david_craig2 Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 Please can someone tell me what cell (battery) is used in the Leicameter MR-4. Are they still available? If not, what are the alternatives? Thanks David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_. Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 PX625 1.3v mercury cell. There are still supplies of them around but officially they are outlawed for new manufacture. The MR-4 can be recalibrated for the 1.5v PX625A (alkaline) but these batteries have a different discharge curve and will not maintain accurate exposure as they discharge. Another option is the Wein cell, which consists of a zinc-air battery and a washer to fit it to the battery compartment. These are quite expensive and short-lived, but once you've purchased the first one, from then on if you keep recycling the washer, you can buy #675 hearing-aid batteries in packs of 6 for about $11. Last, there's the CRIS MR9 adaptor from www.criscam.com. This takes an MS76/SR44 button cell and steps the voltage down as it adapts it to fit the compartment. Be aware that this combo is slightly thicker than a PX625 which generally doesn't mean anything, however the MR-4's battery door is a hinged plastic which is brittle with age, and extra pressure can it to break off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy_aitken Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 The best solution is an adapter made by a gentleman in Holland called Frans De Gruijter. It has all the advantages of the MR9 adapter but 1. Is the same size as the original cell (because it is actually made FROM the original cell) and 2. Is half the price of the MR9 (even less if you buy the kit and make your own). For more info go to this site... http://www.rolleiclub.nl/batt-adapt-US.pdf ...and download the PDF. Frans's contact details and an excellent explaination of the alternatives are all there. Sorry this is a bit circuitous but I can't seem to find the direct address for the site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
furcafe Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 You can also have the Leica-Meter re-calibrated to take the silver oxide SR44 batteries Jay mentioned--all you need is a little metal ring to go around the battery & you're set. If you're in the US, George Milton of Quality Light-Metric in Hollywood, CA can do the work (323-467-2265). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorn ake Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 C.R.I.S. Camera Services advertizes an adaptor for the PX625/silver 386 switch which they say eliminates the requirement for any additional calibration of the meter. The adaptor circuitry does the necessary voltage regulation. I have not used one, but plan to pick one up on my next trip to the states. http://www.criscam.com/mr9.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorn ake Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 Oops. Missed the previous & better note on the CRIS adaptor. My apologies. Perhaps I need a new battery myself. Where is that coffee cup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_craig1 Posted May 20, 2003 Share Posted May 20, 2003 Thanks everyone - very helpful, as usual! David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey L.T. von Glück Posted May 21, 2003 Share Posted May 21, 2003 Go to www.px625.com. They're still selling new batteries until present stock is exhausted. Under refrigeration (but not freezing!), they're supposed to last many years. Good luck. Jeffrey L. T. von Gluck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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