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The Photomic finder on the Nikon F I bought last week requires a 1.5v (I think) mercury battery. There are known adaptors available from the Ewe Ess which allow the use of current silver something (watch style) batteries. Does anyone know if they are available in Australia or do I have to order one from the US?

Cheers

The last time I was looking for the 1.35v mercury PX625 batteries for my spotmatic, was directed to camera clinic in collingwood, but that was a few years back. You could try contacting them to enquire if they still stock replacement batteries or an adpater.

Alternatively, you could use the hearing-aid style wein zinc-air batteries which have the same 1.35v rather than 1.5v of silver-oxide batteries. However, they only last 6 months after removed from their packaging.

Thanks Jammy

I have heard the air batteries are ok, but, you're right, they have a very finite life.

The adaptor I have seen online is this one which costs USD30 + USD15 shipping. Not going to break the bank, but thought there may be a local equivalent or distribution.

Cheers

Have you tried ringing Jaycar and see if they have a solution?

Replacements for the PX13 (Photomic) are:

Alkaline: LR9
Silver Oxide: S625PX
Zinc Air: WeinCell MRB625

http://www.dt.com.au/category.php?pagefrom=&cat=CONS:BATT:BUTTON

Look for E625/RM625/LR9 priced at $4.95

Yip - I will go to either a Jaycar or DSE and see what they have.

Chris, thanks for the information - those alternatives are 1.5v, I believe, and the PX13 are 1.35v (as I now understand) - am I correct in understanding that using a 1.5v battery would require recalibration or some other adjustment to the meter? That is what I have read.

The advantage of the adaptor sold from the US is that it has a diode to adjust downwards the voltage of the battery so no meter adjustment is required.

If it wasn't approaching Christmas, I could/would/should just get a Sekonic light meter and be happy.