Cheaper battery for Leica M8

[kbg32]

I agree with Jaap. I owned 2 generic batteries for the M8. Not only did they not keep their charges, on two separate occasions, they died in the camera. I picked up the camera to take a picture and the camera was quite hot to the touch and the battery was dead.

You spend 5K for a camera, don't skimp on the batteries!

 

[ampguy]

Does anyone know if a 3rd party smaller charger exists for the M8 batteries? I am aware that the 8.2 charger is smaller, thanks.

 

[HenningW]

Batteries and chargers

Batteries and chargers

Ansmann makes a universal charger that charges pretty much any battery. I usually carry one of these in addition to one original for each type of battery I take on a trip; that way I have backup. I should probably just get another Ansmann.

I've had about a dozen or more digital cameras by now, and I've never bought an additional OEM battery unless the 3rd party ones weren't out yet.

These are for Canon, Panasonic, Fuji and Leica cameras. I've had failure of 4 OEM batteries, and 1 3rd party battery, even though I have used about 4 times as many 3rd party batteries as OEM ones.

My first Leica OEM battery died after about 3 months use. The second is still alive, and the other OEM I got with my second M8 is also dead. It lasted only 2 months. None of the 12 3rd party M8 batteries I've used has died, all have held about as much charge as the OEM batteries at their best, and they all cost about $10US with shipping ea. So for about $140Cdn I got 12 functional batteries, while stores here sell one OEM battery for $150. I believe I'm way ahead, and just because the cameras were expensive doesn't mean I have to throw money after them blindly.

I also don't buy Leica lens caps if 3rd party ones fit, and I like Domke straps better than Leica ones. I paid a lot of money for things like the M8's, the WATE and the 21 Summilux among many others, but those items provided value to me that other sources couldn't provide.

OEM batteries don't provide value.

Henning

 

[jaapv]

Does anyone know if a 3rd party smaller charger exists for the M8 batteries? I am aware that the 8.2 charger is smaller, thanks.

Delkin is supposed to have one.

 

[swoop]

I bought one of the Adorama ones and it was complete crap. It's hit or miss as to whether or not it holds a charge. And then there are the times when it works, but the battery power indicator shows it's empty.

I just bought a genuine Leica battery and saved myself the trouble. I'm looking at getting another soon. Yeah, it's pricey. But piece of mind is hard to put a value on.

My question is, when the M9 comes around, will it use the same batteries as the M8 or will I have to make a whole new investment. If so then I'd have no issue buying the genuine article. But if they're going to redesign them. Then forget it.