Leicaflex batteries ...

[dkpeterborough]

I am aware of the various options/alternatives ref replacing PX 625 batteries in the Leicaflex and Leicaflex SL /SL2 and the best option appears to be the MR-9 adaptor which has a built in diode? to reduce the voltage of the 1.5v silver oxide 386 battery. The 386 cell fits inside the MR-9 ... the MR-9 is advertised as being the same size as the original PX625 ... but I do not wish to buy until sure that it will fit and still allow proper fitting of the L'flex screw thread battery compartment covers.

Has anyone experience of using this gadget and can you please advise if it is a good fit in the SL and SL2 ? ... They are not cheap thus do not want to buy 3 of them until sure they are ok.

Thanks

Dunk

[steed]

chuck that. buy the Wein cells. I have been using them for years with great success.

[lambroving]

Originally Posted by steed

chuck that. buy the Wein cells. I have been using them for years with great success.

Agreed. Weincells give exactly the same reading as the mercury cells. Take them out of the camera and cover the air hole when not in use and they'll last a long time. You may need to bend the contact strap outward very slightly.

[dkpeterborough]

Thanks for the Wein cell information. I also Emailed The Small Battery Co. and asked about compatibility and this is their reply ...

Duncan,

The only issues are with the SL2. The SL works just fine.

We have a problem logged against the SL2. Apparently the LED takes more
than 200 micro amps and fails to illuminate.

The MR-9 Adapter is designed for low current and cannot be used in
applications that exceed 200 micro amps. I believe the metering and
exposure system function perfectly, and it is only the battery check
lamp will not illuminate.

Does that sound right?

Needless to say, if you try the MR9 Adapter and it does not work
satisfactorily, you can return it for a full refund.

Regards, Jim.

* Jim Sarsfield, The Small Battery Company, 70 Cromford Road, London,
SW18 1NY, UK
* 020 8871 3730
* 020 8871 3686 (fax)

I will probably use Wein cells in the SL2 and try the MR9 in the SL ... but Wein cells might be a bit inconvenient if have to wait for them to 'start up' ie after removing the air hole seal. The MR9's would work ok in the SL2 ... not too bothered about the battery check not working ... but would be a bit expensive buying 3 MR9's at £27.50 each .

Similar problem with Minox GT type cameras but there is a simple solution explained here http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page2.html

Dunk

[stumac]

Duncan,

A couple of years ago when I last had a CLA on a SL the Leica agent in Melbourne gave me a s625px silver cell as a replacement for the mercury. At the time I tested both, and found I think 1 stop difference in the meter. I will check again in the next couple of days on both my SLs.

Thanks for the link, I will get my Minox going again.

Regards, Stuart

[telyt]

Originally Posted by dkpeterborough

We have a problem logged against the SL2. Apparently the LED takes more than 200 micro amps and fails to illuminate.

The MR-9 Adapter is designed for low current and cannot be used in
applications that exceed 200 micro amps. I believe the metering and
exposure system function perfectly, and it is only the battery check
lamp will not illuminate.

Does that sound right?

I've yet to find an SL2 with an LED anywhere on it or with a battery check lamp. The SL2 has a meter needle illuminating lamp powered by a second battery. Since this is a tiny incandescent lamp the voltage of the second battery isn't critical. For the metering battery I'm using the 625s silver-oxide cell and have had the meters re-calibrated for the higher voltage (same for the Leicaflex Standard and SL).

I have not had good results with the MR9 adapter.

[hektor]

Dear Doug and others,

The Varta V625PX-BP1 is available in eastern Europe where mercury batteries are still being made. I bought as many as I could and keep them in the refridgerator.

Regarding the SL2 and SL2MOT I do not install a battery to illuminate the viewfinders.

Have fun.

Justin

[hektor]

Are there any members of this Forum who live in eastern Europe and can start a very profitable business exporting V625PX-BP1 batteries to those of us with
proper cameras?

[garyp]

Never tried the MR9 in an SL2, but have used them in SLs for a long time, no problems.
I may have just been lucky

[gvaliquette]

Hello all:

Has anybody tried the MR9 in a Leica CL or in the MR meter for Leica M?

Guy