

chips and software can be reverse engineered, all it takes is a price incentive...

 

[Godfrey]

By and large, for every digital camera I've purchased in the past 25 years, I've bought one or two spare batteries when I bought the camera. Two batteries are more than enough for even a heavy shooting session, for me, and I've never "worn out" any batteries. And Leica has always provided the batteries I needed so far, even now. They may be expensive, they may not always be available at a moment's notice, but I've never been caught out without a battery to use (unless I went out with one nearly exhausted and didn't carry the spare....).

If you're not going to buy something because the batteries are proprietary in some way, then you're not going to buy many modern devices.

G

 

[Ken Ford]

One issue is that when they made the decision to put these batteries back into the accessories flow they took them away from the repair side - right now you can’t get a BP-SCL2 out of Leica at all. No M-P 240 for vacation next month for me.

 

[Godfrey]

One issue is that when they made the decision to put these batteries back into the accessories flow they took them away from the repair side - right now you can’t get a BP-SCL2 out of Leica at all. No M-P 240 for vacation next month for me.

You mean you have no batteries at all?

G

 

[Ken Ford]

You mean you have no batteries at all?

G

Nope. I’ve never needed more than a single battery for this camera, and mine quit accepting a charge. I’m going to try and Hail Mary it using an aftermarket charger if it ever gets here.

I wish they would have continued supplying them through repair until they were available as accessories.

 

[Freakscene]

Is anyone aware of a battery rebuilding service?

Yes, but it’s in Australia and I can’t tell you whether the rebuild they did for me is any good yet.

 

[Godfrey]

Nope. I’ve never needed more than a single battery for this camera, and mine quit accepting a charge. I’m going to try and Hail Mary it using an aftermarket charger if it ever gets here.

I wish they would have continued supplying them through repair until they were available as accessories.

Leica USA just sent me a note saying that batteries for the M10 are now available on the web store. I imagine that M typ 240 batteries will follow soon.

G

 

[Ken Ford]

I just purchased a M246 here that came with two batteries, so my M-P 240 is up and running again. I’d still like at least one more battery, but the heat is off.

 

[oldwino]

So, to use your Leica, you had to purchase another Leica for its batteries…
Crazy.

 

[MNS]

My batteries life is slowly getting shorter. Beginning to regret now not getting a spare.

So eventually, I take it I'll have a electronic brass door stop?!

 

[Ken Ford]

So, to use your Leica, you had to purchase another Leica for its batteries…
Crazy.

That’s the ticket!

 

[Ken Ford]

My batteries life is slowly getting shorter. Beginning to regret now getting a spares now.

So eventually, I take it I'll have an electronic brass door stop?!

I think they will be available again shortly unless Leica USA is blowing serious smoke up our collective skirts. Whatever Leica AG product manager allowed this situation to happen needs to retire.

 

[MNS]

I keep reading Leica BP-SCL2 battery is now discontinued.

I emailed Leica UK and the reply was 'product no longer available' so presumably the same answer from Leica in Germany.

 

[boojum]

My batteries life is slowly getting shorter. Beginning to regret now getting a spares now.

So eventually, I take it I'll have a electronic brass door stop?!

I do not know if you have tried this or if it will work for you, but letting the battery run all the way down and then charging it can sometimes make them work. I try to let mine get down to where the camera starts to complain.

 

[chuckroast]

I do not know if you have tried this or if it will work for you, but letting the battery run all the way down and then charging it can sometimes make them work. I try to let mine get down to where the camera starts to complain.

This was standard protocol with the older Nickel Cadmium batteries but I don't think this is recommended Nickle Metal Hydride or Lithium batteries. It would be best to check with the manufacturer or ask your local friendly AI.

See: Deep Cycle Battery vs Lithium-ion Battery: A Comprehensive Analysis-Ritar International Group Limited

 

[MNS]

As the advice I was given regarding the care of a Li-Ion battery, I try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% and never leave it charging for to long or let it fully discharge. Frankly, I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has. This camera was a demonstrator from the Leica Mayfair store in London and I dread to think what abuse it had before I got my grotty paws on it.

I'm regretting selling my M4 now ...never use to have this problem. 😁

 

[chuckroast]

As the advice I was given regarding the care of a Li-Ion battery, I try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% and never leave it charging for to long or let it fully discharge. Frankly, I'm surprised it's lasted as long as it has. This camera was a demonstrator from the Leica Mayfair store in London and I dread to think what abuse it had before I got my grotty paws on it.

I'm regretting selling my M4 now ...never use to have this problem. 😁

I just had my M4 out today for a walk at lunch time. Battery life was great ...