In theory, the M11 USB-C should support "USBC PowerDelivery technology" but it would be great to confirm this with Leica before using third party chargers directly on the camera.
I have tried the USB charging feature when the M11 when connected to my Macbook Pro 16" to download images and it works fine.
I am using Anker Nano Pro Dup 40W (and others) to charge. My USB-C meter is not available for purchase any longer but is similar to the one that you linked to.
p.6 #2 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
SrMi wrote:
I am using Anker Nano Pro Dup 40W (and others) to charge. My USB-C meter is not available for purchase any longer but is similar to the one that you linked to.
In theory it should work but there is also a risk that third party charges offering multiple power outputs may be or become faulty after usage. It's always safer to use a charger only capable of the correct output for the device you are using.
It is just a warning that using non-Leica chargers on the camera directly may not be risk free as many believe.
p.6 #3 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
Fred Miranda wrote:
In theory it should work but there is also a risk that third party charges offering multiple power outputs may be or become faulty after usage. It's always safer to use a charger only capable of the correct output for the device you are using.
It is just a warning that using non-Leica chargers on the camera directly may not be risk free as many believe.
Do you really want to take a risk and plug that directly to your M11?
As far as I can see, in no case was the device being charged damaged. I always travel with a backup charger, as chargers can break, especially with dubious surge protectors or power supplies.
p.6 #5 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
Fred Miranda wrote:
In theory it should work but there is also a risk that third party charges offering multiple power outputs may be or become faulty after usage. It's always safer to use a charger only capable of the correct output for the device you are using.
It is just a warning that using non-Leica chargers on the camera directly may not be risk free as many believe.
p.6 #7 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
pmeheut wrote:
I bought one and used a MacBook Pro 96w charger, an iPad charger and an usb hub connected to the M11.
In every case: 5v and 1.65A.
That's great news and thanks for the info. Perhaps that means the M11 has 5 volts as a safety limit when charging the battery in-camera. I ordered a voltmeter as well and will test with my chargers, hubs and computers. I also asked Leica about this.
The Anker USB C 20W Fast Charger voltage measured 5V current (5.07 to 5.08V to be exact)
3. I measured the Leica M11 charger with the same Eversame 2 in 1 Type C USB Tester
The Leica M11 charger measured 5V current (5.03 to 5.04V)
Thanks for that info LB!
And I just measure the charging rate from my Macbook Pro 16" TB4 (USB-C) using the Eversame 2 in 1 Type C USB Tester and it reads: 5.18V | 0.89A when charging the battery directly to the camera.
Anything below 7.4 volts should be safe. So, perhaps third party charges are actually OK, as long as they continue outputting the correct voltage. The Leica M11 body and M11 battery charger seem to support USB-C PowerDelivery technology with around 5 volts as the maximum output it receives regardless of the charging device.
p.6 #10 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
Here is the answer I received from Leica in regards to third party chargers:
"Dear Fred,
We do not endorse third-party chargers.
The M11 can be charged via the USB port of a computer.
It is possible third party chargers work, but if customers use them, they do so at their own risk."
p.6 #11 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
Fred Miranda wrote:
Here is the answer I received from Leica in regards to third party chargers:
"Dear Fred,
We do not endorse third-party chargers.
The M11 can be charged via the USB port of a computer.
It is possible third party chargers work, but if customers use them, they do so at their own risk."
Yup, exactly what I would expect them to say. If the board gets fried from a third party charger, the user may be SOL, though Leica Passport Warranty does cover accidental damage — not sure how that would land.
p.6 #12 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
highdesertmesa wrote:
Yup, exactly what I would expect them to say. If the board gets fried from a third party charger, the user may be SOL, though Leica Passport Warranty does cover accidental damage — not sure how that would land.
If I charge my iPad Pro with the Anker 20W charger, it sends 12 volts output since the output varies depending on the device attached. However, whenever I charge the same iPad using my Macbook Pro's USB-C port, it only sends 5 volts.
It's perhaps unlikely but there is a chance a third party charger with multi-voltage output may be or become faulty and send the wrong voltage. Why risk?
Leica did say it can be charged from a computer USB-C port. Personally I would only use third party chargers to charge the battery outside the camera. If something goes wrong, it's just a battery. However, when charging the battery "in camera", I would only use a computer USB-C port or the Leica OEM charger. I believe Leica supports this approach because they only output 5 volts and that's 100% safe for the camera.
p.6 #13 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
I have yet to use the original Leica charger. Or my Macbook Pro charger either. I charge pretty much everything using a Satechi charger with PD and USBA charging ports. I have a couple of them. The biggest has a (recently purchased) 96W PD output for my MacBook Pro or Surface Laptop Studio. I also top the camera from various power banks (batteries) with no problems.
I use USB A to C cables for low powered devices like cameras. USBA is limited to 5 volts. Not risk of overvolting a circuit that way. My brick has two USBC and two USBA sockets and I can use all of them at once.
I use the same charger directly with my all my other cameras as well. No issues. I've been using this brand to charge my cameras for years. Leica, Fuji, Hasselblad, Nikon, Sony have all been fine. Not bricked a camera yet. I just upgraded to the 96W version for the new MacBook Pro I picked up. But I'll travel with my older one as a backup.
I'll take the Leica battery dock when I travel so I can charge my spare battery but that'll be hooked up to my Satechi charger as well. The Leica power brick can stay where it is. In the box.
p.6 #14 · 8 reasons why I love the M11 compared to the M10
Third party wall chargers with USB-A ports should be fine because they are limited to 5 volts just like the Leica OEM charger. Same goes for computer/laptop USB-C ports.
The issue may be using a PD chargers (capable of very high wattage and multiple voltage) with a device that does not conform to the USB Power Delivery standards. I'm not 100% sure if the M11 does.
Even if it does, one must trust the PD charger is working properly.
