Tech Support Pits:

From Kim===

Dear Webby
I read that with the newer camera batteries it is no longer
necessary to drain them all the way to prevent the usual
battery memory problem. Is that true ?
Thanks
Kim

Dear Kim
Yes, and no. When the batteries are new, then it makes
no difference, but when they get a bit older, they develop
the same memory problem and give you shorter run times
if you recharge them too soon.

I realize that when batteries are near empty, especially in
the cold or at high altitude, the pictures often over-
emphasize the blues and greens and are weak in the yellows
and reds. It is therefore very tempting to re-charge sooner
than is good for the battery.

However, the question should not be "What is the best for
the battery?"

The question should be: "What gives me the best pictures?"
The answer to that is to use fully charged batteries.

To avoid re-charging too early, make a battery holder and
attach a couple of wires so that they touch the battery
contacts when you drop the battery in, and connect the other
ends of the wires to a car dome light lightbulb. That will
safely discharge the battery. When the light stops showing
even a faint red glow, the battery is empty and ready for
charging.

Have FUN
Dear Webby