I am experiencing some problems with the duration of batteries with my EOS3. The 8 AA batteries are empty after 2 rolls while some months ago, I was able to shoot 15-20 rolls with the same set of batteries (same brand). I do no understand because no changes in my photographic habits occured. Any help or suggestions to solve this problem would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Thierry Moreau

-- Thierry Moreau (moreaut@univ-tours.fr), August 23, 2001

Answers

It may be just an incidental problem. Batteries come in all sizes and qualities. I'm experiencing a similar problem with my EOS-5, some batteries (2CR5) last 5 or 6 rolls, others much more. You may check whether the camera consumes power when swithed off. Putting the camera with the power switch "on" in a photo bag may cause problems when the light metering switch is depressed. In that case the batteries may be empty after a short while.

-- Jos van Eekelen (jos@compuserve.com), August 23, 2001.

Thierry,

You say that your shooting habits have not changed. By this, I assume that the weather has not become drastically colder either. Cold temps drastically reduce battery life. You are being sure to use alkaline batteries rather than mercury, yes? I would recommend cleaning the battery contacts, and the ones in the battery housing with a rubber eraser (such as on the end of a pencil). All batteries emit a slight gas discharge when in use, and can coat the terminals and reduce effective voltage. Make sure the camera is set to "L" for Lock when not in use. Carry a spare set of batteries. If the problem persists, then you must have some internal short & the camera will have to be serviced.

-- Hung James Wasson (HJWasson@aol.com), August 23, 2001.