Non-original spare batteries for M8. Bad idea?

[andrea_taurisano]

<p>Hi<br>

Does anyone have experience with non-original 1800 mA batteries for M8 / M9?<br>

I guess the slightly lower current (1800 mA vs the 1900 mA given by the original batteries) may result in slightly fewer shots per charge.<br>

However, Leica claims that any other batteries than the original ones can make the camera malfunction or even damage it, and guarantee of course wouldn't cover this.<br>

Yet, original batteries cost 110 - 130 $, while the non-original come for 10 - 20 $ (there are many on ebay).<br>

Any experience? thanx</p>

[randy_lewis1]

<p>I got this one on the recommendation of another member.<br>

http://e-batterystore.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/617/products_id/1156?osCsid=27d84cc29db9cef807fab0f7608bf391<br>

Works great, charges to full in the M8 charger and has no memory. $50.00</p>

[randy_lewis1]

<p>Sorry, Wrong Link. Here is the correct one. It's an Empire Battery that I got from Amazon<br>

http://www.amazon.com/Empire-battery-Leica-1900mAh-Li-ion/dp/B0018HRTJY</p>

[andrea_taurisano]

<p>Thanks a lot, Randy. I think I'll give your battery a try (it delivers 1900 mA like the original LØeica batteries, unlike most of those for sale on eay that vary between 1700 and 1800 mA).<br>

I was fearing tons of replies like "only original batteries on my M3"... ;-)</p>

[john_gellings]

<p>Well, I used a third party battery (not the one linked to) and it gave me all types of issues. It just made my M8 bug out. It would lock up, corrupt my memory card, last for only like 30 minutes, etc. Bought a Leica branded battery and my M8 works perfectly. I would only use the third party batteries in an emergency and after testing them for days. </p>

[andrea_taurisano]

<p>John, your post kind of mitigates my enthusiasm, but am glad you posted it. Sounds like your issues at least didn't damage your M8... And it proves that what Leica claims about issues with third party batteries isn't only to sell their own batteries. </p>

[andrea_taurisano]

<p>Randy, reading the two user reviews at the very link you gave me, it sounds like you were lucky with your third party battery. Both reviewers had terrible experiences... There seem to be much random performance here, and since the price of your battery is almost half the price of an original battery, it may quickly turn out more expensive to give the third party a try, if it doesn't work out as hoped... thanks for your answers anyway!</p>

[randy_lewis1]

<p>Andrea,<br>

As luck would have it, I just tried the Battery again. It will not work in my M8 now. Shows full charge on the charger, but nothing when I insert it in the camera.<br>

Thanks for posting the thread. I would have hated to be out and find the back-up battery didn't work when I needed it.</p>

[MTC Photography]

<p>I heard that some cell phone battery exploded. Not long ago, laptop makers recalled battery. It is important to get the right battery. Not worth the risk.</p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>In the long run it is cheaper to stick with Leica batteries. Skimp on anything except batteries. </p>

[Alex_Es]

<p>In the long run it is cheaper to stick with Leica batteries. Skimp on anything except batteries. </p>

[pablito_pistola]

<p>Don't skimp on memory cards! Cheaper ones can corrupt image files or not work at all. For instance, the "K" brand.<br>

:-(</p>