Canon Motor Drive MA Battery Question

[dynachrome]

I am waiting for a Canon Motor Drive MA and the AA battery pack. The manual states that NiCad batteries should not be used. It doesn't mention AA lithium batteries, maybe because they weren't yet available. Could AA lithium batteries be used safley? They would not only have more capacity but weigh less. That's important with 12 batteries needed.

 

[dynachrome]

Make that safely.

 

[shutterfinger]

NiCad's have a lower voltage than their AA counterparts. Cameras of that era either had switches to select between Alkaline and NiCad or said not to use NiCad. If Lithium batteries have the correct voltage then they can be used.
Akaline 1.5V nominal, new 1.55V to 1.56V.
NiCad 1.2V fully charged.

 

[seall]

I use Energiser Ultimate Lithium batteries in an MA and after being very satisfied with them and exceeding the MA's own battery life specs I will not be using anything else.

They are a bit expensive but worth every penny.

 

[gordrob]

I use Duracell Alkaline batteries that I usually pick up at Costco for Motor Drive units MA or FN. They have always been reliable and I have never had any problems with them. You should always use batteries of the same brand in your motor drive and if you are going to store the motor drives for any length of time make sure you take the batteries out of the drives. The batteries usually last longer tan their best before dates.

 

[benjiboy]

You can use AA Lithium batteries and they are much lighter than the AA Alkaline ones which are a consideration if you need 12 of them, although they are more expensive.