Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/01/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 1/11/2004, you wrote: >I'm an "M" guy who's thinking of adding "R". What batts do the Leicaflexes >and Rs use? Many marques of this vintage were using 625s and other mercuries. > >I know the rep of the SL/SL2, but would an R4s be a good, low-investment >starter? Not R4, but R4*s*. Stan: The SL/SL2 use the PX625 mercury battery... though the camera is easily recalibrated for the 1.5 volt Alkaline or Silver batteries now available. I had mine done as part of a CLA by Reinhold Mueller. BTW, Reinhold tells me that the Alkalines work fine, so long as you remember to change 'em once a year. It worked for me, though now I'm using the 625-S Silver cells. There are also the Wien Air cells, but they have a very short life. The R3 through R7 use silver cells, whilst the R8 & R9 use the CR2 Lithium batteries. No problems on any of these. As to your R4 question... The R3 and R4's had 'teething' problems. The R4s was simply a stripped down R4 (no 'P' or 'T' modes). The R4s Mod-2 (R4s Mod-P in the USA) came out in 1985 and was a substantially improved model and the first 'R' that I would consider. Note that the "Mod-2" or "Mod-P" does NOT appear on the front of the camera, which simply says R4s. But R4-S MOD2 is engraved on the flanges of the accessory shoe. Look for it! The R5 was improved (both features and reliability) further. Later models, even more so. I had an R5 and would buy another in a heartbeat! The R5 is often available for very little more than an R4s Mod-P and since the 1987 production was twice the total R4s-Mod2 production, a LOT easier to find! Hope this helps. - ---------- David Young | The LHSA Spring Shoot - Victoria, B.C. Victoria, | April 23 thru 25th, 2004. CANADA. | Join the LHSA and join in the fun! Information at: http://www.horizon.bc.ca/~dnr/spring-shoot.htm Personal Web-site at: http://www.horizon.bc.ca/~dnr - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html