rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

We're in the midst of World Series season. As a kid I recall sportscasters announcing each game's lineup in great detail, including the phrase "And The Battery will be so-and-so pitching and such-and-such catching". Out of that same era came some very capable film cameras and light meters, buy they often require batteries no longer available. So I thought perhaps I'd pitch one to you folks: can you help me update my list of reliable sources for equivalent high quality power cells? I'm not seeking retailers like B&H or Amazon, but a vendor/partner who will consider what I need and recommend an effective solution.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ralph, exactly which meters and cameras. I've found the best subs for my Weston Ranger IX, Nikon F, Pentax meters. Just post which equipment, possibly the batteries required, and I'll see if I can help.
--Bob

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Bob - Obviously, I was trying to approach this in a light-hearted fashion, but my need is serious. My most immediate purpose involves a light meter that - when it was designed - used two 1.35V Mallory PX13 or PX625 batteries. I can go to B&H (or Google) and look those up, but what I was hoping to find was a chart or reference manual that would answer such questions any time they arise. Would rather not bother other folks if I can look it up myself.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ralph, No problem. I'm happy when I can share information, especially when it involves being able to use beloved old equipment. My Nikon F, as well as other equipment, uses the mercury 1.35 volt batteries. So, years ago, I found a source that will allow me to use 'modern' 1.5 volt 386 batteries. Here's the solution.

http://shop.criscam.com/collections/mercury-battery-adapters/products/mr-9-mercury-battery-adapter

Yes, they are a bit pricey, but it's acceptable, at least to me. The adapter contains an electronic circuit that drops the 1.5 volts to 1.35 volts, and regulates that voltage. I can purchase a couple of run of the mill 386 batteries, drop them in this, and put that in my Nikon F. Works perfectly. Warning, there are other adapters out there that are simply conductive material which will convert a 386 to the envelope size of a PX13. However, there is no voltage drop involved.

My Nikon uses two of these. My other equipment uses a variety of numbers of batteries, but each have an adapter to use. Yes, I paid a good bit of money for all of them totaled, but I'm still using my old equipment.

I wish I'd have remembered this post from Dec. of 2014, covering the same topic. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-270836-1.html
--Bob

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Bob - Thank you for your 'home run' suggestion. I will order a couple adapters and some fresh batteries from CRIS and try them out on the meter when it arrives from KEH. I will let you know how things work out, but you've given me renewed confidence. My Leica 35mm M6 is 98% mechanical but uses batteries to power an ISO-coupled light meter. In the case of the M6, the batteries are two 1.55-volt silver oxide button cells or one 3-volt lithium battery. Do you know whether CRIS makes an adapter for the 1.55-volt cells and sells the 1.55-volt batteries (or an equivalent) or 3-volt lithiums? Voigtländer makes very decent lenses for Leica M-mount cameras and offers them at reasonable price points.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ralph,
You're quite welcome.

I'm not familiar with that particular battery. However, they do sell several adapters. Here's a link to all of them.

http://shop.criscam.com/collections/mercury-battery-adapters

--Bob

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Duplicate, sorry.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

In Mesa, do you ever go to Vito's for pizza or pasta? They were on Brown Avenue, if I recall correctly. I used to dine there fairly often whenever I was in town from Tucson.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ralph,
Yup, quite often when I worked at Falcon Field. I haven't lately, but your mention of it has inspired me to think about heading there for some food.
--Bob

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I just looked it up myself and found that B&H, Unique Photo, Amazon and The Battery Supplier all offer this battery for around $4.

You can also try looking at these sites for other ideas:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mercury_replacement_batteries.html
http://forum.mflenses.com/mercury-px625-and-px13-replacement-batteries-t512.html

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I buy Eneloop batteries from Costco. Great deal there.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

And which Eneloop battery do you suggest to replace a PX13?
--Bob

Donita

I have an older Canon Rebel xti. I was having a tough time finding batteries for it, but I went to "Batteries plus Bulbs" and they were able to get what I needed. Hope this helps

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

As per the OP, I too was being light-hearted and not serious since his first post never said what kind of battery. LOL

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Ahhhh, sometimes humor, sarcasm, kindness, etc. doesn't translate well in writing. Point taken. Thanks.
--Bob