Leica M9/MM battery prob?

[xdayv]

Interesting, a Li-ion battery should not have any memory effect, so charging anywhere in the discharge cycle should not make any difference (according to the manufacturers).

I have found that off-brand batteries die very quickly, which is a sign of poor materials that are not, necessarily, reflected in the price. I now only buy genuine and find they last much much longer.

I have seen some debate about the latest frimware for both M9 and MM being sensitive to battery charge state, in that the cameras often close down very shortly after the battery is reported to be at 50% charge (i.e. disproportionately quickly, compared to the first 50% of charge). Apparently, earlier versions of firmware last down to 10% or so. there is some stuff to read on L User forum.

John, thanks for your reply.

Two things:
1. Yes, that's what I presumed that Li-on batteries can be charged mid way... But I usually use it till around 10% or so. In some of my previous readings, Li-on batteries shouldn't be drained totally, is this accurate?

2. On my MM, I found out that the first 50% (from full charge down to 50%) always last longer than the remaining 50%... I also have the latest firmware.

 

[john neal]

Dave,

Li-ion should not be completely discharged, or so I am told. I have heard of them reversing polarity if completely exhausted, but that could just be excuses from R/C model fliers to cover up their crash record 😉

Incidentally, I love your work, but for some odd filtering reason, can only see it from home - the commissariat at work see fit to exclude your host for some reason 🙁

 

[raid]

Is there any update on using batteries for Leica M9?

 

[Rob-F]

Hmm . . . What if the off-brand batteries are not really lithium, but Ni-Cd or NiMH, marked as lithium? Or maybe even rechargeable alkaline cells? They could be made with the same or nearly the same voltage, but would not charge correctly in a charger designed for lithium. Inappropriate charging parameters could result in improper charging, or even short out or otherwise damage the batteries. How do we know what materials they may have used?

 

[raid]

Is there a proof of such a thing happening, Rob?