Quantum batteries with the s2

[rewind]

I'd like some information or advice concerning Quantum batteries powering the S2Pro and / or flash?

[Tom Nolle]

I've been using the Quantum 2x2 and love it. It will power the S2 for thousands of shots on a single charge, and because I have an extension cord for the connection to the camera, I can sling it under a parka for cold-weather shooting.

There are only a couple of models of the Quantum line that will work with the S2, so you'll have to start by checking their website to see which will work. When you have the list (three models, in total, I believe), you can then see whether any will also power your flash unit.

You can't use a 123 with the external packs, so you'll lose the internal flash unit. I've been told by Fuji that you need to keep the AAs in the camera even using the pack (as with the AC adapter), but some people have reported it working without them.

Tom

[rewind]

Tom,

The Quantum battery has two outlets, I believe, one for the camera and one for the flash. I think it's the only battery in their lineup that has this.

Also, do the CR-123 batteries only power the internal flash and the AA's power everything else? If that's the case, I hardly use the internal flash so I really wouldn't need those batteries.
Would there be any "damage" to the S2 by using only the AA's and/or a Quantum battery set up?

Gary

[Tom Nolle]

Sorry for the response delay; I've been out of town.

The 2x2 has two outlets, but other Quantum batteries will power camera and flash with a kind of t-adapter they sell. I'm not clear on exactly how this works because I don't have the model.

What I think happens with the 123s is that they do a number of things; first they power the internal flash, and second they provide a voltage boost should the AAs get low. Some people have reported that without the 123s and just using AAs, they get less battery life on the AAs and less performance out of autofocus. I've noticed that my 500mm tends to focus slow when the 123s are getting low, and if the 123s are low and still installed, they drag down the AAs and the camera won't work.

With the 2x2, I have no problem with focus, power, or whatever. Fuji told me to keep the AAs in, but plugging in the power pack into the AC adapter disconnects them anyway, so I'm not personally sure whether they're needed. I just do what I'm told!

Tom

[rewind]

Tom,

Thanks for the info. I guess it's better to do as your told than to screw up the internal parts of the camera......beats buying a new one.

I just wish that Quantum's batteries weren't so expensive.

Oh! I do have another question. Where do you plug in the cable from your 2+2 into the camera?

Gary

[Tom Nolle]

Better safe than two thousand times sorry!

The battery packs all plug into the AC adapter plug. Quantum supplied a little stick-on clip that holds the wire to the side of the S2 and keeps the plug from coming out.

Tom

[ARimages]

Does anyone have any experience with the Quantum Compact Battery pack that attaches to the underside of the camera via the tripod socket. I'm wondering how it performs in the field, more specifically, in damp and cold environments. I'm also concerned about the plastic door which covers the ac terminal on the camera. Is there a simple way or technique to keep it fairly weather resistant with the battery cord attached.

Thanks

[Tom Nolle]

Just came back from Churchill on Hudson Bay, where I used the 2x2 pretty much exclusively when outdoors. I had the pack plugged into the AC adapter, and for much of the time it was blowing snow (sometimes gusts to 80km/h). There were no problems.

Tom