F4 and Lithiums

[robert meier]

<p>I have read that I shouldn't use lithium batteries in my F4. Is that true? What is the danger?</p>

[tri-x1]

<p>I used them in mine. They worked fine.</p>

[Michael R Freeman]

Have used them for several years in mine with no problems.

 

I believe the "shouldn't use lithium batteries" warning is a holdover from the early AA lithiums (gold with a red top). Apparently those very early AA lithium cells had the potential for high initial voltage spikes when new, and Nikon cautioned against using them.

 

They apparently changed their mind, as a few years back there was one story circulating that someone had sent their F4 to Nikon for repair, and it came back to them with brand new lithium AA cells installed by Nikon.

 

No such concern with current Energizer e2 (silver with a blue top) AA lithiums.

[alex_lofquist]

<p>I assume that you are referring to the F4S with 6 AA cells rather than the 4 cell version. Even Modern Photography magazine studied the effect of using higher voltages on their tested camera bodies back then. They even went to 12 VDC (the equal to 8 AA cells) with no ill effects. Of course this was no prolonged test, but only to evaluate performance of AF and winding speed. </p>

<p>In any case, I'd say go for it!</p>

[robert meier]

<p>Michael, Thanks very much. I am much relieved and will continue using the silver and blue lithiums. Bob</p>