Canon LTM Battery drain on the QL17 GIII on A mode

[sfaust]

When the camera is in the A mode, it is obviously using battery power when in operation. There isn't a seperate battery or meter on/off switch, so I assume there is a constant drain on the battery anytime its in the A position.

My question is this, should I just rotate the aperture ring to manual mode to turn off the meter when I put it away for the day? And secondly, should I worry about a high drain on the battery while in the A mode in-between shooting? I have no idea now much a CDS meter will drain from the battery if say it was left on all day in A mode regardless if I am ready to shoot or not. I don't want to have to turn it back to A mode before a shot, but then again, I don't want to end up replacing the battery every few weeks either.

Whats your take?

 

[rover]

I don't know how fast the battery will drain, but yes, when not in use turn the the aperture ring away from A to turn the meter off.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

With the lens cap on the battery will not drain fast. The CDS cell is a photoresistor; and in the dark has very little leakage. Other cameras such as the Minolta Hi-Matic 9 do not provide an off switch. After two years the battery must be replaced. I have some Mercury Cells that are going on 15 years with careful use; ie turning the meter off or removing the cell from cameras with no switch.

 

[sfaust]

so even if I leave it on A, and try to use the lens cap, its not going to drain quickly. I should be careful not to let it sit in A on a shelf for a week, but need not worry too much about leaving it on A for a day using the lens cap between shots.

Thanks...that helps.
BTW, its an awesome little camera! Really like it a lot.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Remember that WEIN battery cells, ie Zinc-Air batteries, drain after breaking the air seal. They will drain once exposed to air in about 3 months. This is not true of Mercury, Alkaline, or silver oxide cells.