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06/28/2011 01:32:51 PM · #1 |
Hey,
So one of my camera batteries is no longer working. I know this because when I insert it into the camera, my camera doesn't turn on, but if I put in my other battery, the camera works fine. This is kind of a problem since my summer job is just taking pictures all day, and I only have two batteries, so I have always charged one while using the other, and then switched.
The thing is, the battery was working perfectly fine yesterday and then when it ran out of battery, I was unable to charge it.
Has anyone experienced this before? Is my battery just shot, or is there something I can possibly do to maybe get it working again?
What is the probable cause of a battery just abruptly not working anymore? |
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06/28/2011 01:39:07 PM · #2 |
They can die quickly, but this does sound quicker than I'd expect. It is possible that the contacts on the battery and/or the camera are dirty or oxidized. Try gently rubbing the battery contacts with a pencil eraser (not an ink eraser), then brush off any eraser crumbs. That should clean off any oxidation or dirt. If that does not allow you to charge the battery, it might well have suddenly failed.
How old are the batteries?
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06/28/2011 01:40:26 PM · #3 |
If it stopped working all of a sudden, rather than just a slow decline in charge capability over time, then I'd say you have a bad cell in the battery. Just replace it is my suggestion. I've been buying my batteries from Sterlingtek since it was recommended to me by others both here and on Flickr. You can get 2 1200 mAh batteries for your XTi for about $20 and shipping.
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06/28/2011 01:41:32 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Fiora:
Hey,
So one of my camera batteries is no longer working. I know this because when I insert it into the camera, my camera doesn't turn on, but if I put in my other battery, the camera works fine. This is kind of a problem since my summer job is just taking pictures all day, and I only have two batteries, so I have always charged one while using the other, and then switched.
The thing is, the battery was working perfectly fine yesterday and then when it ran out of battery, I was unable to charge it.
Has anyone experienced this before? Is my battery just shot, or is there something I can possibly do to maybe get it working again?
What is the probable cause of a battery just abruptly not working anymore? |
Batteries become unable to hold a charge because of the exhaustion of the chemicals inside. The maximum life of a heavily used camera battery is about 3 years, but may vary from 1 to 5. The associated frustration with a failed battery far exceeds the cost of a new battery. I think buying replacement batteries is a tricky mission. Just know that there are knock-offs available for a fraction of the price. OEM parts are my preference. |
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06/28/2011 01:45:17 PM · #5 |
kirbic, thanks for the suggestion, but cleaning didn't help. I guess its just shot.
The weird thing is that the battery that failed is the one I have had for only a year, whereas my old 3-4year battery is still chugging away. Although, I think the one that failed might have been one of the cheap knockoffs, so maybe thats why it died so quickly.
Regardless, amazon currently has a 60% off sale right now, so I am ordering two new batteries. |
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06/28/2011 01:49:23 PM · #6 |
I would guess a sudden failure would be a contact issue. If it has been gradual, well that is the cycle of battery life.
Clean the contacts with a pencil eraser to make sure the contacts are clean and your battery is getting a charge. check with the guy who fixes stuff around the camp, he will have a volt meter. It can tell you if it has a charge and if it completing the circuit.
I had a third party battery die on me in less than six months, while others have been plugging away for seven years. The why and how one battery is better made than another is a mystery to me, but they all quit taking a charge at some point. |
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06/28/2011 04:57:01 PM · #7 |
| No not play with it, throw it out.... trying to fix a $20 battery, you do not want it to mess up your $500 camera! Go on Ebay and get a good aftermarket battery and throw away the other one. It is almost impossible to fix, it is easier to drain it completely and most will do it too fast and over-temp the battery, that is what you do not want.... a leaking battery in your camera. I would not play..but that is my .02c |
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06/28/2011 05:05:25 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Fiora:
kirbic, thanks for the suggestion, but cleaning didn't help. I guess its just shot.
The weird thing is that the battery that failed is the one I have had for only a year, whereas my old 3-4year battery is still chugging away. Although, I think the one that failed might have been one of the cheap knockoffs, so maybe thats why it died so quickly.
Regardless, amazon currently has a 60% off sale right now, so I am ordering two new batteries. |
It may have been because of an inferior quality cell in the battery. That can happen, even with OEM batteries. I had two batteries with my old 10D, and both of them died rather quickly after about 3 years. They were not moderately used, I certainly wouldn't say they were heavily used. OTOH, both of the batteries I bought when I bought my 5D have been chugging along since September of 2005, nearly six years. I think I'm just now seeing some degradation.
Another alternative is the charging control circuitry in the cell. These cells all have some internal circuitry, and it is possible that a part of that failed.
In any case, i agree with other posters, dispose of properly and get a new one. |
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