Rechargeable batteries?

PHOTOCOP · 08-03-2009, 05:09 PM

Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand?

LeDave · 08-03-2009, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by PHOTOCOP

Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand?

Sanyo Eneloops!

Jun Park · 08-03-2009, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by PHOTOCOP

Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand?

I don't know about the best brand but I've been using rechargeables in my flash units since forever. I have 48 (!) low self discharge AA's that I bought from all-battery.com They're relatively inexpensive and I've been satisfied with the performance. I wanted to get eneloops but they were SOOOO much more than the others! I also use Ni-MH rechargeables in the TR-III battery pack (for the 540 flash) and I'm very happy with the performance. I do weddings and events so the fast recycle rate is important.

netuser · 08-03-2009, 06:53 PM

I use eneloop and also panasonic and both work just perfect

ivoire · 08-03-2009, 07:18 PM

eneloops are excellent... any other similar battery should be just as good

Fritzvds · 08-04-2009, 04:51 AM

Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life.
I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all.
Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic.

Cheers

**sinus007** · 08-04-2009, 12:54 PM

Eneloops. As others suggested.

wlachan · 08-04-2009, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by Fritzvds

Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life.
I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all.
Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic.

Cheers

I think the overall lifes of any rechargables are much depended on how they have been handled. Don't overcharge or overheat do them good. Personally I use Sanyo Eneloop (sold under Sony label too). Panasonic R2 are good too.

LeDave · 08-04-2009, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by Fritzvds

Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life.
I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all.
Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic.

Cheers

How often do you recharge your eneloops? I'm scared of recharging mine too much otherwise they might like lose lifespan or something. Not sure if this is true.

PentaxPoke · 08-04-2009, 01:08 PM

Let me be the voice of dissention here. I stopped using NiMH batteries in cameras or flashes. The reason is self-discharge. Just sitting in the case or flash, you will find that NiMH batteries discharge, and when you need your camera (or flash) most, you will find the batteries need a charge. More than once, I reached for my camera that had NiMH batteries in it that were fully charged when I put it in the case, only to find that they were dead, and I missed a shot. The Eneloope batteries are probably the best NiMH technology when it comes to self discharge, but they are not perfect.

I use Energizer lithium (L91s) disposable. They will last 15 years on the shelf without appreciable self discharge. They have a very high energy capacity compared to NiMH. (I have not replaced the batteries in my AF 540FGZ flash since I bought it!) And, they have a very wide temperature operating range. They will even operate down to -20F (We use them in our space flights) , and up to 140F. No other battery technology will even get close to that. You can leave them sit in your hot car, and they will not self discharge. With any other battery, especially NiMH, heat significantly increases the self discharge rate. Another factor that may not be an issue for you, is that they are significantly lighter than NiMH or alkaline batteries (50% lighter than NiMH!). This makes a difference in the weight of the camera when you are using 4 in the flash (or 6 in the K-7 battery grip.)

If you are the type that is a real "flash hound" and you use the flash a lot, and go through batteries quickly, you could use a two-tiered approach: Buy some NiMh AA's and a charger, but keep the lithiums in the flash so it will always be ready. If you are planning a long flash session, you can charge up the NiMH's without waiting to use the flash.

I keep a cheap digital camera as well as a LED flashlight in my glovebox and both have the L91's in it. I know that they will always be ready to use no matter how hot or cold the car gets, or how long they have been sitting there.

ricky bobby · 08-04-2009, 07:01 PM

i use Presidents Choice they are the same type as Eneloop batteries - pre-charged, and will keep 90% and 85% of the original charge after 6 and 12 months (that is what they claim) They work great and they are 12.99 for 4

WheresWaldo · 08-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by LeDave

How often do you recharge your eneloops? I'm scared of recharging mine too much otherwise they might like lose lifespan or something. Not sure if this is true.

Do not let eneloops completely discharge before recharging them, also do not store them discharged, they will last longer.

Mishandling includes things like dropping them, or putting them in your pocket with your car keys.

@PentaxPoke - Well, if we were talking about standard high capacity NiMh we would be agreeing with you, but we are not and although what you outlined may be your experience and works for you it is just your experience with NiMh and does not directly apply to Low Self Discharge NiMh.

wlachan · 08-04-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally posted by ricky bobby

i use Presidents Choice they are the same type as Eneloop batteries - pre-charged, and will keep 90% and 85% of the original charge after 6 and 12 months (that is what they claim) They work great and they are 12.99 for 4

Actually Presidents Choice AA & chargers are Sanyo made too.

Kornbread · 08-05-2009, 11:42 AM

Awesome thread. What kind of chargers does everyone recommend?

Venturi · 08-05-2009, 11:49 AM

I use Eneloops and a LaCrosse BC900 charger.

08-03-2009, 05:09 PM	#1
PHOTOCOP Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 54	Rechargeable batteries? Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand?

08-04-2009, 01:08 PM	#10
PentaxPoke Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,411	Let me be the voice of dissention here. I stopped using NiMH batteries in cameras or flashes. The reason is self-discharge. Just sitting in the case or flash, you will find that NiMH batteries discharge, and when you need your camera (or flash) most, you will find the batteries need a charge. More than once, I reached for my camera that had NiMH batteries in it that were fully charged when I put it in the case, only to find that they were dead, and I missed a shot. The Eneloope batteries are probably the best NiMH technology when it comes to self discharge, but they are not perfect. I use Energizer lithium (L91s) disposable. They will last 15 years on the shelf without appreciable self discharge. They have a very high energy capacity compared to NiMH. (I have not replaced the batteries in my AF 540FGZ flash since I bought it!) And, they have a very wide temperature operating range. They will even operate down to -20F (We use them in our space flights) , and up to 140F. No other battery technology will even get close to that. You can leave them sit in your hot car, and they will not self discharge. With any other battery, especially NiMH, heat significantly increases the self discharge rate. Another factor that may not be an issue for you, is that they are significantly lighter than NiMH or alkaline batteries (50% lighter than NiMH!). This makes a difference in the weight of the camera when you are using 4 in the flash (or 6 in the K-7 battery grip.) If you are the type that is a real "flash hound" and you use the flash a lot, and go through batteries quickly, you could use a two-tiered approach: Buy some NiMh AA's and a charger, but keep the lithiums in the flash so it will always be ready. If you are planning a long flash session, you can charge up the NiMH's without waiting to use the flash. I keep a cheap digital camera as well as a LED flashlight in my glovebox and both have the L91's in it. I know that they will always be ready to use no matter how hot or cold the car gets, or how long they have been sitting there. Last edited by PentaxPoke; 08-04-2009 at 01:38 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rechargeable batteries (again)	maxmagnum	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	18	12-27-2009 03:07 PM
Rechargeable batteries for MZ-S with BG-10?	lbenac	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	7	08-14-2009 12:33 PM
The old rechargeable batteries resurrected	johntam	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	9	07-24-2009 02:13 PM
How often do you replace rechargeable batteries?	drabina	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	15	03-05-2008 10:20 PM
Rechargeable Batteries	TakeshiKovacs	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	12-28-2007 07:08 AM

08-03-2009, 06:20 PM	#2
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Originally posted by PHOTOCOP Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand? Sanyo Eneloops!

08-03-2009, 06:34 PM	#3
Jun Park Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 182	Originally posted by PHOTOCOP Is it good to use rechargeable battery in a Pentax AF-540 FGZ flash? If so what is the best brand? I don't know about the best brand but I've been using rechargeables in my flash units since forever. I have 48 (!) low self discharge AA's that I bought from all-battery.com They're relatively inexpensive and I've been satisfied with the performance. I wanted to get eneloops but they were SOOOO much more than the others! I also use Ni-MH rechargeables in the TR-III battery pack (for the 540 flash) and I'm very happy with the performance. I do weddings and events so the fast recycle rate is important.

08-03-2009, 06:53 PM	#4
netuser Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Azores Islands, Portugal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,236	I use eneloop and also panasonic and both work just perfect

08-03-2009, 07:18 PM	#5
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	eneloops are excellent... any other similar battery should be just as good

08-04-2009, 04:51 AM	#6
Fritzvds Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South West Oz Posts: 125	Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life. I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all. Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic. Cheers

08-04-2009, 12:54 PM	#7
sinus007 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 292	Eneloops. As others suggested.

08-04-2009, 01:02 PM	#8
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by Fritzvds Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life. I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all. Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic. Cheers I think the overall lifes of any rechargables are much depended on how they have been handled. Don't overcharge or overheat do them good. Personally I use Sanyo Eneloop (sold under Sony label too). Panasonic R2 are good too.

08-04-2009, 01:03 PM	#9
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Originally posted by Fritzvds Just a side to this guys, how long should the Eneloops last. Not per charge but thier overall life. I have some here that are only about a year old and dont seem to last at all. Also have some Uniross Hybrids that have been fantastic. Cheers How often do you recharge your eneloops? I'm scared of recharging mine too much otherwise they might like lose lifespan or something. Not sure if this is true.

08-04-2009, 07:01 PM	#11
ricky bobby Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: oromocto Posts: 2	i use Presidents Choice they are the same type as Eneloop batteries - pre-charged, and will keep 90% and 85% of the original charge after 6 and 12 months (that is what they claim) They work great and they are 12.99 for 4

08-04-2009, 07:44 PM	#12
WheresWaldo Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery Posts: 498	Originally posted by LeDave How often do you recharge your eneloops? I'm scared of recharging mine too much otherwise they might like lose lifespan or something. Not sure if this is true. Do not let eneloops completely discharge before recharging them, also do not store them discharged, they will last longer. Mishandling includes things like dropping them, or putting them in your pocket with your car keys. @PentaxPoke - Well, if we were talking about standard high capacity NiMh we would be agreeing with you, but we are not and although what you outlined may be your experience and works for you it is just your experience with NiMh and does not directly apply to Low Self Discharge NiMh.

08-04-2009, 10:18 PM	#13
wlachan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 2,625	Originally posted by ricky bobby i use Presidents Choice they are the same type as Eneloop batteries - pre-charged, and will keep 90% and 85% of the original charge after 6 and 12 months (that is what they claim) They work great and they are 12.99 for 4 Actually Presidents Choice AA & chargers are Sanyo made too.

08-05-2009, 11:42 AM	#14
Kornbread Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 61	Awesome thread. What kind of chargers does everyone recommend?

08-05-2009, 11:49 AM	#15
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	I use Eneloops and a LaCrosse BC900 charger.