ricardo00
Well-known member
Can't you buy the Nikon one from B&H after they reopen? Looks like those people who bought from there recently (ie. in Oct) are happy with them.
Nikon is shipping old and also dead batteries
- Thread starter jpawlan
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@Ado Wolf, I bought a spare for my Z6III from B&H in July. It works fine. Best Buy and other retailers have them in stock, too.
The Photography On Line team all tested Newell batteries for a year!. Their review starts at 9 minutes here:
I did not buy as they were more expensive than OE batteries, but might be worth it in your case. The video says they are cheaper than OE but I guess like in most things retailers rip you off.
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Sponsored video by Newell, I wouldn't give it any credence.
Attachments
You obviously have not watched the video as they make this clear and how they initially reject Newell's approach. Then later they proposed to Newell that they would put the batteries on test for a year and then publish their honest opinions, good or bad. Newell agreed to this.
But if you don't want to explore this, it is up to you. Good luck with your search.
Right...
Ado Wolf
Well-known member
Just in, Nikon replaced the battery free of charge, saying it was “good will”.
Technically, the battery is still under warranty and should be replaced free of charge, so their reply may suggest it was a counterfeit. We will never know. I will however, compare the new battery with the old photo I took.
Technically, the battery is still under warranty and should be replaced free of charge, so their reply may suggest it was a counterfeit. We will never know. I will however, compare the new battery with the old photo I took.
Ado Wolf
Well-known member
are @ricardo00
Thanks for the tip. however, since I live in Switzerland, BNH is pretty expensive for me, as shipping costs apply, so I prefer buying locally. I do admit, in the future I will buy batteries directly from Nikon and not through distributors.
ajrmd
Well-known member
Hi Ado, we love Switzerland and just returned from a wonderful trip to the Bernese Oberland. Anyhow, I am glad that you sorted things out and that Nikon did the right thing.
ricardo00
Well-known member
No reviews at B&H. Presumably in the US, people don't buy since not any cheaper than the Nikon ones. Also they don't list the battery as being compatible with the Nikon Z8 or I missed that (the review compares it to Canon batteries).
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They reviewed Canon batteries because they use Canon cameras. When I investigated batteries were available for my Nikon but they were dearer. No brainer to stick with Nikon but I only posted about it in case it got Nimi out of a hole and they are a reliable, independent group of professional photographers and tutors who make broadcast quality videos but he is not interested.
fcotterill
Well-known member
Circa 2018, I bought 4 Hahnel ENEL18 batteries from a reputable retailer in London, on their recommendation. Their relatively short working lives did not justify the initial prices, especially as they began to fail to hold charge out in the bush. In short an infuriating liability.
I have older OEM batteries which still work fine, both ENEL15 and ENEL18.
Never again, it's not worth the cost, tiny savings and risks, for 2 major reasons - taking risks in cameras costing 3K and much more. Future firmware could lead to unforeseen problems.
bcgforums.com
bcgforums.com
I have older OEM batteries which still work fine, both ENEL15 and ENEL18.
Never again, it's not worth the cost, tiny savings and risks, for 2 major reasons - taking risks in cameras costing 3K and much more. Future firmware could lead to unforeseen problems.
Nikon EN-EL18d Alternative
What third party EN-EL18d batteries have you had success with?
bcgforums.com
Z8 Aftermarket Battery
I still have 2 OEM ENEL15's bought with a D500 in 2016 that show low usage according to the in camera meter. This is after usage in my D850 and Z7, also a D780. It is a similar story with OEM ENEL 18s, unlike very dead Hahnel ENEL18's that had distinctly short lives...failing to charge and hold...
bcgforums.com
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Ado Wolf
Well-known member
I just received the new / replacement battery from Nikon. It matches the one that came originally with the camera. This confirms that the battery I received through Amazon was in fact counterfeit! I will review that item accordingly to warn future buyers.
Surprisingly, the new Nikon battery I received was produced in Feb 2023! I will charge it fully and run it through the same test as last time. Hopefully it will deliver the expected power. I will keep you posted.
PS so far I have only purchased OEM batteries (with only one exception, a battery for my older RX100 iii, since OEM ones aren’t available anymore).
Surprisingly, the new Nikon battery I received was produced in Feb 2023! I will charge it fully and run it through the same test as last time. Hopefully it will deliver the expected power. I will keep you posted.
PS so far I have only purchased OEM batteries (with only one exception, a battery for my older RX100 iii, since OEM ones aren’t available anymore).
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Ado Wolf
Well-known member
I hope you got to see the autumn colours before the strong winds blew the leaves off.
Bernsee Oberland is a great place to visit (with beautiful landscapes).
It's not possible for Nikon to have produced an EN-EL15C in 2003. 2023 is possible as batteries are more cost effectively produced in large batches.
Glad you got the new battery and saw that the problem battery was a counterfeit. Counterfeit goods in the supply chain is a big problem - and tough to police and prevent at a retail level.
Ado Wolf
Well-known member
Thank you for the tip. Year was corrected to 2023
The battery has / is performing as expected (lasted for 2 hours of continuous filming).
PS an inside source confirmed that big distributors often try to redeliver parts, that were returned as faulty, with the hope that someone will take it and not notice. Talk about code of ethics!
Calson
Well-known member
Whether Nikon or third party batteries, I buy them from BH Photo as with their inventory turnover the Nikon batteries will be of recent manufacturer and with third party batteries if they get a lot of returns they will switch to a different source.