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Monday, November 02, 2009

K-x NiMH Battery Experience: 8 Models

Just see this new post at the DPR and I think it is worth reading for what it has been tested and shared:-

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1036&thread=33562896

To my surprise, the GP Recyko+ doesn't work in his K-x and he tested two brand new sets of 4!

But in fact, as I pointed out when the K-x was first announced, NiMH is actually not a suitable solution for a super high drain electronic device like the K-x especially for its LiveView and Video functions. Now, the above K-x user has found exactly the same for what he tells.

Btw, I think I have even more NiMH models in my home than that new K-x user "thank" to Pentax! For what I have used and tested over these six years, I recommend Camelion AlwaysReady. If you have faced the same battery issue with your Pentax AA-battery DSLR especially the new K-x, try the AlwaysReady if you can get it. However and of course, still don't expect Lithium rechargeables' reliability and longevity even with the AlwaysReady. Although it is just better (or even the best amongst all different NiMH models by different manufacturers I have, including the Eneloop), it will STILL do NO Magic as it is Just and Still NiMH after all!

Maybe you can try the latest NiZn AA rechargeables, if you can find it, which requires new matching charger for the new battery type. For more details, read this:-

http://ricehigh.blogspot.com/2009/10/six-years-of-aa-battery-pentax-dslrs.html#IDComment38620548

But then self-discharging of this new-type NiZn is yet again an annoying issue - the old classic problem of those conventional NiMH and NiCd rechargeables.

Last but not least, you can read also the latest battery issue reports by K-x users at Ned Bunnell:-

http://nedbunnell.blogspot.com/2009/10/k-x-battery-notes.html

Note the first two comments..
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Johnny's avatar

Johnny · 804 weeks ago

Looks to be a bad batch in Canada, though more data is needed:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-di...

There are a lot of people that use liveview and video fine with eneloops - which actually come with it in Germany.
7 replies · active 804 weeks ago
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RiceHigh's avatar - Go to profile

RiceHigh 110p · 804 weeks ago

I don't believe there are so many "bad batches" of Pentax DSLR bodies. In fact, this problem has been with all Pentax AA DSLRs for so many years. The battery meters of different bodies may not be absolutely identical but one thing is for sure - the operating voltage of the batteries is very marginal and the bodies are very very sensitive to that voltage.
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Zebooka's avatar

Zebooka · 804 weeks ago

That's why Pentax MUST finally drop this old and unsatisfactory AA tech.

Why not to use up-to-date Li-Ion rechargeables?
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RiceHigh's avatar - Go to profile

RiceHigh 110p · 804 weeks ago

Yes, exactly.
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Johnny's avatar

Johnny · 804 weeks ago

I actually HAVE a K-x, do you? I don't have these problems, in fact there are only 4 reported problems of hundreds of people that have them.

Have you even READ the thread where they are determining it is a bad batch? My God.

Drop AA's and they lose a customer.
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RiceHigh's avatar - Go to profile

RiceHigh 110p · 804 weeks ago

I don't have a K-x but all those K-x users who've reported the same issue surely have!

As for your linked PF post, there are 6 "problem units" whilst there is only 1 "working units" batch in the OP? Is that not yet adequate?
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Johnny's avatar

Johnny · 804 weeks ago

Was waiting on serial numbers, it's now updated and doesn't include all the people that have working K-x's that don't post there.

Try reading the actual thread instead of the first post, maybe?
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Johnny's avatar

Johnny · 804 weeks ago

"But in fact, as I pointed out when the K-x was first announced, NiMH is actually not a suitable solution for a super high drain electronic device like the K-x especially for its LiveView and Video functions. Now, the above K-x user has found exactly the same for what he tells."

Simply not true for most K-x's. My K-x has been going strong with LiveView, Video, and over 2000 shots (granted they were burst mode tests - batteries struggle when the shots are spread out over time)
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Somma's avatar

Somma · 804 weeks ago

Very light and very compact LiOn battery in E420, for example.
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25+ years Px user's avatar

25+ years Px user · 804 weeks ago

My K-x had reported batteries issue as well. New charger/batteries/settings per Ned didn't make any difference. However, the older istD woks flawlessly and long on all those 6 sets. SN 34312xx-body only.

Pentax should clarify what is the rechargeable solution than if NiMH is not good enough!

Don't expect average Joe & Jean public to report anything, since if it doesn't work for them, they return it and get something else and move on. The only real report of total returns to Pentax will NOT be public, which applies to most makers if not all... Pentax rules if it works, I am not switching, just waiting for working one...the one I had has been returned/refunded...
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Joe B.'s avatar

Joe B. · 803 weeks ago

If you think NiMH batteries can't supply "high current" you don't know batteries. Model R/C cars use NiMH because they can produce over 100 AMPS of current for instant acceleration. The biggest problem is accidentally shorting the pack with a tool because it will vaporize some of the tool! As usual, you don't really understand what you're writing about.
1 reply · active 803 weeks ago
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RiceHigh's avatar - Go to profile

RiceHigh 110p · 803 weeks ago

I am also a R/C hobbyist and I have R/C vehicles that are driven by both NiMH or Li-polymer batteries. What I would say Li-polymer is even stronger but still they are just a fraction of the weight and are much lighter. For R/C cars, NiMH is okay but for helicopters, they are impractical to use.

p.s. I have a Tamiya 1:14 QD racing car and a 7-channel 1:20 R/C tank that uses NiMH batteries. Of course, I know well the application you are talking about but it is just irrelevant and not applicable.
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Jim Smith's avatar

Jim Smith · 800 weeks ago

Don't lets turn this into a LiPo v. NiMH debate when it's clearly an issue with Kx. As 'Joe' says, NiMH cells are used all the time in R/C applications, and NiMH is perfectly suitable for high current drain applications. The latest LSD NiMH cells are pretty close to LiPo anyway in the way they can be used.
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Adrien's avatar - Go to profile

Adrien · 794 weeks ago

I bought a K200D over a year ago.

I use GP Recyko+.

SDM does not work anymore, do you think it's due to the 2050 mAh ? (I used cheap 2800 mAh before ; SDM worked well, but know these batteries don't supply enough energy)

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