BEIJING - Nikon Imaging (China) Sales Co Ltd on Tuesday announced a recall of four camera models sold on the Chinese mainland from June to October in 2005 due to battery flaws, according to China's quality watchdog.

The flawed rechargeable batteries, EN-EL3, are inside Nikon D50, D70, D70s and D100 models. A total of 9,725 cameras will be recalled, said a statement from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The batteries may become deformed as they grow very hot and cause fires in extreme cases, the statement warned.

Owners will have the batteries replaced for free, it said.

The company announced a recall of the batteries on Nov 8, 2005, but there are still 9,725 cameras whose owners have not responded to that recall, the statement added.

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