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Batteries For Nikon MD4 - Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries ???


Vincent Peri

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I've pretty much decided that I'm going to use Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries in my NIkon MD4 drives. The main thing is the fact that they can't leak. This is important to me because I use my MD4s in spurts. I may use them several times a week for short periods, followed by no use for months at a time.

 

Any comments? Especially from photo.net members who use the lithium batteries...

 

Thanks.

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I've pretty much decided that I'm going to use Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries in my NIkon MD4 drives. The main thing is the fact that they can't leak. This is important to me because I use my MD4s in spurts. I may use them several times a week for short periods, followed by no use for months at a time.

I suddenly remember something I posted a couple of years ago as I wrote about Duracell leakage from my Nikon flash. This is a tip from a friend to stop leakage by blocking the electronic contacts. It should work for you too.

821448378_BatteryLeakage.jpg.5ba1192907729c4e8c94487ad533f601.jpg

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NiCd, and I believe NiMH, have low internal resistance, so good for high current

devices such as motor drives and flash units.

 

I might not have used enough NiMH to get leakage statistics.

I have had NiCd vent, but usually not liquid leaks. Sometimes

I find a few crystals on the end, and notice less charge capacity.

 

I don't know about the internal resistance for Li, metal or ion, cells.

 

In all cases, it is best to take them out when they won't be used for

some months or years. I am not perfect at that, but not so bad, either.

-- glen

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I don’t know if Lithium “can’t leak” - (is that a fact?) but they have excellent shelf life which is very practical - I use them in all my camera bodies if at all possible - and have never had a leak. But for flash and motors I use NiMH - and no leaks as well.

I think IKEAs LADDA batteries are cheaper than Lithium and can be used 100’s of times (+they are identical to Eneloop made in the same factory in Japan - so good quality and better for the environment than single use).

Niels
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I don’t know if Lithium “can’t leak” - (is that a fact?)...

B&H Photo says "leakproof construction."

 

I found this on the Energizer site:

 

"Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ Batteries are GUARANTEED NOT TO LEAK. Due to advanced technology, Ultimate lithium™ batteries will not leak under normal consumer usage. If you believe that you have a leaking Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ battery, contact 1-800-383-7323 for return instructions."

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B&H Photo says "leakproof construction."

 

I found this on the Energizer site:

 

"Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ Batteries are GUARANTEED NOT TO LEAK. Due to advanced technology, Ultimate lithium™ batteries will not leak under normal consumer usage. If you believe that you have a leaking Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ battery, contact 1-800-383-7323 for return instructions."

Isn't that what Duracel says about their Alkalines as well? ...followed by a small letter disclaimer stating something like; invalid if kept in a device after they are depleted or expired?

Niels
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Isn't that what Duracel says about their Alkalines as well? ...followed by a small letter disclaimer stating something like; invalid if kept in a device after they are depleted or expired?

That's what they say. So I wrote them and they sent me a check (think it was $400 or thereabout - can't remember) to replace it. This was discussed on this forum.

 

The easiest way to prevent battery leakage is to place a little piece of paper between the contact and the batteries - as mentioned in my post above. I just did this to my recently-bought SB-500.

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I have pointed out before that I have some older Duracell batteries that leaked while sitting in a drawer, i.e. not inside any device.

 

If you don't mind the cost, Lithium AA is a good choice, and they last a long time. They are also lighter. I used to have 8 of them for my F5, and the weight difference adds up. One main downside is that when they are exhausted, Lithium AAs just quit immediately with little warning.

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I have pointed out before that I have some older Duracell batteries that leaked while sitting in a drawer, i.e. not inside any device.

Same here - and not restricted to Duracell; it happened with any brand Alkaline battery I have purchased (or that came with devices).

The easiest way to prevent battery leakage is to place a little piece of paper between the contact and the batteries - as mentioned in my post above. I just did this to my recently-bought SB-500.

Devices that are shipped/delivered with batteries inside usually have some kind of paper or plastic slip inserted to prevent the battery from making contact and draining - I don't see how this can prevent leakage. To protect your SB-500 from suffering the same fate as your SB-800 (or was it an SB-900), I recommend that you take the batteries out when not using the flash.

 

I am attempting to replace all alkaline with rechargeables in all my devices - it often means more frequent battery changes and I found myself keeping some others (preferably Lithium) around in case the rechargeable decides to run empty at the least convenient moment. Still being in the "transition phase", I happen to have a batch of - now discontinued - Duracell Quantum batteries in the drawer at the moment - their only claim to fame appear to be that they cost more than the regular Duracell coppertops without any obvious benefit. The goal is to only have eneloops and Lithium ones around eventually.

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A depleted alkaline absolutely positively will leak. I've also seen more than a few leak when never used or placed in a device. Blocking the contacts will help, but as long as you're in there, pull 'em out! I've banished alkalines from my life forever because, sooner or later, they will damage something you care about. Eneloop NiMH are the way to go because they have very low self-discharge and work well in everything, including clocks, remotes and flashlights, where you don't want to discover a dead battery when you most need it. You also need a good charger that uses several methods to terminate charge. I like iCharger from NZ, but they're not simple plug and play.
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I have some older Duracell batteries that leaked while sitting in a drawer, i.e. not inside any device.

To protect your SB-500 from suffering the same fate as your SB-800 (or was it an SB-900), I recommend that you take the batteries out when not using the flash.

A depleted alkaline absolutely positively will leak.

Hmm... thanks for the correction, a good precaution. Good advice. Thanks. Hwvr, I've never had a leak situation except for that incident for which Duracell paid for the replacement of the Nikon flash. I hate taking batteries out of devices as it involves extra effort to differentiate which set is at what stage of depletion. This can be done of course with good organization but too much effort for someone who prefers the least effort to do things. ;)

Edited by Mary Doo
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Worst I ever had: a 9v Alkaline battery has 6 "AAAA" cells in it, each 1.5v.

I found out when one of the cells "Blew", popping the top off the 9v battery. The top landed a few feet away, the battery was on a desk. It was a new cell, had just started using it. Only happened once. Glad it was not in anything when it blew.

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Worst I ever had: a 9v Alkaline battery has 6 "AAAA" cells in it, each 1.5v.

I found out when one of the cells "Blew", popping the top off the 9v battery. The top landed a few feet away, the battery was on a desk. It was a new cell, had just started using it. Only happened once. Glad it was not in anything when it blew.

:eek: Sounds hazardous.

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