taffy
Well-known
There are some sellers on eBay selling sub-$20 batteries for the M8. Any risk using these instead of Leica branded batteries?
Are 3rd party batteries safe?
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kuzano
Veteran
Often Counterfeit
Often Counterfeit
This has been an ongoing discussion about batteries sold on-line that are counterfeit, and that may do damage. eBay, because of it's nature is often referred to on this, but the discussion is widespread on the internet.
There are sites dedicated to educating people on how to avoid counterfeit. Sounds a bit like buying a Ferrari and putting "bias ply" tires on it to me??? There's bound to be a wreck.....😱
Often Counterfeit
This has been an ongoing discussion about batteries sold on-line that are counterfeit, and that may do damage. eBay, because of it's nature is often referred to on this, but the discussion is widespread on the internet.
There are sites dedicated to educating people on how to avoid counterfeit. Sounds a bit like buying a Ferrari and putting "bias ply" tires on it to me??? There's bound to be a wreck.....😱
porktaco
Well-known
ChrisN
Striving
The fearful say no. I've yet to see a report that gave evidence of any harm.
taffy
Well-known
kuzano said:
You mean fake Leica batteries when you say counterfeit? Im referring to batteries that are openly sold as third party replacement / alternative batteries.
Does your reply above refer to the both?
mdwsta4
Matty Westside
I find it utterly absurd that Leica batteries cost over $100 as well as the fact that seemingly no 3rd party batteries work well with chargers/battery meters. It's not like the batteries are hand built, made from brass, hold a charge for 2,000 shots, etc to justify such a price.
I primarily use OEM batteries, but like to have a back up or 2 in case of emergency or when traveling. In the dozen or so cameras I have owned over the last decade with OEM and generic batteries, I have not once had a problem. The fact that I have to pay $140 for a battery I may literally use a handful of times or pay $30 and have a battery not work more than once is ridiculous.
Don't think I'll ever understand or get used to that with Leica cameras.
I primarily use OEM batteries, but like to have a back up or 2 in case of emergency or when traveling. In the dozen or so cameras I have owned over the last decade with OEM and generic batteries, I have not once had a problem. The fact that I have to pay $140 for a battery I may literally use a handful of times or pay $30 and have a battery not work more than once is ridiculous.
Don't think I'll ever understand or get used to that with Leica cameras.
jtm6
Well-known
A while back a couple of people on a Nikon board said knockoff batteries exploded/melted/gooed inside their Nikon bodies. Supposedly Nikon service said using unofficial batteries voided the warranty so any repair costs would be out of pocket.
If I had a $7000 camera body, $120 for a battery doesn't seem so bad.
ChrisN
Striving
Well, what would you expect from a Nikon? 😀
I think what sticks in the craw is the thought of paying $120 for a Leica battery, knowing that it is made with perhaps $10 worth of materials. Leica has declared themself to be in the luxury goods market, and one expects to pay a premium, but that degree of markup seems unconscionable even for Leica. Leica lenses are priced exorbitantly too, but the buyer can be confident they are getting a premium product with premium performance. But a battery is just a battery, even if it has a Leica stamp on it.
__hh
Well-known
They all come from the same factory. It's what happens to the packaging that matters in terms of price and perception of quality.
btgc
Veteran
They just can't sell battery for -teen bucks, as it would ruin image of company. And that would look too cheap and non-serious for camera owners. Paying $120 people believe they are getting quality product matching bodies and lenses.
I still can't believe in film days Leica didn't sell film labelled as their own.
jtm6
Well-known
😕 The Nikon body and batteries weren't the problem.
Regarding some other posts, I know $120 is expensive but the point was many felt in hindsight it wasn't worth saving a few bucks if it violated the warranty.
jtm6
Well-known
Not all batteries are the same or even come from the same country. Some of the knockoffs are really quite bad.
peter_n
Veteran
Yes they can be quite bad. It's best to do your due diligence before buying 3rd party batteries. I've used them in phones and cameras with no problems for years. I recently got a NEX-7 and bought two batteries for it at $8 each with free shipping. Sony's retail price is $78 and the street price is $60 (I think). These batteries are labeled with the same # NP-FW50 as the OEM part but labeled Dayven. Their performance is indistinguishable from the OEM battery.
