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Check your batteries!

Posted By: mombo

Check your batteries! - 02/27/99 06:26 AM

As I was in Oswego today buying HL's I decided to check out the lighthouse. As it's located at the end of a very long breakwater with waves crashing over it, I looked for a point where I could get a picture of it, even if from far off. The sun was shining brightly, the air was crisp. I walked to the end of the Oswego Marina, aimed, pushed the shutter and...ahhhh! My batteries died! Oh well, at least I tried! Planning a trip to Boston next week and hope to have better luck!

[This message has been edited by mombo (edited 02-26-99).]
Posted By: Rod Watson

Re: Check your batteries! - 02/27/99 08:12 AM

When we toured Maine last year, Becki & I along with our friends Brad & Andrea walked the full 1 mile breakwater wall out to the Rockland Breakwater Light. When we finally arrived at the end, Brad realized his batteries were shot. Luckily I was there to snap alot of shots for both of us. Just think if that happened and you were alone, knowing you will probably never have a chance again to revisit it!. Always keep some spares with you.

-RodW
Posted By: Bob M

Re: Check your batteries! - 02/28/99 12:19 AM

There is a lesson to be learned about cameras, from what is listed above, especially in cold weather. Batteries will go dead when you need them most. Have you ever had a battery die on you when you were taking a picture of someone or something just to finish a film? NO! Have you ever had your battery go dead when you walked a long distance or when you have a perfect shot you waited all day to get? YES!

Always carry spare batteries, and extra film. Even more important, carry two cameras. If one fails the backup will be there to bail you out. Kind of like an emergency parachute when the main parachute didn't open.

If you only have one camera and don't want to go through the expense of buying a second one, buy a disposable for about $8 and keep it for those times when you've gone out of your way to get to a particular location only to find your main camera has suddenly quit on you.

That's the word from the East Coast where it's sunny & clear and the temperature reached 50 degrees as the PC Friars defeated the Georgetown Hoyas by two points with a half second left on the game clock.
Posted By: FredKuhl

Re: Check your batteries! - 02/28/99 05:10 AM

Since my batteries died years ago, I can't leave you with any words of wisdom.

The Ancient mariner
Posted By: Dave H

Re: Check your batteries! - 02/28/99 06:08 AM

With modern cameras being so dependent on batteries I always have a set of spares. Hate buying those $10 batteries, but it beats the alternative!

Also tend to agree with Bob on the 2 camera theory. I carry my "good" camera and also a compact one just in case. Not too bad lugging stuff around as I use a LowePro fanny pack case when out shooting. Have a big case in the car with more camera equipment but the fanny pack has been a great addition. Carries the 2 cameras, many extra rolls of film and batteries.

[This message has been edited by Dave H (edited 02-28-99).]
Posted By: Polly

Re: Check your batteries! - 02/28/99 09:54 AM

Mombo, I share your pain. We were out & thought the battery was dead so proptly bought new ones - no luck. AFTER we got home, we realized the contactors were dirty.

No pictures and out $15 for the battery!

Take many pictures on your boston trip.
Posted By: greed

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/01/99 03:38 AM

How about when you prepare for a dead battery, the battery dies and you find out you bought the wrong battery. I wasn't too happy. Mombo if you need short cuts, directions, or any help finding any of the lighthouses in Mass. e-mail me and i'll fill you in.
Posted By: Webmaster

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/01/99 11:50 PM

Cold weather can make any battery work less efficiently.

While it's a good idea to carry spare batteries, if yours dies out in the cold, remove the battery and stick it somewhere close to your skin for 5 minutes or so.

After it's warmed up you can pop it back in the camera and probably get a few more shots before it dies again.

John
Posted By: Dave H

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/02/99 05:28 AM

Put how cold a battery how close to your body??? This could be a very thrilling experience. Another reason to take kids along - maybe you can talk one of them into donating their body heat to the cause!

Nanook of the North
Posted By: mombo

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/02/99 05:29 AM

Thanks to everyone for all your sugggestions.
Bought new batteries today and it still didn't work. So I gave it a few slaps and it seems to be ok. Don't worry, it's not a real expensive camera. Made when AA batteries did the trick! Of course if I hadn't spent so much on HL's I could have bought a better camera.......

To make matters worse:

There were these grain elevators at the end of the West Pier in Oswego. I had heard that they were going to be demolished last fall. Last Friday they were still there but some demolition was in progress. Then Sunday morning newspaper had pictures of it being imploded - on Saturday morning! So I missed that too, what a bummer!

[This message has been edited by mombo (edited 03-01-99).]

[This message has been edited by mombo (edited 03-01-99).]
Posted By: S Dalessandro

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/02/99 03:20 PM

As an amateur photographer-hobbyist, as well as a HL enthusiast, I have 2 camera bodies. The second one is not a top of the line SLR, but an older model with a mechanical shutter which only needs batteries to run the metering. In the cold of winter, the batteries may die, but the camera continues to work. Only cost me $40 used at auction.

I don't recommend this for everyone, unless you are really into photography. Keeping a second battery is the best insurance for all weather conditions.
Posted By: WackoPaul

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/03/99 03:53 AM

Another tip is to give yourself a birthday present every year. Put new batteries in your watch, your camera and emergency flashlight etc on your birthday and you will always remember when you last changed the batteries. Also make sure to keep your spare batteries in the refrigerator, it extends the shelf life, just like it does for your extra film. I always carry at least two of the throw away camera's in my camera bag. I have had some very good results with them at times.

WackoPaul
Posted By: Art

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/03/99 04:56 AM

Good advice WP. Don't forget your smoke detectors' batteries! (Right, Todd?) And while you're at it, buy yourself another HL for your birthday, too (unless like Paul you already own them all -- in which case make a donation to a LH preservation society).
Posted By: Todd Shorkey

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/04/99 09:25 PM

Right you are Art! Batteries- The Gift That Keeps on Giving!
Posted By: mombo

Re: Check your batteries! - 03/09/99 05:49 AM

Thanks again for help on batteries,etc. The camera did it once again on my Boston trip, even with the new batteries so am thinking maybe it was the cold weather. Kept the camera in my coat pocket when not actually taking a picture and it worked fine.

Paul, the day I retired I took off my watch and haven't worn one since. What a great feeling. Sort of like the day I took off my wedding ring. Sorry all you married folk, it just wasn't me!

[This message has been edited by mombo (edited 03-08-99).]
Posted By: Rod Watson

Re: Check your batteries! - 01/17/00 09:18 PM

Just saving a few "oldy but goody" threads from the eventual wrecking ball.
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