Sun, October 3rd, 2004 by MattB
Rannie's post about batteries reminded of a question that's been nagging me for a while now. I've read in numerous forums that one should "condition" one's batteries before using them, by charging them fully and draining them fully, three times. This is said to increase the life of the battery and improve the photo to recharge ratio. All sounds good to me. But other than throwing the battery in my camera and leaving a rock sitting on the shutter release for a few hours, I'm uncertain how I should drain my batteries completely. Anyone know of a better way? Are there "unchargers" for this sort of conditioning?
New server!
October 3rd, 2004 at 10:08 am
I believe that only the old NiCad batteries needed special treatment like conditioning (and were vulnerable to the "memory" effect). Current rechargeable NiMH and Li-Ion batteries don't need any special treatment at all. I don't know of any cameras that use the old NiCads.
October 3rd, 2004 at 12:20 pm
Hmmm, strange. I've read in numerous places that experienced professionals condition their batteries in this way. Most recently Mark Hancock mentioned it in his blog, PhotoJournalism, here: http://markhancock.blogspot.com/2003/10/new-batteries-and-mavericks-pass.html
Maybe I'll just write Mark and ask him...
October 3rd, 2004 at 7:55 pm
It takes at least 2 batteries to do this effectively. One that's ready to go and one that is being used/killed. I have also heard what Joseph describes above.
October 4th, 2004 at 3:41 am
Yeah, Mark said the battery charger should have a button for this kind of conditioning on it. Mine (EL-EN3 for Nikon D70) doesn't, so I assume Joseph's right and these newer NiMH batteries don't need it.
October 4th, 2004 at 4:35 am
Buh, I meant that these newer Li-Ion (the EL-EN3) batteries don't need it. Don't have much space in my head for this technical crap.
October 4th, 2004 at 6:09 am
I haven't needed to condition my EL-EN3's at all - I have four of them, and they all worked as designed after being charged, and they work amazingly well - approx 2000 shots per charge!
October 4th, 2004 at 6:43 am
diopter: do you have original Nikon EL-EN3s, or third-party models? I've heard everything from glowing reviews to completely horror stories regarding third-party batteries, and have already had one die on me after one full charge and discharge cycle...
October 4th, 2004 at 7:16 am
Li-Ion batteries should in fact never be completely drained if I recall correctly
January 4th, 2008 at 11:06 am
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May 3rd, 2008 at 2:18 am
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May 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 am
Exceptions To The Rule Are Li-Ion Batteries Which Do Not Suffer From The Memory Effect. Keep The Power Tool Batteries Clean - It's A Good Idea To Clean Dirty Battery Contacts With A Cotton Swab And Alcohol. This Helps Maintain A Good Connection Between The Battery And The Portable Device.
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May 13th, 2008 at 5:12 am
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