PX625 Battery Alternatives

The original mercury batteries (1.35V) have long been banned. Here you’ll find the three best solutions for your analog camera — and learn which fits your model.

⚡ Quick check: Which solution fits?

How to find the right solution

What matters is how your camera draws battery power. Open the battery compartment and check:

  • Contact top + bottom? → The O-Ring Adapter is enough (cheapest solution)
  • Unsure or side contact? → Use the Universal adapter made of conductive plastic — works in almost all cameras
  • Never want to buy batteries again? → Get the Varta V80H Set with USB-C charger (sustainable but more expensive)

Important: All three solutions replace the banned PX625 / MR-9 / PX13 mercury batteries. Do not use 1.5V alkaline batteries (LR44/AG13) — they distort the exposure meter.


Comparison at a glance

Solution Voltage Battery type Price from Contact type Durability Special feature
O-Ring Adapter 1.4V 675 Zinc-Air €16,95 Top + Bottom 3–6 months Cheapest option
Universal (Conductive) ★ 1.4V 675 Zinc-Air €19,95 Universal 3–6 months Always fits — when in doubt, choose this one
Varta V80H Set 1.25–1.30V NiMH (rechargeable) €49,95 Universal Rechargeable Sustainable, USB-C charger

1

O-Ring Adapter

The simplest and cheapest solution: A rubber ring centers the smaller 675 battery (zinc-air, 1.4V) in the PX625 compartment. Ideal for cameras that draw power through contacts on top and bottom.

When is the O-Ring the best choice?

If your battery compartment has a contact at the bottom and one at the cap (top). This is the case, for example, with the Rollei 35, Olympus OM-1, and Canon F-1. The zinc-air battery delivers 1.4V — very close to the original 1.35V — and has a flat discharge curve like the old mercury battery.

Compatible with

  • Rollei 35 / 35S / 35T
  • Olympus OM-1
  • Canon F-1 (old)
  • Canon FTb / FT-QL
  • Minolta SRT 100 / 101 / 303
  • Nikon F (Photomic)
  • Nikkormat FT
  • Pentax Spotmatic F
  • Leica SL2

2

Universal adapter (conductive plastic)

The safe choice for all cameras. The adapter is made of conductive plastic and works regardless of whether the contact is on top, bottom, or side.

★ Our recommendation

You don’t know what type of contact your camera has? Then use this one. The conductive plastic conducts electricity over the entire surface — no matter how your battery compartment is designed. Works in almost all cameras that use PX625 / MR-9 / PX13.

Compatible with

  • Agfa Optima 500
  • Canon Canonet GIII QL17
  • Canon F-1 / FTb / FT-QL
  • Konica Autoreflex T3/T4
  • Leica CL / SL / SL2
  • Minolta Hi-Matic 7S
  • Minolta SRT 100/101/303
  • Nikon F / Nikkormat FT
  • Olympus OM-1 / 35 RC / Pen FT
  • Pentax Spotmatic F
  • Praktica TL / LTL / MTL
  • Rollei 35 / 35S / XF35
  • Voigtländer Vitessa 500
  • Yashica Mat 124G

3

Rechargeable set (Varta V80H + USB-C)

The sustainable premium solution: A Varta V80H NiMH battery with its own USB-C charger. Never buy disposable batteries again.

Who is this set for?

Ideal for frequent photographers who regularly use their analog camera on the go. The V80H battery delivers about 1.25–1.30V — slightly lower than 1.35V. With negative film, this isn’t a problem (about 1/3 EV slight overexposure). The charger is compact enough for any camera bag and charges via USB-C.

Cost factor for 2 batteries: Some cameras (e.g. Gossen Lunasix, certain Leica models) require two PX625 batteries. In this case, you need two V80H batteries (€9.95 each extra), which increases the cost. Zinc-air based solutions (O-ring or universal) are significantly cheaper in this case.

Compatible with

  • Rollei 35 / 35S / 35T
  • Leica CL / M5
  • Canon F-1 (old) / FTb / FT
  • Minolta SRT 101 / 303
  • Olympus OM-1 / OM-1n
  • Nikon F (Photomic)


Not sure which solution fits your camera?

Send us a message with your camera model — we’ll help you find the right battery solution.

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