the EN-EL3a is just a version with more capacity.
the EN-EL3e is new and needed by the D200 for power management:
the D200 is capable of displaying the remaining power more accurately and needs more info from the battery. They added some eletronics to the battery and extended the commnication protocol between the "e" battery and the D200. That makes the EN-EL3e backwards compatible, but the EN-EL3/3a unusable in a D200.
gugs wrote:
... They added some eletronics to the battery and extended the commnication protocol between the "e" battery and the D200. That makes the EN-EL3e backwards compatible, but the EN-EL3/3a unusable in a D200.
Pity they couldn't just make the electonics ignore the battery if it wasn't sending a strength signal, on the basis that if the camera's on, it's on.
I guess that would be too simple?
It looks like the range of batteries affected must be pretty limited, since neither my D100 nor my wife's D70 batteries fall into the ranges listed. Wonder what precentage is affected?
I wouldn't exactly call about 700,000 batteries a limited recall. But I think the ones affected were manufactured between certain dates. My battery was on the list and I bought my D70 in June. I don't know when the battery was manufactured though.
Okay, I printed out my shipping label and receipt....do I just use my own packaging to send it back to Nikon? That was my original impression, but after closely reading the recall page, I see this:
To receive instructions and materials for the return of your EN-EL3 battery pack, postage prepaid, and your free replacement, click here or call toll free 1-800-645-6678. In both cases, we will send you a prepaid shipping label, packing materials and instructions to safely return your affected EN-EL3 battery pack.
I keep calling that 800-number, but it's busy every time. Do I keep waiting for their packing materials, or can I just send this thing in my own box since I have a valid UPS label?
My battery makes the recall list....fortunately...I ended up picking up a extra battery over the weekend (I made sure it wasnt on the list first). Now all I have to do is send recalled battery back to nikon for a replacement.
