I use this idea on our TTL and manual flash units and it will work anywhere on anything that uses plain old batteries.
This is especially helpful on such things that cannot be turned off.
To make sure that the batteries in the flash (or whatever) are as fresh as can be, I cut long narrow strips of tough strong plastic wrap; I use the wrapper that covers a case of bottled water.
I make these strips just narrow enough to fit underneath the battery cover and about six to eight inches long.
I put the freshly charged batteries in the flash, then place my plastic strip over the contacts, effectively insulating the batteries from the contacts.
I close the battery cover, leaving the remaining length hanging outside.
When I get ready to use the flash (or whatever), I yank out the plastic strip without any need to open the cover.
On things that have the kind of battery holder where you push the battery in against a spring, you will need to place the plastic strip between the (+) Positive terminal of the battery and it's contact; you need only do this to a single battery, regardless of however many batteries there may be; --- you can accomplish the same result by putting the plastic between any two stacked batteries.
Depending on the design of the battery compartment, you may or may not be able to leave a length of plastic hanging outside; if you cannot, just fold the extra length underneath the cover and close it.
Protected thus, the batteries are no more apt to lose their charge inside the battery compartment, than they are when kept in the package they came in.
This is not an original idea; as, many products that come equipped with batteries will have such a plastic insulator that one must yank out before the product will power up.
Thank you for reading and I hope this is of some benefit to someone.
