Battery type CR1/3N: Compatible cameras

The CR1/3N is a lithium manganese dioxide button cell (LiMnO₂) with a nominal voltage of 3 volts and dimensions of 11.6 × 10.8 mm. It is sold under numerous designations, including 2L76, DL1/3N, K58L, 5018LC, CR11108 and GL2-76, but they all refer to the same cell. Lithium cells provide a very constant voltage throughout most of their service life and work reliably even at low temperatures, making them ideal for camera electronics.

The best-known models are the Leica M6 (2022 reissue) with 1× CR1/3N and the Leica M7 with 2× CR1/3N for its electronically controlled shutter speeds. CR1/3N is also used in several Leica models (including M-P, R6, R7), in the Minox AF and, with 2 batteries each in the built-in battery holder, in the later Minox 35 models from 1988 onward: GT-E, GT-E II, GS-E, GT-S, GT-X and Gold Button Edition. The old PX27 does not fit their holder. You can find the complete list of all compatible cameras above in the searchable table on this page.

Yes, and that is actually the original purpose of this design. A CR1/3N has exactly the same height as two stacked SR44/LR44 button cells (around 5.4 mm each) with the same diameter, and the combined voltage is a match: 2 × 1.55 V silver oxide ≈ 3.1 V, 2 × 1.5 V alkaline = 3.0 V. The replacement is mechanically and electrically possible, but in practice there are two arguments in favor of the single-piece CR1/3N: first, it avoids loose contacts between the two stacked individual cells; second, the lithium chemistry lasts significantly longer and provides a more stable voltage throughout the discharge than alkaline. Silver oxide (SR44) is an acceptable equivalent alternative, while alkaline (LR44) is more of an emergency solution.

Lithium cells such as the CR1/3N have a very flat discharge curve. The 3 V remain constant for around 90 percent of their service life and only drop shortly before the end. This is good for consistent exposure metering, but can sometimes be confusing when checking the camera battery, because the indicator shows “full” until just before the end. So plan to bring replacement batteries for longer trips. In cold temperatures (below 0 °C), lithium cells are clearly superior to other chemistries. Silver oxide, and especially alkaline batteries, noticeably lose capacity in freezing conditions, while lithium works practically without restriction down to around −20 °C.