Nope. Set it to the red X or B and it will work without a battery being inserted. Red X is a mechanical backup of 1/100 second in case while using it your battery dies. If it still doesnt work there is an issue with the camera.

Well, you can have some fun with them. Dr. Knut Kühn-Leitz himself said and I quote, "Mr. Tashima was a cosmopolitan, and therefore very concerned about the successful outcomes of international cooperation. He preferred -as he literally put it- the harmony of fierce competition. In my mind’s eye, I view Mr. Tashima as a wise, gentle, reserved and selfless man. To this day I sense his sincerity and his search for harmony. Much about his personality reminds me of my grandfather, who as a pioneer of small format photography was not just a great entrepreneur, but also a great human being like Kazuo Tashima." Part of a letter he wrote to the family of Kazuo Tashima founder of Minolta after he died. Leica snobs should research the history before opening their mouth. Sony has Minolta DNA in it which also has Leica DNA.