battery problem

Bob Aymar · 12-11-2013, 09:45 PM

The camera seems to eat up batteries in the cold.
I installed new high quality rechargable Ni-mh batteries, as the owners manual recomended, and only got 45 pics outdoors in the cold. (30~45 degrees.) The owners manual says I should be able to get 4~5 hundred.
At that point the indicator was saying 30% left from fully charged.
This was the third set I used. First were the ones that came with the camera. Second was a set of rechargeable ones I've had for a year.
Any sugestions before I return this camera to where I bought it?

Adam · 12-12-2013, 12:16 AM

Originally posted by Bob Aymar

The camera seems to eat up batteries in the cold.
I installed new high quality rechargable Ni-mh batteries, as the owners manual recomended, and only got 45 pics outdoors in the cold. (30~45 degrees.) The owners manual says I should be able to get 4~5 hundred.
At that point the indicator was saying 30% left from fully charged.
This was the third set I used. First were the ones that came with the camera. Second was a set of rechargeable ones I've had for a year.
Any sugestions before I return this camera to where I bought it?

Sounds like a problem with your batteries. Maybe standard alkaline AA's might be worth a shot?

**TER-OR** · 12-12-2013, 01:28 PM

Cold is tough on rechargeable batteries. Bring the camera in and let it warm up and the batteries will be full...
Beyond keeping some batteries in your pocket to stay warm, I don't know if there's a solution. I've recently been having issues with my K5's battery in the cold.

Bob Aymar · 12-13-2013, 08:32 AM

I've tried standard Alkaline as well as rechargeable and made no difference.
Last night the camera started to freeze up everytime I attempted a flash shot outside in the cold as well. The only way to get it going again was to open the battery compartment.
I really like the camera otherwise but cannot go on worrying about the flash working when I need it.
On my way bak to Target to see if they have another one I can exchange it for.
Thanks
Bob

**TER-OR** · 12-13-2013, 09:14 AM

Which camera is this? Sounds like returning it is a good option if it's pretty much new and this is happening.

OutOfFocus · 12-13-2013, 10:17 PM

Can you give details of your camera, batteries, and charger?

Don't waste time with alkalines. The problem is the camera's high current draw. Alkalines simply cannot handle it.

You could try Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA.

12-11-2013, 09:45 PM	#1
Bob Aymar Guest	battery problem The camera seems to eat up batteries in the cold. I installed new high quality rechargable Ni-mh batteries, as the owners manual recomended, and only got 45 pics outdoors in the cold. (30~45 degrees.) The owners manual says I should be able to get 4~5 hundred. At that point the indicator was saying 30% left from fully charged. This was the third set I used. First were the ones that came with the camera. Second was a set of rechargeable ones I've had for a year. Any sugestions before I return this camera to where I bought it?

12-12-2013, 12:16 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Bob Aymar The camera seems to eat up batteries in the cold. I installed new high quality rechargable Ni-mh batteries, as the owners manual recomended, and only got 45 pics outdoors in the cold. (30~45 degrees.) The owners manual says I should be able to get 4~5 hundred. At that point the indicator was saying 30% left from fully charged. This was the third set I used. First were the ones that came with the camera. Second was a set of rechargeable ones I've had for a year. Any sugestions before I return this camera to where I bought it? Sounds like a problem with your batteries. Maybe standard alkaline AA's might be worth a shot? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-13-2013, 08:32 AM	#4
Bob Aymar Guest	Batteries I've tried standard Alkaline as well as rechargeable and made no difference. Last night the camera started to freeze up everytime I attempted a flash shot outside in the cold as well. The only way to get it going again was to open the battery compartment. I really like the camera otherwise but cannot go on worrying about the flash working when I need it. On my way bak to Target to see if they have another one I can exchange it for. Thanks Bob

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12-12-2013, 01:28 PM	#3
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Cold is tough on rechargeable batteries. Bring the camera in and let it warm up and the batteries will be full... Beyond keeping some batteries in your pocket to stay warm, I don't know if there's a solution. I've recently been having issues with my K5's battery in the cold.

12-13-2013, 09:14 AM	#5
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Which camera is this? Sounds like returning it is a good option if it's pretty much new and this is happening.

12-13-2013, 10:17 PM	#6
OutOfFocus Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 140	Can you give details of your camera, batteries, and charger? Don't waste time with alkalines. The problem is the camera's high current draw. Alkalines simply cannot handle it. You could try Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA.