2007.03.02: Maxell Battery Warranty?

As some of you may have noticed, PocketWizard Plus radio frequency flash triggers don't seem to trigger certain strobes when powered with rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries. Because of this, I had been using alkaline batteries in my PocketWizards happily until several months ago. I replaced the batteries in my pair of PocketWizards - a pair of old stock alkaline batteries from Superstore I found at my parents' home and another pair from a package of four Maxell alkaline batteries Jonathan had purchased for me from McBain Camera. None of the batteries had expired. I left the remaining two new Maxell batteries in their package back at the studio. The next day at a shoot, I discovered that my PocketWizard transmitter would turn on but was constantly stuck on "transmit" or so it seemed judging from the red LED that normally indicates triggering being constantly on. I turn off the transmitter to replace the batteries thinking maybe the Superstore batteries were not as fresh as I had measured them out the last day. Turns out that I had loaded the Maxells in the transmitter and one of them had leaked. I had a some white sticky residue stuck on my fingers and was forced to do my shoot with a sync cord . . . luckily I had one.

Back at the studio I discover that one of the two batteries that I had left on my desk had also leaked. Strange. I order a pair of PocketWizard Multimaxes and eventually contact Maxell about my problem. The person who answered the e-mail was very responsive and requested that the batteries and damaged items be shipped to them for inspection. A month passes after delivery of the shipment was confirmed and I thought that would be the last that I hear of them. About six weeks after I sent out the batteries, I get an e-mail back saying that they are waiting to hear back from their US office to see if they need additional information to do further tests on the PocketWizard Plus. They also said that they'd send me replacement batteries to thank me for my patience.

Sure enough, today I receive a 48pack (!!!) of Maxell batteries via FedEx Overnight. Even though this was the first time I had problems with any alkaline batteries, my experience with the customer service end of Maxell has been pleasant and I would not hesitate to use Maxell batteries again. I have used many Maxell batteries in the past and my subjective opinion is that this unfortunate incident was an anomalous occurence.

The package that arrived. The letter reads:

Good Afternoon Klyment On behalf of Maxell, thank you for your patience in the process of your battery claim. To this date we are waitin to hear from our U.S. Office whether we need additional information to test your pocket wizard plus device.

In the meantime please accept this 48 package of Maxell AA batteries.

Please note that as soon as we can determine what further information is needed, we will process your claim in a timely fashion.

Thank you for your continued support of Maxell products.

Signed:

Lori Kirky

Maxell CANADA