28L 6 V battery for A-series cameras

<p>Can the experienced users here share their experience with the 28L 6 V batteries that are used in Canon A-series cameras regarding their typical life? I am specifically interested in the difference in battery life between the Lithium and Alkaline batteries.</p>

<p>I have been using an Energizer Alkaline battery in my different cameras and it lasted for only around 5 months (around 10 rolls and lots of testing). Is this typical or normal?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>I have had Alkalines last as long as two years in a seldom used camera and as quick as 6 months in a very well used camera. The lithiums excellent shelf life will extend this a LOT.<br>

I normally use the Silver Oxides in all my cameras though I prefer the flat discharge rate.</p>

<p>Haven't tried lithiums, in my experience the alkaline battery can last quite a while provided you always remember to set the camera switch to lock (L) when not in use. When my AT-1 was my only camera, I used it on average 2-3 days a week and would replace the battery approximately every year. Other A-series probably use a little more juice for electronics running the program/priority modes etc. Now most of my A-series bodies get used less then once a month on average (it's conceivable I have slightly more cameras now than I really need) so I have no real sense of which camera needed a new battery after how much time.</p>

<p>Because I have more than enough cameras, both film and digital, I remove the batteries and store them in empty medicine bottles to avoid them short circuiting in a huge disorganized shoe box. This avoids parasitic leakage, battery box damage by corrosion and extends battery life. I usually have a camera that is purely mechanical and may not need a battery, handy for those times when a camera is needed RIGHT AWAY for an important quick shot!</p>

<p>Thanks for the comments, guys. I think with all the testing and around 10 rolls of actual film, I might have used the battery for an equivalent of around 20 or 30 rolls (in different cameras). So looks to be good.</p>

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<p>I've had a Duracell PX 28L in my A1 for more than ten years and probably shot about 120 rolls with it and it's still OK, IMO alkaline batteries are false economy not to mention their propensity to leak, I would recommend you use either Silver Oxide or Lithium.</p>

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<p>IMO alkaline batteries are false economy not to mention their propensity to leak</p>

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<p>I don't shoot much with my New F1 anymore, so I just remove the battery when not in use to avoid leaking. I don't like Alkaline but it's easier to find in the stores (made in China)</p>

<p>If you replace all your camera batteries every year on your birthday you always know how long they have been in, and they never run out.</p>

<p>As long as silver oxide batteries are available, I'll use them. I've never had one leak - ever. Shelf life is not unlimited, but they aren't hard to find. Mine last on average more than six years.</p>

<p>Does anybody else have problems getting a PX28 to stay in their A-1? The AE-1 program has a nice spring loaded nub that makes it easier to change batteries and ensures good contact. My A-1 just has two pins that you're supposed to sort of wedge the battery between. They actually dent the battery so that if you take it out it won't go back in the camera because the pins no longer make contact. I have to put a little bit of tin foil in the battery compartment to fill the tiny gap between the pin and the battery. Obviously my camera is defective in some way, I'm wondering if I could somehow replace the battery chamber in the A-1 with one from an AE-1 program. That would be a huge improvement. </p>

<p>Chris, my A-1 does have that spring loaded bottom contact (-ve) in the battery chamber. In fact, I would greatly surprised if any of these cameras did not have a spring loaded battery contact.</p>

<p>It appears as if the -ve contact in your camera is gummed up or jammed. I would try dropping a tiny droplet or two of naphtha (lighter fluid) around it and try to press is a few times. In all likelihood, that should solve the problem.</p>

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<p>HS, thanks for the recommendation. I'll give that a try tonight and see if that frees the thing up. </p>

I read somewhere you could use 4 pcs of LR44 on an ae-1p. Does any of you use this battery and how long does it last compared to a regular 6v?

<p>H S, believe it or not I put a new 28L Duracell into my Canon A-1 in 1983 and it still works! </p>