Reviving an old warhorse . . .

j.lukow · Expire: 2021-11-25

When I got back into Photography I picked up a Minolta SRT200 and have had a decent experience with until late. Recently I found out that my downfall may be a case of wrong battery type - I've been using an alkali - Embarassed

didn't realize the draw backs. Last night I reviewed the last set I had taken with it . . . they look poorly exposed, definate meter issue Mad

So following a link -Larry showed me - while dealing with my Conti - made me realize that for the SRT I could just add the wire loop and use a hearing aid battery with much better results. This means that an old warhorse may have a chance rise again. Shocked

Jim

bob955i · Joined: 15 Apr 2007 Posts: 2495

Biggest issue with alkaline batteries in addition to the higher voltage is their non-linear discharge rate. Meaning there's only going to be one point in their life where the meter will be accurate.

You'll probably find that the meter over-reads to begin with due to the higher voltage which results in underexposure. Then, as the cell discharges, the reading will decrease until you reach a point where exposure is actually correct. Finally, as the voltage drops below optimum, the meter will under-read, resulting in overexposure.

Silver oxide is a good alternative to mercury technology as it has a similar discharge rate - the only thing is that one has to drop the voltage down from 1.5v to 1.35v for those meters that require it.

j.lukow · Expire: 2021-11-25

These are the drawbacks I mean - now from what I've heard using the hearing aid batter at 1.4 volts causes less of a problem than the alkaline at 1.5 volts. The link I was mentioning was Rick Olesons . . .

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-111.html

From what I've heard this solution works well, good enough for me.

Jim