What the? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/02/2005 08:08:18 AM · #1

I'm using an f32x flash on my f828 and currently my flash has lasted about 3 flashes per each set of batteries; this can't go on!!! Is it because the batteries must be bad, are rechargeables a better option? Has anyone else done this? Anyone have specific settings which can help the flash at least last one shoot?

deapee

Kodak V803

04/02/2005 08:09:08 AM · #2

If you only get 3 flashes per set of batteries, I'd say the batteries have to be bad...but I have no experience with that.

Node

Nikon D300

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Nikon

04/02/2005 08:30:21 AM · #3

They may be a bad batch, if you bought them at the same place.

Try some from somewhere else. Just dosen't seem right.

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

04/02/2005 10:49:05 AM · #4

Originally posted by pgatt:

Are you leaving the flash attachment turned on for very long periods between flash exposures? If so there may be a low level ongoing drain on the batteries to power the unit and keep it charged and ready to fire. That's one possibility. Turning the flash unit off when not needed would cure it.

But more likely you have bad batteries or a defective unit. Improper settings would not make a flash attachment perform that poorly.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/02/2005 04:59:35 PM · #5

Definitely not leaving the flash on for long times. I'm suspecting the second - dodgy batteries or the flash itself. I hope it's just the batteries.

brianlh

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

04/02/2005 06:15:36 PM · #6

i know that my old olympus c-3000z seemed to eat batteries extremely fast.. we bought it refurbished and i was never sure, but suspected that this may have had something to do with it. if your new set of batteries has a problem, i would suggest sending the flash in for repairs under warranty (if it's covered).. if it's not.. =\ - i would then try to sell it on ebay while informing the buyer of your problem with the batteries (someone might want to buy it and fix it).. but buying new batteries at this pace is going to cost you way too much in the long run!

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D

04/03/2005 01:12:15 AM · #7

Yeah tell me about it. 12 AA's and about 12 shots!

zarniwoop

Nikon D50

04/03/2005 07:31:05 AM · #8

what kind of batteries are you using? Ordinary alkalines are useless for most digital cameras/flash units. For that kind of use you need nimh or lithium batteries. Rechargable might not be rated as high but they provide a more consistent output. Alkalines tend to fall off pretty quickly and then are only useful for low power stuff like a cd player.

You NEED to use rechargables.

Makka

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/03/2005 07:35:31 AM · #9

From what I remember doesn't the F828 use a proprietory lithium-ion type battery? If you've got this camera new then it should be a warranty issue and it should be replaced! Outside of warranty though I'd say your lithium -ion has come to the end of it's life! You should be getting a lot more shots from the flash than that!

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/03/2005 08:43:24 AM · #10

Thanks for the advice. Zarniwoop, I'm currently using alkalines, Just bought a charger and I'll pick up some Nimh batteries for it tomorrow. Makka, I was talking about the flash unit batteries, not the camera battery itself.

mfairbanks

Sony DSC-F828

04/03/2005 10:11:46 AM · #11

Pgatt,
Greetings, I use the same camera / flash combination and usually get 50 - 100 shots per set of batteries (usually energizer)I also leave the flash on when its on the camera if I'm using it rather than shut down / power up for every shot. I agree with the others though, go buy some good batteries, then let us know what happens. I think Makaa was mistaken as I dont see how this could be a camera's battery issue at all, since the flash is powered by its own batt's....

Mike
//www.mikefairbanks.com

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

04/03/2005 11:50:44 AM · #12

Originally posted by Makka:

He's using an add-on speedlight through the hot shoe, makaa, not the built-in flash.

Robt.