I hadn't thought about battery leakage/corrosion in years. Used Sanyo NiMH for several years while shooting sports and events, but since retired found that they wouldn't hold a charge for more than several days, so every time I went to use them, they needed to be recharged. So I've switched back to alkaline with good results. But now I remember those corrosion problems and am taking them out between uses. (Thanks for the reminder!) I just might try Eneloops.
I bought a bunch of the Ni-Zn 2500mWh batteries because I read there were the hottest thing on the market, I put them in my camera/speedlight did a couple photos, couple days later I picked my 3200 back up and the batteries were completely dead!! I recharged them and the same thing happened!!
Yes, MrT brings up a great point. Never leave ANY batteries loose in your camera bag or luggage! They should always be protected in some sort of plastic case that prevents the terminals from shorting against random metal objects.
In fact, lithium rechargeables have to be kept in your device, or in a protective case, or properly capped, because if they short, they can explode or catch fire! Even NiMH cells can start fires when shorted. So don't just dump a bunch of batteries loose in your bag...
As an AV specialist, I usually carried spare batteries for the wireless mics we used at events. I once burned my leg by putting an unprotected, new 9V alkaline transistor battery in my pants pocket with some loose change. It shorted against a quarter, burst open, and leaked caustic goo, ruining the battery and my suit trousers... Fortunately, I had an assistant to take care of things while I changed.
n3eg
Loc: West coast USA
Another vote for Eneloops from someone who works with rechargeables every day. While I've seen every type of battery leak under the wrong conditions, Eneloops are the least likely. They also have the highest peak current capacity.
Also, lithium batteries are reasonably reliable for primary (non-rechargeable) applications. They can leak or vent when discharged fully in some applications, so when the flash doesn't flash, toss them immediately!
Nikon_DonB wrote:
I've had great results with the Precision Design Brand sold by Cameta. They are 1.25volt each, NiMH and are rated at 2900mAh. You get 4-pack cases with them that are ideal for my SB700. When I'm doing flash work I grab a pack or two and I'm ready to roll.
I DO remove them after use. Why invite a problem.
are they similar to ultimate lithium?
ronny
juicesqueezer wrote:
Well, thought I'd post this: Normally, when done shooting with my speedlite, I remove the batteries. Well, for some reason, I didn't the last time and went to use my SB-600 yesterday and when I went to install batteries, realized that I had never removed them from the last shoot. One was already corroded and the light would not function. Removed all four batteries and tried the eraser method on the contacts, etc. This did not work. Finally went to the kitchen and got the wife's bottle of apple vinegar. With a cotton swab (cu-tip), I gently cleaned the contacts, both inside the holder and externally. Then used another swab and used rubbing alcohol to remove the vinegar residue. Left lid open and air dried. Re-installed new batteries and all worked again. This time, removed the new batteries for the next shoot.
In posting this, I hope it will help someone remember to remove the batteries afterwards and if not, hopefully a way to fix the speedlite if something like this should happen to you.
Well, thought I'd post this: Normally, when done ... (
show quote)
It sounds like you used acid core batteries. Always use alkaline batteries. If they leak they just leave a white residue that can be removed with a damp cu-tip but I agree, if your not using your flash for awhile remove the batteries or at least turn the unit off.
LFingar wrote:
I gave that up years ago! :lol:
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
MrT wrote:
When you remove the batteries from the speed light how do you store them? Leaving them to roll around in my camera bag doesn't seem like a good idea either. I have a set for my mbd10 that I put in the holder to keep them organized but the has got to be another way.
Put them in a small zip-lock bag.
Juicesqueer, Can you post this again in a few weeks? It works as a great reminder. I hadn't used either of my SB-600's for several weeks and hadn't removed the batteries either. Honestly didn't think about it. You may have save them with this post! Just took a look and sure enough one of the alkaline batteries had begun to leak. Think I'll join the crowd here and invest in rechargeable batteries. Thanks bunches!
Sunnybuck wrote:
Juicesqueer, Can you post this again in a few weeks? It works as a great reminder. I hadn't used either of my SB-600's for several weeks and hadn't removed the batteries either. Honestly didn't think about it. You may have save them with this post! Just took a look and sure enough one of the alkaline batteries had begun to leak. Think I'll join the crowd here and invest in rechargeable batteries. Thanks bunches!
Glad to hear this has help many on here. I should have know better in the first place. Having flown rc airplanes, all I ever used was enloope for my transmitters and lithium ions for the planes. High dollar, but well worth it.
Radio Shack has a spray corrosion cleaner for electronics.
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