[Steve]

Through strict quality control procedures Nikon has detected that on rare occasions some rechargeable Li-ion batteries of the type EN-EL3 for Nikon Digital SLR cameras may become defective, resulting in overheating during recharging. Investigations have clarified that the cause of the defect is not a design fault, but has resulted from a problem in a manufacturing process that occurred during the production of this battery type between May and September 2004. In the interests of its customers and as a reflection of Nikon’s commitment to safety and product quality, the company has initiated a voluntary recall and replacement program of all EN-EL3 batteries manufactured during this period. The EN-EL3 is provided as a supplied accessory with the D100, D70 and D50 Digital SLR cameras. It is also sold as a separate accessory for these camera models, and can be used in the Nikon D70s.

To date, Nikon has received notification of five occurrences of defective batteries worldwide of which two have been in Europe. No cases of personal injury have been reported; however, the overheating has caused damage to adjacent material during the recharging process, and further use is not advised.

More details and battery numbers can be found at the Nikon European Support Centre.

Thanks to daveyuk for bringing this news to our attention.