I have a Maha PowerEx C-204F charger and 8 Maha PowerEx AA batteries (at 1600 mAH). I can’t remember when I bought them, but it was probably right after I bought my digital camera. Maybe 3 years ago? I think I read this review at Imaging Resource that influenced my decision. Anyway, at Tokyo Wako tonight, I handed the waitress my camera to take our group picture, only to have her show me a black LCD screen. It was on, but it blacked out or something.
I haven’t been using my camera as much, until lately for the holidays and these birthdays. So when my camera was acting up, I came home to search about the batteries. I don’t know if I’ve charged them 500 times yet. But, I don’t think I’ve been conditioning my batteries once every ten charges like I’m supposed to. (See the Maha Energy MH-C204F FAQ)
I’ve also been noticing that it’s been taking longer for the flash to power-up. (I don’t know the technical term.) I’m hoping this was the reason why.