Nikon recalls popular batteries over potential heating & melting issues

The Nikon EN-EL15 battery has been used in most of Nikon’s mid-range cameras since the release of the D7000. It’s still used in many of today’s popular Nikon DSLRs including the D500, D610, D750 and D810. Now Nikon have issued a voluntary recall on the EN-EL15 battery. It’s due to a short circuit that may potentially cause them to overheat and melt.

Now, don’t worry, your cameras probably aren’t likely to turn into a Galaxy Note 7. Nikon say that there only 7 confirmed incidents worldwide, so far. So, this is a voluntary recall. But, if you do have an affected battery, it sounds like it’s worth sending it in.

Note : Nikon issued a similar recall on the EN-EL15 battery in 2012. It was updated on June 20th, 2017. It is unclear if this is a refresh of the same recall simply to add new compatible camera models to the list, or whether a fresh batch of batteries is affected.

The Nikon EN-EL15 battery pack is provided as a supplied accessory with the purchase of Nikon’s digital SLR D800, D800E, D810A, D810, D610, D600, D7200, D7100, D7000, D500 cameras and the Nikon 1 V1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens. However, EN-EL15 batteries supplied with D810A, D810, D610, D600, D500, D7200, D7100 are not included in this voluntary recall. It is also sold separately at retail under Nikon’s model number 27011. The EN-EL15 battery pack involved in this recall was first distributed by Nikon in March 2012 and is still being sold at retail.

No other Nikon battery packs are involved in this recall.

To identify whether or not your battery is affected, you need only look at the serial number.

If the 9th character of your serial number is the letter E or F, then this recall applies to you. If any other character sits in this place, then you’re not affected. For those that are, Nikon USA list the details of the exchange process.

• Immediately remove the battery from your camera or camera bag, but please do not dispose of it.
• Complete the Nikon’s online EN-EL15 battery exchange form by clicking the button below.
• Once your request is processed Nikon will send a confirmation email.
• On the day of your battery exchange, UPS will contact you by phone and email notifying you of the delivery.
• A UPS courier will then deliver your new battery pack(s) AND collect the recalled battery pack(s).
• Someone needs to be present for this exchange. If you need to make special arrangements, please contact UPS.

It’s nice that they’re dropping off the new battery when they pick up your old one. So, you’re not going to be without power for your camera for a while.

Even if you don’t suspect your battery is overheating, battery recalls are worth doing if you have an affected serial number. Batteries don’t last forever. And for what they cost these days to buy a new one, you get to trade your old ones completely free.

You can see the complete details on the recall on the Nikon USA website. For those in the UK & Europe, see the Nikon Europe support website.