Reliability of batteries and their damage to equipment

[kvflyer]

Boy, does this hit close to home. We all now have lots of battery operated equipment. You just can't avoid it. I have a Nikon Speedlight that my daughter gave to me for the Nikon digital camera. I had installed Eveready Energizer batteries in it. It started to act flaky so I checked the batteries. They had leaked all inside of the device. And still, they had over a year left on the expiry date. Now, the expensive flash is ruined and Eveready could care less. I suspect that the batteries are being purchased "Off Shore" and are just junk. I will never use Energizers again...