M10 Battery BP-SCL5 availability

Oren Grad said:
The BP-SCL2 battery used by the M240/246/262 series has the same problem - out of stock everywhere, no commitment on delivery times but orders typically taking many months to be filled.
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Indeed. The BP-SCL2 has its own thread: Leica M240 series battery scarcity

I made this one to try to keep it separate; the issues are different.

The BP-SCL4 for the original SL mirrorless is also scarce, and, at least according to some outlets, discontinued.

The most substantial problem with all of this is that Leica won’t provide clear information. There is a lot of “it’s only a regional problem, there are plenty in x continent (typically Europe)” on the internet. I went to numerous European camera stores and Leica Wetzlar during the last 12 months to try to get BP-SCL5 batteries, but there were none, and at Leica I got a different story from every person I spoke to.
 
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Freakscene said:
Indeed. The BP-SCL2 has its own thread: Leica M240 series battery scarcity

I made this one to try to keep it separate; the issues are different.

The BP-SCL4 for the original SL mirrorless is also scarce, and, at least according to some outlets, discontinued.

The most substantial problem with all of this is that Leica won’t provide clear information. There is a lot of “it’s only a regional problem, there are plenty in x continent (typically Europe)” on the internet. I went to numerous European camera stores and Leica Wetzlar during the last 12 months to try to get BP-SCL5 batteries, but there were none, and at Leica I got a different story from every person I spoke to.
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Kind of like a shell game. Where's the pea?
 
I just picked up a new leica m10 battery bp-scl5. I aksed a friend that works for a leica store if they had any and I told him I was looking for one . they didn't have any in stock last month but a couple came in yesterday. I was very lucky to snag one up. Apparently they only get a few at the time and they immediately get sold. I know you can purchase a backordered one from leica store miami and they will ship it to you once they get one in. not where I got mine and I have no idea how long that will take. I am pretty sure I just got lucky.
 
BTW, my last M10 battery was "dead" when I got it. Apparently it is a common thing. BUT! If it's a new battery it's probably OK but you need to employ some magic to get it going.
I had to attempt charging it, then again, then again, for many cycles and it eventually started working normally. The battery experts here know why...but it has to do with the little chip in the battery that needs to have just a teeny bit of juice to be able to interface with the charger properly. Repeated attempts to change a fully dead battery (because it sat on shelf for long time) may (may!) eventually introduce just enough charge into the battery that it's chip starts working normally.
Just my experience at least. Now my brand new10 battery works great. Good luck everyone!
 
Looking for a M10 battery for so long in Asia, then realised they have nothing here.

I ended up finding some stock remain from random German websites. So I ordered one and asked a friend to bring it back.

Finally received it yesterday, I guess this is the fastest way for someone who really needs a new battery right now.
 
boojum said:
OK, I am a chronic complainer of the shell game being run by the boys in Wetzlar. My position is that if you think that you are being screwed you are right.

OK, so explain why a lower power battery https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1768279-REG/leica_19531_battery_bp_scl6_black.html costs 2.4 times as much as a more powerful battery for a different brand? https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...00238_01_li_ion_rechargeable_battery_for.html
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Might as well switch to Hasselblad, the savings in batteries will offset the higher cost of cameras and lenses! 😆

What bugs me just as much is that the form factor and terminals of the SCL4/6 are very similar to the Panasonic S5 battery, and even bears the name Panasonic. The specs of the Panasonic S5 battery are 2200mAh and 7.2V, which is the same as the later Leica SCL6 used in the Q3 and SL3. So Leica have been using lower powered batteries from Panasonic for the SL2 and Q2 for years! Aftermarket batteries for the Panasonic S5 are everywhere, but not for the SL2 or Q2. I can buy four aftermarket Panasonic S1 batteries for $100 AUD, compared with $350 for ONE Leica SCL6. Ugh.
 
I wonder what has changed? Has Leica released the rights to manufacture or is it just that dodgy* manufacturers have identified a need and feel it’s worth a risk.

My personal feeling is that the problem stems more from Leica’s incompetence than evil intent. I mean, setting the price high then having none to sell is hardly a way to make money.

* Legally dodgy, no judgement on the batteries. We will wait and see on that.
 
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