Flash units using lots of batteries

System

I have an FL36 Olympus flash and a generic flash which I use on 2 lightstands with silver umbrellas etc. I use expensive AA batteries and go through about 12 batteries a shoot. Is there something I can build or buy that can let me use the flashes without going thru so many batteries - like a custom built charger unit into the mains supplying power to the little flash units or a bulk power unit like pros have on their belts?

Any ideas would be gratefully received. Thanks
D22

z_28

I stopped use of alkaline batteries for flash photography over 15 years ago !
NiCd and later NiMH are maybe a bit slower, but WAY cheaper.

I don't know anything about Olympus flash and a generic flash which you use,
but 550EX or 580EX with CP-E2/3/4 feeded with 2000+ mAh works as a champ

System

Thanks. I will try that.

D22

z_28 wrote:

I stopped use of alkaline batteries for flash photography over 15 years ago !
NiCd and later NiMH are maybe a bit slower, but WAY cheaper.

I don't know anything about Olympus flash and a generic flash which you use,
but 550EX or 580EX with CP-E2/3/4 feeded with 2000+ mAh works as a champ

ian408

NiMH or even a battery pack from one of several different suppliers
would be a great way to save money.

Ian

cmason

Try Thomas Distributing...great prices, nice batteries.

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/nimh_battery_chargers.htm

Get 2500 mah batteries or better for your flashes

pathfinder

AL Jacobs Black Box - http://www.aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

SloYerRoll

pathfinder wrote:

AL Jacobs Black Box - http://www.aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

dangin

pathfinder wrote:

AL Jacobs Black Box - http://www.aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

crap. i wish i had known about this or the DCB (www.digitalcamerabattery.com) before i bought my quantum turbo. blah. :cry

System

Thanks everyone. Very helpful.

D

Manfr3d

NiMH is the way to go for a camera flash:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/feed.html

Stay away from NiCd they have more memory
effect and their performance drops steadily as
they get discharged during use. NiMH performance
drops just before their capacity is out.