Dead Batteries: I always carry 2 batteries for any camera so there is a backup for any reason. It seems that after a couple years batteries just go bad and I get a replacement. I never...

DRG777 Loc: Metro Detroit

I always carry 2 batteries for any camera so there is a backup for any reason. It seems that after a couple years batteries just go bad and I get a replacement. I never store a battery in the camera if I don't expect to use it for a few weeks or months, and I try not to store them with a full charge on. I will be needing my cameras soon and I got everything out for a checkover and to charge the batteries. Neither of the batteries for my Canon 6D would work. It seemed odd that both would be bad, so I worried that maybe the camera was broken. I had time so I went online and ordered an STK battery (good price, good reviews). When it arrived (2 days), after some charge time, the camera worked fine. That was a relief. Of the 2 bad batteries, one of them was a few years old, so that was not a big deal (brand - Power2000). The other one though, was only a year old or less (brand - Kastar). I have had Cannon brand batteries too, but they are not immune to this issue and cost many times more than others. What's your experience with batteries?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have been using the original batteries along with a couple same brand ones for about four years. I charge them when they drop below 20% and leave one in the camera,sometimes fully charged. I shoot at least weekly. My wife uses her camera every few weeks for five years,and follows the same procedure.

JPL

My experience is similar to yours. The batteries drain over time when not in use. But I charge them and use frequently enough to have never run into a situation where a battery is completely dead and will not charge again as you are describing.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I have both Canon and other brand batteries for my 5D. I find that a fully charge battery will drain some by the time I put it in the camera (after maybe a few weeks of not shooting). They will also drain a bit if left in the camera. Doesn't seem to make any difference. I've never had one drain totally down, though.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

All batteries sooner or later die. It's a matter of chemistry. The longest lived batteries ever are nuclear. But they are not used anymore because of the risks involved. The other chemistry of extremely long lasting, non rechargable, batteries are Lithium iodide. They are used in pacemakers, but are extremely expensive. A Li-02 camera battery would cost over 2 grand. They can last up to 10 years, depending on the drain placed upon them. OEM camera batteries probably will last longer that 3rd party. You pays your money and take your choices. I use a combination od OEM and 3rd party. So far so good.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I've had one Canon and three Lenmar batteries for about four years now.
They still seem to be fine.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Were these OEM batteries? I have two for each of my DSLRs. All four are still going strong.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

boberic wrote:

All batteries sooner or later die. It's a matter o... (show quote)

Nuclear batteries???

Wow! SF at its best! Send me one!

If you refer to Nuclear power plant, for info the reaction creates heat that is transformed into mechanical power using water then steam then turbines. I do not see where this came from....

Ricker Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah

Fuji recommends allowing their batteries to be stored in a dishcarged condition, not partially or completely charged. The batteries are Lithium Ion batteries. I was very surprised to read that. Before reading that, I always charged the batteries fully and, interestingly, when I put the charged battery into my camera it was shown as 100 percent charged, after being stored for about a year. That was what I expected. The two batteries I have are about 4-5 years old.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Use your camera more often and buy only OEM batteries. You wont keep having battery problems if you just use your camera. It's like cars, if they sit for a prolonged period of time the battery terminals get corroded and the battery degrades fast.

DRG777 wrote:

I always carry 2 batteries for any camera so there... (show quote)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

While I have an abundance (9) of Nikon batteries, I have been using several Nikon batteries for over five years without any incidents or failure. I couldn't tell you which are newer from the originals. One thing I love about Nikon batteries is that they seem to just work and work. I make sure they get recharged every couple of weeks.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

DavidPine wrote:

While I have an abundance (9) of Nikon batteries, I have been using several Nikon batteries for over five years without any incidents or failure. I couldn't tell you which are newer from the originals. One thing I love about Nikon batteries is that they seem to just work and work. I make sure they get recharged every couple of weeks.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Rongnongno wrote:

Nuclear batteries???

Wow! SF at its best! Send me one!

If you refer to Nuclear power plant, for info the reaction creates heat that is transformed into mechanical power using water then steam then turbines. I do not see where this came from....

Yes nuclear batteries. They were used in the early days of pacemakers. At that time pacers were powered by Merc-Zinc batteries and only lasted 3 years if lucky. The nukes would last forever. I worked for a company(Cordis) that made them. But they were rarely used because of the regs involved. There was even a company Cor-Atomic that got it's start in the pacemaker industry with nukes(hence the name) That was the early days of pacemaker implants- of which I was part.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

DavidPine wrote:

While I have an abundance (9) of Nikon batteries, I have been using several Nikon batteries for over five years without any incidents or failure. I couldn't tell you which are newer from the originals. One thing I love about Nikon batteries is that they seem to just work and work. I make sure they get recharged every couple of weeks.

I write the date placed into service on the battery with a fine point sharpie. That way I know which are the oldest.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

boberic wrote:

Yes nuclear batteries. They were used in the early days of pacemakers. At that time pacers were powered by Merc-Zinc batteries and only lasted 3 years if lucky. The nukes would last forever. I worked for a company(Cordis) that made them. But they were rarely used because of the regs involved. There was even a company Cor-Atomic that got it's start in the pacemaker industry with nukes(hence the name) That was the early days of pacemaker implants- of which I was part.

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