mercury free battery to replace px13/MRB625 any info on these?
steelhead
Label says;
Wein Cell , 1.35V Mercury Free Battery. Replaces PX625 and PX13
Zinc/Air
You have to pull off the tab before using and I see there are 2 small
holes on one side. $6 each. They are smaller than 625 with washer
attached to them to correct the size.
Does anyone know how long they last after removing tab and are they
worth using or is buying adapters a better way to go? TIA!!!
Steelhead
(As in the Rainbow!)
steelhead
wrote:
The Vintage Camera, Mercury battery Crisis!
When mercury batteries were first condemned as unfriendly to the
environment, many people pictured a vintage-camera crisis all those
SR-t's, FTb's, Nikkormats, etc. with nothing to power them. But
solutions quickly materialized, to assist vintage-camera owners.
The first solution emerged several years ago-the 625 alkaline cell, a
replacement for the PX625 and PX 13 mercury cells. The alkaline cell
looks the part; it's the same size and shape as the PX625 mercury
cell. Unfortunately, alkaline cells behave quite differently from
mercury cells.
Problems inherent in the alkaline replacements have been well
documented in the photo magazines. In a nutshell, the alkaline cell
puts out 1.5V rather than the 135V of the mercury cell. Some meters
don't care that much about the slightly higher voltage. But in many
metering systems, the higher supply voltage may result in errors of
one stop or more.
You could, of course, adjust the meters to read accurately with the
higher voltage. However, there may be another problem, the sloping
discharge curve associated with alkaline cells. Age increases the
internal resistance, which drops more of the voltage. The result, a
decrease in the voltage output. By contrast, the mercury cell has a
flat discharge curve the mercury cell supplies a nearly constant
voltage during discharge. The mercury cell then dies quickly.
Linearity variations with light-level changes may again depend on the
particular system. As the light level increases, the current draw
also increases.
Actual measurements indicate that the voltage variations with changes
in current are very slight-at least over the normal current ranges in
a US metering system.
All this indicates that we should not immediately start adjusting
variable resistors when the customer complains of readout error, not
if the camera was designed for a mercury cell or cells. Chances are
there's only one problem, when using the alkaline cell as a
replacement for the mercury cell. You now have a choice of remedies
to restore the metering-system accuracy-even one that uses the
alkaline replacement.
Enter the Wein, ZINC-AIR CELL If you want to closely duplicate the
characteristics of the mercury cell, you might try Stanley Weinberg's
creation-the Wein cell. The Wein cell is a special zinc-air cell that
fits a mercury cell battery compartment. There are three Wein cells
available, the MRB625, probably the most popular since it replaces the
PX13 and 625 cells, the MRB675 that replaces the PX675, and the MRB400
that replaces the RM40OR and V400PX cells.
The Wein cell has a flat discharge curve and an output voltage that's
close to that of a mercury cell characteristics that make it an ideal
replacement. People familiar with the zinc-air cells used in hearing
aids quickly voiced an objection the short life. But the Wein cell
lasts a lot longer. Suppliers report that the Wein cell lasts around
a year in a camera circuit, longevity comparable to that of the
mercury cell.
One reason for the longer life span is the reduced current
requirements. In a camera, the Wein cell may only be driving a
galvanometer. And a moving-coil CdS meter may draw from around 2ua in
low light to around 0.26ma in high light (with 1.35V supplied). Plus
the Wein cell has a slightly different voltage rating than does the
hearing-aid zinc-air cell. The hearing aid zinc-air cell is rated at
1.4V, but the 1.35V rating of the Wein cell matches that of the
mercury cell.
Zinc-air cells also have an exceptional shelf life-as long as 10 years
according to suppliers. Chemical action in the zinc-air cell doesn't
start until you peel off the adhesive paper. Removing the adhesive
paper uncovers the airholes shown in the drawing at right. The
airholes provide an entry for oxygen, an essential ingredient for the
chemical action in a zinc-air cell.
There are two airholes in the MRB625 and MRB675 Wein cells, one in the
MRB400 Wein cell. In this respect, the Wein cells seem to match the
zinc-air cells designed for hearing aids (at least the few we've
seen). Fewer airholes may increase the cell's life by reducing
chemical activity. But there must still be sufficient air access to
meet the current requirements.
As long as the adhesive paper covers the airholes, there's no chemical
action and no voltage output. Some suggest that you might extend the
life of your Wein cell by keeping the adhesive paper. After shooting
your pictures, remove the Wein cell and replace the adhesive paper
(which you no doubt stuck to the back of the camera for safekeeping).
But it doesn't seem likely than many will go to all that trouble just
to extend battery life-Wein cells aren't that expensive.
Making the tiny zinc-air cells fit a PX13/675 mercury-battery
compartment required some ingenuity. Mr. Weinberg solved the size
problem of the MRB625 by placing a metal washer around the cell. With
the metal washer in place, the MRB625 almost looks like the familiar
PX625/PX 13.
Another advantage of the Wein cell is that you're not limited to
cameras designed for the PX 13 and 625 mercury cells. Wein also
provides the tiny MRB400 with its plastic washer, designed for early
Spotmatic models, and the MRB675 that fits the battery compartments of
cameras such as the Minolta Hi-Matic, Vivitar 34EF, and Olympus Pen
D3.
You should be able to find the Wein cells at photo specialty stores,
yes, Adolph Gasser's carries these as stock batteries. But you may
not see the Wein cells in other types of stores that sell batteries.
Please Take note!
I've received several letters from some reporting a very short battery
life to some of these batteries.
I suggest when you buy these type batteries that you look at the
package, if the green tap appears to have been disturbed, then do not
purchase that battery.
The green tab is to be removed 30 minutes before you want to use the
battery and once removed starts aging the life of the battery.
JOrth51
your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary gain...
steelhead
>On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it looks like
>your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary gain...
I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
interest to group! Simple as that.
Don West
wrote:
>>On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it looks like
>>your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary gain...
>I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
<snip>
I've usd both the Wein cells and the C.R.I.S. MR9 adaptor with
excellent results in my F-1....
JOrth51
>>your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary gain...
>I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
>interest to group! Simple as that.
>Steelhead
>(As in the Rainbow!)
>
Fair enough, my apologies. My thanks also for the information.
Ratso
jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
> On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it looks
> like your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary gain..
Geez, What a perfectly ugly comment!
rusc...@my-deja.com
stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead) wrote:
> On 08 Dec 1999 04:47:03 GMT, jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
>
> >On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it
looks like
> >your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary
> I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
> question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
> interest to group! Simple as that.
> (As in the Rainbow!)
I have heard that the Wein cells will leak gunk into the innards of a
camera-- not thrilling, and also that they do NOT last very long unless
resealed between uses. Whatever-- I avoid them-- so far!
Best wishes,
Kevin
>
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
dor...@ibm.net
Whoever posted the treatise on the Wein cell, thank you.
However, did you ever measure its voltage? It's 1.4 Volts because it is
a Zinc/air cell. Newer zinc/air hearing aid batteries are lasting longer
and are about 1/6 the price of the Wein cell.
rusc...@my-deja.com wrote:
>
> In article <384e4623.1354054@news-server>,
> stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead) wrote:
> > On 08 Dec 1999 04:47:03 GMT, jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
> >
> > >On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it
> looks like
> > >your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary
> gain...
> > I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
> > question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
> > interest to group! Simple as that.
> > Steelhead
> > (As in the Rainbow!)
dor...@ibm.net
Not to defend the Wein cell, but I have never heard of them leaking.
Don't forget, zinc/air cells are used in many hearing aids. So I don't
think that id they had a propensity to leak that they would be used in
these devices.
rusc...@my-deja.com wrote:
>
> In article <384e4623.1354054@news-server>,
> stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead) wrote:
> > On 08 Dec 1999 04:47:03 GMT, jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
> >
> > >On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it
> looks like
> > >your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary
> gain...
> > I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
> > question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
> > interest to group! Simple as that.
> > Steelhead
> > (As in the Rainbow!)
JOrth51
>a Zinc/air cell. Newer zinc/air hearing aid batteries are lasting longer
>and are about 1/6 the price of the Wein cell.
Which Z/A cell is the replacement?
Jason
remove '0spam' for an e-mail reply
steelhead
says patent pending.
On Sat, 11 Dec 1999 01:42:20 -0500, dor...@ibm.net wrote:
>
>Whoever posted the treatise on the Wein cell, thank you.
>
>However, did you ever measure its voltage? It's 1.4 Volts because it is
>a Zinc/air cell. Newer zinc/air hearing aid batteries are lasting longer
>and are about 1/6 the price of the Wein cell.
>
>
>rusc...@my-deja.com wrote:
>>
>> In article <384e4623.1354054@news-server>,
>> stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead) wrote:
>> > On 08 Dec 1999 04:47:03 GMT, jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
>> >
>> > >On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it
>> looks like
>> > >your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary
>> gain...
>> > I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
>> > question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
>> > interest to group! Simple as that.
>> > Steelhead
>> > (As in the Rainbow!)
>> HI,
>> I have heard that the Wein cells will leak gunk into the innards of a
>> camera-- not thrilling, and also that they do NOT last very long unless
>> resealed between uses. Whatever-- I avoid them-- so far!
>> Best wishes,
>> Kevin
>> >
>>
>> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
>> Before you buy.
Steelhead
(As in the Rainbow!)
Bill McCalla
www.classic-cameras.com on the MR-9 Battery Adapter that lets you drop a
silver 76 battery in an adaptor to replace the PX-13 or PX-625 batter. The
price is $36.95 US. Since I have some old Spotmatics, this is something I'm
considering also. If anyone has used the adapter, please post feedback.
Thanx
-Bill
<dor...@ibm.net> wrote in message news:3851F24C...@ibm.net...
>
> Whoever posted the treatise on the Wein cell, thank you.
>
> However, did you ever measure its voltage? It's 1.4 Volts because it is
> a Zinc/air cell. Newer zinc/air hearing aid batteries are lasting longer
> and are about 1/6 the price of the Wein cell.
>
>
> rusc...@my-deja.com wrote:
> >
> > In article <384e4623.1354054@news-server>,
> > stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead) wrote:
> > > On 08 Dec 1999 04:47:03 GMT, jor...@cs.com0spam (JOrth51) wrote:
> > >
> > > >On one hand, I appreciate the information. On the other hand, it
> > looks like
> > > >your pimping the Wein cells in anticipation of future monetary
> > gain...
> > > I have no connection with wein cells! After I bought them and posted
> > > question i found 2nd post surfingweb and thought it might be of
> > > interest to group! Simple as that.
> > > Steelhead
> > > (As in the Rainbow!)
William Wiseman
steelhead wrote:
> I just purchased 2 of these for my old Konica TC
> Label says;
> Wein Cell , 1.35V Mercury Free Battery. Replaces PX625 and PX13
> Zinc/Air
> You have to pull off the tab before using and I see there are 2 small
> holes on one side. $6 each. They are smaller than 625 with washer
> attached to them to correct the size.
> Does anyone know how long they last after removing tab and are they
> worth using or is buying adapters a better way to go? TIA!!!
> Steelhead
> (As in the Rainbow!)
I have friends who tried them and they lasted about 90 days. I just buy
PX625's on ebay or from the newsgroups for aboutthe same price. Or if a
relative in New England happens to go to Canada I have them pick me up
one or two..
JeffW.
Don West
<wmcc...@mindspring.com> wrote:
>I found something that may be of interest at tge web site
>www.classic-cameras.com on the MR-9 Battery Adapter that lets you drop a
<snip>
C.R.I.S. Industries in Arizona markets this adaptor, and I believe
sells it for less than your post indicated.
The adaptor works fine, just don't put a voltmeter across it without a
load resistor or else you won't get an accurate reading.
steelhead
steelhead
Thanks
>
>
>steelhead wrote:
>
>> I just purchased 2 of these for my old Konica TC
>> Label says;
>> Wein Cell , 1.35V Mercury Free Battery. Replaces PX625 and PX13
>> Zinc/Air
>> You have to pull off the tab before using and I see there are 2 small
>> holes on one side. $6 each. They are smaller than 625 with washer
>> attached to them to correct the size.
>> Does anyone know how long they last after removing tab and are they
>> worth using or is buying adapters a better way to go? TIA!!!
>> Steelhead
>> (As in the Rainbow!)
>
>I have friends who tried them and they lasted about 90 days. I just buy
>PX625's on ebay or from the newsgroups for aboutthe same price. Or if a
>relative in New England happens to go to Canada I have them pick me up
>one or two..
>
>JeffW.
>
Steelhead
(As in the Rainbow!)
steelhead
wrote:
>On Tue, 07 Dec 1999 22:09:48 GMT, stee...@Ihatespam.com (steelhead)
>wrote:
>
>>I just purchased 2 of these for my old Konica TC
>>Label says;
>>Wein Cell , 1.35V Mercury Free Battery. Replaces PX625 and PX13
>>Zinc/Air
>Steelhead
>(As in the Rainbow!)
<snip>
Thanks to all for the info. I had bought a nikon to replace the Konica
as the meter didn't seem right using alkaline batteries. After trying
the zinc/air still doesn't seem right. Using print film 200asa I tried
some shots outdoors today. Took several shots with camera set to 200
and several shots with camera set to 800 as I think the meter is off
by 2 stops maybe? The shots at 200 were somewhat washed out. The ones
at 800 were pretty good. Does this make sense? If so any ideas why
meter would be off. I had been out of photography for maybe 10 years
until now, so haven't used the konica all that time.
Dante Stella
You can refill a wein cell using hearing-aid batteries (<$1 each).
------------
Dante Stella
On Tue, 7 Dec 1999, steelhead wrote:
> I just purchased 2 of these for my old Konica TC
> Label says;
> Wein Cell , 1.35V Mercury Free Battery. Replaces PX625 and PX13
> Zinc/Air
> You have to pull off the tab before using and I see there are 2 small
> holes on one side. $6 each. They are smaller than 625 with washer
> attached to them to correct the size.
> Does anyone know how long they last after removing tab and are they
> worth using or is buying adapters a better way to go? TIA!!!