KimberlyF Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

I have a Nikon SB-700 and a 910. I purchased a bunch of batteries a couple of years ago such as the EBL 2800 mAh Nimh. I have not been using flash nor taking pictures in quite a while. My problem is that I charge the batteries and my tester tells me they are good. Then I put them in one of the speedlights and within 4 shots or so at varying power levels, the flash shows the low battery symbol. I take out the batteries and the tester tells me the batteries are good, which they should be as they were just charged. I feel my new tester is accurate. I would suspect a problem with the flash, but I have two and they both are doing the same thing. It's as if my Nikon speedlights don't like these batteries.

So, I am ready to purchase new AA's thinking these are a couple years old (not used for a long time) but I want to be sure it really is a battery issue and that I get good replacements if so. I'm spinning my wheels researching on-line so I'm hoping you can help resolve this.

Thank you so much for being my go-to helpers!

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

I would try some alkaline AA's in it & if it works ok, then it's the rechargables. I just went through the same scenario with my speedlight & Energizer 2500mah batteries. 50% of the batteries tested ok, but weren't when given a load. I hardly used them, but they sat a long while. Maybe the nature of the beast?
I'm using an SB-5000 now that replaced the SB-800 recently. I bought EBL 2800's for it. Hope they hold up. I haven't used them yet because I still have the Energizer ultimate lithium AA's in it that I bought while waiting for the EBL's to arrive. I've used them a lot & they still read 1.636 volts on a good tester.

Bill_de Loc: US

First thing I would do is ignore the low battery warning a couple of times and fire the flash and see how many shots you get before recycle time becomes excessive. If, after a couple of run the battery down/recharge cycles the battery doesn't hold up, replace them with Eneloop brand.

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Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Put a set in a flash and see how many flash photos you can take before there is insufficient power. This will tell you whether the batteries are going bad and don't hold a full charge (which I suspect) or the meter on the flash is incorrectly reading the charge. However, often you can charge and totally run down a battery and then charge it a second time and get it to take a better charge. I think you are on the way to purchase new batteries but make the best of what you have.

smf85 Loc: Freeport, IL

NiCAD and NiMH batteries have a limited shelf life particularly if they have been charged & used. 2-3 years is about average. For more information

https://sciencing.com/recondition-nicad-battery-6190591.html

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have a SB800 and a SB910. I used to use generic NiMH batteries but had problems with the batteries going dead quickly.

The charger I had was a series charger. You had to charge two batteries at a time. Since they were charged in series, if they had different capacities the first one to charge would turn off the charger. That could potentially leave the second battery with only a small partial charge.

I got a charger that charged the batteries individually rather than in series. I can charge one battery or 8 at a time. It worked much better.

After that I switched to Eneloop batteries, which hold a charge reliably over long periods of time. The performance improved again with that change.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Your best and most economical method of troubleshooting this issue is to purchase some inexpensive non-rechargeable AA batteries, Coppertops or Energizers, and install them in your Speedlights. They will probably operate normally. I suspect your old rechargeable batteries deteriorated from remaining dormant for a long period of time. If this is the case, at least, for a small investment in the AA batteries, you will find out if your Speedlights are functional.

Some rechargeable batteries develop "bad memories" due to inconsistent charge/discharge cycles.

I don't know what type of tester you are using but unless the batteries are tested under load, false readings can result.

If somehow there is a malfunction in you Speedlights, it is unlikely that both of them would have the same exact symptoms.

If you use your flash equipment frequently, a new set of rechargeable batteries and a reliable charging/testing system is a good investment, otherwise, regular alkaline batteries are less troublesome. If you decide to go back to rechargeables, consistent maintenance will extend their total longevity and more flashes per charge will result.

Also, remember- A long period of storage without usage can result in the deforming of the capacitors. If the capacitors become deformed beyond reforming, the units will not flash at all or may develop symptoms of bad capacitors; short-circuiting, popping and banging, and smoking. Mildly deform capacitors can be reformed by turning the units on without flashing for an hour and then resuming normal operation.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Just had a battery problem with my 910 this week in that firstly it would not work with a new good set of batteries.

Found that with the battery door not fully closed (batteries not fully pushed down) it worked fine. Investigation revealed verdigris on two inner contacts. Cleaned these with cotton buds and white vinegar and with the battery door fully closed then repeatedly got the low battery warning.

Further careful cleaning and then a light smear of Vaseline and all is now well.

Whilst it's unlikely you would have the same problem with two flashes it's worth checking the contacts as any corrosion/dirt is going to give a higher resistance.

usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

I use the eneloop pro BK-3HCCA's by Panasonic. No such problems for the last 4-5 years that I've owned them. Plus, cheaper to own in the long run than disposable ones.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

The issue is likely that NiMH batteries are 1.2 volts per cell fully charged, while standard non rechargeable AA alkaline batteries are close to 1.6V per cell, so the flash, which was designed for 1.5-1.6v batteries, “thinks” the NiMHs, are almost completely discharged even when actually completely charged (an alkaline battery at 1.2 volts is almost completely discharged). If the flash will fire and recycle adequately, just ignore the warning.

picsman Loc: Scotland

Agree. My local retailer (WEX) also advised me of this. I also bought a charger with discharging and refreshing modes which I use ocassionally.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

This is what I have always used in my Nikon SB910 and 800
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1047695-REG/panasonic_bk_3hcca8ba_eneloop_xx_aa_rechargeable.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

Nimh batteries often show good no load voltage when, in fact, they need charge. Your battery tester may not be placing a load on the cells being tested. I would charge all of those dormant cells with a charger that measures mAHs. Then you will know how much capcity you have added. How long it will last in a dormant state is another matter. If they will not accept a proper charge or retain the charge, replace them. Also, look for a battery tester that loads the cell under test. Others here will surely respond with their favorite brands of batteries. And, btw, don't leave batteries in you equipment for long periods of inactivity......they might leak.

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Years ago my first digital camera used AA batteries and I started off using nimh batteries but then switched to alkaline when I discovered these batteries many times give off a false reading as to how fully they are charged. My Sony camera was showing full charge but the lens would not extend so thinking something was wrong with the camera I sent it in for repair only to find out the batteries were dead. Never used nimh after that.

KimberlyF Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

I think you are so right, Muddy. The regular alkaline batteries work fine! Thank you so much!!!