Voigtlander VF 135 battery?

[Tockus]

I have just bought a Voigtlander VF 135, but have yet to receive it. I understand that this camera should have a mercury battery which are now discontinued. Which is the best viable alternative.if any!

 

[elekm]

Several alternatives:

1) There is a Wein-brand battery that is the same size and shape as the original PX13/625 mercury cell. I find these to be a bit expensive.

2) You can get one of those battery adapters that allow you to use a silver oxide S76/LR44/365 cell. They're a bit expensive -- about US$25, not including the battery.

3) You can use hearing aid batteries, sometimes with a rubber "O" ring from the plumbing area of a hardware store. I think the #9 ring works. You can usually buy a 10-pack of the hearing aid batteries for about US$10, and each lasts about six months.

I'll have to check the battery chamber at home, but I think that a hearing aid battery should be sufficient. Sometimes, these batteries aren't tall enough, and adding a metal washer to fill the gap almost always works.

 

[Craig Swensson]

Varta make an alkline battery - V625U which slips right in, i use these in a minolta sr7 , does the job but not long lasting. regards

 

[elekm]

I just checked. One contact point is on the bottom. The other is on the side.

What I did with my camera was to cut the "O" ring so it would go around the side contact point.

It works well.

 

[Tockus]

Many thanks Mike and Pakeha for the advice. Very much appreciated.

TomS