NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Thanks for the fair and honest advice. I knew about the EN-EL15 recalls but was just concerned about usability and if the A series batteries were worth looking at. Appreciate the info!

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Thanks! Appreciate the answer from an actual user

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Mas ... own both the D7000 and the D7100 (which I no longer use quite so much, due to the fact it gets quite hot ... thought it was the camera!!!) ...

This post opened my eyes - so, I immediately checked to see if either of my original Nikon EN EL-5s (one alternate is a Power2000, the other's a Watson) had an E or F!

Thankfully, neither of them do. But, since all four have been interchanged many times, since purchase, I have no way of locking down on the culprit.

Is the problem likely to BE one of the EN-EL 5 originals, or - do I - indeed - have a problem with the D7100? ... How can I tell if the battery's a recalled one?

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

I have both and they all work great no problems MT (he also shoots Nikon as I recall) is right the best place to check up on this sort of information is the manufacturer's website in this case Nikon they have all the affected numbers listed and tell you how you can resolve the issue if there is one.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Powershot and Watson batteries are NOT original batteries in anything, much less Nikon factory new bodies. The recall was by Nikon for Nikon brand batteries with a SPECIFIC letter code in their serial number. If your camera or batteries are getting hot its clearly because of your choice of aftermarket batteries and has nothing at all to do with the cameras.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

No, MT ... I did NOT indicate the batteries were getting hot. I indicated the D7100 got hot. At the time, I had no idea it MAY have been related to a battery problem, so I shelved the camera. Also, I indicated one spare was a Power2000 (Adorama) and the other was a Watson (B&H) ... I've NO IDEA which of the four was in the D7100 when it got hot. In all likelihood, it wasn't one of the Third Party ones, as they were added, later - after this overheating issue - became apparent. I thought it was the camera, itself - which was overheating. I never thought to look to see which battery I had in at the time. Since I only have two Nikon cells - the ones which came WITH both cameras, I suspect it MAY have been caused by an EN-EL5. But, I have no way of knowing, now, which one - until it happens, again ... that is ....

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

Feeling snarky???

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

I have had nothing but bad luck with the free Watson batteries that are gifted by B&H. They fail within six months and do not take a full charge. I also bought a Watson Dual charger that promptly ruined two of my Nikon batteries. The name Watson shall never be near any of my Nikons again. In my personal opinion, it is penny foolish to scrimp on batteries for a $3,000+ camera. If you are having good luck with Watson batteries, you at very fortunate.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Az ... if you paid THREE THOUSAND BUCKS for a camera ... why on earth would you want to scrimp and get a 20 buck cell? Go the whole hog, get the 60 buck ones!!!!

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

I guess because I believe in quality and I got burned bad with the cheap ones and ended up buying the $60 ones anyway and have never had a problem. I didn't even buy the Watsons, they were free and I don't like them. I guess there is a reason cheap is cheap. Don't you think something is missing in the cheap ones? Certainly quality control if nothing else. I have had probably six bad Watson batteries and not one works today.
When I get one now, I don't even give it to my friends. If you like them, bless you. You can have my inferior ones also to add to your collection. Quality is what quality is.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Well, congratulations on getting your Watson batteries, free. I guess I haven't had my Watson EN-EL5, long enough to experience the problems you did. When you're about to buy a backup battery for $60, and the salesman suggests an alternate battery for a third of the price, you just go with it. In fact, I do have other Watson batteries, but they are NP-FM500H replacements for my Sony SLT DSLRs. I have one spare for each of those three, which are in those pocket thingies attached to each strap, plus one extra for the kit bag. So, that would mean I have a total of 5 Watsons. So far, I haven't experienced the problems you did (knock on wood!) but that could be because I always charge them up fully (until the light goes out - even if it takes all day long.) Having enough spares on hand, enables me to be able to.

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

Bless you and bless your Watsons. Buy the right stuff at B&H and they will shower you with another Watson - Free. I understand charge. After awhile, the Watsons would not charge fully, even using their own dual charger, which I stupidly bought, in retrospect. They sat in that charger for three days. I called them, they sent me a warranty replacement battery, same problem. Then I used their charger for my Nikon batteries and it burned them out. They replaced the charger under warranty, I am now down two Nikon batteries. I foolishly trusted the new charger and blew out another Nikon. In the mean time replacement Watson would not charge at all. I am currently down three Nikon batteries ($180) which Watson would not replace, except with another Watson. I'm down another three Watsons and a Watson dual charger that I can no longer trust. So to get back to even cost me close to $400. And you think I am going to be a cheerleader for Watson. I will... their Customer Service folks are A+++ In my camera bag... no more Watson. I wish you the best and we all make our own choices. If they work for you, I am happy. My choice is sealed, with a $400 learning experience.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Az ... sounds like you had a problem with a charger, and NOT the Watson batteries, initially. It's also possible you used the Watson charger in the socket the wrong way around. These days, you have a broad pin and a narrow pin, so these kinds of mistakes can't happen. I always make sure I use chargers either in wall plugs, or - if used in a strip - in such a way, so that if there was a ground pin, it would coincide, properly. If you miss-plug, and wind up putting the pins in the wrong way around, then, these kinds of things are likely to happen. Had that ever occurred to you? ... Chargers are finicky things. You must use them the way they're intended to be used, or, all kinds of funny things can happen. I have a AA charger, which I can't even USE in a plug strip. It will ONLY work, directly in a wall plug. Perhaps, I've never had any problems with my Watsons, because I always use the original Nikon (or Sony) charger designed for the original battery. Always works great!!!!

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

Gimme a break. If you have a wide pin and a narrow pin it can only go in one way. The initial charge of these batteries was with a Nikon charger, before I bought the Watson charger. I know it is hard for you to comprehend that Watson batteries are inferior. Stick with them until they stick it to you. I'm out !

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Yes, Az ... NOW that all plugs are made that way (with one broad pin, and one narrow pin) that can no longer happen. But it wasn't ALWAYS that way. Plugs were made with identical sized pins on both sides until fairly recently. And, judging from your tale of woe, it's not like this happened to you, YESTERDAY - now, is it?

I've no intention of buying a third party charger. I see no need for it. But, the third party batteries (Watson, Power2000, et al) are designed to be charged in the original charger which was packed with the camera. If that's how you handle your charging needs, there should be no problem.