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.

[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. 

[Warrent Sattunyue]

Look for Replacement Battery for Leica R4 Camera 2x SR44 silver-oxide or 1x CR1/3N, where I can purchase can not find on e-Bay?

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[David Weber]

Here for example:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1062394-REG/exell_battery_cr1_3n_3v_lithium_battery.html

$3,95

I prefer the lithium cells, because they last longer and they have a shelf life of 10+ years.

[a.noctilux]

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10 hours ago, Warrent Sattunyue said:

where I can purchase can not find on e-Bay?

Why Ebay ?

In France, we are lucky to be able finding those batteries (silver oxide or lithium) SR44 type easily in many shops (supermarkets or smaller "épiceries").

They are currently available.

As side note, the winder or motor needs AA/R6/MN1500 batteries.

 

[Eclectic Man]

I have just checked the ones in my R5, which are engraved 'A76 Energizer'.  As I also recall using SR44 types, they may be compatible with the R4 requirements.

[masjah]

2 hours ago, Eclectic Man said:

I have just checked the ones in my R5, which are engraved 'A76 Energizer'.  As I also recall using SR44 types, they may be compatible with the R4 requirements.

If SR44 is specified, as is implied in the above posts, then it should be used in preference to an A76. Though the same physical size, the SR44 is a silver oxide cell, and has a slightly higher nominal voltage. More importantly though, it holds its nominal voltage until almost discharged, whereas the voltage of an alkaline A76 drops as it discharges.

 

[Eclectic Man]

22 hours ago, masjah said:

If SR44 is specified, as is implied in the above posts, then it should be used in preference to an A76. Though the same physical size, the SR44 is a silver oxide cell, and has a slightly higher nominal voltage. More importantly though, it holds its nominal voltage until almost discharged, whereas the voltage of an alkaline A76 drops as it discharges.

 

Thanks for the information