Battery type AA — Compatible cameras

AA (also Mignon, IEC designation R6/LR6, ANSI 15A) is the most widespread cylindrical cell in the world — 14.5 mm diameter, 50.5 mm length. Introduced in 1907 as a flashlight cell, since ANSI standardization in 1947 found in practically every electronic device. In analog cameras, three chemistries are used: alkaline manganese (1.5 V nominal voltage), NiMH rechargeable batteries (1.2 V), and more rarely lithium primary cells (1.5 V, Energizer L91). Available at every gas station, supermarket, and electronics store — battery supply is never a problem here.

AA is found in 369 camera models listed by Ausgeknipst — from the Super-8 classic to professional SLRs. Common representatives:

• Super-8 film cameras: Beaulieu S2008 (with our 3D-printed adapter), Braun Nizo (148, 156, 4080, 6080), Bolex 150/250/350/450, Elmo Super 8S, Canon 310XL family indirectly.
• SLRs with motor: Canon T70, T90, Nikon F4 (4x AA), Nikon F4s (6x AA with MB-21 grip), Nikon F5 (8x AA), Nikon F90/F90X, Nikon F-801/F-801s, Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 9000, Contax 137 MA/MD Quartz.
• Medium format: Pentax 645/645N/645NII, Mamiya 645 AFD series (6x AA), Hasselblad 553 ELX and 555 ELD (5x AA), Rolleiflex 3003 and SL 2000 F.
• AF compacts: Nikon L35AF, Nikon Fun Touch, Olympus Trip AF, Canon AF35M (Sure Shot), Yashica T-AF, Pentax PC35AF and many other 80s/90s compacts.
• Accessories: Metz flash units (30, 32, 36, 40, 44, 45, 54 as well as the 70 series), Gossen light meters (Digipro, Sixtomat, Starlite), Sekonic L-308/L-408/L-508.

The complete searchable list with all 369 models can be found at the top of this page.

For AA devices in analog photography, rechargeable NiMH batteries are almost always the better choice. Three reasons:

• Voltage consistency: Alkaline starts at about 1.6 V and continuously drops under load to 1.2 V — so the voltage fluctuates over the entire lifespan. NiMH delivers a constant 1.2 V over almost the entire discharge. For light meters and in-camera electronics, constant voltage means significantly more reliable readings than a fluctuating alkaline profile.
• Current strength: Motor SLRs like the Nikon F5 or Canon T90 draw high currents briefly during film transport and autofocus. NiMH has a lower internal resistance and drops less than alkaline — you can feel this in frame rate and AF speed.
• Costs and environment: A NiMH battery withstands 500 to 1,000 charge cycles. With 4x or 6x AA per camera, it pays off after just a few rolls of film. Modern low self-discharge batteries (Panasonic Eneloop, Varta Accu Recycled, IKEA Ladda) hold their charge for over a year — you can easily pack charged batteries for travel.

An exception: For storage temperatures below freezing or for rare emergency backups in your bag, a lithium primary cell (Energizer L91) is worth the extra cost — it lasts down to −40 °C and 20 years of storage time. At Ausgeknipst, there is an EBL AA battery 2,800 mAh 10/20-pack as an affordable NiMH standard setup.