HU. Cheep M8 batteries now available.

[Ken Ford]

So you're going to base your decision about modern digital camera lithium-ion batteries on one bad experience with NiMH batteries for an old Motorola radio?

"Well, once a Lockheed Constellation lost an engine on takeoff on my flight to California. I'll never get on a flight to California again!"

And you've never heard of a leaky Motorola OEM battery?

No, I'm going to base my decision on numerous bad experiences with current production Asian no-name NiMH batteries in the fleet of current production high-end public safety Motos under my care. I've had to rebuild three radios in the last two years due to these pieces of crap, and they've all been from different suppliers.

I've *never* had an OEM battery fail catastrophically. There's a reason cheaper batteries are cheaper - they don't cell match or provide a real fused flex harness.

 

[HenningW]

I've *never* had an OEM battery fail catastrophically. There's a reason cheaper batteries are cheaper - they don't cell match or provide a real fused flex harness.

The laptop I'm writing this on had its battery replaced due to a recall because of possible overheating/fire due to internal shorting. Personally, I've never had a battery cause a fire if installed and used correctly, either OEM or third party, but it happens to both.

I've used third party batteries in a large variety of equipment (not this laptop) and will continue to do so. I know why the OEM batteries are so much more expensive, but overall higher quality and performance isn't part of that.

Thanks for pointing out the cheaper batteries.

Henning

 

[spysmart]

There's a reason cheaper batteries are cheaper - they don't cell match or provide a real fused flex harness.

I very much doubt this is true for Li-ion packs especially prismatic ones.
A single cell protection PCB ( over voltage,current and temperature ) costs under $2.

Panasonic supplied OEM 1900mAh 3.6V prismatic packs ( with full protection ) are about $27 list. Because of the high profile combustion issues, they will not sell their prismatic cells other than to pack manufacturers. Cylindrical cells remain openly supplied for very low prices.

Even cheap no-name $10 packs using cylindrical 14430 cells e.g. a Canon NB-2L clone, come with the protection PCBs.

However cheap packs will not be available for the next generation of cell phone and cameras, as they will use Battery Authentication to close the 3rd party supply.

Here's an example from TI ( for those interested in cryptography ) http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/bq26150.pdf

The M8 might be new enough to include such a scheme.

If so the cheap packs must have fallen out of the back of the truck in Schenzen on they way to the airport.

 

[stephen.s1]

I just put my money where my keyboard is...

When the $20 battery arrives and is put in service, I'll report. If it's a bummer, hey, $20 is two glasses of decent wine. No biggie.

It's not gonna take my camera out... Geeze!

 

[Ken Ford]

It's not gonna take my camera out... Geeze!

Yes, it can. Batteries can, do and will fail catastrophically - see this pic from Canon's booth at PMS (courtesy Ken Rockwell):

If this happens with an OEM battery, you have a warranty. Do you think the no-name battery manufacturer will repair your camera if it happens?

 

[Edward Felcher]

Just think of all the old ladies who spontaneously combust. Using a non-OEM battery is taking your life into your hands. Caveat Emptor!!

 

[Ken Ford]

Just think of all the old ladies who spontaneously combust. Using a non-OEM battery is taking your life into your hands. Caveat Emptor!!

You obviously haven't had a crap battery self-destruct and damage something. There are decent non-OEM batteries out there, but IMO and to my experience they're not coming from eBay sellers in China!

*I* wouldn't risk a $5000 camera by using a $20 no-name battery. You do what you want.

 

[kk100]

I understand the desire to save $$. But the whole 3rd Party rationale comes down to that - and that alone; saving $$. Why buy a Leica and risk a blown warrantee over a $20 battery? Actually, that's not fair - it's the $80 that was saved.

Yes, odds are overwhelming that nothing untoward will happen with the asian battery, but ultimately it comes down to risk/reward. IMHO The M8 is too new for any of us to know whether we're taking an increased risk by straying from OEM.

 

[newyorkone]

Some things never change

Some things never change

>that the Leica batteries are integrated into the camera electronics, especially
>the frame counter part by some proprietary circuits in the battery

If this is the case then is simply more shame for those responsible in Germany.

It truly saddens me how recent event have destroyed Leica in my eyes. I am just one person, speaking for no one else, but an organzation, a heritage, and product line has been perhaps irreparably soiled.

Even the film cameras are losing their luster for me. I just bought a second Hexar RF with the idea of selling off my M7.

I don't think that anyone can deny that the mystic, prestige, etc. is a big part of the rationalization that is required to justify spending 3x to 5x more for a Leica camera then an equivalent Bessa, Hexar, or Zeiss.

When one has lost the feeling, how long before the rationalizations crumble?

I've been away for 4 months and you're still bitching about the M8 and Leica. To say that you sound like a broken record is an understatement. If you want to believe that the M8 is garbage which in turn makes everything else Leica garbage then you are entitled to that opinion...just stop proselytizing it. It's really annoying.

Just got my black M8 and love it. With the Noctilux, 35 cron and 90 APO it makes for a very portable and powerful kit. Beats the heck out of my Canon 5D which I sold without hesitation.

The images I'm getting are brilliant. So as far as Leica losing its luster...I couldn't disagree more.