LBJ2 wrote:
I was looking into the Nitecore USB Travel Charger for the Leica BP-SCL4 Battery and found this review on B&H.
No idea, if the below is accurate or not, but what caught my attention are the instructions to fully charge and fully drain a new BP-SCL4 Leica battery three to four times initially for maximum life time performance. If this is true, then understanding the Nitecore will only charge about 80% even if it displays 100% charged is good to know for those initial 3-4 first time uses with these very expensive batteries...
"...it must be understood that REGARDLESS OF THE INPUT (I.E. SOURCE) AMPERAGE, THIS COMPACT TRAVEL CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE YOUR LEICA BP-SCL4 BATTERY TO 100% FULL. Instead, it will charge your battery to about 80%. Although the charger will report that the battery is fully charged (and will, therefore, automatically cease further charging)...
Finally, be aware that as per the included instructions for the Leica BP-SCL4 battery, the battery must initially be FULLY charged (and fully discharged by using it in the camera) for 3-4 FULL charge/discharge cycles before reaching its full operating performance. While this may seem like a minor detail, considering the staggering price of the Leica BP-SCL4 battery, I'm sure we all want maximum performance from it. Hence, while this Nitecore USB battery charger is very convenient (especially while traveling), it will NOT charge your Leica BP-SLC4 battery to 100%, and while the 80% charge that it WILL provide IS admittedly useful, IT CANNOT REPLACE THE OEM LEICA BC-SCL4 BATTERY CHARGER, as only the OEM Leica BC-SCL4 battery charger will charge your Leica BP-SCL4 battery to 100%, which is critical in establishing (and periodically maintaining) maximum performance from your battery. I own this Nitecore USB charger. I use it while traveling. But I understand its important limitations, and now you do, too."
According to the comment, you can test the 100% charge indicated by the Nitecore by putting the battery directly into the camera and check the battery symbol or in the Leica charger to see if it continues to charge for some time.
I don't have the Nitecore myself yet to test. Most importantly I would imagine is to run new batteries though the fully charged and fully recharged cycle listed in the manual. Something I have never paid attention to with any of these batteries.
