SR44 Silver Oxide Batteries: Quality does not leak

Chan Tran · Dec 30, 2024

I found alkaline batteries made a long time ago (20 years or more) don't leak unless the device they are in drained them continuously. Newer batteries leak even if they are not used. I suspect there is a change in the chemicals used and the change was a result of some environmental law.

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

Chan Tran said:
I have Duracell AA batteries leaked in my F4S and my Fluke 289 DMM.

How long were the batteries in the devices?

ic-racer · Dec 30, 2024

I used to think NiCad did not leak, but ran into this recently:

Metz 45 CT-4 Repair

I got a Metz 45 CT-4 for a few dollars. Wondered if it works or if it can be fixed.

www.photrio.com

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

4season said:
At this late date, I'd regard those Sony batteries as collectables!

Are there avid collectors??

BrianShaw · Dec 30, 2024

Sometimes it’s not even that obvious. Recently I had an otherwise good light meter that succumbed to “black wire syndrome “. The only clue was that the 9-battery clip had been replaced; no other signs of a prior battery leakage.

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
Are there avid collectors??

The Sony batteries came with two rare Nikon MF-18 data backs for the F3, new old stock, that I had found at a photo dealer in Germany years ago. Complete packs, time capsules.

wiltw · Dec 30, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
I'm paranoid because I see what forgotten batteries can do in photographic equipment

new, unused batteries (in original packaging) seldom leak...it is the partially-used battery, which are left connected inside devices, which eventually leak.

I place a thin plastic electrical 'insulator' between alkaline battery and one electrical terminal of the device, when I want a battery to be readily available for use upon short notice, to ensure the battery does not leak while inside.

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

I enjoy cleaning electrolyte victims because it is a lot of manual work and time-consuming. When a totally messed up device works again, it is a great joy.

But sometimes you come too late and devices can no longer be saved. Tragic cases, especially when the devices are otherwise in new condition.

Chan Tran · Dec 30, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
How long were the batteries in the devices?

Less than a month. The leaked batteries in both units were from the same package I bought.

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

Chan Tran said:
Less than a month.

You can't control things at such short intervals, it'll drive you crazy!

Pioneer · Dec 30, 2024

Rule #1 - Batteries leak.
Rule #2 - If your camera batteries haven't leaked yet they will.
Rule #3 - The only camera batteries that do no leak are the ones not in the camera.
Rule #4 - My Contax II has not leaked battery electrolyte yet but that is only because I haven't found the battery.

wiltw · Dec 30, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
I enjoy cleaning electrolyte victims because it is a lot of manual work and time-consuming. When a totally messed up device works again, it is a great joy.

But sometimes you come too late and devices can no longer be saved. Tragic cases, especially when the devices are otherwise in new condition.

We have a 'kitchen cleanser' here in USA with Barkeeper's Helper name, that contains powdered oxalic acid and is used for cleaning stainless steel counters and sinks. When mixed into a paste, I have used it on a number of occasions on cotton-tipped swab to clean electrical contacts after battery corrosion (such as flashlight or small battery-powered electronics) appeared when my wife put something away for a year without battery removal...dab it on, let it sit on the contacts for a minute or two, swab with clean, water-moistened swab, blot dry, the contacts are nice and shiny and operation of the device is restored.

koraks · Dec 30, 2024

Pioneer said:
Rule #3 - The only camera batteries that do no leak are the ones not in the camera.

LOL, I loved that one!

Sanug · Dec 30, 2024

For AA, AAA and 9V batteries in rarely used devices, I tried Lithium cells (not rechargeable) for replacement. They do not leak and have a very low self discharge. They shall least for 10 years.

Unfortunately, I had many failed Lithium cells which became dead after a short time. No leakage, but dead within less than one year. They were branded Varta and Energizer. Too bad and expensive.

Andreas Thaler · Dec 30, 2024

wiltw said:
We have a 'kitchen cleanser' here in USA with Barkeeper's Helper name, that contains powdered oxalic acid and is used for cleaning stainless steel counters and sinks. When mixed into a paste, I have used it on a number of occasions on cotton-tipped swab to clean electrical contacts after battery corrosion (such as flashlight or small battery-powered electronics) appeared when my wife put something away for a year without battery removal...dab it on, let it sit on the contacts for a minute or two, swab with clean, water-moistened swab, blot dry, the contacts are nice and shiny and operation of the device is restored.

I use Durgol, a descaler that also dissolves battery electrolyte contamination.

Is it similar to your product?

durgol universal power | A versatile and fast descaler

Quick and easy descaling of objects and surfaces that is gentle on materials. Ideal for kettles, shower heads, pots, pans and much more.

www.durgol.com

wiltw · Dec 30, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
I use Durgol, a descaler that also dissolves battery electrolyte contamination.

Is it similar to your product?

SULFAMIC ACID, rather than oxalic acid...conceptually similar. Oxalic acid commonly employed in removal of rust, while sufamic acid is used both for rust removal and descaling. But Barkeeper's Friend does also work well for removal of mineral deposits.

H3NSO3 vs C₂H₂O₄

aw614 · Dec 30, 2024

I've had batteries start to leak from sitting on my desk.

I threw the batteries out, but I bought an XA at the flea market in unknown condition, and it had Sony batteries in it that didn't leak. Put new batteries in it and it fired up. Too bad the rear lens element has a bit of fungus on it from the inside. I've seen a few badly corroded XAs though...

Running a roll of film to see how badly affect it is.

Chan Tran · Dec 30, 2024

koraks said:
LOL, I loved that one!

But I have leaked batteries that were in their bubble pack.

ic-racer · Dec 30, 2024

Some batteries seem resistant to leaking.

I got these "Roland" branded musical instrument C-batteries in 1983. This still look like new.

cmacd123 · Dec 30, 2024

I have also seen folks on an electronic intesrst group refer to Duraleaks energisers still seem OK, but they are making them in many locations thee days..

4season · Dec 30, 2024

Chan Tran said:
But I have leaked batteries that were in their bubble pack.

While helping to clear out my mom's house, I ended up tossing a bunch of unopened packs of Duracell alkaline batteries, with years remaining of their alleged shelf life, and I've had newly-purchased ones leak too. These were purchased at different times, in different states, so I don't think it was an isolated incident. Have not experienced such a failure rate with any other brand.

cmacd123 · Dec 30, 2024

4season said:
At this late date, I'd regard those Sony batteries as collectables!

Sony's battery business was acquired in 2017 by Mu-rata and so the batteries now say Mu-rata.

| Laval Europe

www.laval-europe.com

SONY and MURATA

Where did the Sony button cells go?

In 2017, Murata acquired Sony's battery and accumulator division and took over manufacturing of the Sony brand.
Since then, the Murata brand has replaced the Sony brand, but the quality and performance of the batteries remain unchanged .

Quality: no changes

The batteries now carry the Murata brand but continue to be manufactured in the same factories, by the same production teams who still follow the same strict quality procedures.

Performance: no changes

Murata 's mercury-free high-performance button cell batteries are globally recognized by leading watch movement manufacturers, covering approximately 45% of global demand.

MURATA IS THE WORLD'S N°1 PRODUCER OF WATCH BATTERIES.

- Inventor of the mercury-free silver oxide watch battery
- Renowned supplier to global watch movement manufacturers
- Over 40 years of manufacturing experience
- Over 1 billion watch batteries produced

Namely: Murata batteries combine perfectly with Miyota movements.

cmacd123 · Dec 30, 2024

ic-racer said:
Some batteries seem resistant to leaking.

I got these "Roland" branded musical instrument C-batteries in 1983. This still look like new.

View attachment 386491

Roland products often looked like Matshushita products so those may be Panasonic Hi-Top in Disguise.

cmacd123 · Dec 30, 2024

I recall when I was selling cameras 50 years ago getting a twelve pack of Malroy Duracell tent pack batteries that were leaking right from Malroy. (when Duracell was a sub brand of Malory.) I checked with the Buyer at HQ, and he said it happens, Just stick them in the defectives drawer and the next time the Battery rep comes he will issue a credit.

Vaughn · Dec 30, 2024

Chan Tran said:
If the choice is between LR-44 and SR-44 I would choose SR-44 however if I just want to see if a camera works the LR-44 is fine and much cheaper.

A year ago I bought a pack of four LR-44s as back-up while in Japan. They did not work and back home I noticed one was slight expanded. They were sitting on my kitchen table in the sun when the expanded battery exploded (sounded like a 22 caliber pistol shot) and put marks on the ceiling. I was outside and heard it. It could have put an eye out if someone was looking at it.

Lots of energy in a small package.

SR44 Silver Oxide Batteries: Quality does not leak

Moderator

Sony's battery business was acquired in 2017 by Mu-rata and so the batteries now say Mu-rata.​

| Laval Europe www.laval-europe.com

SONY and MURATA​

Where did the Sony button cells go?​

Quality: no changes​

Performance: no changes​

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