Sony A1II Fake batteries with the latest cameras

[DJT]

In 2019 I switched to Sony, got myself a couple of 3rd party batteries to go with my A9. I immediately got the warning about using a non genuine battery. Concerned I may miss a shot when this warning popped up (shooting wildlife and sport) I decided to buy myself 2 "genuine" Sony batteries. I had no further issues or warnings, batteries have worked fine for the past 6 years. Then in June I decided to get myself the A1 MK 2. When I put one of my Sony batteries in that I was using in the A9, I started to get warning messages about non genuine batteries. Puzzled, I did a little research only to find the ones I purchased 6 years ago were actually counterfeit Sony batteries (not 3rd party or genuine Sony ones) and the A1 MK 2 didn't like them at all, where as the A9 had no issues with them.

On Saturday I decided to use one of the non genuine ones in the A1 MK 2 as I was shooting all afternoon at a sporting event and also going out on a photo walk Saturday evening. I put the non genuine battery in and immediately got the warning message. I acknowledged it and carried on shooting. After about 2 or 3 minutes I got a "Battery Exhausted" message up and that was that (all my batteries had been fully charged before going out.) I ended up running down the pitch to my camera bag to quickly put in a genuine battery and continue shooting the game. When I got home I put the battery into my A9 and it works fine, saying it has 81 % charge remaining.

So, it would seem that possibly the newer Sony cameras/latest firmware are less tolerant of non genuine batteries. Just a heads up to anyone considering buying non genuine batteries.

 

[HarleyG]

Can anyone tell me if there's any way to identify this supposedly Sony charger?
I bought it new, off eBay, but the 'sloppy' fit of the cable and battery seating leads me to think it may be a pirate copy.
And, it doesn't fully charge!
I'm sending it back but would like to ascertain if it's a faulty Sony or none Sony.

 

[Unframed Dave]

An excellent product if you spend a bit of time off grid. I can charge two batteries of it's own internal battery.

• SM-G981B
• 5.4 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/25 sec
• ISO 800

 

[iamdlewis]

Can anyone tell me if there's any way to identify this supposedly Sony charger?
I bought it new, off eBay, but the 'sloppy' fit of the cable and battery seating leads me to think it may be a pirate copy.
And, it doesn't fully charge!
I'm sending it back but would like to ascertain if it's a faulty Sony or none Sony.

That is the older charger that they gave you with cameras. I have at least one but have never used it.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Can anyone tell me if there's any way to identify this supposedly Sony charger?
I bought it new, off eBay, but the 'sloppy' fit of the cable and battery seating leads me to think it may be a pirate copy.
And, it doesn't fully charge!
I'm sending it back but would like to ascertain if it's a faulty Sony or none Sony.

I've owned a lot of those chargers - they were the standard charger included with the higher-end cameras until the release of the A1 II (which came with a dual battery version). The sticker on the bottom looks quite different, but the one I was comparing it to was one I bought in Europe, so I'm not surprised. That one looks like one supplied in Asia.

The power lead on mine fits snugly, and the battery clicks in firmly. Maybe it's a counterfeit? Especially if it doesn't charge the battery fully.

 

[Chris 3754]

I did some work in pharmaceutical security involving counterfeit products. The best way to tell a counterfeit anything is to have it side by side with a known control sample. However I am suspicious of the product you have based on the type and placement of the product ID sticker. Most high quality mainstream companies would not use a sticker that looks like it can be easily removed. Also, looking at the lower right corner, it is out of alignment. Again, a quality company would not tolerate that. Counterfeiters are constantly improving, but they can’t control the little things like a major manufacturing company.