I've used a SB24 & now a SB28 on both NiCad & Alkaline batteries. I find the NiCad's (600mA) last for about 48 - 60 shots ( 2 - 2 1/2 rolls of 24 exp') in TTL & the alkaline cells are good for about 72 - 96 (3 - 4 rolls of 24 exp') in TTL. I cant say how many full power shots that equates to because the TTL system kills the flash as is needed. The difference for me is how quick I need the flash to recycle. If I need quick recycle times or work in the cold I use the NiCads and change them frequently where as if I need the increased shots at less speed I go for the alkalines. By the way I have used Duracell's and Eveready's & provided they are fresh of the shelf I cant pick the difference in them. Frankly at the low cost of alkalines compared to NiCads I find my self going away from NiCads because they dont last very long before needing replacement when working with a flash - despite proper discharge / recharge routines. How old or used were your alkalines and how cold was it at the time? There are so many variables that can taint the picture that it is hard to pin point the cause. Tony Balm
