Digilux 2 + SF24 D Flashgun +Rechargeable Battery

[gfparker]

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Just taken delivery SF 24D for my Digilux 2 and at the same time two (!) Uniross Sprint CR 123 Charger & Battery units, with rechargeable batteries (3v 600 mAh), which were advertised as compatible items. In a week or so I need to take perhaps 200 or so photos a night over three nights at a bit of a do. Hence the Uniross units.

 

There is an intermittent problem in which the rechargeable batteries will not switch on the flash unit. However, if I remove the rechargeable batteries and replace them with lithium CR123A that came with the camera, switch on the flashgun, switch off the flashgun and then put the rechargeable back in, they work.

 

Should I not be using rechargeable batteries?

[biglouis]

Guy

 

Strange coincidence, just trying to sell mine. My understanding is that SF24d will only work with Lion batteries... I'm sure I read that here in the forum. Have you tried searching to see if there are any references? I believe that the inability to use rechargeable batteries is a niggle about the SF24d.

 

LouisB

[gfparker]

Thanks for response. Assume you mean the SF24D will only work with 'Lithium' -CR123A (non rechargeable) that came with the unit. The rechargeable are 'Li-Ion'. Yes, I have looked and did see something about an internal circuit breaker in the Li-Ion batteries but would like confirmation if I try and return them. gary

[ho_co]

Gary--

I think Louis is correct about not using rechargeables in the SF 24D.

 

In the list of acceptable batteries, the manual lists only the lithium cells. Don't know why.

 

Yes, the CR-123A's are expensive, but they have a very long shelf life, and Leica rates them at about 370 full-power charges per set.

[farnz]

Gary--

I think Louis is correct about not using rechargeables in the SF 24D.

 

In the list of acceptable batteries, the manual lists only the lithium cells. Don't know why.

...

Rechargeable batteries are different from disposable batteries owing to the behaviour of their internal impedance, which has to start lower to help them to be recharged. This means that the voltage supplied by a fully-charged rechargeable is typically slightly lower than its disposable equivalent.

 

Some electronic equipment, like flash guns, needs a specific voltage level to sufficiently energise a voltage multiplier circuit that produces a much higher voltage to trigger the flash, which may mean that some rechargeable batteries will only intermittently supply sufficient voltage and the flash won't work all the time.

 

Disposable batteries don't suffer the same behaviour because their internal impedance can be higher, which helps to maintain a higher voltage.

 

Unfortunately the answer is to use disposable batteries for reliable flash operation.

 

Pete.

[gfparker]

Thanks Pete, that explains it. For information Leica have just come back and said - quote 'Leica only recommends the use of the two 3 volt lithium batteries in this unit to comply with the warranty' so that's another reason for only using lithium.

 

Thanks to all for quick response, I will now try and get a refund on the Li-Ion.

[robsteve]

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Gary:

 

I don't think the rechargeable cr-123 batteries work in electronic flashes. These rechargeable batteries were designed for use in the newer and brighter flashlights (torches) that have become popular in the security industry. As a side note, since these batteries have become popular in flash lights, you can find the real lithium CR-123 quite cheap in bulk.

 

I have never bought from this site, but this is a sample of the batteries bulk.

 

CR123A Batteries CR123 Batteries CR123A Battery CR123 Battery

[jaapv]

On the original post: The CR123A cells in the SF 24D are good for an amazing number of shots - I your case, for 200 I would have bought one spare pair, but it probably would not have been needed.