Battery life "jumps"

D

dcho787

Active member
Hi, I recently bought a used HVX. There are no problems except that the battery meter "jumps" from half life to having no battery. It seems like the battery might be an old one (since 2005) - do you think that there is something wrong with the camera itself or is this kind of thing normal for old batteries that need to be replaced?

Thanks,
David
 
One. Is it a panasonic battery? If it's an off brand battery you may experience that issue. I have one that came with the camera from an internet dealer and it goes from 3/4 full to dead without giving warning.

Two. If it is a panasonic battery then it could be going out on you if it has had constant use since 2005. Try re-calibrating it by depleting it's charge completely. Do this by letting the camera die with the battery pack on then try to turn it on until it won't try anymore. Then set it on a charger until is is 100% This will help the battery life if the battery is still good. If this doesn't work then the battery is probably no good.
 
It is a Panasonic battery. I did try that method, where I tried to deplete it completely. I think that the batterry is just no good.

I'll be happy as long as it isn't a camera problem.
It's not a camera problem that you've heard of at all is it?
 
Most likely you need a new battery. They age about 10%/year regardless of use. 3 years life is about right, anything beyond it is a bonus. And btw there is no such a thing as recalibration of the HVX battery by complete discharge, as they do not have an internal fuel gauge computer. Only some high end batteries like Anton Bauer have them and need periodic recal. More info at http://dolgin.net/FAQ.htm
HTH
 
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I've had this happen within a year of buying some knock off batts. The DVXuser batteries I bought both died within 6 months. The panny ones by far are the best and they last a good long while. I bought some recent Lenmar batts and although they don't last as long as the pannies, I could buy 5 for the same price as one panny.


More than likely it's just the batteries... cheers
 
It could be possible that even though you have 5400mah batteries, they were not CGA-D54 batteries, which is why they go dead so fast. (just a hunch)
 
My Powerbook battery, which is simply worn out, does this. Just last evening I took it off the charger and started using it while looking at the battery meter readout in percentages. It started at about 99%, and in a few seconds dropped to 97. After about a minute it got to 94%, then died. I have a new battery on order.

You need one too.
 
Thank you Ted, happy to see my hard work appreciated :-)
We also make a less expensive TC40 for the tighter budgets...
 
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