Leicaflex SL2 - Exposure Meter Battery

[arpey]

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I've received as a hand-me-down from my Dad a very nice Leicaflex SL2, which seems to be in very good shape. However, I recognize that the specified exposure meter battery (Mallory PX625) is no longer available. Tamarkin in NYC recommended that I use the Wein Cell PX625 -- which I tried and which seems to work just fine (not that I would necessarily know if it wasn't working perfectly) although it doesn't seem to last very long. Others here have recommended that I send the camera in for a CLA, and while there, to have the meter recalibrated to use a 1.5-volt silver-oxide battery.

 

What I'd like to know from those of you having experience with the SL2 is this:

 

a) are there any reasons not to continue using the Wein Cell PX625? For example, is there any reason I might not get the correct exposure reading with this battery?

 

if I were to send the camera in for the recommended CLA, what are my best options for having that work done and what is the work likely to cost?

 

c) are there any other options I should consider?

 

Thanks in advance for your assistance and advice.

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[macos]

Hi Randy,

 

you got a very nice camera with your SL2. Just let her take some pictures.

 

a) Wein cells are OK, exposure works without probs. However, they are expensive and won't last very long.

 

recalibration of the instrument probably is possible, but visits at the service are normally extremely expensive with a SL2. However, I have not tried this option.

 

c) You can use an adapter for the new battery type, see http://www.buhla.de/Foto/batt-adapt-US.pdf

[telewatt]

Hi Randy,

 

the SL2 is a very fine camera, I use it often..the Battery problem is the only, what could be better...

 

I just do a test with cheap 1,4 volt batteries..they are very cheap 6 Batteries for 4$...and I can not see a problem jet...this batteries are for "hearing aids"..

 

regards,

Jan

[nobbylon]

I use adapters from battery.adapter@orange.nl in my OM's and have never had a problem. By far the easiest and cheapest solution.

[Ivar B]

Part of the problem with using the 1.4 or 1.5 V batteries is that they do not hold the charge as the old lead batteries did. Using an adapter will reduce the voltage to the correct value when the battery is new, but later (as I understand it) there will be a problem.

 

The Wein cells probably is the best choice, and prices for these have come down.

[garyp]

I use the C.R.I.S. adapters and they've worked well for me.

[telewatt]

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Part of the problem with using the 1.4 or 1.5 V batteries is that they do not hold the charge as the old lead batteries did. Using an adapter will reduce the voltage to the correct value when the battery is new, but later (as I understand it) there will be a problem.

 

The Wein cells probably is the best choice, and prices for these have come down.

 

My cheap 1,4 volt Batteries are the same typ like the Wein cells.."Air-zink" and called TC 675...

 

regards,

 

Jan

[rsh]

When my SL2 s went to Sherry foe a CLA last year, I asked her to re-calibrate the meter. She has done my M5 s as well.

[arpey]

Thanks everybody for this very useful insight ... it will be helpful to me, going forward.

 

I guess I take away from this thread the view that - provided I'm not having any perceivable metering issues and so long as the Wein cells remain available and reasonably priced - then there's no compelling reason to have the meter recalibrated.

 

I love this SL2 and enjoy taking pictures with it whenever I can.

[Penzes]

Thanks for the info's here!

[tobey bilek]

Recover the holes on the wein when not in use as it prolongs life significantly.

 

Use a 1.35 hearing aid battery and an O ring to take up the gap. Same chemistry, so recover when not in use.

[Pixelshooter]

A fellow of me find these on ebay..

 

http://cgi.ebay.de/Wein-PX625-Battery-1-35Vo...&hash=item3ef9fc80e2

 

It´s not up for sale in this link anymore, try a search on ebay.

 

Found it here instead

 

http://cgi.ebay.de/Wein-PX625-Battery-1-35Volt-Yashica-Mat-124-Mat-124G-/270482047202?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item3ef9fc80e2#ht_5311wt_1139

 

Regards

Tommy Hjorth

[FiZZ]

I recommend the Wein battery.

 

The old mercury batteries (PX 625) give out a constant voltage until depleted. Normal alkaline batteries drop in voltage when used, so you might get discrepancy in your exposures. The Wein cell is built to give a constant voltage until depleted. I'm not sure how long it lasts as when I got mine, turns out that my MR4 needs recalibration and my Pen FT needs a new lens so I haven't really used it.

[artur5]

I agree with nobbylon. The cheapest and best solution is to use an adapter for common SR44 silver oxide batteries. It reduces the voltage from 1,55 to 1.35V.

Beware, don't use LR44 alkaline batteries; they don't hold the voltage as well as the silver oxide or mercury.

Many vendors will try to sell you alkalines saying that are fine also, because with modern cameras the voltage drop isn't an issue, but most (not all) older meters need a constant tension to give accurate metering.

[Penzes]

Recover the holes on the wein when not in use as it prolongs life significantly.

 

Use a 1.35 hearing aid battery and an O ring to take up the gap. Same chemistry, so recover when not in use.

 

Could you explain, what do you mean by recover? I found a blister of 6 from the right voltage hearing aid battery, so I would like to keep them in good condition.