Can mercury cells be recharged?

[vanspaendonck]

One of the PX-625 batteries in my Lunasix went dead today and I replace both cells with fresh ones. Then I noticed that my supply of refrigerated 625 mercury cells is wearing thin.
I remember reading somewhere that these cells can be recharged. Is there any truth in this or am I likely to cause a fire, an explosion or a cloud of mercury vapour (or all three) in my workshop?
It would be nice to at least prolong their life a bit. They have become almost impossible to find and the alternatives seem to have major drawbacks. It would be nice to keep my Lunasix, Rollei 35 SE (PX-27) and Leica MR meter in working condition.

 

[AZLF]

I did a quick google on the subject and found that while they can be recharged their voltage varies after recharging and they are not as reliable for the subsequent discharge cycle.

Dead Link Removed

 

[clogz]

As the production of mercury batteries is forbidden under EU laws, I'd advise you to get a battery adapter. www.criscam.com and www.rolleicamera.com/sales-batt-adapt.htm

Hans

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Yes, the PX 625 can be recharged, with a small solarcell device I bought years ago from Solar World Co Spgs, CO. It is called Button Battery POCKET CHARGER item No. SBE-1 (US PAT.No. 4,539,516). It works great and a not completely uncharged button cell can be recharged for over 10 times. When the cell is completely empty it might not work.

Good luck,
Philippe