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.

 

[Soundmike]

Hi, As my charger is fairly old the writing on the sticker is completely different, presumably your camera is fairly new in which case might be worth comparing to the same compatible charger. I do agree with Chris 3754 though, the sticker looks suspicious.

 

[Chris 3754]

If you notice, the lower right corner of the charger sticker indent has a different shape then the other corners and the sticker needs to match that angle. They is an extra step for in the manufacturing process that counterfeiters either miss or cannot make with their equipment. Open a box of medication, even over the counter meds, and look at the box flaps. You will usually see a unique angle and some other markings. These are secretly changed periodically and will correspond with the product lot number so that a manufacturer can identify fakes. Manufacturing that little notch is not as easy as it seems. This is not the notch so the flap folds correctly, it’s a unique shape added to the notch.

 

[iamdlewis]

You guys are looking way too much into that charger. The sticker looks off because you are looking at an image in which the subject is not straight in frame and also tilted away.

Here is what a US version looks like.

• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• 2.2 mm
• ƒ/2.2
• 416/10000 sec
• ISO 1000

The QR code for the supposed fake one and this one both only provide the serial number of the unit. Mine came out of the box of an A7Riv where it has resided since it was originally boxed until today.