Battery Grip batteries

BlakeShellman · 12-03-2014, 01:30 PM

My K-3 and battery grip arrived an hour ago. Not sure if I'm reading this right but my question is is it OK to use rechargeable AA batteries in the grip and then as I skim through the threads it looks like if I don't use a fully charge Lithium Ion camera battery in the grip the camera develops a floppy mirror syndrome....as if the electromagnets for the mirror actuator do not have enough juice to properly operate the mirror. Is this true?

If AA batteries are OK to use can you recommend which ones work the best?

Thank you?

Docrwm · 12-03-2014, 01:34 PM

Congratulations on your new camera! I love that new camera smell!

For the K-5 and K-5iis Eneloops have worked fine for me in the grips. Not sure if the K-3 is behaving differently. They do last a far shorter time than the regular battery. BTW, I recommend the Washabi batteries for the Pentax 90 because they last as long in my experience, are FAR less expensive, and come in a 2 pack with folding prong charger (much easier IMHO than the Pentax corded charger) thus giving you 3 batteries and 2 chargers for around $26 from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-2-Pack-Charger/dp/B004UR7250/ref=...bi+battery+K-5

stevebrot · 12-03-2014, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by BlakeShellman

I skim through the threads it looks like if I don't use a fully charge Lithium Ion camera battery in the grip the camera develops a floppy mirror syndrome....as if the electromagnets for the mirror actuator do not have enough juice to properly operate the mirror. Is this true?

No. The runaway mirror problem is not directly related to batteries or use of the grip.

Conventional wisdom is that Eneloops are the go-to battery for rechargeable AA with quality alkaline cells or single-use Li as the non-chargeable options.

Steve

---------- Post added 12-03-14 at 12:42 PM ----------

Originally posted by Docrwm

BTW, I recommend the Washabi batteries for the Pentax 90 because they last as long in my experience, are FAR less expensive

Yep..the price is competitive with a pack of Eneloops + charger.

Steve

Docrwm · 12-03-2014, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

No. The runaway mirror problem is not directly related to batteries or use of the grip.

Conventional wisdom is that Eneloops are the go-to battery for rechargeable AA with quality alkaline cells or single-use Li as the non-chargeable options.

Steve

---------- Post added 12-03-14 at 12:42 PM ----------

Yep..the price is competitive with a pack of Eneloops + charger.

Steve

And I find them more convenient since you need 6 Eneloops for the tray (or has that changed for the K-3?).

BlakeShellman · 12-03-2014, 03:34 PM

OK...how about this? I'm going to buy another Pentax 90 battery. My other thought is to use the rechargeable AA batteries in my Pentax 540 flash. Are rechargeable OK for the flash also or is there another preferred battery type for the flash?

stevebrot · 12-03-2014, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by Docrwm

And I find them more convenient since you need 6 Eneloops for the tray (or has that changed for the K-3?).

I don't remember. I had the grip for a couple of weeks before I sold it, but never tried the AA adapter. But wait! I just checked online and it does take six (6) AAs. That is a heavy load of batteries.

Steve

Oldbayrunner · 12-04-2014, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by BlakeShellman

OK...how about this? I'm going to buy another Pentax 90 battery. My other thought is to use the rechargeable AA batteries in my Pentax 540 flash. Are rechargeable OK for the flash also or is there another preferred battery type for the flash?

Yes rechargeable batteries are fine with the Af 540fgz. If your going to use the grip you might consider changing your battery selection setting from auto to grip 1st. Once the battery depletes in the grip then it will switch to the full battery in the camera instead of drawing from both at the same time.

Last edited by Oldbayrunner; 12-04-2014 at 08:02 AM.

Docrwm · 12-04-2014, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by Oldbayrunner

Yes rechargeable batteries are fine with the Af 540fgz. If your going to use the grip you might consider changing your battery selection setting from auto to grip 1st. Once the battery depletes in the grip then it will switch to the full battery in the camera instead of drawing from both at the same time.

Plus its easier to access the grip battery in the field. Good point!

kshapero · 12-27-2014, 06:05 PM

If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use.

---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ----------

Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge?

Al_Kahollick · 12-27-2014, 07:06 PM

Originally posted by kshapero

If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use.

---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ----------

Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge?

Never used AA's until they were run down, so I have no idea how long they may last. I did however use only AA's in the grip of the K3 while the L-ion battery charged when I first got it. I would think they'd work as the only power source in the K5's as well.

Docrwm · 12-27-2014, 07:38 PM

Originally posted by kshapero

If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use.

---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ----------

Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge?

With descent AAs off the shelf - perhaps a 100 or so as I recall, although its been 2-3 years. My recollection is that there must be an actual battery in the camera but its status is irrelevant to the operation of the batteries in the grip.

Obin Robinson · 12-28-2014, 06:18 AM

I use Eneloops and have NEVER had a problem with the Battery Grip.

obin

Oldbayrunner · 12-28-2014, 06:38 AM

I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier.

Docrwm · 12-28-2014, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by Oldbayrunner

I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier.

Because there are times when you RUN OUT of battery power but still need the camera. AAs allow you to pop into any convenience store on the planet (near enough) and be good to go for a little while longer. That can be long enough for your camera battery to gain sufficient charge.

Obin Robinson · 12-28-2014, 08:41 AM

Originally posted by Oldbayrunner

I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier.

Because AA batteries can be found everywhere in the world that reliable electrical power can not.

obin

12-03-2014, 01:30 PM	#1
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224	Battery Grip batteries My K-3 and battery grip arrived an hour ago. Not sure if I'm reading this right but my question is is it OK to use rechargeable AA batteries in the grip and then as I skim through the threads it looks like if I don't use a fully charge Lithium Ion camera battery in the grip the camera develops a floppy mirror syndrome....as if the electromagnets for the mirror actuator do not have enough juice to properly operate the mirror. Is this true? If AA batteries are OK to use can you recommend which ones work the best? Thank you?

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12-03-2014, 01:34 PM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Congratulations on your new camera! I love that new camera smell! For the K-5 and K-5iis Eneloops have worked fine for me in the grips. Not sure if the K-3 is behaving differently. They do last a far shorter time than the regular battery. BTW, I recommend the Washabi batteries for the Pentax 90 because they last as long in my experience, are FAR less expensive, and come in a 2 pack with folding prong charger (much easier IMHO than the Pentax corded charger) thus giving you 3 batteries and 2 chargers for around $26 from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-2-Pack-Charger/dp/B004UR7250/ref=...bi+battery+K-5

12-03-2014, 01:39 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by BlakeShellman I skim through the threads it looks like if I don't use a fully charge Lithium Ion camera battery in the grip the camera develops a floppy mirror syndrome....as if the electromagnets for the mirror actuator do not have enough juice to properly operate the mirror. Is this true? No. The runaway mirror problem is not directly related to batteries or use of the grip. Conventional wisdom is that Eneloops are the go-to battery for rechargeable AA with quality alkaline cells or single-use Li as the non-chargeable options. Steve ---------- Post added 12-03-14 at 12:42 PM ---------- Originally posted by Docrwm BTW, I recommend the Washabi batteries for the Pentax 90 because they last as long in my experience, are FAR less expensive Yep..the price is competitive with a pack of Eneloops + charger. Steve

12-03-2014, 01:44 PM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by stevebrot No. The runaway mirror problem is not directly related to batteries or use of the grip. Conventional wisdom is that Eneloops are the go-to battery for rechargeable AA with quality alkaline cells or single-use Li as the non-chargeable options. Steve ---------- Post added 12-03-14 at 12:42 PM ---------- Yep..the price is competitive with a pack of Eneloops + charger. Steve And I find them more convenient since you need 6 Eneloops for the tray (or has that changed for the K-3?).

12-03-2014, 03:34 PM	#5
BlakeShellman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 224 Original Poster	OK...how about this? I'm going to buy another Pentax 90 battery. My other thought is to use the rechargeable AA batteries in my Pentax 540 flash. Are rechargeable OK for the flash also or is there another preferred battery type for the flash?

12-03-2014, 07:50 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Docrwm And I find them more convenient since you need 6 Eneloops for the tray (or has that changed for the K-3?). I don't remember. I had the grip for a couple of weeks before I sold it, but never tried the AA adapter. But wait! I just checked online and it does take six (6) AAs. That is a heavy load of batteries. Steve

12-04-2014, 07:57 AM	#7
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by BlakeShellman OK...how about this? I'm going to buy another Pentax 90 battery. My other thought is to use the rechargeable AA batteries in my Pentax 540 flash. Are rechargeable OK for the flash also or is there another preferred battery type for the flash? Yes rechargeable batteries are fine with the Af 540fgz. If your going to use the grip you might consider changing your battery selection setting from auto to grip 1st. Once the battery depletes in the grip then it will switch to the full battery in the camera instead of drawing from both at the same time. Last edited by Oldbayrunner; 12-04-2014 at 08:02 AM.

12-04-2014, 10:13 AM	#8
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Oldbayrunner Yes rechargeable batteries are fine with the Af 540fgz. If your going to use the grip you might consider changing your battery selection setting from auto to grip 1st. Once the battery depletes in the grip then it will switch to the full battery in the camera instead of drawing from both at the same time. Plus its easier to access the grip battery in the field. Good point!

12-27-2014, 06:05 PM	#9
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use. ---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ---------- Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge?

12-27-2014, 07:06 PM	#10
Al_Kahollick Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 390	Originally posted by kshapero If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use. ---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ---------- Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge? Never used AA's until they were run down, so I have no idea how long they may last. I did however use only AA's in the grip of the K3 while the L-ion battery charged when I first got it. I would think they'd work as the only power source in the K5's as well.

12-27-2014, 07:38 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by kshapero If I am in an extreme situation (ie in the field) how many actuations can expect to get from 6 AA alkaline batteries in the grip of my K-5iis?. No Flash use. ---------- Post added 12-27-14 at 08:13 PM ---------- Also would the AA batteries in the grip work if the regular battery in the camera body was exhausted of a charge? With descent AAs off the shelf - perhaps a 100 or so as I recall, although its been 2-3 years. My recollection is that there must be an actual battery in the camera but its status is irrelevant to the operation of the batteries in the grip.

12-28-2014, 06:18 AM	#12
Obin Robinson Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 272	I use Eneloops and have NEVER had a problem with the Battery Grip. obin

12-28-2014, 06:38 AM	#13
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier.

12-28-2014, 08:11 AM	#14
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Oldbayrunner I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier. Because there are times when you RUN OUT of battery power but still need the camera. AAs allow you to pop into any convenience store on the planet (near enough) and be good to go for a little while longer. That can be long enough for your camera battery to gain sufficient charge.

12-28-2014, 08:41 AM	#15
Obin Robinson Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 272	Originally posted by Oldbayrunner I'm still trying to figure out why someone would want to use AA batteries in their grip for an extra 100-150 or so shots when they could pop another Li-90, or whatever the camera takes, in and be good for around 980 in addition to the cameras battery. if it's because of weight I find a heavier camera is easier for me to hold steadier. Because AA batteries can be found everywhere in the world that reliable electrical power can not. obin