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Exploding Batteries in SB-800

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SB-800 Batteries

Eric

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Joined: Jun '12
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A few months ago I was shooting and I needed an on-camera flash. So I took out my SB-800, put in new Duracell batteries and proceeded to take a photo. Pop! from inside the flash. Everything seemed to be working fine, but I took out the batteries to see what was going on. Upon inspection, one battery had blown a big crack around the end and sprayed white goo all over the inside of my flash. I pulled the batteries, cleaned out the flash as best I could (trying to neutralize the acid) and set it aside to dry completely. Last Sunday I took out the flash again, (I used more new Duracell batteries from Costco), I took several photos, (not too quickly) and then noticed a popping and sizzling sound. Sure enough when I pulled the batteries, several had ruptured and were leaking.

I am going to try a different brand of battery but I was wondering, has anybody else has experienced this problem? I have heard of the SB-900 and the SB-800 overheating, but never batteries rupturing. As an aside, was it really the SB-900 getting too hot, or was it the batteries overheating and heating up the SB-900 from the inside?

Posted 8 months ago #
TaoTeJared

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Eric said:
(I used more new Duracell batteries from Costco)

That could be the problem. I had a friend in college who worked at a Duracell plant and said Walmart forced them to change stuff to make them cheaper so they had a separate "Wally World" line. Just unbelievable.

You may have just got a bad batch of them. I have had batteries pop in flashlights before, but thankfully never in a flash. There could be a short in the flash but I would think that would be very doubtful. Odd indeed.

I have always used Energizer Ultimate Lithium and never had an issue. They last about 3x longer as well. Not sure why, maybe it is because I read a book about a vampire bunny once, but I have always used Energizer and never had an issue with them. I got caught in a bind once and used just the plain Rayovac brand and they don't last as long as the Lithiums, but for a cheap option, I have never had a problem with them.

Posted 8 months ago #
msmoto

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Joined: Mar '10
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I have not had the batteries from Costco explode, but I did find I needed to remove them when not using the SB-800. Cleaning out battery crude with Q-tips is not my idea of fun. I will monitor for any other unusual issues when I use the SB-800 from now on. Thanks

Posted 8 months ago #
Eric

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Joined: Jun '12
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Thanks TTJ, that is actually what I was wondering. I have never experienced batteries beginning to pop & hiss after half a dozen reasonably paced shots. I suspect that something in the manufacturing process must be different for the batteries that are provided in the big box packages. I'll buy some of the Energizers and see.

@msmoto - next time you use your SB-800 listen carefully. I found my batteries leaking immediately. Interestingly enough, the weren't really hot when I took them out.

Posted 8 months ago #
Pierre

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Joined: Mar '10
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This battery stuff is very acid and can spell disaster on electronic. If
I was you, I would try to neutralise the acid with baking soda (cow
brand) and a bit of water (until it stops reacting) or get it serviced asap.

You should try to contact the manufacturer of the batteries.

Posted 8 months ago #
R8R

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Joined: Aug '11
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Best batteries available at Costco are the Sanyo Eneloops. They work great in my SB-800 and I've yet to have a problem with them.

WAY easier on the wallet and the environment too. They re-charge up to 1000x and they hold a charge for weeks.

For the battery leak, there are cleaner/neutralizers on the market, baking soda paste works great. If the contacts have corrosion afterward, try rubbing them generously with a pencil eraser.

Posted 8 months ago #
Gareth

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Joined: Sep '10
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Yes R8R, why are people using non rechargeable batteries for camera equipment? don't you care about the environment?

Buy some NiMH batteries.

I use 11 eneloops in my sb-800. 5 in the flash and 6 in nikon sd-8a. recycle time is lightning fast, the flash doesn't overheat and the batteries don't explode.

I use a La Crosse charger to test the actual capacity of the batteries. It even came with some good 2400mah that are actually 2100. I also have sanyo 2700mah batteries that are actually 2300.

Posted 8 months ago #
Eric

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Joined: Jun '12
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@Pierre - I actually used a baking soda solution to swab out my flash. I contacted Duracell, they didn't seem all that keen on helping (I can see why) they offered me some free batteries. (Why would I want more?) Silly me, I used the Duracells again anyway with the same result.

@TaoTeJared - I bought some of the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries that you suggested. I then shot more photos at a higher rate than I did with the Duracells. Afterwards I inspected the batteries...no problems and only very slightly warm.

I think I'll try the Eneloops as well.

I can say that when using Duracell batteries out of two different batches, that were purchased at Costco, I had problems with the batteries rupturing under average usage in a SB-800 flash. When I switched to the Energizer Ultimate Lithium as suggested, the problem went away.

Given the value of these flash units, I would avoid the Duracell batteries.

Posted 8 months ago #
parke1953

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Joined: Jul '12
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Eneloops are the best. Made by Sanyo. They hold their charge For months. When you get them do not charge them. Run them down and then charge. They will have a full charge when you get them (depending how old they are). 1000 charge cycles cant be beat.

Posted 8 months ago #
rensuchan

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Joined: Jul '12
Posts: 100
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+1 for Eneloops. It's the only rechargeable I buy for my camera stuff anymore.

Posted 8 months ago #
R8R

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Joined: Aug '11
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Tip:

The Eneloops come in little clear plastic cases of 4 each. I put slips of green paper in there, one side of which is labeled "DEAD". Blank green means full, dead means dead.

Once I deplete the batteries, I flip the label to "dead" when putting the batteries back in the case when I'm out and about. Makes it instantly apparent how many charged/uncharged batteries I have on hand. Once back home I run all the sets through the charger.

Posted 8 months ago #

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Exploding Batteries in SB-800

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