Sony NP-F, L Series charging/using

[Darryn Carroll]

Question about the Sony batteries and what others are doing, I may use 2 batteries for cameras and 2 batteries for lights during a typical wedding so I bring 8 charged batteries. As I prepare for the following wedding, I simply charge all 8 batteries. I am wondering if this could be harming batteries that were charged a week ago and not used?

I have a setup which allows me to charge all 8 at same time, very handy, photo attached.

[Kevin McRoberts]

You remember that scene in "A Christmas Story" where Ralphie's Old Man is plugging in his Major Award?

Somehow popped into mind... ;D

[Don Bloom]

I found over the years the Sony batteries hold their charge pretty well. If you're doing 1 or 2 jobs a weekend then you probably don't need to charge the unused ones. You might lose a little time maybe 5 or 10% (guessing) but with the number of batteries you carry that shouldn't be a problem.

Now that I've said that, I have to admit that even today using V-Lok for my main camera and Sony's for my light, I still throw them all on the various chargers after the job even if I don't use them. Force of habit.

You might think about rotating the batteries for use. I have always numbered mine so I might start with #1 and the next job start with #2 etc. That way they all get used at one time or another.

[Derek Heeps]

Well , I just got an HVR V1e at the weekend , one of the reasons was that I previously had a DCR VX1000 which had died about 18 months ago .

After getting the V1 , I went up into the attic and retrieved my NP F730 batteries , and the charger , which had been put away after the camcorder died .

To my surprise , two of the batteries were still showing 100% charge , and the third around 80% charge - after 18 months of storage - which was probably the way they were put away .

I have since discharged and recharged all of them and , in addition to the two larger batteries I got with the newer camcorder , I have all the battery power I think I will ever need .