In article <46kg5c$ri2@peabody.colorado.edu>, keivom@rintintin.Colorado.EDU says...
>The on/off switch on my sb-24 is starting to stick and so i have >decided to keep it on standby mode, even when i leave it in my bag. >How long can i keep it on this mode using duracell or nicads? i just >want to know if it consumes a lot of power in this mode

As far as I know, it consumes no power after automatic shut-down.
I use this mode exclusively, since the flash is quickly brought
back to readyness with a touch to the camera shutter release.
(When the flash is not connected TTL, as when being used on a stand
with electric eye or PC cord triggering, leave it on "ON" rather
than standby.)
Hope this helps.