CR123A Battery: Compatible Cameras

The CR123A is a 3-volt lithium primary cell (lithium manganese dioxide, Li-MnO₂) in a standardized photo battery format measuring 17 × 34.5 mm. It was introduced in the 1980s as a compact, high-performance battery for compact cameras and SLRs, and it holds a steady voltage across almost its entire discharge curve, which makes it ideal for motorized film advance, built-in flashes and autofocus motors. Common makers today include Panasonic, Duracell, Varta and Energizer. Also known as CR17345, 123A and DL123A.

The CR123A was the standard power source for many high-end compacts and SLRs from the late ’80s to the early 2000s. Well-known examples 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, along with lots of Canon EOS models (the EOS Rebel series, EOS 30/33, EOS 500 and others), many of them running on two CR123As in series for 6 V. You’ll find the full searchable compatibility list of 217 camera models from 23 brands at the top of this page.

Yes. The rechargeable version is called the RCR123A (also called 16340). It uses lithium-ion chemistry with a nominal 3.6 to 3.7 V, and up to 4.2 V when freshly charged, which is well above the 3 V of a CR123A. That’s why the RCR123A isn’t suitable for most older film cameras: the higher voltage can interfere with the camera’s exposure electronics or damage sensitive models. It’s only a non-issue in modern cameras with internal voltage regulation; if in doubt, check the data sheet or stick with disposable CR123As. The advantage over disposable CR123As: no buying new batteries over and over, and less battery waste. At Ausgeknipst you can get a ready-made solution, the CR123A rechargeable battery with USB-C charger, which charges directly through a USB-C port on the battery itself, so you don’t need a separate charger.