SQ-Ai Batteries - Silver or Alkaline

hoffy · Jun 3, 2011

OK, I know I asked this elsewhere (BUG), but I thought I would ask here as well.

In the manual for my SQ-Ai, it suggests using LR44's Alkaline-Magnesium batteries. I have also seen mentioned in many other places, the use of MS-76 Silver Oxide batteries suggested.

Since their is a huge difference in price (I.E. $4.50 for 10 LR44 Vs $21.50 for 5 MS-76), is it worth the extra money to go silver? Will I get 10 times the performance out of the Silvers?

Cheers

Bill Burk · Jun 3, 2011

The manual uses the word "must" and later explains the properties of Alkaline batteries, so I would stick with that.

In a recent thread I spoke out against using silver batteries. To clarify, I was talking about my specific camera specimen not making a generalization.

I use silver batteries where the camera works well with them. For example four silver batteries seem to last forever in my Pentax ESII.

But since your SQ-Ai was designed for alkaline-manganese batteries, you should use those.

lxdude · Jun 4, 2011

Interesting that the manual says it "must" be alkaline manganese. Just to add to the confusion slightly:

www.tamron-usa.com/bronica/batteries.asp

where it specifies silver oxide as the battery of choice, and alkaline as "good". I'd go by the manual's specification and be done with it.

Bill Burk · Jun 4, 2011

Hey lxdude, did you see the asterisk? Sounds like they are saying silver oxide could put you in a "situation" for a whole roll.

lxdude · Jun 4, 2011

Yeah, just to confuse things a little more. Seems like it would have been simpler for them to specify alkaline as best for the SQ-Ai, like the manual.

Bob-D659 · Jun 4, 2011

Well the MR44 mercury battery was still around when the manual was printed, thus the insistence on using alkaline batteries.

mgb74 · Jun 4, 2011

Silver oxide batteries give flatter discharge curve than alkaline. Apparently not an issue with your SQ-AI. I say take the $21.50 for 5 silver oxide batteries and buy 10 alkaline batteries plus film.

hoffy · Jun 4, 2011

Thanks. By the sound of it, I'd be best saving my money and going for the alkalines and this is what I will do.

Wishy · Jun 6, 2011

I suspect either would be fine. you need voltage regulation circuity to deal with either, so this should deal with any variation.
Silver oxide has a 1.55v nominal voltage, Alkaline 1.5v nominal, but may be about 1.55 fresh.

Silver oxide batteries do tend to last longer than Alkaline. Their voltage drop is slower as well, but it isn't flat like mercury.

Tony-S · Jun 6, 2011

mgb74 said:
Silver oxide batteries give flatter discharge curve than alkaline. Apparently not an issue with your SQ-AI.

Yes, the later SQ-AI (vs. earlier SQ) and the GS-1 have voltage regulating circuitry, so alkaline is fine for them. I'd probably avoid lithium, though. I'm just not sure how they'd do in those cameras.

SQ-Ai Batteries - Silver or Alkaline

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