Madchemist Loc: Nesbit, MS

Greetings!!

I have two batteries for my Nikon D3200. I noticed one, when charging, never completely charges based on the charger. When in the camera, it does show a full charge. I do believe it is time to replace this battery, but in the mean time, is there any issue if I continue to use it as a back up?

Thank you!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

If the battery still works fine then why worry about it? Why not continue to use it as you would any other battery, backup or spare?

Dennis

throughrhettseyes Loc: Rowlett, TX

how old is it and did you use it the most of the two? But yeah throw it away.

Madchemist Loc: Nesbit, MS

Thank you Dennis. Why not use it? Just want to make sure that the fact that the battery is behaving differently does not cause issues with the camera electronically.

Madchemist Loc: Nesbit, MS

Both batteries are about the same age (as old as the camera) and I have tried to use both about the same. When one needed charging I would use the alternate until it needed charging.

szoots

You should be able to get approximate exposures each fully charged battery will do. You should get that info from your camera spec sheet if not Google it. Just go on using the two batteries as you have and just note the number of exposure you counting the number of cards that get filled. I get about 1,500 per charge shooting RAW. When that number declines, you can choose the appropriate time to replace the batteries. I always carry two spares even though I rarely go have to use the third.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

If the batteries still perform satisfactorily, maybe the charger indicator is faulty.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

One of the risks from using any old battery is the body condition, especially around the contacts penetrations, that might lead to leakage of internal matter. So long as the case remains intact your only risk is power life.

skeeth

B F D what's the big concern?

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

Oftentimes batteries test differently on various devices. The are best tested under load to determine if the are charging to and retaining their ideal voltage. If you are using and charging them regularly, there should be no issues. If the are yield the normal amount of exposures per charge there shouldn't be any major concerns. As they age or if the develop bad "memories" due to erratic usage and charging cycles, they may begin to drain faster under normal usage. Always check your batteries, the battery compartment and all the contacts for cleanliness and make certain that there are no signs of corrosion or leakage. If you equipment is in long term storage or remains dormant for very long periods it is best to store the batteries separate from the camera.

Of course, you charger should be in good repair, of the specific type for the batteries you are using and charging the batteries at the correct rate, usually measured in milliamperes. There should be no signs of overheating. Most modern chargers will automatically diminish its charging rate as the battery charges up and either shut off or switch into a trickle or maintenance rate. Some chargers have indicator lights so you can monitor theses functions.

Carrying spare batteries is always a good practice. Sometimes even new batteries can unexpectedly fail.

Nowadays batteries and energy storage is very advanced and there are new technologies and formulations emerging all the time. Many of the old pitfalls are no longer problematic. It is a good idea to review you camera's manual to see if there are any battery maintenance procedures. You may also wish to see if there are any updates or improvements in the kinds of batteries that are available and are compatible with your equipment.

Years ago, a single simple battery was all that was needed to power the camera's exposure meter and a few more were added for a motor drive. Nowadays cameras have multiple and sophisticated electronic functions, readouts and have more lights and indicators than a police car. Older SLRs could operate mechanically and manually even if the battery died and there was usually one shutter speed that would work mechanically even in the event of a "power failure". This, of course is no longer the case in electronically based digital gear.

I don't think using your older battery as a backup will be problematic or harmful to the camera as long as you are watchful of the above suggestions.

Better safe than sorry.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

There are several different chemistrys for Li-ion batteries. A good discussion is presented on WikiPedia under Lithium Ion Batteries. Aelf discharge rate is said to be about 2% per month. There will always be a self-discharge as a charged battery is at a higher Gibbs Free Energy than a discharged battery and nature seeks to lower a systems energy state. If not golf balls would fall up.