I own an old F-1 (bought new in 1978). The batteries it requires for the light meter are the 1.35v Mercury batteries (the PX-625). However these are getting very hard to find as they're considered environmentally unfriendly.

A camera shop suggested I use 1.5v batteries and just set the film speed to 1/3 or 1/2 stop lower to compensate for the extra voltage. I'm a bit wary of this in case the higher voltage (however minimal it may be) may damage the circuits.

I remember reading somwhere that you can buy non-mercury 1.35v PX-625 style batteries for the F-1. Does anyone know about them or if/where they're available from (I'm in Sydney, Australia)?

Does anyone have any other ideas/experiences with batteries?

Thanks in advance.

Nik

-- NikB (ndb_letters@yahoo.com), January 03, 2002

Answers

Hi, There is a battery called a Wein Cell. It is a 1.35v Mercury free battery. I have been using them in 2 F-1's with fine results. The prices vary from $9.95 to $3.95 (same battery), depending upon where you purchase it. WienCell MRB625, Wein Products Inc. 115 West 25th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90007 Marketed by The Tiffen Company, 21 Jet View Drive, Rochester, New York, 14624 Sorry, I don't have any phone numbers. Good Luck.

Billy

-- Billy Moore (bimoore@attglobal.net), January 03, 2002.

The Weincell batteries mentioned are the ideal replacement. Good prices at www.bhphoto.com.

-- David Goldfarb (dgoldfarb@barnard.edu), January 03, 2002.

Thanks Billy and David, that's a great help.

Nik

-- NikB (ndb_letters@yahoo.com), January 04, 2002.