Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/03/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Mar 10, 2007, at 10:36 PM, lug-request@leica-users.org wrote: > How do you handle the problem of mercury cells with the 35S and CL? > Do you > use Wein cells or an adapter? Just curious. > > Jim > > In a message dated 3/10/2007 5:03:16 PM Central Standard Time, > ISILVERMN@aol.com writes: > > I have both a Rollei 35 and the Leica CL. Both take fine pictures > within > their respective limits, but the Rollei is far more robust. A > brick, if you > will. Jim, You don't need no stinkin Wein cells or adapters! The Leica CL originally used a PX625 mercury cell. At the advice of a Leica, N.J. factory technician, I substituted a Duracell 625A alkaline cell. He claimed that the 12% difference in voltage is inconsequential given the variability and tolerances of mechanically controlled shutters. So far he has proven to be correct. I use either color negative or B&W film in this camera, both of which have enough latitude to deal with minor exposure variation. The Leica meter is turned on when the winding lever is pulled away from its rest position. I am a left eyed photographer so the lever would poke me in the right eye. Soon after I got the camera, Leica modified the meter switch for me so that it remained on full time. This obviated the eye poke problem but means that I have to replace the battery every 6 months. Fortunately the 625A battery is cheap. The Rollei 35SE came with an Eveready EPX27 mercury battery of 5.6 volts. I buy a reasonable substitute from MD Battery (eBay). It is the Excell S27PX, a silver cell delivering 6 volts. The battery costs me $4.50 and lasts more than two years. The 7% difference in voltage between the silver cell and the mercury cell hardly makes a difference. Remember that in photography measure of light level to within plus or minus 1/4 stop is considered right on. Larry Z