SLR Batteries

[wakarimasen]

Hello Folks,
A hopelessly pedantic question is coming - brace yourselves....

Which batteries should be used in Nikon FEs and Olympus OM2s? Should I use 1.55Vs Silver Oxide for both, or Alkaline 1.5V LR44s? Or does it not matter?

Best regards,
RoyM

 

[John Hermanson]

You are best off using silver oxide batteries (357, SR-44W, G-13, MS76, KS76). They are the strongest and will have longest life compared to any alkaline brands. John

 

[wakarimasen]

For both? Does the 0.05V matter?

 

[Shac]

Not at all

 

[wakarimasen]

Are the same ones used for the Olympus XA and the Bessa R?

 

[John Hermanson]

Battery packs that say "1.5V" are really 1.55v and usually (with no load) 1.6V. Yes, also used in XA. XA was designed around the silver oxide cell. Alkaline and lithium cells will cause meter needle errors and possible shutter lock. John

 

[wakarimasen]

Thanks John - my XA has LR44s, so they will be removed today!

I just ordered 12 Energizer SR44s from Ebay for £9.99. Shouldn't need to shop again for a while!

Best regards,
RoyM

 

[Keith]

I've noticed that the meter in my OM-2 seems to be less accurate with LR batteries instead of the SR type. The meter will be accurate for the first few weeks with LR's then it drifts to about 2/3 of a stop out even though the test light says they're fine.

 

[John Hermanson]

I just ordered 12 Energizer SR44s from Ebay for £9.99. Shouldn't need to shop again for a while!

Best regards,
RoyM

Keep spares in the refrigerator, do not freeze. John

 

[John Hermanson]

I've noticed that the meter in my OM-2 seems to be less accurate with LR batteries instead of the SR type. The meter will be accurate for the first few weeks with LR's then it drifts to about 2/3 of a stop out even though the test light says they're fine.

Same story here. OM-2/2N designed before there even was an alkaline "equivalent" (not). John

 

[Peter_Jones]

I think the discharge curve on the silver oxides is much more favourable - the voltage under load stays close to its new output before it suddenly dies, the LRs sort of tail off, the voltage under load steadily falling.