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Not sure there is much conflicting info, some people got good batteries and others not. Happens. And don't think the OP was "alleging clandestine conversations". Just reporting their attempts to understand why they got multiple dead batteries. I am skeptical of much of the info one gets from people at any company (either the individual doesn't know so just makes up stuff or bad info). But not sure one can call the conversations "clandestine". Personally I thank the OP for following up and trying to get to the root of the problem and warning others that even their "new" battery can be problematic (and I will be sure to check the dates of any new battery I get).So there is a lot of conflicting information on this thread. Users reporting receiving newer batteries from the same retailer and the OP who alleges clandestine conversations suggesting a Nikon conspiracy shipping old and dysfunctional batteries to retailers.
FWIW, I’m not slinging the arrows… the OP claims he received old and dysfunctional batteries from a retailer and they collectively blame Nikon. Seems kind of dubious. I’ve bought multiple batteries on numerous occasions from the Nikon store via Amazon and have received genuine and new product each and every time.
If you look at the B&H website under reviews, 6 of the last 8 confirmed buyers of this same battery had problems with it being dead on arrival. That would seem to indicate a real problem with this Nikon battery:
I presume the main concern with old battery stock is the common report (that I cannot confirm) that if over time a battery of this type completely discharges it cannot be charged and becomes garbage.
But still, if I'm using and have been using a battery dated 2022.09 with no issues, why should I expect a battery dated 2023.03 to fail regardless of when I got it? I suspect the failure batteries were not because of date so much, but due to some type of defect. Here in the US, we're getting constant recalls and defective products with everything from electronics and electrics to food.
Because a battery might have sat there and died due to losing power. You presumably charged yours. If these were sitting in a box losing power and not being charged for a year or more, then that might be a problem.But still, if I'm using and have been using a battery dated 2022.09 with no issues, why should I expect a battery dated 2023.03 to fail regardless of when I got it? I suspect the failure batteries were not because of date so much, but due to some type of defect. Here in the US, we're getting constant recalls and defective products with everything from electronics and electrics to food.
I'm not doubting your experience or those of a handful of people writing reviews. If Nikon or one of their suppliers produced and released defective batteries it's on them to ensure they are replaced. Of note, the Amazon reviews (Nikon Store) are more favorable than the ones at B&H. It doesn't necessarily indicate if or who might be at fault and I appreciate the frustration involved. Thanks for bringing the issue to the fore and hope you and those affected see resolution quickly.
So then, what is the expected life of a rechargeable battery? They're in millions of products, not just cameras. I would be surprised if any retailer when faced with a backorder issue (I waited months for mine) would have tons of batteries sitting on its shelves and not selling them to customers right away. To me, it would appear that Nikon or one of its manufacturers would be at fault in this situation and I imagine the retailer would make it right for its customers and then address the company.
Expected life isn't the issue. The problem is when they drop so low you have to effectively jump them to start them charging, if the cells aren't damaged. Batteries aren't meant to be at 0 charge. It's not good for them.
I wasn't saying Nikon was at fault for battery life, but many appear to be trying to lay blame for old(er) batteries being sent for orders. I look at it this way. If it works, I'm good. At my age, my life expectancy might be less than some of my batteries.
I discovered that even a more recent date code on that model battery cannot ensure a battery that works as it should. About 2-3 months ago, I purchased my second Z9 new from B&H. Just a couple of weeks later the battery that came boxed with the camera began giving me problems - not holding a charge, and showing "calibration" when I checked the battery status in camera as well as when I put it in the Nikon charger. A week or so after the first issue reared its ugly head, that brand new battery began showing as "4" (old!) in camera. At first I thought I must be using one of my older Nikon batteries that came with my first Z9 purchased 2 years ago - NOPE! Those both showed date codes in late 2021 & early 2022. The one that came with the new camera had a 2024 date code.
My response is not meant as a criticism, but I would suggest that you take a minute or two to go on the B&H site, type "Nikon EN-EL18d battery" into the search function, click on "reviews" & read over the 13 one-star (as of this writing) ratings. I haven't even investigated reviews on other sites (Adorama, Amazon, etc.), but would expect to find more of the same. My WAG is that, more than likely, none of them are due to a bad charger.
Yep you are absolutely correct! On Amazon, you need to click reviews according to the most recent, then you will also see that numerous recent buyers received defective EL18d batteries. At least in my quick look, Adorama did not seem to have any recent reviews, not sure why. That two independent suppliers (not sure if Amazon is selling them directly from Nikon) are supplying defective batteries, points to Nikon as the problem. Considering the cost of these batteries, this is very disappointing.
Mad Mike, I infer no criticism from your reply.
When I checked the Amazon US site, the only listing for the Nikon battery is from Focus Camera. It’s from inventory provided by that retailer.
Nikon certainly shipped them to the dealer but apparently were left on the dealer's shelves for much too long. the dealer should've returned them to Nikon.
Ummmmm, when I got mine recently, dated 2023.03 it had been on backorder. I waited months to get it. I see no purpose in a retailer telling its customers it's on backorder while they have them sitting on their shelf getting old. That makes no sense.
