Battery problem.

[grounded]

My Panasonic FZ50 is 6 years old and the two batteries I have are showing their age by not giving much life, replacements from Panasonic are a ridiculous price, $100 00 here in NZ, I therefore ordered a couple from Battsrus at $12 00 each. They look exactly like the original ones, but will not fit in the battery compartment, nor in my charger. On carefully measuring, they are very slightly larger, at that price I am tempted to sand them down to fit, Has anyone ever tried this sort of thing or am treading on dangerous ground. LATER I got one to fit the charger and charged it up, a and a bit more sanding, and it now locks in the camera. Hopefully I haven't messed up the contacts in the camera. Just goes to show how a bit of common sense can save the day.

 

[swanseamale47]

be aware some battieries can busrt into flame if opened (seen it happen) so take care.

 

[modchild]

I hope your bit of common sense doesn't end up with a dead FZ50 or a battery going up in flames inside it. You could be on a sticky wicket with this.

Just realized, I had an FZ50 a few years back as well as a FZ30 and FZ20 and got batteries for them from here http://www.chargerbatteryshop.co.uk/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz50-digital-camera-battery-cbbs.html I realize this a UK website but they do ship worldwide and more importantly, the batteries do fit without having to be sanded down or altered in any way. I use 3rd party batteries in my 5D3, 60D and the wifes 650D and have had no problems at all from any of them. For the price they cost it might be worth getting a couple to be on the safe side.

 

[grounded]

Now your scaring me! Some people say some of these batteries are better than the Panasonic ones, these are "Cameron Sino", made in China and guaranteed for a year. Fingers crossed.

 

[Oggy]

As an electronics bod of 35 years I find it hard to trust anything from China and the thought of sandpapering a battery makes me wince.

 

[Nod]

Your batteries have no warranty at all - that ended the second to touched them with the sandpaper.

I have absolutely no problem with batteries (or other goods) made in China. Just so long as they're from a reputable manufacturer. In front of me, I have a Nikon EN-EL3 marked Made in China and I'm willing to bet that most of the manufacturer's source some of their batteries from there.

 

[grounded]

I am quite aware of that Nod, I haven't gone up in flames yet, the batts are only a few thousands of an inch too long, and looking at some web sites there are literally hundreds of differenmt ones, no wonder they sometimes get it a bit wrong. I fail to see how these manufacturers could stay in business if they didn't make a good product.