ZI: question on battery life

[noimmunity]

Perhaps this should be in the sticky on ZI problems, but I was afraid my question wouldn't get much visibility there.

Battery life on my ZI has become unusually short. I've taken something like 600 rolls with this body, and it shows superficial signs of external wear.

Recently batteries have been running down very quickly. I wonder if anybody else has had this problem develop with use? My ZI did not have this problem before.

Is it possible that the culprit is the "main switch" (used to prevent accidental exposure) being left on?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Have you changed your source of batteries?

Or has your battery supplier changed their source perhaps?

 

[noimmunity]

Panasonic LR44 batteries are sold in convenience stores on practically every street corner in urban Taiwan. I haven't checked exp dates on every pack, but they are generally around 2013.

 

[ferider]

Maybe the way you store the camera ?

 

[noimmunity]

Hi Roland. Thanks for the reply. I always store it in an electric-powered dry-box. I'm thinking perhaps the onset of extended cold wet weather makes the difference. The LR44 batteries I use are alkaline. Would be cool if there were lithium ones. Are there?

Do things like the electronic circuits on battery-powered film cameras undergo any degradation over time/use?

 

[mfogiel]

I think the batteries should last quite some time, more like 6 months even with intensive shooting, so the problem could be that if you leave the switch on ( as I do BTW), perhaps the auto sleep function is not working any more - try to see if the camera gives out the exposure readings in the vf after a few minutes from the last time you depressed the shutter button.

 

[ZeissFan]

The voltage of alkaline batteries begins to drop steadily over their usable lifetime, while silver-oxide and lithium cells tend to have a very stable voltage output and then drop quickly and sharply at the end of their usable lifespan.

Silver oxide or lithium are preferable for metering circuits because most are intended for certain voltages. In this case, it's 1.5 volts per cell.

Just my two cents.

 

[Bob Michaels]

The main switch on my ZI has never worked and I see no battery problems. Batteries seem to last about a year /200 rolls or so.

So I don't think that is the problem.

 

[scottwallick]

You could also consider buying an inexpensive voltage tester to check your batteries before they go in. Then check the batteries after several rolls, or just dry run the equivalent exposures. The voltage shouldn't drop off much—if at all.

ZF is right, though. The silver oxide batteries (SR44) are preferred to the alkaline ones. Try those. Also, check your contacts in the camera. Make sure nothing has gotten in the way.

 

[noimmunity]

The suggestions here are all good. But they don't explain why the battery life is much shorter now than it was (except Scott's idea to check the contacts, which I have done).
It might be the cooler weather (about 13 C), since alkaline cells are prone to that, but even though it feels cold for us in Taiwan, it's not really that cold.
I think I will inquire with Cosina service, since I'm sending my C Sonnar in, reluctantly, for optimization at f/1.5 .

 

[back alley]

i only use the sr44 batteries and usually have no concerns about long life.

however, i did have a run where the batteries were only lasting a month or so. i returned the 6 that i had bought and found some others at a different locale and no problems since.
i suspect it may be your batteries.

 

[scottwallick]

I suggested the voltage tester so you could know that the batteries you're putting in are in fact operating at 1.5v, silver oxide or alkaline (or even the 3v of a CR 1/3n lithium). Just my process for narrowing possible external variables.

I think I will inquire with Cosina service, since I'm sending my C Sonnar in, reluctantly, for optimization at f/1.5.

Let us know what Cosina reports back to you. If there is a internal problem prompting the discharge of batteries, us battery-dependent ZM users should take note.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Jon,
My ZI manual has says the following:
"Note: In order to avid battery consumption, turn the Main Switch to the OFF position while the camera is not in use."
This seems to imply that leaving the switch in the ON position allows battery consumption, even though you're not pressing on the shutter release button.

Thanks for the alert. I just had a battery die sooner than I expected. I do forget to turn the switch to OFF... I'm now going to try to remember. AND... I bought a spare battery for each of my carry cases. 🙂
Jamie

 

[noimmunity]

ZI likes Alcohol, too!

ZI likes Alcohol, too!

Here's the follow-up (so far):

I've been in contact with Cosina service (a propos getting the C Sonnar optimized for f/1.5 😱). They were unable to tell me whether the problem with batteries is known to happen or not. A fee would be charged just to examine the camera (purchased originally in Japan).

That was the prod I needed to remember a little trick. My GRD used to freeze up when using the ADJ wheel, a problem that could be resolved by applying a little alcohol. I've decided to do the same with the ZI, swabbing the battery contacts. It's impossible for me to tell whether that has made a definitive difference, but I wouldn't be surprised if it helps. Anyway, the good news is: my ZI is working properly (for) now...🙂

So, now my cameras and I have one more thing in common: we both like alcohol!

(Jokes aside, I hope nobody reads this and gets confused: I used isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts. This kind of alcohol is not fit for human consumption).

Thanks to all who responded. Best support around!