(AAA) Cleaning battery leakage (Maxxum 5000/7000)

Written By: Nick

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(AAA) Cleaning battery leakage (Maxxum 5000/7000)

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

If you have an old or newly acquired Maxxum 5000/7000 with an alkaline leak, this guide will show you how to clean it.

THIS GUIDE ONLY COVERS THE AAA COVER.
Note: AA covers can be cleaned without disassembly, unless it has severe leakage.
READ ME: YOU WILL LOSE SOME NICKEL COATING.
DO NOT SKIP PROPER TREATMENT TO AVOID THIS, AS IT WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO PERMANENT DAMAGE!

If your original cover is unrepairable, the 2CR5 cover (BH-70T) completely mitigates this issue by using primary lithium. However, the required battery is not easy to purchase retail. Outside of Best Buy* and some drug stores (check locally in person), common availability is poor.

*Most sell them in-store but check prior if availability is critical.

Retail availability was somewhat maintained due to common use in older gun scopes and binoculars (which film camera users benefitted from as this battery is so common on many models, even on some early digital models where it was an option) at places like Cabella's and Bass Pro Shops. As these moved to CR123 cells, this became less commonplace. Unless you're near a camera store, plan to find these are "online only" batteries, or 3D print a 2CR5 battery adapter.

Some manufacturers use terms like CR123A (industry standard)/DL123 (Duracell)/SF123A (Surefire)** and others. **IMPORTANT: Surefire uses the term "SF123A". YOU OFTEN HAVE TO CUT THE WASHER FROM THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL. TRY TO AVOID THESE.

1.5V primary Lithium. Will not leak and easy to find but economics are subpar/poor compared to "specialized" 2CR5 cells/adapted CR123. Runtime will also be lesser.
- (AA/BH-70L)/(AAA/BH-70S).

Tools

Parts

Step 1

This is WHY you clean the corrosion - not polish it off. This cover was properly treated, but it still required a wire brush cleanup as well!!!
Severe terminal damage (wire brush needed)
Had to use sandpaper to fix

Step 2

Unscrew the battery cover from the body. Remove the bad batteries.

Step 3

To thoroughly clean the AAA cover, you must disassemble it. You will not be able to fully clean it assembled.
Stick a screwdriver or pry tool in the side with one pin. DO NOT pry on the side with 2; it can break the second pin.
LIft up on the clip and remove it. This can be safely cleaned in a vinegar bath.

Step 4

This step will REDUCE the nickel-plating damage, not prevent it.
Before cleaning the corossion, use a chemical like denatured alcohol and a disposable toothbrush to clean some of the corrosion. Once this is done, rinse and dry the cover.

Step 5

If there is any stubborn alkaline on the screw plate, sand the affected tab down until you have a good connection and STOP. The tabs are VERY THIN.
With the battery holder disassembled, clean the clip by soaking it in vinegar.
If affected, clean the tabs on the screw cover with a toothbrush or Q-Tip.

Step 6

Slide the side with 2 pins in FIRST, then let it rest.
Push down to lock the cover in place. Note: You may need to push the plastic on the screw plate back with a pry tool.
Put it in the closed position, and check if it opens correctly and accepts batteries.

Step 7

Install fresh batteries and take a few test shots.
If it works, shoot on with the old cover if desired and convert later :-).
If the camera is still dead, try a known good cover, or buy a used one with no existing corrosion, and re-assess the camera.

Author

Nick

Member since: 11/11/09

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