YASHICA FX-3 SUPER 2000 BATTERY QQ

LAG · Jan 26, 2022

I never knew that I had two options for the batteries with this camera: (1.) LR44 & (2.) SR44. I guess that being the same voltage I must expect the same efficiency (???) ... however I've never used the SR type. Is it so? Quick thoughts? Should I change?

Hi & Thanks all in advance!
Ric

ic-racer · Jan 26, 2022

FX-3 is a fantastic camera with a voltage regulated circuit, alkaline or silver or mercury won't matter.

LAG · Jan 26, 2022

Indeed! It's fantastic, beautiful and easy. I've been using this camera all my life (or almost) and I never knew that I could use another type of battery (funny isn't it?) So, the same performance no matter the type? Now I wonder what makes the difference between alkaline & silver then ... Thanks ic-racer

Bronson Dugnutt · Jan 26, 2022

LAG said:
Now I wonder what makes the difference between alkaline & silver then ... Thanks ic-racer

Both are nominally 'alkaline' batteries with different chemistries and subtly different performance characteristics, both susceptible to leakage. Anecdotally, the silver-oxide variety may pose less risk in that regard. I don't think the old mercury based batteries ever burst judging from antique equipment I've seen but posed other hazards...

Here's a chart summarizing some common battery chemistries from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_battery#Chemistry

LAG · Jan 26, 2022

Bronson Dugnutt said:
the silver-oxide variety

and this is the SR44 type (I mean, the S stands for Silver), right?

Thanks so much Bronson

LAG · Jan 27, 2022

Sorry, I found this on the Internet: "· Silver-oxide batteries will last about one year, and alkaline batteries about six months ... depending on ..."

tokam · Jan 27, 2022

Use of silver oxide batteries seems to be declining in favour of lithium primary cells, (not rechargeable Li-ion batteries), where multiple cells are required to make a battery > 1.55v. Silver oxide is still dominant in button cells of all sizes. Are you going to tell me that you change your silver oxide watch battery every 12 months?

In their heydays the PX28 6v batteries (silver oxide chemistry) used in most Canon A series cameras normally lasted 2 - 3 years minimum.

Nowadays a PX28L (lithium) 6v battery can remain active for 6 years plus depending on usage. The 4LR44 alkaline equivalent maybe has 12 mths shelf life.

Length of battery lifetime from shortest to longest is alkaline < silver oxide < lithium. (The defunct mercury batteries could last 10 yrs plus in storage).

LAG · Jan 28, 2022

Thanks very much for your thoughts @tokam. Understood your point of view. A couple of things to add: for the reason mentioned above (not knowing that another type exited) I've been using LR all my life with that camera, and I had zero problems with leakage (I've been thinking that perhaps it's the most important part, making no damage to the camera in the first place, more than the battey lifetime itself). And two, I have to agree with you that is rarely the case when one has to change the battery that often (12 months or less) 'cause it depends on many things to consider as well. So, battery lifetime is not that important.

Now, shooting multi format as I do, I guess i have to live with the frustration of taking the camera off the shelve after some time, just to find out that the battery is over. I close with the idea of the first option (LR), just as always.

Thanks again!

ic-racer · Jan 28, 2022

I have 5 Fx-3 and when I use one I load with film, place a lens, and put 2 batteries in. Otherwise they are stored without batteries or film.

YASHICA FX-3 SUPER 2000 BATTERY QQ

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