Can I Brag Now?

unixrevolution · 03-13-2012, 06:44 AM

Originally posted by magkelly

Hmm, 303/357, huh? I think I saw those at Target or Walgreens or somewhere near here. I got a 625 from Amazon with some other stuff just so I could see if the light meter was still functional but I'm thinking that if the other works too I might just go for it. Thanks!

I just found this. I've definitely got to try this. This is a mod so easy even I can't get it wrong I don't think and I do like the idea of the LR44's being in there. They're common as dirt and right now I have like 2 dozen of them because I picked up a bunch of them around just after Christmas at Big Lots when they were selling them off at like a buck for a pack of 5...

no pain, no gain... - Pentax Spotmatic F Battery Mod

The 303/357 alkaline cell is available pretty much anywhere. I get mine from Home Depot, 3 for $6.

magkelly · 03-21-2012, 11:29 PM

I got the one battery from Amazon just to test the meter but I am going to try the 357's later this week and also that little trick with the LR44's to see if that will work too. So far so good. Camera really needs a good clean, tech and lube job I think, but the meter still works. For now I'm doing the light seals this weekend and then I'm putting a bit of money by now and again. When I get enough it's going off to Eric. I eventually want this one in tip top shape like my best SPII. My first and likely only black Spottie? It deserves a bit of respect and a good overhaul I think.

unixrevolution · 03-23-2012, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by magkelly

I got the one battery from Amazon just to test the meter but I am going to try the 357's later this week and also that little trick with the LR44's to see if that will work too. So far so good. Camera really needs a good clean, tech and lube job I think, but the meter still works. For now I'm doing the light seals this weekend and then I'm putting a bit of money by now and again. When I get enough it's going off to Eric. I eventually want this one in tip top shape like my best SPII. My first and likely only black Spottie? It deserves a bit of respect and a good overhaul I think.

I find that with any film camera I'm going to use, and use often, a good CLA is a must. I don't like the idea that I'm going to be shooting one day and it'll break. A CLA costs money, that once-in-a-lifetime photo is priceless.

séamuis · 03-23-2012, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by unixrevolution

I find that with any film camera I'm going to use, and use often, a good CLA is a must. I don't like the idea that I'm going to be shooting one day and it'll break. A CLA costs money, that once-in-a-lifetime photo is priceless.

when one considers the number of years a camera will be good for after a CLA (barring insanely heavy use or abuse of course) I think a general CLA is a no brainer, if you actually plan to use the camera often. there are very few things in this modern world that get you so much for so little, when you really think about it. a camera that itself can last a lifetime without becoming completely unusable (unlike modern electronic cameras) and something that will likely cost a hundred dollars or less (not counting expensive shipping for those who live in places that such is required) can get you a camera that will likely keep on churning out amazing photos for 10-15 years or more, with no issues. thats what you call a bargain, when you consider the memories such a device can capture.

**monochrome** · 03-23-2012, 12:40 PM

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/135112-asahi-s...mendation.html

These worked for me but others claim not (Pickles and seamius would know) pickles says Excell XP400

Silver Oxide battery comparison table:
Mitutoyo Part# 541980
Duracell: D357/303
Rayovac: 357
Panasonic: SP357
Renata: 357
Sony: SR44W
Toshiba: SR44W
Varta: V357
Maxell: SR44W
GoldPeak: 357
Timex: J
AWI: S05
Bulova: 228
Seiko: SR44W
Other: EPX76/S76, GS13/GP57

séamuis · 03-23-2012, 01:09 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/135112-asahi-s...mendation.html

These worked for me but others claim not (Pickles and seamius would know) pickles says Excell XP400

Silver Oxide battery comparison table:
Mitutoyo Part# 541980
Duracell: D357/303
Rayovac: 357
Panasonic: SP357
Renata: 357
Sony: SR44W
Toshiba: SR44W
Varta: V357
Maxell: SR44W
GoldPeak: 357
Timex: J
AWI: S05
Bulova: 228
Seiko: SR44W
Other: EPX76/S76, GS13/GP57

what I have in my Spotmatic right now is a Maxell SR44W Silver Oxide. I specifically asked Eric Hendrickson wether a 1.55v battery in a Spotmatic SP would affect the meter, but I didn't get a clear answer. he stated that he could adjust the metering, but I actually do not know if it was or wasn't adjusted on mine when he CLA'd it. I have also been told on many occasions that even the original SP is in fact not affected by a higher voltage battery. I have a CRIS adapter as well that can reduce the voltage of a 1.55v battery down to 1.35v. when I use that and a Maxell SR626SW silver oxide, also at 1.55v, I notice no difference in the metering. therefore my conclusion is at either 1.5 or 1.3v my meter registers no difference. both are maxell and both are silver oxide cells. if all of these are also 1.55v silver oxide cells, I do not see any reason why any of the above listed will not work and give accurate readings in a Spotmatic meter.

so my personal recommendation is if you are planning on letting Eric CLA it. request to have the meter adjusted to 1.55v, won't cost extra as far as I know, but in my experience a 1.55v or a 1.35v will not make a difference in a spotmatic's meter. and only use silver oxide cells, if you can. alkaline cells don't have a linear discharge curve and this will affect your meter reading as the battery nears the end of its life. they also do not last as long as silver oxide cells for camera meters. any brand of silver oxide cell is ok, I don't know of any brand that outright won't work if it is a 357/SR/LR44 type button cell.

unixrevolution · 03-24-2012, 07:15 PM

Originally posted by séamuis

when one considers the number of years a camera will be good for after a CLA (barring insanely heavy use or abuse of course) I think a general CLA is a no brainer, if you actually plan to use the camera often. there are very few things in this modern world that get you so much for so little, when you really think about it. a camera that itself can last a lifetime without becoming completely unusable (unlike modern electronic cameras) and something that will likely cost a hundred dollars or less (not counting expensive shipping for those who live in places that such is required) can get you a camera that will likely keep on churning out amazing photos for 10-15 years or more, with no issues. thats what you call a bargain, when you consider the memories such a device can capture.

Absolutely right. 10-15 years is a minimum. The reccomended service interval on my Leica M2 is a quarter-century.

03-23-2012, 12:40 PM	#35
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/135112-asahi-s...mendation.html These worked for me but others claim not (Pickles and seamius would know) pickles says Excell XP400 Silver Oxide battery comparison table: Mitutoyo Part# 541980 Duracell: D357/303 Rayovac: 357 Panasonic: SP357 Renata: 357 Sony: SR44W Toshiba: SR44W Varta: V357 Maxell: SR44W GoldPeak: 357 Timex: J AWI: S05 Bulova: 228 Seiko: SR44W Other: EPX76/S76, GS13/GP57 Last edited by monochrome; 03-23-2012 at 12:45 PM.

03-23-2012, 01:09 PM	#36
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by monochrome https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/135112-asahi-s...mendation.html These worked for me but others claim not (Pickles and seamius would know) pickles says Excell XP400 Silver Oxide battery comparison table: Mitutoyo Part# 541980 Duracell: D357/303 Rayovac: 357 Panasonic: SP357 Renata: 357 Sony: SR44W Toshiba: SR44W Varta: V357 Maxell: SR44W GoldPeak: 357 Timex: J AWI: S05 Bulova: 228 Seiko: SR44W Other: EPX76/S76, GS13/GP57 what I have in my Spotmatic right now is a Maxell SR44W Silver Oxide. I specifically asked Eric Hendrickson wether a 1.55v battery in a Spotmatic SP would affect the meter, but I didn't get a clear answer. he stated that he could adjust the metering, but I actually do not know if it was or wasn't adjusted on mine when he CLA'd it. I have also been told on many occasions that even the original SP is in fact not affected by a higher voltage battery. I have a CRIS adapter as well that can reduce the voltage of a 1.55v battery down to 1.35v. when I use that and a Maxell SR626SW silver oxide, also at 1.55v, I notice no difference in the metering. therefore my conclusion is at either 1.5 or 1.3v my meter registers no difference. both are maxell and both are silver oxide cells. if all of these are also 1.55v silver oxide cells, I do not see any reason why any of the above listed will not work and give accurate readings in a Spotmatic meter. so my personal recommendation is if you are planning on letting Eric CLA it. request to have the meter adjusted to 1.55v, won't cost extra as far as I know, but in my experience a 1.55v or a 1.35v will not make a difference in a spotmatic's meter. and only use silver oxide cells, if you can. alkaline cells don't have a linear discharge curve and this will affect your meter reading as the battery nears the end of its life. they also do not last as long as silver oxide cells for camera meters. any brand of silver oxide cell is ok, I don't know of any brand that outright won't work if it is a 357/SR/LR44 type button cell. Last edited by séamuis; 03-23-2012 at 01:22 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Why do Nikonians brag about lens availability?	geekette	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	88	07-01-2011 01:28 PM
Gotta Brag , We're going to the State Finals	seacapt	General Talk	7	03-15-2010 09:40 PM
Not to brag or something but yeay	devisor	Post Your Photos!	14	09-05-2009 06:29 AM
Just Let Me Brag And Be Excited For A Minute	Nowhere Matt	General Talk	8	05-28-2009 08:23 PM
Have to brag a bit	mel	Photographic Technique	18	04-12-2009 08:47 PM

03-13-2012, 06:44 AM	#31
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	Originally posted by magkelly Hmm, 303/357, huh? I think I saw those at Target or Walgreens or somewhere near here. I got a 625 from Amazon with some other stuff just so I could see if the light meter was still functional but I'm thinking that if the other works too I might just go for it. Thanks! I just found this. I've definitely got to try this. This is a mod so easy even I can't get it wrong I don't think and I do like the idea of the LR44's being in there. They're common as dirt and right now I have like 2 dozen of them because I picked up a bunch of them around just after Christmas at Big Lots when they were selling them off at like a buck for a pack of 5... no pain, no gain... - Pentax Spotmatic F Battery Mod The 303/357 alkaline cell is available pretty much anywhere. I get mine from Home Depot, 3 for $6.

03-21-2012, 11:29 PM	#32
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901 Original Poster	I got the one battery from Amazon just to test the meter but I am going to try the 357's later this week and also that little trick with the LR44's to see if that will work too. So far so good. Camera really needs a good clean, tech and lube job I think, but the meter still works. For now I'm doing the light seals this weekend and then I'm putting a bit of money by now and again. When I get enough it's going off to Eric. I eventually want this one in tip top shape like my best SPII. My first and likely only black Spottie? It deserves a bit of respect and a good overhaul I think.

03-23-2012, 06:27 AM	#33
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	Originally posted by magkelly I got the one battery from Amazon just to test the meter but I am going to try the 357's later this week and also that little trick with the LR44's to see if that will work too. So far so good. Camera really needs a good clean, tech and lube job I think, but the meter still works. For now I'm doing the light seals this weekend and then I'm putting a bit of money by now and again. When I get enough it's going off to Eric. I eventually want this one in tip top shape like my best SPII. My first and likely only black Spottie? It deserves a bit of respect and a good overhaul I think. I find that with any film camera I'm going to use, and use often, a good CLA is a must. I don't like the idea that I'm going to be shooting one day and it'll break. A CLA costs money, that once-in-a-lifetime photo is priceless.

03-23-2012, 07:06 AM	#34
séamuis Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Savannah, U.S./Baguio City, P.H. Posts: 5,979	Originally posted by unixrevolution I find that with any film camera I'm going to use, and use often, a good CLA is a must. I don't like the idea that I'm going to be shooting one day and it'll break. A CLA costs money, that once-in-a-lifetime photo is priceless. when one considers the number of years a camera will be good for after a CLA (barring insanely heavy use or abuse of course) I think a general CLA is a no brainer, if you actually plan to use the camera often. there are very few things in this modern world that get you so much for so little, when you really think about it. a camera that itself can last a lifetime without becoming completely unusable (unlike modern electronic cameras) and something that will likely cost a hundred dollars or less (not counting expensive shipping for those who live in places that such is required) can get you a camera that will likely keep on churning out amazing photos for 10-15 years or more, with no issues. thats what you call a bargain, when you consider the memories such a device can capture.

03-24-2012, 07:15 PM	#37
unixrevolution Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waldorf, MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,861	Originally posted by séamuis when one considers the number of years a camera will be good for after a CLA (barring insanely heavy use or abuse of course) I think a general CLA is a no brainer, if you actually plan to use the camera often. there are very few things in this modern world that get you so much for so little, when you really think about it. a camera that itself can last a lifetime without becoming completely unusable (unlike modern electronic cameras) and something that will likely cost a hundred dollars or less (not counting expensive shipping for those who live in places that such is required) can get you a camera that will likely keep on churning out amazing photos for 10-15 years or more, with no issues. thats what you call a bargain, when you consider the memories such a device can capture. Absolutely right. 10-15 years is a minimum. The reccomended service interval on my Leica M2 is a quarter-century.