BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

Hi Chris, The rebuilder I had out here has retired. I am looking for another now for you.
As I recall, the ni-cd's in that pack are 'N' cells. It is just a very tight fit.
Kudos on getting it open that far, it is truly a puzzle. Remember to pay close attention to the screw lengths.
I'll keep you posted.
B²

Altprocess Loc: Connecticut

Thank you so much for your email. I did not note that I cannot see things up close. Severely far sighted. Considered legally blind but glasses correct for driving. Cannot really solder due to sight issues.

Mcwane Loc: Southwestern Virginia

I have a degree in electronics and have done this sort of thing all my life. When my battery packs get to where they no longer hold a charge, I will buy a new one. Looks like you got the battery open with a lot of time and patients and you might find the right size and voltage battery and you can solder them in series and maybe have a battery that will work and hold a charge. You might be able to get the battery back together so it will fit in your camera. With all the time you spent and the cost of the new batters, would you really want to use it in a nice camera? Best bet is just to bite the bullet and buy a new battery. Just my opinion.

Phil

Mcwane Loc: Southwestern Virginia

I have a degree in electronics and have done this sort of thing all my life. When my battery packs get to where they no longer hold a charge, I will buy a new one. You should be able to open up the battery pack with a lot of time and patients and you might find the right size and voltage battery and you can solder them in series and maybe have a battery that will work and hold a charge. You might be able to get the battery back together so it will fit in your camera. With all the time you spent and the cost of the new batters, would you really want to use it in a nice camera? Best bet is just to bite the bullet and buy a new battery. Just my opinion.

Phil

BebuLamar

I would surely recommend buying a new pack if that is possible. Can you buy a new OEM or even third party battery pack for the Canon F1 motor drive? In fact buying a non working pack to rebuild is hard enough.
The F1 was in the 70's and even the 90's Nikon F5 it's impossible to buy the MN-30 NiCad pack for it.

Mcwane Loc: Southwestern Virginia

I understand now, I should have realized that. In such a case, I would do like you and try to rebuild it also. Good luck with it.

Phil

delder Loc: Maryland

Another thought I had about this topic:
In the day, I remember some companies that specialized in rebuilding battery packs for 2-Way & Ham Radio portable transceivers. They might have the sources & skills for this work.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Yes they have built replacement packs for my gas detector which is nicad and looks very similar to yours. After seeing what they did I now make my own.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There are lots of online videos about how to make a new battery pack. It's best to buy those thin, flat connectors online. You can buy or make a "welder" to attach the plates to the batteries.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=make+a+battery+pack

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

See Chief the problem is (globally) education doesn't guarantee nor include common sense. I know more people that have no formal education that would immediately take that battery pack, tear it down, study it and put it back together like new. AND it would work. Goes something like this: "No Fear".

I personally would have that pack torn apart in a nanosecond and gather up the pieces to make it whole again. That is just me. But I am an unedumecated idiot with an above average IQ.

To OP good luck on whatever you do. It will all work out.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Something like, "Hold my beer and watch this!" 🤣

Altprocess Loc: Connecticut

Thank you all (mostly) for replying. Let's close this discussion down. I have all the information I need unless someone has the name of someone who does this professionally. As a few noted it's not just assembling the battery pack that is involved. But it's all good...

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

Alright, Case Closed

Just a "public service" announcement for me. On a "Consumer News" report on one of our major National TV news sources, there was a report on batteries. It seems there was some serious fire caused by the replacement batteries for electric bicycles. Folks were big cheaper replaces, buyg off-brands to save money and in many cases, the wrong kidsof batteries were installed. Lithium Ion batteries were substituted for other kinds. Chargers and bikes were damaged and fires were ignited.

Of course, those (bike) batteries are of high amperage than camera batteries and it is not likely that using an improper or out-of-specification battery will set your camera ablaze but it can cause damage to both the camera and the charger. Even cell phones with Litheum-Ion batteries can seriously overheat if overcharged or plugged in the wrong charger.

My point is, if you think back to the film era and the continual expenses for film, processing, and darkroom supplies,ec the cost of maintaining a camera and some modest editing software, is relatively less. People are always complaining about the cost of batteries, cards, software licenses, etc. Photograhy was never an inexpensive hobby for the advanced enthusiast, nor will it ever be "cheap"! It was never a small investment for the professional either. I go by the "rule" expressed in that old Fram oil filter" commercial. "Pay me now or pay me later. If y don't take care to maintain your equipment properly with minor expenses, you'll end up paying hefty repair or replacement bills LATER!


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/e-bike-batteries-fire-risk-175900593.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJR75KsMDcp-FvwVFUgcezWC7lnk5NFyoJi95wKrRLdr-H4zLI-zQ3kfvGjDHxUkAcU6cWq229ZvRH1maWaCrZDpt5wyP4XpkhhhJ3UyirempWyiKKWQAXM3JK3bNWcmsxCf4Ei2WJdG7Agu3zbxJyYe76s1c4XQ89L4gdBDUtUz

bandaidman

First Good luck with the rebuild. You can use NiMH in place of NiCad batteries. the person who rebuilds the pack should be able to do that without problems. Depending on charger you may even be able to use it. NiMH batteries don't take a set like NiCad batteries do. I've changed Ham radio batteries that way without problems. they often have more amps than the NiCad ones do. Hope all goes well.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

You got it Jerry! Thats the spirit!