Schwedenstahl
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the 45 Cl stick flash. I only have the Battery King and would like to try using rechargeable batteries. According to the instructions, however, this isn’t allowed. The internal resistance of rechargeable batteries is different – could this damage the device, or is Metz just trying to maximise its profits???
Regards,
Marwan
Renate
Hello Marwan,
The problem is the rechargeable batteries. They wear out quickly. A higher current can be drawn from standard batteries. For rechargeable batteries, this would be very close to a short circuit. The Bitzger has three contact pins. A battery compartment has three slots for these, but only two of them have contacts. The compartment for the rechargeable batteries uses a different contact.
I used to ruin a set of rechargeable batteries quite quickly out of ignorance. After that, I bought one of the expensive battery packs from Metz. That one is now also on its last legs. These days I only use the flash rarely, so standard batteries are more economical and easier to maintain for me than rechargeable ones. That’s why I can’t say whether modern rechargeable batteries in the battery compartment would withstand the strain.
By the way, I like to buy batteries at Ikea. They’re made by Varta and cost significantly less than those with the manufacturer’s original branding.
Best regards
Renate
Wolfgg
Hello Marwan,
Alkaline batteries differ from rechargeable batteries in two respects:
1) Internal resistance of approx. 0.1–0.2 ohms (alkaline AA) compared to 0.03 ohms or less
2) Nominal voltage of 1.5 volts compared to 1.2 volts
One might now be tempted to trick the flash into thinking it is using alkaline batteries by connecting a resistor in series with the rechargeable batteries, the value of which is approximately 0.1 ohms multiplied by the number of batteries connected in series (note the load capacity!). In the worst case, the voltage drops too far after this resistor and the flash stops charging due to undervoltage (apparently over-discharged alkaline batteries).
Advice given without guarantee!
Regards, Wolfgang
max
Hi Renate,
You can, however, revive the worn-out battery pack using standard AA NiCads.
It takes a bit of finesse to open the casing without snapping the locking tabs, and you’ll need a soldering iron.
Oh, and make sure you buy batteries with a soldered tab (you won’t find them at Aldi, but you can get them at Conrad, for example), otherwise you’ll damage yourself and the batteries.
Weren’t there only 5 cells in the battery pack anyway? There are 6 in the battery pack (which would compensate for the lower voltage).
Regards
Martin
Renate
Hello Martin,
I am aware that I could reactivate the battery pack with a bit of tinkering. That is why I included the following sentence in my post: These days I rarely use the flash, so disposable batteries are more economical and easier to maintain for me than rechargeable ones.
I mean that sentence exactly as it stands. Rechargeable batteries also age when they are not in use. Rechargeable batteries lose their charge in about three months when stored. Alkaline batteries, on the other hand, can be stored for several years. This means the flash is practically always ready to fire. The batteries have a much higher capacity than rechargeable ones, and I always carry enough spares with me. A rechargeable battery pack won’t last through an entire wedding reception. NiCd batteries are harmful to the environment and should therefore no longer be used. NiMH rechargeable batteries require a charging process that is difficult to implement with the battery pack.
The CL45’s battery pack and rechargeable battery pack both have 6 cells. To compensate for the differences between standard batteries and rechargeable batteries, Metz uses the alternative contact system that I described in my first post.
Best regards
Renate
max
Hi Renate,
No worries, it was just an idea. I only use my flash twice a year, but when I do, I plan for it and go through 1–2 battery packs.
My batteries have been doing that for 5 years now. And I’m sure the batteries aren’t exactly on their last legs. Oh well, I’ve got a spare set of batteries ready anyway, just in case I need to shoot a fifth film.
It’s worth it.
Best regards
Martin
P.S.: And the batteries, however green they may be painted, aren’t suitable as plant fertiliser either.
Wolfgg
...but they can be recycled for use with Rodinal, as alkaline-manganese cells contain alkali.
Regards, Wolfgang
Schwedenstahl
Are NC rechargeable batteries even still available???
Regards,
Marwan
Wolfgg
Wolfram
Hello,
Does anyone know of a cheap place where I can have the battery cells in my CT45 replaced?
Or at least a good set of DIY instructions?
Even batteries bought brand new are often already past their best...
The capacity of battery cells has increased significantly in recent times.
And if I simply fill the battery tray with batteries, as we all know, I’m missing a few volts.
Thanks,
Regards
Wolfram
mdeutgen
Wolfram,
I’m also leaning towards a DIY solution, because I know what I’m allowed/supposed to do.
Have you ever considered, though, that a refurbished battery pack costs almost as much as a brand-new one from Metz? If I remember correctly, a NiMH pack for the 45-CL1 costs around 60 EUR plus postage (www.nordfoto.de). If you factor in the cost of six batteries with terminals, postage and the fitter’s labour, I’d rather spend a bit more and buy an original battery pack!
Otherwise, I can only agree with the previous speakers: rechargeable batteries only make sense if the device is used regularly. If it’s only used twice a year, primary cells are the more economical and environmentally friendly option.
Martin
Wolfram
Hi Martin,
I bought a new original battery last spring.
Now it’s gone.
It must have been a stock item.
The advantage of these batteries is that the flash has a shorter charging time.
That’s obviously a plus when doing photo reports.
Six batteries with a flag cost €22.
Especially as the new ones have a much higher capacity.
I’d love to do it myself, but I’ve already ruined a battery housing.
I suppose I’ll have to keep using batteries after all.
It’s actually cheaper, too.
As long as the cheaply made basket holds up...
Best regards
Wolfram
Wolfgg
If you’re looking for the ultimate solution, you might want to consider doing away with the internal battery pack and replacing it with an external one. So:
- Get a battery holder with the same number of cells (Conrad etc.)
- Solder wires from the contacts in the flash where the original battery pack connects to the external battery pack (positive to positive, negative to negative, of course)
- Fit the external battery pack with standard AA batteries without terminals.
You can then remove the batteries for charging in a single movement, swap them out quickly for full ones, use the latest high-capacity ones, or even nickel-metal hydride batteries with low self-discharge, etc. Where you choose to place the external battery pack is a matter of personal preference: under the camera, on the flash, or in your trouser pocket. In the latter case, you must ensure that the somewhat long cable does not cause too much voltage drop; you may need to fit an electrolytic capacitor (e.g. 470µF) at the end of the cable in the flash if the cable inductance interferes with the charging circuit.
Regards, Wolfgang
Wolfram
Hi Wolfgang,
Thanks, that’s a great idea.
I’d already thought about an external battery pack.
But, just like with the CT60’s lead set, it would be rather impractical.
The shoulder bag with the coiled cable..... .
But you’re right, a small box like that (60x29x59 mm) could also be mounted on the hot shoe.
(with Velcro if necessary)
But that solution is far too cheap!
At Conrad, the battery holder for 8 rechargeable batteries costs just €1.58
Wolfgg
Hello Wolfram,
With 8 batteries, the main problem would be that the flash discharges the batteries too much until it displays ‘batteries empty’, and that reduces their cycle life. So either bridge one battery compartment with a wire or insert a dummy battery (e.g. an old one with the terminals disconnected, which you then bridge).
Connecting batteries in parallel is always a bit problematic, as depending on their state of charge and age, significant equalising currents can flow, which may damage the batteries. A frequent flash user could perhaps build themselves a battery box with 7 mono cells...
Regards, Wolfgang
