On Sun, 05 Mar 2006 02:10:06 -0600, Ron Hunter the timid wrote:

Most of the manuals that *you* have read may warn against using
alkaline batteries. But *all* of the manuals I've read indicate
that alkalines not only work in the cameras, but work very well.

No, I am saying that none of the models for which I have read the manual
does Kodak recommend using alkaline batteries.

What are you disagreeing with? That I said "most" instead of
"all"? If so, blame yourself, since I used "most" in reply to your
statement that also used "most" instead of "all", as shown he

Any Kodak camera that uses AA batteries will work with generic NIMH
batteries, but most manuals warn against using alkaline batteries in
their cameras.

But the fact is that some of Kodak's cameras really are designed
to operate with alkaline AA batteries. You either haven't read the
right manuals or if you have read them, that might be why you said
"most manuals" instead of "all that I've seen".


No, I am saying that none of the models for which I have read the
manual does Kodak recommend using alkaline batteries. In fact, they
specifically warn against using them. Since they design the cameras, I
suspect they have their reasons for this warning. I would never suggest
that a user put in batteries which the manual specifically warns him NOT
to use. There are several alternatives, including NIMH, Lithium
disposables, in two formats (AA and CRV3). Of course, I am sure Kodak
would prefer users buy their proprietary NIMH rechargeable packs, but
there are approved alternatives, just NOT alkalines.

You're really overstating the case against using alkaline
batteries, making it sound as if there will be dire results if
alkaline batteries are used. In fact, from the Kodak manuals I've
seen, the ones that "warn" against using standard alkaline batteries
make it clear that it's only because they don't last as long as the
recommended batteries, not because they'll cause any kind of damage.
I've only checked the manuals for the C-line cameras, and I assume
that you haven't read the manuals for any of them, since they all
recommend one battery type which you failed to mention, namely, the
higher capacity ZR6 alkalines also known as Oxy-Alkaline batteries.
And as I've been saying for quite some time, as newer camera models
are introduced, they tend to be more efficient than the older
models. This is true also for Kodak cameras, since the older models
(such as the C300) recommend using at least the Oxy-Alkalines, while
newer models (such as the C503/533,C603/643 ) drop the bar to allow
standard alkalines to the recommended list. The only battery type
that these manuals don't recommend using are AA manganese cells.

Download one of these manuals and you might be pleasantly
surprised. While for the longest battery life you'd probably need
to get a Canon or Fuji camera, the latest Kodak cameras aren't too
far behind. And they're small and *very* light, only 150 gm.


If I didn't want to carry my charger (and I don't for short trips), then I
would take a couple of spare CRV3 batteries, and a charged set of NIMH.
If Kodak produces a camera that uses alkaline AA batteries with
permission of the manual, I am not aware of it.

Now you're aware of them. You've mentioned a number of times that
you don't have unlimited funds for photography, so there'd be no
need with one of these cameras to put money into relatively
expensive CRV3s or lithium AAs. Just continue using your NiMH AAs
and in a pinch, pop in 50 cents worth of alkalines. If you feel
like splurging, you could still bring along a CRV3. If you don't
want to download manuals, here's what is recommend for the cameras
mentioned above (excepting the C300):

2 Kodak oxy-alkaline digital camera batteries AA ZR6 (non-rechargeable);
2-AA lithium digital camera batteries; 2-AA alkaline batteries; 2 Kodak
Ni-MH rechargeable digital camera batteries AA; 1 Kodak lithium digital
camera battery CRV3 (non-rechargeable); 1 Kodak Ni-MH rechargeable
digital camera battery KAA2HR, 3V AC adapter