CR123A batteries and R1C1

[johnd]

Hi, I got caught out yesterday with only getting about 50 flashes out of the CR123A batteries in my R1C1. So I decided to carry some spares in future (and to remember to recharge before I go out with the R1C1). But that got me to thinking and after some googling, I found 1300 MAh CR123A non rechargables for about $1 each on ebay if you buy in bulk. That would seem a better way to go than to be mucking around recharging them. Does anyone know a good place to get CR123As or should I just go to ebay?

Cheers
John

[sirhc55]

John - I only use rechargeables with my R1C1. If you calculate the 50 shots for $1 and include discharge rates when not in use you end up with an expensive exercise.

The R1C1 outfit is not one that would be used day in and day out so in the long run recharging is not a problem IMO

[Oneputt]

My only issue with the R1C1 is the batteries, the ones which came with the unit are not very good and neither is the charger, but I would never go to non rechargeable batteries. It is rare to run out of charge with the unit and now I have added a second set of batteries, so it will be even more unlikely.

[johnd]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

What brand of batteries and recharger did you guys feel works best? I'll need to check when I get home, but I'm not sure of the MAh rating of my batteries. I know you can get 750 and 900. Maybe that's my problem that the batteries just don't have the capacity. According to the Nikon site, you should get 270 flashes (typically) from a battery. I reckon I'm getting 50 or 60.

The other thing is that my charger seems to take at least an hour, maybe two to charge a single little battery. This seems a bit excessive.

Cheers
John

[sirhc55]

John, I purchased mine from the US - good delivery and good batteries (900mA):

http://batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html

[Nnnnsic]

John,

Glen was selling some recently as the torches he sells run on them.

[sirhc55]

John,

Glen was selling some recently as the torches he sells run on them.

Leigh - the CR123a torch batteries are no good for the R1C1 as their voltage is too high

[johnd]

Thanks guys, another set of RCR123As it is for me. My current batteries don't have capacity marked on them, so I'll make sure I get the 900mA ones for the next set. Nor do they have the voltage. They're just labelled "Digital Video Camera Photo Battery - Lithium - CR123A". They seem to work (but not for long).

Cheers
John