neilt3
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Veteran Member
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Posts: 3,008
Re: I Think The Problem Has Been Solved
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I'm just checking the batteries now .
The last time I used the camera was at the end of August ( this year !) .
Both batteries would have been charged recently around that time , but have been sat since .
The spare battery still has a voltage of 8.08 volt .
The one in the camera reads 7.59 volt .
The cameras battery indicator shows half charged and I had taken 22 photos on it that day .
I've cycled the flash a few times and reviewed the images and taken a few more just now , but the camera is still happily working and still shows a half charge .
But I wouldn't trust it to get me far on a day out without being charged up first .
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Both batteries are original Minolta ones , so are at least 14 years old as Sony took over the imaging side in 2006 .
The voltage rated on the battery is 7.4 volt , but all batteries have a stated voltage much lower than they really are if they still have a good charge .
Take a reading from a new AA disposable battery . It's more than the 1.5 volt on the label .
Think about your 12 volt car battery . Much less than 12.8 volt and you might struggle to start your car in a morning .
Your alternator charges it at around 13.5 volt minimum , some are about 14 volt .
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If your camera battery shows 7.4 volt , it's flat as a pancake , the one that showed 6.63 volt must have a bad cell in it and needs to go in for recycling !
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I'm charging them both up and will see what the freshly charged surface voltage is , and then what it is after 24 hours .
Realistically , I'm probably due some new batteries myself .
Mine don't last anywhere near as they used to when I got the camera ten or twelve years back , and that was charging them up reasonably often . A rechargeable battery allowed to drain flat and left seriously damages it .
Likewise running a batter flat and not charging it again ASAP damages as well .
I think your new ones will solve your problem .