M8 batteries

[froyd]

Any guesses as to how long M8 batteries will be available for purchase (either original or 3rd party).

If I correct, they are the same as the M9. Makes me wonder whether Leica will change the battery format for the M10. It would be bad to penalize a new product with old battery technology, but adopting the same battery format as the previous digital M would expand the user base, an hopefully make it so there will be new batteries that fit an M8 10 years from today.

I wonder if in the future will see a cottage industry of battery adapter to keep old digital Leicas alive.

 

[IEDEI]

Any guesses as to how long M8 batteries will be available for purchase (either original or 3rd party).

If I correct, they are the same as the M9. Makes me wonder whether Leica will change the battery format for the M10. It would be bad to penalize a new product with old battery technology, but adopting the same battery format as the previous digital M would expand the user base, an hopefully make it so there will be new batteries that fit an M8 10 years from today.

I wonder if in the future will see a cottage industry of battery adapter to keep old digital Leicas alive.

there are already TONS of generic batteries out there for sale...and i'm sure there will continue to be.

 

[froyd]

there are already TONS of generic batteries out there for sale...and i'm sure there will continue to be.

But why will there continue to be? Can you expand on that or are you basing it on a gut feeling?

For instance, I cannot find batteries for my old minolta digicam from 2004.

Leica, unlike Minolta is not likely to disappear in 10 years, and if the M9 uses the same batteries... but my little Minolta digicam probably sold more units than the m8 and m9 combined.

I would like to believe that if there is a market for a product, it will be offered... but I'd like some anecdotal evidence and reassurance from digital M users who must have thought about their camera's longevity more than I have.

 

[Mudman]

You can still find third party batteries for the Nikon D1 and D1x if that puts your mind at ease.

 

[IEDEI]

But why will there continue to be? Can you expand on that or are you basing it on a gut feeling?

For instance, I cannot find batteries for my old minolta digicam from 2004.

Leica, unlike Minolta is not likely to disappear in 10 years, and if the M9 uses the same batteries... but my little Minolta digicam probably sold more units than the m8 and m9 combined.

I would like to believe that if there is a market for a product, it will be offered... but I'd like some anecdotal evidence and reassurance from digital M users who must have thought about their camera's longevity more than I have.

what kind of minolta digicam do you have?

first of all, it's great that the M8, M8.2, M9, and MM all share the same type of battery-----because batteries are KNOWN to be degradable goods, and considering how many 'generic' companies are already making batteries for the M8 and the fact that Leica is still having official OEM batteries made----the likelihood that you will have a hard time in the next 10 years is slim to none.

the key figures are not how many Minolta digicams were made VS. Leica Ms....the key figure would be how many are actually needing batteries in 2012 vs. 2004. I'm guessing there aren't too many Minolta Digicams with enthusiastic owners around....no offense, of course.

in 1977 there were likely FAR more Ford Mavericks made than Porsche 911s. That being said....it will be easier to find many parts for the 911 than the Maverick. why? because a large percentage of 911s from 1977 are still on the road...while the Mavericks went away years ago out of circulation.

 

[froyd]

You can still find third party batteries for the Nikon D1 and D1x if that puts your mind at ease.

It does!
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[froyd]

the key figures are not how many Minolta digicams were made VS. Leica Ms....the key figure would be how many are actually needing batteries in 2012 vs. 2004. I'm guessing there aren't too many Minolta Digicams with enthusiastic owners around....no offense, of course.

Yes, that exactly what I am counting on. My old Minolta PS has not gone to the trash heap out of inertia, but it's been replaced twice over. If I shelled the $2000-$3000 for a second hand M8 or M8.2 I'd be planing to keep that puppy working for a good long while. I was just hoping somebody has some proof points to bolster my hopes...

Mudman definitely set my mind at ease with the D1 reference.

 

[Kent]

Mudman definitely set my mind at ease with the D1 reference.

And I can confirm, 'cause I bought one some months ago. It works great in my D1.