Nikon F5 "err" issue

[e_flynn]

I have a Nikon F5 that's had absolutely no problems until recently. I use the

MN-30 lithium battery pack and lately it discharges very quickly as in I might

be able to get through 2, 36 exposure rolls. As this started happening, the

shutter seemed to get stuck open and the camera seemed to be having problems

advancing the film resulting in an "err" on the display. It would usually clear

itself after me turning it off and on a few times.

 

I took it to a camera repair shop here in NY and they basically said the problem

is being caused by the battery pack. There's obviously something wrong with the

battery pack but I'm not convinced that's the issue. Any suggestions or input

would be greatly appreciated. I've also looked for a replacement battery pack

but it's no longer in production so help with that would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

[michael_darnton1]

Batteries don't last forever----life is based on calendar time, not recharge cycles. Two, three years might be the limit. How old are yours.

[User_276104]

Do you still have the standard AA holder to try things with that?

 

I personally don't use rechargeable AAs for anything but I understand they've come quite far, if you really want to keep using rechargeables.

[ShunCheung]

As Eric says, the F5 comes with an AA battery holder that takes 8 AAs. Hopefully you still have that and you can use (rechargable) AAs.

 

The very early F5 bodies tend to have a false low battery indicator problem. Nikon fixed that fairly quickly.

[scott_warn]

The AA suggestion is one possible solution. I have found that you can get a pretty decent number of shots with the F5 using rechargeable NiMh AA cells. You may also want to take a very close look at your MN-30 and see if been assembled with small screws. If it has, then it's quite likely that it can be rebuilt with new cells in the battery pack.

[e_flynn]

I've had the MN 30 since '99 so it is pretty old. I don't have the aa tray anymore and would prefer to get another MN 30. How/where would I go about having it rebuilt?

[pje]

There is a MH30 Charger with a MN-30 battery at KEH for $109, which is probably cheaper

than getting yours repaired. I also saw the AA battery holder for about $20.

[e_flynn]

Thanks for all the help.