topic Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera in General Discussion

Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

scorpio012 — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:15:00 GMT

Hello, My Dad recently passed way and in one his cabinets was this camera and the only markings I can find on it are what I posted in the subject line, FL/QL 35mm. It was one of my Dad's favorite camera's and I would like to use it if I can. It takes a PX625A battery and would like to know if anyone can tell me where the best place is to where I can buy some? I've looked on Amazon, but the only batteries I coyuld find all had terrible reviews. Any help would vbe appreciated. Thank you

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

Waddizzle — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:34:37 GMT

Amazon is a breeding ground for counterfeit camera batteries and memory cards. Try B&H Photo Video out of NYC.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

scorpio012 — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:56:11 GMT

Thank you for such a quick reply and I will follow your advice and visit their website.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

ebiggs1 — Tue, 12 May 2020 14:12:28 GMT

Try Batteries Plus.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

BurnUnit — Sat, 16 May 2020 15:33:47 GMT

The PX625 batteries are a bit of a unicorn, but they are available. The fact that they are a mercury cell is what makes them provide a steady voltage that is especially suited for camera and light meter usage. But the use of mercury also keeps them from being produced in most countries, though it looks like they can sourced from Russia.

A search of "PX625 Camerapedia" will get you some more info and history on these batteries and possibly a source for purchase. I'll need to find a few myself someday if I ever want to fire up my old Canon EF or FT-QL. They both are a fine "brick" of a camera.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

scorpio012 — Sat, 16 May 2020 17:02:47 GMT

Thank you for the help.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

wq9nsc — Sat, 16 May 2020 19:25:40 GMT

I would go with a MRB625 which is a zinc/air type cell which is readily available with a very similar voltage/load curve to the mercury cell. These cells are still readily available.

NOTE: zinc/air cells have a very stable output over their operating life but life varies dramatically based upon the environment (heat and humidity) and low heat and high humidity result in very rapid depletion because these cells rely upon the moisture content of their paste electrolyte "fuel" in addition to oxidation via air so they cannot be sealed against the environment. Do not try to extend their life via exposure to excessive humitidy as this will also reduce cell life. They have an extremely lohg shelf life as long as the original package seal is still intact but be sure of the quality of the source when buying because if the package isn't properly sealed they will have a short (or no) life left when you put them into service.

Rodger

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

scorpio012 — Sat, 16 May 2020 19:38:20 GMT

Thank you very much for your help and the info you provided for me. It sounds like that will be a better option the the mercury cells. I'm not sure how old my Dad's camera is, but maybe it's possible that there weren't as many regulations back then regarding mercury cells? Thanks again

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

ebiggs1 — Sat, 16 May 2020 19:58:27 GMT

You can always buy a hand held light meter and shoot manual. Just like we did it in the good ole days!

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

kvbarkley — Sat, 16 May 2020 20:10:43 GMT

There are also phone apps that act like light meters. Kind of Old-Meets-New.

Re: Canon FL/QL 35mm camera

wq9nsc — Sun, 17 May 2020 14:13:25 GMT

Back when that camera was new, mercury wasn't heavily regulated. One of my friends remembers playing with little pools of mercury in his elementary school science class but now many items long thought to be safe are known to be dangerous and lead is another heavy metal that has joined that list causing a lot of obsolescence and other problems in the electronics component industry.

As others noted, you can always use a light meter. I hadn't owned or used one in years but two years ago I bought a Hensel studio strobe setup and a light meter to go with it. A separate light meter is a near necessity for properly setting up a group of studio strobes and is a handy tool to own. I went with an inexpensive Gossen "Sixtomat F2" rather than the same meter rebranded by Hensel which was over twice as much with the only addition being a button on the meter to test trigger the strobes. I use the Hensel app on my iPad for setup/adjustment so I didn't need a $200 button 🙂

Rodger