Yet Another K-x Battery Problem

Deniz · 03-11-2010, 07:43 AM

I've been using GP 2700 rechargeable NiMH batteries for a while. I used them with my old Fuji S700 and had no problem. When I try to use K-x with GP batteries, the camera just don't turn on.. I tried to wait before I turn the camera on, tried re-charging them, nothing worked out so far. Now, I know K-x is pretty picky about the batteries but I didn't expect to have problems with the GPs. They are really powerful batteries (2600mAh) and I can't understand why this issue occurs. I also tried Duracell batteries, lasted only about 80 shots. What's more surprising is, I'm using the batteries that comes with the kit. I think it's been over 1100 shots and still going pretty "green".

So, I'd like to use my GP batteries, is that possible in any way or do I have to buy Eneloops like everyone had to..

fccwpe · 03-11-2010, 07:51 AM

Get the newest firmware upgrade as this will solve the problem in most cases. What is the battery type selection in the menu set at? Set it to auto and after fresh battery installation give it 30 seconds or so before you turn the camera on.
I use the Rayovac hybrids and they are just fine so you don't have to use the Eneloops. All that being asked/said, I had the same problem to a lesser degree before I downloaded and installed the 1.01 firmware upgrade.
Good luck!

rawr · 03-11-2010, 07:54 AM

Get some eneloops + Sanyo eneloop charger = problems solved.

Other rechargables may work but eneloops are a completely safe bet.

Also check that you have the latest firmware (1.01) and if not, update your firmware. The newest firmware makes a big difference to the K-x's battery handling.

Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

kkoether · 03-11-2010, 09:18 AM

Originally posted by Deniz

They are really powerful batteries (2600mAh) and I can't understand why this issue occurs.

The 2600mAh rating is the storage capacity of the battery NOT the output capacity. Modern DSLR's require higher current than older cameras. As you try to pull more current out of a battery the voltage of the battery drops. This is where there are problems with a lot of AA batteries. They simply cannot supply the required current without the output voltage falling below what the camera requires. Check out the sticky thread "Battery for K-x (and other cameras that take AA's)" at the top of this forum for more info on AA batteries.

My personal choice in my K200D are Sanyo Eneloop's with a Sanyo Eneloop charger which can be purchased with a set of Eneloop batteries.

Hope this helps,

dperreno · 03-15-2010, 04:00 PM

I use both Eneloops and Rayovac Hybrids and they work equally well. Unless you tend to shoot 600+ pictures at a time, I would strongly recommend that you get hybrid batteries, such as one of these two, as they hold their charge for months.

benjikan · 03-16-2010, 01:35 AM

Originally posted by rawr

Get some eneloops + Sanyo eneloop charger = problems solved.

Other rechargables may work but eneloops are a completely safe bet.

Also check that you have the latest firmware (1.01) and if not, update your firmware. The newest firmware makes a big difference to the K-x's battery handling.

Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

Totally agree. I have three eneloops chargers and 12 of their 2000 mAh batteries...very good.

phzy2003 · 04-07-2010, 10:40 PM

i am using the enlopes, they are pretty good.

**rod_grant** · 04-08-2010, 05:23 AM

Eneloops are good. I also use Maha Powerex and Imedion batteries which have a higher capacity (2700mah and 2100mah)

Peter Zack · 04-08-2010, 05:34 AM

The issue isn't Mah but voltage as far as I understand it. The Eneloops are the way to go.

opiedog · 04-08-2010, 09:33 AM

here's my experience,

i had some older sanyo 2600mah nimh's that the kx just doesn't like. i found out later that those batteries had problems holding a steady charge.

OTOH, i've put in some panasonic 2100mah's, also a few years old and they work like a charm.

so far eneloops (2 years old) have been pretty stable.

the kx's meter will read orange for a while (latest firmware) so don't be surprised.

sterretje · 04-08-2010, 11:08 AM

I've tried to use the GP2700s in a K100D and they just don't seem to last. Just like you I was very happy with them in a P&S; I even bought an extra set when I bought the K100D

I'm now trying a set of GP recyko and so far so good; we're are at 350 jpegs and 110 raws and they are still going.

See https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/92821-battery-k-x-...-take-aas.html post #5 for a list of possible candidates (if I understand the post correctly).

alexulo · 04-08-2010, 11:22 AM

For my K200D I used normal battery and I had many problem when it was could, the battery was often empty also when I don't used it. I have changed with Panasoni AA Infinium 2100 mAh, it works fine and I had no more battery problem. I know this is not the same case but you can try this battery.

Shub · 04-08-2010, 12:34 PM

Drop in some lithiums, and update the firmware.

Then try the same.

But in case it doesn't (for whatever reason), try Eneloops as previously suggested, or Duracell 2650 mAh Rechargeables.

timstone · 04-08-2010, 02:04 PM

Guess I will pick up some eneloops pretty soon. Can they work in any charger? Cause I've already got an energizer charger.

KxBlaze · 04-08-2010, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by timstone

Guess I will pick up some eneloops pretty soon. Can they work in any charger? Cause I've already got an energizer charger.

They will work in that energizer charger but there is a chance that particular charger will not charge the Eneloops to their full capabilities. You can buy Eneloops that come with a charger, or you can read the many great comments on this thread

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/92821-battery-k-x-...-take-aas.html

03-11-2010, 07:43 AM	#1
Deniz Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ankara/Turkish Republic Posts: 26	Yet Another K-x Battery Problem I've been using GP 2700 rechargeable NiMH batteries for a while. I used them with my old Fuji S700 and had no problem. When I try to use K-x with GP batteries, the camera just don't turn on.. I tried to wait before I turn the camera on, tried re-charging them, nothing worked out so far. Now, I know K-x is pretty picky about the batteries but I didn't expect to have problems with the GPs. They are really powerful batteries (2600mAh) and I can't understand why this issue occurs. I also tried Duracell batteries, lasted only about 80 shots. What's more surprising is, I'm using the batteries that comes with the kit. I think it's been over 1100 shots and still going pretty "green". So, I'd like to use my GP batteries, is that possible in any way or do I have to buy Eneloops like everyone had to..

03-11-2010, 09:18 AM	#4
kkoether Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huber Heights, OH, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	Yet Another K-x Battery Problem Originally posted by Deniz They are really powerful batteries (2600mAh) and I can't understand why this issue occurs. The 2600mAh rating is the storage capacity of the battery NOT the output capacity. Modern DSLR's require higher current than older cameras. As you try to pull more current out of a battery the voltage of the battery drops. This is where there are problems with a lot of AA batteries. They simply cannot supply the required current without the output voltage falling below what the camera requires. Check out the sticky thread "Battery for K-x (and other cameras that take AA's)" at the top of this forum for more info on AA batteries. My personal choice in my K200D are Sanyo Eneloop's with a Sanyo Eneloop charger which can be purchased with a set of Eneloop batteries. Hope this helps,

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03-11-2010, 07:51 AM	#2
fccwpe Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perris, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 380	Get the newest firmware upgrade as this will solve the problem in most cases. What is the battery type selection in the menu set at? Set it to auto and after fresh battery installation give it 30 seconds or so before you turn the camera on. I use the Rayovac hybrids and they are just fine so you don't have to use the Eneloops. All that being asked/said, I had the same problem to a lesser degree before I downloaded and installed the 1.01 firmware upgrade. Good luck!

03-11-2010, 07:54 AM	#3
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Get some eneloops + Sanyo eneloop charger = problems solved. Other rechargables may work but eneloops are a completely safe bet. Also check that you have the latest firmware (1.01) and if not, update your firmware. The newest firmware makes a big difference to the K-x's battery handling. Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX

03-15-2010, 04:00 PM	#5
dperreno Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 28	I use both Eneloops and Rayovac Hybrids and they work equally well. Unless you tend to shoot 600+ pictures at a time, I would strongly recommend that you get hybrid batteries, such as one of these two, as they hold their charge for months.

03-16-2010, 01:35 AM	#6
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	Originally posted by rawr Get some eneloops + Sanyo eneloop charger = problems solved. Other rechargables may work but eneloops are a completely safe bet. Also check that you have the latest firmware (1.01) and if not, update your firmware. The newest firmware makes a big difference to the K-x's battery handling. Latest K-x Firmware Update : Software Downloads : PENTAX Totally agree. I have three eneloops chargers and 12 of their 2000 mAh batteries...very good.

04-07-2010, 10:40 PM	#7
phzy2003 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 167	i am using the enlopes, they are pretty good.

04-08-2010, 05:23 AM	#8
rod_grant Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wangaratta, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,951	Eneloops are good. I also use Maha Powerex and Imedion batteries which have a higher capacity (2700mah and 2100mah)

04-08-2010, 05:34 AM	#9
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	The issue isn't Mah but voltage as far as I understand it. The Eneloops are the way to go.

04-08-2010, 09:33 AM	#10
opiedog Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Posts: 787	here's my experience, i had some older sanyo 2600mah nimh's that the kx just doesn't like. i found out later that those batteries had problems holding a steady charge. OTOH, i've put in some panasonic 2100mah's, also a few years old and they work like a charm. so far eneloops (2 years old) have been pretty stable. the kx's meter will read orange for a while (latest firmware) so don't be surprised.

04-08-2010, 11:08 AM	#11
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	I've tried to use the GP2700s in a K100D and they just don't seem to last. Just like you I was very happy with them in a P&S; I even bought an extra set when I bought the K100D I'm now trying a set of GP recyko and so far so good; we're are at 350 jpegs and 110 raws and they are still going. See https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/92821-battery-k-x-...-take-aas.html post #5 for a list of possible candidates (if I understand the post correctly).

04-08-2010, 11:22 AM	#12
alexulo Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 45	For my K200D I used normal battery and I had many problem when it was could, the battery was often empty also when I don't used it. I have changed with Panasoni AA Infinium 2100 mAh, it works fine and I had no more battery problem. I know this is not the same case but you can try this battery.

04-08-2010, 12:34 PM	#13
Shub Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 163	Drop in some lithiums, and update the firmware. Then try the same. But in case it doesn't (for whatever reason), try Eneloops as previously suggested, or Duracell 2650 mAh Rechargeables.

04-08-2010, 02:04 PM	#14
timstone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 400	Guess I will pick up some eneloops pretty soon. Can they work in any charger? Cause I've already got an energizer charger.

04-08-2010, 02:28 PM	#15
KxBlaze Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,602	Originally posted by timstone Guess I will pick up some eneloops pretty soon. Can they work in any charger? Cause I've already got an energizer charger. They will work in that energizer charger but there is a chance that particular charger will not charge the Eneloops to their full capabilities. You can buy Eneloops that come with a charger, or you can read the many great comments on this thread https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/92821-battery-k-x-...-take-aas.html