Leica R3 and R4 Battery type?

[pridbor]

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Dear Forum members

 

I have recently read about the batteries used in the older Cameras, not particularly Leica, and there it was mentioned that the old Batteries were Mercury/Silver based (or so) and that they maintained their voltage level until they stopped working, basically. This such that the light measuring devices operate correctly from beginning with a fresh battery until the end of lif of the battery. Kind of makes sense to me.

 

So my question for you gents is which modern Battery to use in my R3/R4 as I assume that those other types aren't available any longer??? I also got the impression that the voltages of the old and the newer ones are different, and that would also, it seems, affect the metering correctness??!!

 

One place mentioned zinc/air as for use in hearing aids as they too keep up voltage until they die.

 

Have just bought a bunch of various B/W as well as Color and ready to re-start my use of this old gear again

 

Preben

Edited July 21, 2016 by pridbor

[TomB_tx]

The R4 at least did NOT use Mercury batteries, but rather standard Silver 1.55v cells (two). It can also use a single 3v lithium cell (1/3N?). I don't know the R3 - I skipped from the SL to the R4.

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[earleygallery]

R3 - 2x SR44 silver-oxide or 1x CR1/3N

[Hugh 38]

You  should    have no   problem   getting  batteries  for  the    R3 / R4  as   they  use  the   batteries  above.