Graflex.org

sobahguy · Joined: 09 Oct 2001 Posts: 173 Location: Massachusetts

Hello, it seems that I'm going thru alot of the 22.5 volt Super Speed batteries. They don't seem to hold a charge very long if left in the camera for extended periods; even after only a couple of weeks or so they no longer have charge enough to actuate shutter release via the red button on the handle side or by using the the button on the 2-cell Graflite handle with Y-cord connected.

Would the not-holding-a-charge problem be due to less than fresh batteries that I've been ordering from Radio Shack?
Or is there a capacitor within the electronics of the camera (or the solenoid within the front standard) that is draining the batteries if they are only left in for even a week or so?

If it's a problem within the camera, any suggestions on fixing it?

Thanks,
SG.

Jim23 · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:50 pm Post subject: 22.5v Battery Drain

I've left fresh batteries (from Radio Shack and other sources) in my SG for 2-3 years and they still work. However, when they finally go, they barely trip the shutter. The capacitor stores a 45v charge from the series combination of the two 22.5v batteries and when the trigger (red microswitch) is pressed, dumps the 45v charge into the solenoid (electromagnetic device that trips the shutter). Perhaps the capacitor is developing a high-resistance "trickle" of a leak and the batteries not only must equalize the charge on the capacitor, but dump energy into a resistave leak (much like a very, very slow leak in a tire). Perhaps others who are familiar with the circuit can comment....or indicate if there is a way of isolating the capacitor to check with a VOM for leakage. One test might be to put the batteries in the camera for a few minutes, then remove them to see if the residual charge can still trip the shutter one time only. If the batteries are removed and after a few minutes the residual charge can't trip the shutter, the capacitor charge is dissipating internally through the capacitor or faulty insulation in the wiring internal to the camera (leaky short to the frame from wiring, bellows leads, etc.).

Jim23

45PSS

C. Henry · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 2:36 pm Post subject:

An alternative to removing the batteries or leaving the battery door off that I use on some of my equipment that have developed the "small constant battery drain syndrome" is to put an insulator of index card stock inside the battery door when not using the unit.
Doing this has extended the battery life in one particular flash unit from two photo sessions a week apart on a set of batteries to several months of battery life with a once a week session!

C. Henry