For Lenses; For The Battery - Leica M9 Instructions Manual

For lenses

• Normally, a soft hair brush is sufficient to remove
dust from the outer lens elements. However, in case
of more stubborn dirt, they can be carefully cleaned
with a very clean, soft cloth that is completely free
of foreign matter, using circular motions from the
inside to the outside. We recommend micro-fiber
cloths (available from photographic and optical spe-
cialists) that are stored in a protective container
and can be washed at temperatures of up to 40°C
(without fabric softener, never iron!). Cloths for
cleaning glasses, which are impregnated with chem-
icals, should not be used as they can damage the
lens glass.
• Take care not to scratch the 6-bit coding (1.11) in
the bayonet, or to get it dirty. Take care also that no
grains of sand or similar particles enter the fasten-
ing, where they could scratch the bayonet. Never
wet this component when cleaning it!
• For optimum front lens protection in unfavorable
photographic conditions (e.g. sand, salt water
spray), use transparent UVa filters. However, you
should bear in mind that, like all filters, they can
cause unwanted reflections in certain backlight sit-
uations and with high contrasts. The generally rec-
ommended lens hood also protects the lens from
unintentional fingerprints and the rain.
166 / Care instructions

For the battery

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries generate power
through internal chemical reactions. These reactions
are also influenced by the external temperature and
humidity. Very high or low temperatures reduce the
life of the battery.
• Always remove the battery if you will not be using
the LEICA M9 for a long period of time. Otherwise,
after several weeks the battery could become total-
ly discharged, i.e. the voltage is significantly re -
duced, as the LEICA M9 uses a low no-load current
(to save the date) even when it is turned off.
• Lithium ion batteries should be stored only when
partially charged, i.e. not completely discharged or
fully charged (in the corresponding display in the
monitor (1.32)). For very long storage periods, it
should be charged up for around 15 minutes twice a
year to prevent total discharge.
• Always ensure that the battery contacts are clean
and freely accessible. While lithium ion batteries are
proof against short circuits, they should still be pro-
tected against contact with metal objects such as
paper clips or jewelry. A short-circuited battery can
get very hot and cause severe burns.
• If a battery is dropped, check the casing and the
contacts immediately for any damage. Using a dam-
aged battery can damage the LEICA M9.
• Batteries have only a limited service life.
• Take damaged batteries to a collection point to
ensure correct recycling.
• Never throw batteries into a fire as this can cause
them to explode.