Calling all battery experts -- OK calling ANY battery expert -- Lithium battery puzzler

[xkaes]

You should put the load on the battery and then test the voltage across the battery terminals. It will be lower than the no-load voltage, the question is how much.

The voltage under load -- for the NEW "bad" 3v batteries that don't work with the cameras is 2.7v. That's exactly the same as for the OLD "good" 3v batteries that DO work with the cameras.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Some lithium batteries have internal short circuit protection and will effectively shut off if something tries to draw too much current -- and as I understand it, this is more prevalent in newer cells (it helps reduce the risk of fire/explosion). Any idea how much current your camera draws?

 

[xkaes]

These are all older, "simpler" cameras, like Minolta Maxxums, that use two 3v batteries. The power is mostly needed for the "weak" built-in flashes. The camera itself & the electronic shutter needs very little juice. Simply turning the camera ON should requires next to no power. I can't image that these batteries would have any sophisticated circuitry. Sony's Info-Lithium batteries? Sure. But a CR2? I doubt it.

 

[Pioneer]

Though these are all different cameras they are all basically relying on a similar Minolta constructed low voltage indicator to tell you whether the batteries have adequate power to run the features in that camera.

I have a camera that will not turn on occasionally after inserting a new set of batteries. But if left on the desk with that new set of batteries overnight it will work properly the next morning. I have always assumed that there is some capacitor, or other component, in the system that needs a bit of time to charge before it will work. Once it does fire up and work then it is good for the expected life of the batteries.

Weird but true.

 

[mshchem]

I got rid of my F100 bodies, these cameras are fussy with Lithium batteries. I would get rid of the new batteries and get online and buy something like Varta, ie made in Germany or Japan. This would be the best bet to get highest quality. A proper battery tester is indispensable.

 

[Sirius Glass]

See post #10 and call the battery manufacturer's 800 number. That will save you time and money.

 

[xkaes]

I have a camera that will not turn on occasionally after inserting a new set of batteries. But if left on the desk with that new set of batteries overnight it will work properly the next morning. I have always assumed that there is some capacitor, or other component, in the system that needs a bit of time to charge before it will work. Once it does fire up and work then it is good for the expected life of the batteries.

Weird but true.

I've tried that. I left one camera ON and another camera OFF for several hours with the problem batteries inserted -- to no avail.

 

[Pioneer]

I've tried that. I left one camera ON and another camera OFF for several hours with the problem batteries inserted -- to no avail.

Ah well, it was a thought...