Leica Sf 24 flash battery life.

[darkcrocodile]

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Hello everyone,

 

I am about to leave on a long trip to shoot a documentary.

I want to use the sf24 flash but am worried about battery life.

How many shots do the 2 cr123a batteries last in the flash.

 

I have tried to look for a rechargeable option which seems difficult.

If any of you have any solutions for the flash to fire at a rate of 500-1000 shots a day for about 6-8 weeks, it would be helpful...

[bocaburger]

According to the manual it's supposed to get approximately 370 flashes at full power on a set of batteries. So a lot will depend on what power the flash fires on. But worst case, if you're using full power a lot, and shooting 1000 shots/day X 7 days X 8 weeks, you should take about 150 sets of batteries unless you're sure you can source them economically where you're going. And TBH I would take at least one more SF24 too (or a similar backup) because Idk if they were designed for that kind of continuous heavy use. I love the little beggar, have 2 of them, but those lithium batteries are a PITA.

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[enboe]

8 weeks x 7 days/week x 1000 shots/day / 200 shots/pair = 560 batteries!

 

Do not repeat my mistake by trying rechargeable 123A's. The ones from Radio Shack run a higher voltage and could quickly destroy the flash.

 

A cheaper alternative: buy an SF58, new SF-26, or old Metz 54 with the correct dedicated module. These all run on conventional/cheap batteries, either AA or AAA. For this many exposures, the savings in batteries alone will pay for the flash.

 

Good luck.