CR123A battery type: Compatible cameras

The CR123A is a 3-volt lithium primary cell (lithium manganese dioxide, Li-MnO₂) in the standard photographic format, measuring 17 × 34.5 mm. It was introduced in the 1980s as a compact, high-performance battery for compact and SLR cameras and delivers a constant voltage over almost its entire discharge curve, making it ideal for motorized film transport, built-in flashes, and autofocus drives. Typical manufacturers today include Panasonic, Duracell, Varta, and Energizer. Synonyms: CR17345, 123A, DL123A.

The CR123A was the standard power source for many high-end compact and SLR cameras from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. Well-known models include the Contax T2 and Contax TVS, Yashica T4 / T5, Olympus μ[mju:]-II / Stylus Epic, Leica Minilux and Minilux Zoom, Nikon 28Ti and 35Ti, Konica Big Mini, and numerous Canon EOS models (EOS Rebel series, EOS 30/33, EOS 500, etc.), many of them using two CR123A batteries in series for 6 V. The complete searchable compatibility list with 217 camera models from 23 brands can be found at the top of this page.

Yes. The rechargeable version is called RCR123A (also 16340) and uses lithium-ion chemistry with a nominal voltage of 3.6 to 3.7 V, reaching up to 4.2 V when fully charged, well above the CR123A's 3 V. The RCR123A is therefore unsuitable for most older analogue cameras. The higher voltage can interfere with the exposure electronics or damage sensitive models. It is only safe with modern cameras that have internal voltage regulation; if in doubt, check the datasheet or stick with the disposable CR123A. Advantage over the disposable CR123A: no ongoing battery purchases and less battery waste. Ausgeknipst offers a ready-to-use solution as a CR123A rechargeable battery with USB-C charger, rechargeable directly via USB-C on the battery, without a separate charger.