The original mercury batteries (1.35V) have long been banned. Here you'll find the three best solutions for your analogue camera and learn which one fits your model.
⚡ Quick check: Which solution fits?
How to find the right solution
What matters is how your camera draws power from the battery. Open the battery compartment and check:
- Contact on top + bottom? → The O-Ring Adapter is sufficient (cheapest option)
- Unsure or contact on the side? → Choose the universal adapter made of conductive plastic; it 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 metering.
Comparison at a glance
| Solution | Voltage | Battery type | Price from | Contact type | Shelf life | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-Ring Adapter | 1.4V | 675 zinc-air | €17,95 | Top + Bottom | 3–6 months | Cheapest option |
| Universal (conductive) ★ | 1.4V | 675 zinc-air | €22,95 | Universal | 3–6 months | Always fits, choose this if unsure |
| Varta V80H Set | 1.25–1.30V | NiMH (rechargeable) | €49,95 | Universal | Rechargeable | Sustainable, USB-C charger |
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 at the top and bottom.
When is the O-Ring the best choice?
If your battery compartment has one contact at the bottom and one on the cap (top). This is the case, for example, with the Rollei 35, Olympus OM-1, and Canon F-1. The zinc-air battery supplies 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
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 the side.
★ Our recommendation
Don't know what type of contact your camera has? Then choose this one. The conductive plastic conducts electricity across its entire surface, regardless of 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
Rechargeable set (Varta V80H + USB-C)
The sustainable premium solution: A Varta V80H NiMH rechargeable battery with its own USB-C charger. Never buy disposable batteries again.
Who is this set for?
Ideal for frequent photographers who regularly take their analog camera on the go. The V80H rechargeable battery delivers approx. 1.25–1.30V, slightly lower than 1.35V. This is not a problem with negative film (approx. 1/3 EV slight overexposure). The charger is compact enough for any camera bag and charges via USB-C.
Cost factor with 2 batteries: Some cameras (e.g., Gossen Lunasix, certain Leica models) require two PX625 batteries. In this case, you need two V80H rechargeable batteries (€12.95 extra each), 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)
Supplies & Accessories
Replacement batteries and refill packs to keep you ready to go.
Further resources
Battery Problems & Solutions (FAQ)
No contact? Draining too quickly? Light meter acting up? All common problems and solutions.
Canon F-1: Replacing the battery
Step-by-step guide with pictures: Replace PX625 with Type 675 + O-ring.
Rollei 35: Replacing the battery
Complete guide to the Rollei 35, 35S, and 35T, including contact cleaning and tips.
Battery Finder
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