357, LR44, vs EPX76

ctrout · 01-05-2018, 06:34 PM

So I was shopping for batteries and found Energizer 357 silver oxides for 90 cents a peice. I also saw a designation that I had never seen before, EPX76. They were $1.80 each so I didn't immediately give them a lot of thought. Later though, I went back and did some research on them. They were also Energizer brand. What I found was that the discharge curve for silver oxide 357s is slightly better than alkalines but the EPX76 silver oxides is incredible by comparison. Has anyone ever used the Energizer EPX76s in our classic Pentaxs? Are they worth twice the price of the silver oxide 357s?

**ChrisPlatt** · 01-05-2018, 07:00 PM

There are probably slight differences but AFAIK 44, 76 and 357 sizes can all be used interchangeably.
I would buy whichever silver oxide is the best buy considering also manufacturer and expiration.

Chris

Wild Mark · 01-05-2018, 07:24 PM

My understanding is silver oxide batteries are superior to alkaline and lithium because of the discharge curve (i.e. constant discharge at the specified operation voltage requirement until near depleted - therefore servicing the voltage needs of the camera for longer). If the discharge curve of the EPX76 is simply longer at the specified operational voltage then it is simply giving you longer operational life per battery. I guess the benefit is only apparent if the cost is commensurate or better then the alternative.

This said, I would also consider the environmental cost/ benefit here too. If you end up using less batteries by selecting the EPX76 then the extra 'cost' of the battery is essentially a price you are prepared to pay for reduced resource use and waste generation.

**pentaxus** · 01-05-2018, 09:58 PM

The silver oxide batteries also last longer. My recollection is that the more expensive batteries are cheaper in the long run.

**Alex645** · 01-05-2018, 10:15 PM

I have also found that Duracell's MS76 is the equivalent of the Eveready EPX76. Even better (if your camera needs two) is to get the one lithium CR1/3N. It's 3V and replaces two of the MS76, EPX76, LR44, or 357 cells.

Duracell Photo 1/3N 3V Lithium Battery DL1/3NBPK B&H Photo Video

Xmas · 01-06-2018, 08:13 AM

If you are k1000 or later enhncement the differential galvo is ok with any normal button cell. Except alkaline at end of service life!
Maybe some of the last M42 adopted the same circuit?
If you camera is earlier the bridge circuit needs 1.3v for critical work.

You need to check the metering high and low light eg on a uniform wall cause the CdS cells can drift with age.

A S1a or Sv has lots of advntges!

ctrout · 01-06-2018, 09:39 AM

The cameras that I'm needing to power range from an original Spotmatic to the Ks, Ms, and an LX. The Spotmatic is my only M42 that requires batteries. I do have an S1a and an SV that I use with a Sekonic L8 so no batteries required there!

**gofour3** · 01-08-2018, 03:54 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ctrout

Energizer EPX76s in our classic Pentaxs?

That's the only battery I now use for my Pentax 35mm film bodies.

Phil.

ctrout · 01-08-2018, 07:30 PM

Thanks for chiming in. And how do they perform, in your experience, compared to other silver oxide batteries? Can you comment on how they compare specifically to the Energizer 357s?

**Alex645** · 01-08-2018, 08:53 PM - **1 Like**

From my experience, there is no difference between the 357 and the MS76 or EPX76 cells. In general, the silver oxide holds the voltage consistently, but has the disadvantage of 'sudden death'. Alkaline versions like the A76 or LR44 usually measure around 1.6V new, and then slowly degrade until at 1.3V your device will start showing signs of needing a new battery.

Overall, I think silver oxide cells are better because of consistent output, but I always keep a spare. I've also found a big difference between brands and tend to prefer Duracell (less leaks). Also beware of counterfeit batteries online or ones that are near their expiration date.

01-05-2018, 06:34 PM	#1
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444	357, LR44, vs EPX76 So I was shopping for batteries and found Energizer 357 silver oxides for 90 cents a peice. I also saw a designation that I had never seen before, EPX76. They were $1.80 each so I didn't immediately give them a lot of thought. Later though, I went back and did some research on them. They were also Energizer brand. What I found was that the discharge curve for silver oxide 357s is slightly better than alkalines but the EPX76 silver oxides is incredible by comparison. Has anyone ever used the Energizer EPX76s in our classic Pentaxs? Are they worth twice the price of the silver oxide 357s?

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01-05-2018, 07:00 PM	#2
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	There are probably slight differences but AFAIK 44, 76 and 357 sizes can all be used interchangeably. I would buy whichever silver oxide is the best buy considering also manufacturer and expiration. Chris

01-05-2018, 07:24 PM	#3
Wild Mark Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newcastle Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,954	My understanding is silver oxide batteries are superior to alkaline and lithium because of the discharge curve (i.e. constant discharge at the specified operation voltage requirement until near depleted - therefore servicing the voltage needs of the camera for longer). If the discharge curve of the EPX76 is simply longer at the specified operational voltage then it is simply giving you longer operational life per battery. I guess the benefit is only apparent if the cost is commensurate or better then the alternative. This said, I would also consider the environmental cost/ benefit here too. If you end up using less batteries by selecting the EPX76 then the extra 'cost' of the battery is essentially a price you are prepared to pay for reduced resource use and waste generation.

01-05-2018, 09:58 PM	#4
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,320	The silver oxide batteries also last longer. My recollection is that the more expensive batteries are cheaper in the long run.

01-05-2018, 10:15 PM	#5
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	I have also found that Duracell's MS76 is the equivalent of the Eveready EPX76. Even better (if your camera needs two) is to get the one lithium CR1/3N. It's 3V and replaces two of the MS76, EPX76, LR44, or 357 cells. Duracell Photo 1/3N 3V Lithium Battery DL1/3NBPK B&H Photo Video

01-06-2018, 08:13 AM	#6
Xmas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 617	If you are k1000 or later enhncement the differential galvo is ok with any normal button cell. Except alkaline at end of service life! Maybe some of the last M42 adopted the same circuit? If you camera is earlier the bridge circuit needs 1.3v for critical work. You need to check the metering high and low light eg on a uniform wall cause the CdS cells can drift with age. A S1a or Sv has lots of advntges!

01-06-2018, 09:39 AM	#7
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444 Original Poster	The cameras that I'm needing to power range from an original Spotmatic to the Ks, Ms, and an LX. The Spotmatic is my only M42 that requires batteries. I do have an S1a and an SV that I use with a Sekonic L8 so no batteries required there!

01-08-2018, 03:54 PM - 1 Like	#8
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by ctrout Energizer EPX76s in our classic Pentaxs? That's the only battery I now use for my Pentax 35mm film bodies. Phil.

01-08-2018, 07:30 PM	#9
ctrout Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Gallery Posts: 444 Original Poster	Thanks for chiming in. And how do they perform, in your experience, compared to other silver oxide batteries? Can you comment on how they compare specifically to the Energizer 357s?

01-08-2018, 08:53 PM - 1 Like	#10
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	From my experience, there is no difference between the 357 and the MS76 or EPX76 cells. In general, the silver oxide holds the voltage consistently, but has the disadvantage of 'sudden death'. Alkaline versions like the A76 or LR44 usually measure around 1.6V new, and then slowly degrade until at 1.3V your device will start showing signs of needing a new battery. Overall, I think silver oxide cells are better because of consistent output, but I always keep a spare. I've also found a big difference between brands and tend to prefer Duracell (less leaks). Also beware of counterfeit batteries online or ones that are near their expiration date.