Left Batteries in Flash Too Long
Jun 16, 2017 07:01:42 #
johnst1001a
Loc: West Chester, Ohio
And don't forget to take your batteries out of the flash after using.
Jun 16, 2017 07:12:56 #
Flash Falasca wrote:
What is a film container ??
It's a relic from the far and distant past, used with the form of photography current when dinosaurs were still around (some people believe that dinosaurs were around during the time of Noah - all the photographs of their proof are missing, for some strange, unknown reason). It's a small cylinder with a cap. They were very common, once. You can probably pick them up on Ebay, but they're not cheap. If you look around the attics of very old people you know, you might find a treasure trove of them. Some member here on UHH are pretty up there. They may not know that they're sitting on a gold mine. LOL
Jun 16, 2017 08:02:51 #
cthahn wrote:
Baking soda neutralizes the battery acid. You do not say what kind of batteries you use. If you buy the cheapest like so many do, you get what you deserve. I sold batteries for several years, pushed Varta batteries, the oldest battery in the world, started in the late 1800's. Never had anyone complain about one leaking.
After I had a leaking problem with Energizer batteries many years ago, I switched everything over to Duracell and never had any more leaks until last year. In the past few months, I've had 4 instances of Duracell leaking. So I'm very disappointed in the deteriorating quality of Duracell. I've been wondering if they were sold to another company. So how much better than Duracell can you get?
What's with this Varta brand?
Jun 16, 2017 08:05:15 #
salmander wrote:
It's a relic from the far and distant past, used w... (show quote)
I actually have one of these. An aluminum one with a yellow screw cap! Any idea what brand this was with a yellow cap?
Jun 16, 2017 08:06:11 #
The battery juice is ACID. Vinegar is ACID. Do not use it. Baking soda mixed into a paste with water will neutralize to acid. Let it dry completely then a little WD40 to displace any residual moisture. If you notice any white powder accumulating on the contacts in the future the treatment was incomplete and needs to be repeated.
Jun 16, 2017 08:12:01 #
Did the same thing a while back with my Speedlight. Attempts to clean were not successful. Be prepared to send the unit out and pay a steep price, or buy a new unit.
Jun 16, 2017 08:23:45 #
Jaackil
Loc: Massachusetts
cthahn wrote:
Baking soda neutralizes the battery acid. You do not say what kind of batteries you use. If you buy the cheapest like so many do, you get what you deserve. I sold batteries for several years, pushed Varta batteries, the oldest battery in the world, started in the late 1800's. Never had anyone complain about one leaking.
"You get what you deserve"? That's a nice reply! So you sold batteries and that makes you so superior that you can say you get what you deserve? You must be a real joy to live with
Jun 16, 2017 08:36:14 #
One issue is that the corrosion can possibly go past the areas you can see, and do a lot more damage to the circuits. I can't remember any of the technical stuff about it, but it is called black corrosion or something like that., and it will kill your electronics.
If it does, and they were a decent brand, sometimes if you contact the battery company, they will pay to replace or repair your item. Most offer it, hardly anyone actually calls them on it, but those of us who are picky old farts, will always try the warranty first.
The best thing is, you probably learned a lesson about leaving the batteries in. If you can't get them repaired or replaced, just consider it a valuable lesson.
If it does, and they were a decent brand, sometimes if you contact the battery company, they will pay to replace or repair your item. Most offer it, hardly anyone actually calls them on it, but those of us who are picky old farts, will always try the warranty first.
The best thing is, you probably learned a lesson about leaving the batteries in. If you can't get them repaired or replaced, just consider it a valuable lesson.
Jun 16, 2017 08:37:30 #
ggttc wrote:
Vinegar works well.
Yes it does. I did the same thing in leaving my batteries in my external flash unit, and remembered from a previous thread the vinegar trick. Now, I not only remove the batteries when I don't use the flash, but in my three camera bodies as well. It doesn't take but a few seconds to battery up prior to using them.
Jun 16, 2017 08:51:43 #
What you use to neutralize the residue depends on the type of battery. For alkaline batteries which have (you guessed it) an alkaline electrolyte, use vinegar (a mild acid). For the older, regular zinc carbon batteries (which use an acid electrolyte), use baking soda (an alkali). After neutralizing the leaked electrolyte, use either alcohol or contact cleaner (not WD40) to finish cleaning. Abrasives such as a pencil eraser (which can also leave residue), would be a very last resort if all else fails to remove the corrosion/residue.
Jun 16, 2017 08:56:04 #
BHC wrote:
A pencil eraser contains pumice, an abrasive.
Isn't it pumice one would want to remove the oxidation from the surface? I don't think we are talking coarse sandpaper here, just enough of a rough surface to remove a bit of oxidation.
Dennis
Jun 16, 2017 09:17:39 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
BHC wrote:
Ordinarily you would be correct. In this case, however, if they were alkaline batteries, wouldn't it be better to use a mild acid to neutralize the alkali? Thank you.
Vinegar is a mild acid (acetic acid). after cleaning with isopropanol, then a little silicone lube or spray will help retard corrosion where you have de-greased the internal surfaces.
Jun 16, 2017 09:33:36 #
tomcat wrote:
I actually have one of these. An aluminum one with a yellow screw cap! Any idea what brand this was with a yellow cap?
Kodak.
Jun 16, 2017 09:39:30 #
TriX wrote:
What you use to neutralize the residue depends on ... (show quote)
Chemtronics Electrowash. Our shop in the lab used it to clean electronic circuit boards, relays, switches, rariable resistors, contacts... it works well.
Jun 16, 2017 09:42:18 #
Lesson learned. NEVER leave the batteries in your cameras or flash.
The results could be costly.
The results could be costly.
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