Originally posted by yucatanPentax When you say "update" do you mean a firmware update on the camera? Interesting. I haven't owned a K-x before, so that's likely why I don't remember. Well, also, less than perfect memory.
Which brand and source are the "working the best" batteries from? I'm tempted to try a set or two as I still have a couple AA powered cameras. link?
Thank you for posting this info. These batteries are not something I've heard of before either. The individually charged ones are ... trippy!
My K-x is my first Pentax digital and it cost the measly sum of $100 together with 18-55 L kit lens. I’m in love with it.
I’ve found a program that determine shutter count, and it was under 3,000 when I got it.
I’ve had other digital cameras, bigger point and shoots and bridge cameras, that used four AA batteries and those worked fine. My K-x would not even power up with generic NmHd batteries. It ate Eeneloops quickly, it lasted only a bit longer on alkaline. On the expensive lithium batteries it did work.
A K-x is supposed to have three updates and mine has never been updated. The first update more or less fixed the battery life problem. The last two were other minor improvements including using SDXC cards.
When I use 1.5 volt lithium batteries the camera operates snappily and with instant review, and seem to last forever. Using any 1.2 volt rechargeable batteries means it works, but not as fast and especially not quick photo review.
I’ve not tested how long the new 1.5 rechargeable lithium batteries last, but they seem identical to the disposable lithium batteries in performance so far.
Some more observations:
1. The new batteries are light, like the disposable lithiums. Four black Eeneloop batteries are weighty.
2. If you lose your specific charger (especially true for the USB-C port EBL batteries) you have disposable $7.50 each lithium batteries again.
3. They will give no warning (or very little) before they discharge.
4. Neither charger has any provisions for direct 110 volt AC charging. Not a problem these days when there are phone chargers all over every house and plugged in every car, but evidently the chargers want a constant 5 volts or less to charge. The generic set I bought were almost fully charged, and the EBL took an hour and a half on a phone charger to turn the orange lights to blue, then they shut off automatically.
The battery life of the old style disposable lithium batteries in my K-x was almost 2,000 shots. The set I had in there had been used over a thousand times and still registered full charge.
I’m going to shoot these new batteries until they drain, unless I get tired of waiting for them and recharge them. In reading the online reviews, the new type recharge quickly, and are rated over 1.200 cycles.
If you can call EBL a name brand, it seems it’s the only name brand producing these. My others were generic but the charger and little script reads Kratex. Here’s what’s in my Pentax now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Double-AA-1-5V-USB-Rechargeable-Lithium-Ion-Batteri...-127632-2357-0
Here’s a link to the EBL batteries that dangle and show lights while they charge:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/EBL-Lot-USB-Rechargeable-Lithium-AAA-AA-Batteries-1...-127632-2357-0
There has to be a reason. If these are good they’ll quit making the others the same as NmHd drove those old ni cads off the market.