AA adapter a worthwhile investment?

OldNoob · 10-17-2013, 08:25 PM

So after having my battery wipeout after only a few shots... i figured i should buy some backups. ive read a couple of posts that say the AA adapter with NihM batteries last a bit longer. Anyone running this setup?

Last edited by OldNoob; 10-17-2013 at 08:26 PM. Reason: spelling errors

Adam · 10-17-2013, 08:44 PM

Originally posted by OldNoob

So after having my battery wipeout after only a few shots... i figured i should buy some backups. ive read a couple of posts that say the AA adapter with NihM batteries last a bit longer. Anyone running this setup?

According to the official specs, it doesn't last quite as long due to the lower voltage. It might be a different story with Lithium batteries.

In any case, having the adapter definitely won't hurt, as you'd never be stuck without power.

CP140 · 10-17-2013, 08:52 PM

I have one loaded with Energizer Lithiums...they last forever.

If you already have a good set (and there's a whole other conversation devoted to that topic) and a charger, then by all means use those instead of a set of disposable lithium AAs. However... the cost of a good set of NiMH AAs and a good charger may end up costing you more than another battery pack....

jimr-pdx · 10-17-2013, 08:56 PM

I found with the k-r that the Eneloop AAs lasted at least as long as the standard battery. I haven't seen prices lately to know the better value, but the results were close a few years back.

**Eric Auer** · 10-17-2013, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

I found with the k-r that the Eneloop AAs lasted at least as long as the standard battery. I haven't seen prices lately to know the better value, but the results were close a few years back.

I've used eneloops in a bunch of other things than cameras and they are very good indeed.

For my K-5 IIs I just carry a few spare D-LI90's in my pocket. They last so long.

Or....http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-2-Pack-Charger/dp/B004UR7250/ref=...=wasabi+D-li90

OldNoob · 10-17-2013, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Corto-PA

For my K-5 IIs I just carry a few spare D-LI90's in my pocket. They last so long.

Are you being Sarcastic? I charged my factory battery up and got off like 10 flash shots and 20 non-flash , and Poof it was dead.

**ramseybuckeye** · 10-17-2013, 09:44 PM

I have a K-30 with the OEM battery, a knockoff battery, and an adapter with eneloops. I can't tell the knockoff from the OEM, but surprisingly, the eneloops last much longer. I had read other posts stating this but was skeptical, but the eneloops convinced me.

photolady95 · 10-17-2013, 09:46 PM

Must be something wrong with your battery then. I use the same on my K30 and have many shots with each one, including flash shots.. Are you sure you're making sure the camera is turned off at the end of a shoot?

**Eric Auer** · 10-17-2013, 09:48 PM

Originally posted by OldNoob

Are you being Sarcastic? I charged my factory battery up and got off like 10 flash shots and 20 non-flash , and Poof it was dead.

That aint right, something is wrong with either your battery or your charger.

umunas · 10-18-2013, 03:50 AM

My battery which came with a camera last almost twice longer compared to adapter with Eneloops. Realistically standard battery is enough for some 200 shots. To be honest, Eneloops are already few years old and was used a lot.

pvanni · 10-18-2013, 05:05 AM

@OldNoob,
since you discovered that your camera isn't new, maybe you have faulty battery, camera, charger or
a combination of the 3 elements

bluenose · 10-18-2013, 05:08 AM

Originally posted by CP140

I have one loaded with Energizer Lithiums...they last forever.

If you already have a good set (and there's a whole other conversation devoted to that topic) and a charger, then by all means use those instead of a set of disposable lithium AAs. However... the cost of a good set of NiMH AAs and a good charger may end up costing you more than another battery pack....

+1 on the Energizer Lithiums. Use them regularly and keep the OEM battery as backup.

Regards

IchabodCrane · 10-18-2013, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by ramseybuckeye

I have a K-30 with the OEM battery, a knockoff battery, and an adapter with eneloops. I can't tell the knockoff from the OEM, but surprisingly, the eneloops last much longer. I had read other posts stating this but was skeptical, but the eneloops convinced me.

Same here -- Eneloops last longer for me than the standard Li-ion battery. However, they are a little bit heavier.

OldNoob · 10-18-2013, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by pvanni

@OldNoob,
since you discovered that your camera isn't new, maybe you have faulty battery, camera, charger or
a combination of the 3 elements

Very possibe.

i just charged the battery again, took 96 photos and it is already halfway depleted .

Paleo Pete · 10-18-2013, 11:31 AM

I think the AA adapter is a good idea. My AA rechargeables are fairly old, and still last at least as long or longer than the factory one and a 3rd party spare. One set is starting to disappoint me, but it's at least 5 years old. I can't complain, 10 bucks at that time, still working but a little weak, I think I got my 10 bucks worth...

As far as the Li-ion that came with the K30...crap...they should go back to straight AA power and forget those. With good AA batteries, (Duracell rechargeable), I get at least twice as many shots compared to the factory Li-ion or off brand spare. Now since theyr'e getting weak, they still last easily as long, maybe a bit longer. So as far as I'm concerned, the AA adapter is worth it.

10-17-2013, 08:25 PM	#1
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402	AA adapter a worthwhile investment? So after having my battery wipeout after only a few shots... i figured i should buy some backups. ive read a couple of posts that say the AA adapter with NihM batteries last a bit longer. Anyone running this setup? Last edited by OldNoob; 10-17-2013 at 08:26 PM. Reason: spelling errors

10-17-2013, 08:44 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by OldNoob So after having my battery wipeout after only a few shots... i figured i should buy some backups. ive read a couple of posts that say the AA adapter with NihM batteries last a bit longer. Anyone running this setup? According to the official specs, it doesn't last quite as long due to the lower voltage. It might be a different story with Lithium batteries. In any case, having the adapter definitely won't hurt, as you'd never be stuck without power. 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:

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10-17-2013, 08:52 PM	#3
CP140 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Greater Vancouver Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 190	I have one loaded with Energizer Lithiums...they last forever. If you already have a good set (and there's a whole other conversation devoted to that topic) and a charger, then by all means use those instead of a set of disposable lithium AAs. However... the cost of a good set of NiMH AAs and a good charger may end up costing you more than another battery pack....

10-17-2013, 08:56 PM	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I found with the k-r that the Eneloop AAs lasted at least as long as the standard battery. I haven't seen prices lately to know the better value, but the results were close a few years back.

10-17-2013, 09:08 PM	#5
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by jimr-pdx I found with the k-r that the Eneloop AAs lasted at least as long as the standard battery. I haven't seen prices lately to know the better value, but the results were close a few years back. I've used eneloops in a bunch of other things than cameras and they are very good indeed. For my K-5 IIs I just carry a few spare D-LI90's in my pocket. They last so long. Or....http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-2-Pack-Charger/dp/B004UR7250/ref=...=wasabi+D-li90

10-17-2013, 09:40 PM	#6
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402 Original Poster	Originally posted by Corto-PA For my K-5 IIs I just carry a few spare D-LI90's in my pocket. They last so long. Are you being Sarcastic? I charged my factory battery up and got off like 10 flash shots and 20 non-flash , and Poof it was dead.

10-17-2013, 09:44 PM	#7
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,292	I have a K-30 with the OEM battery, a knockoff battery, and an adapter with eneloops. I can't tell the knockoff from the OEM, but surprisingly, the eneloops last much longer. I had read other posts stating this but was skeptical, but the eneloops convinced me.

10-17-2013, 09:46 PM	#8
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Must be something wrong with your battery then. I use the same on my K30 and have many shots with each one, including flash shots.. Are you sure you're making sure the camera is turned off at the end of a shoot?

10-17-2013, 09:48 PM	#9
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by OldNoob Are you being Sarcastic? I charged my factory battery up and got off like 10 flash shots and 20 non-flash , and Poof it was dead. That aint right, something is wrong with either your battery or your charger.

10-18-2013, 03:50 AM	#10
umunas New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Kaunas Posts: 9	My battery which came with a camera last almost twice longer compared to adapter with Eneloops. Realistically standard battery is enough for some 200 shots. To be honest, Eneloops are already few years old and was used a lot.

10-18-2013, 05:05 AM	#11
pvanni Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lecco, Italy Posts: 47	@OldNoob, since you discovered that your camera isn't new, maybe you have faulty battery, camera, charger or a combination of the 3 elements

10-18-2013, 05:08 AM	#12
bluenose Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: S. Ontario Posts: 227	Originally posted by CP140 I have one loaded with Energizer Lithiums...they last forever. If you already have a good set (and there's a whole other conversation devoted to that topic) and a charger, then by all means use those instead of a set of disposable lithium AAs. However... the cost of a good set of NiMH AAs and a good charger may end up costing you more than another battery pack.... +1 on the Energizer Lithiums. Use them regularly and keep the OEM battery as backup. Regards

10-18-2013, 07:20 AM	#13
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by ramseybuckeye I have a K-30 with the OEM battery, a knockoff battery, and an adapter with eneloops. I can't tell the knockoff from the OEM, but surprisingly, the eneloops last much longer. I had read other posts stating this but was skeptical, but the eneloops convinced me. Same here -- Eneloops last longer for me than the standard Li-ion battery. However, they are a little bit heavier.

10-18-2013, 09:59 AM	#14
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402 Original Poster	Originally posted by pvanni @OldNoob, since you discovered that your camera isn't new, maybe you have faulty battery, camera, charger or a combination of the 3 elements Very possibe. i just charged the battery again, took 96 photos and it is already halfway depleted .

10-18-2013, 11:31 AM	#15
Paleo Pete Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,880	I think the AA adapter is a good idea. My AA rechargeables are fairly old, and still last at least as long or longer than the factory one and a 3rd party spare. One set is starting to disappoint me, but it's at least 5 years old. I can't complain, 10 bucks at that time, still working but a little weak, I think I got my 10 bucks worth... As far as the Li-ion that came with the K30...crap...they should go back to straight AA power and forget those. With good AA batteries, (Duracell rechargeable), I get at least twice as many shots compared to the factory Li-ion or off brand spare. Now since theyr'e getting weak, they still last easily as long, maybe a bit longer. So as far as I'm concerned, the AA adapter is worth it.