Leaky battery

Some lessons from today - here's the story.

Our daughter plays violin, and was asked to form an ad hoc chamber trio for a neighbour's daughter's wedding today. She does not like her picture taken (takes after her mother). My expectations therefore are that my services will not be required. Little do I know.

So, last minute, they suggest I take pictures of the three of them (daughter, a cellist and a second violinist), rehearsing just before the guests arrive at the venue.

Surprised, and pleased. Gear goes into the back, off we go. Get to the venue, unpack daughter, violin, three music stands, camera, backpack, set it up, blah blah.

Take some shots with the pop-up flash. Kr@p. Gloomy as, and it's thundery outside, so little natural light getting in.

Out with the 540, bung it on the camera, light the fuse. Nothing. I feel like the coyote when the latest plan to get that freaking road-runner unravels very quickly. I'm in the headlight of the next train, and the light ain't getting any dimmer...

Guests arriving, gear put away, speed off. Shopping to do, daughter to collect when they've finished, unpack, more blah.

Hmm - back to this flash. Nope - he's dead Jim. Gone the way of the Great Auk.

Now, I never put any gear away with batteries that are not good for the next shoot. So, I open the battery hatch on the 540 - this is what I see:

[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/Misc/_IGP7122-3R.jpg[/IMG]
(battery removed from compartment for this photo, and as part of the first panic reaction due to me dreading a vision of a whole battery compartment full of nice liquid chemicals...)

Now that was unexpected. One battery only, and only on the +ve terminal at that, so that's a relief. Have a brush and gentle scrub (non-metallic) of the contacts on the flash hatch door, and get it back to this:

[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/Misc/_IGP7128-1R.jpg[/IMG]

While it's ugly, it works. The high part of the contact has scrubbed up to act as a normal conductor. Flash fully operational - phew...

And this is the culprit:

[IMG]http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy9/i_berg/Misc/_IGP7124-2R.jpg[/IMG]

Probably about two years old, only ever charged with the charger that came with the first four of these. Only ever used with this flash, and once as a trial with the Kx when that was new (don't bother).

All eight batteries are now where they belong. While they worked well in this flash while they behaved, it just isn't worth the risk.

So, more Eneloops might be in order, unless anyone else has AA suggestions that work in the 540?

Ideas welcome.

I've never known why people use Energizer rechargeables the performance is never good. Very rare for a good NiMh too leak it was probably worn out anyway. RayOVac alkalines leak just like that as well.

The white stuff can be wiped off with a cloth soaked in either vinegar or lemon juice..... I can't remember which one though.

Japanese made Panasonics used to be about the best, but they seem to be made in China nowdays and aren't as good. So for the time being Eneloops are favourite.

Hi Guys

either of these would work: -

Scrub alkaline battery leakage with a weak household acid like vinegar or lemon juice. You can use cotton swabs, toothbrushes or sponges to gently clean any areas that have alkaline residue on them.

Use a thick paste made from baking soda and water to neutralize lead-acid battery leaks and spills. Alternatively, you can pour 'soda pop' on the battery posts, then scrub them clean.

However the battery in reality is 'apst its sell by date' and far safer to through away!

Paul


Read more: How to Clean Battery Leaks and Spills | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2272148_clean-battery-leaks-spills.html#ixzz13ANfdKkJ

7 Day Shop have the following Eneloops on offer at the moment: -

Sanyo Eneloop AA Batteries (Pack of in FREE Safe Cases

£12.49 including delivery

link: - http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=109612

Paul

No 2 for Sodoium Bicarbonate (Baking soda) in hot water to rinse clean or as a paste to scrub.

A bit more support:
Cotton bud and white vinegar to get rid of corrosion.
You want (as shown) the contact clean - but all the other traces of corrosion gone as well.

Cheap NiMH batteries will develop leaks over time (and that time could be sooner than you think). You might only notice that the compartment has a small amount of dampness in it - bu that's your early warning!

7-Day Shop have their own brand of Eneloop equivalent (called "Ready to Go") and they are way cheaper than Eneloops from the same source. Cannot say how good, as mine have just arrived.
Note that any of the "already charged" NiMH cells that I have seen have a lower capacity (in milliamphours) than a cell that is not ready charged. I have just put some AAA cells on charge (from a night light) and it looks like a difference of 3 nights as compared to 5. Mind you, these were 2 for £1 in Poundland, so I have to figure the recharge cost into the equation

If anyone wants a gamble (probably better than £1 on the lottery), I see that Lidl will be selling their 'equivalent' to Eneloops on Thursday. With breathtaking originality, they call theirs "Ready to Use".
The AA cells are 2100 maH, and are less than £3 for 4.
Usual disclaimer.
Geoff

Thanks all - the corrosion treatment as suggested worked a treat, and the flash is fully functional.

Algi - point taken I promise I'll be good from now on...