How many flashes can I expect - roughly - from a pair of Lithium CR123A batteries in the SF20?

-- Christopher Goodwin (christopher.goodwin@gte.net), May 25, 2002

Answers

Christopher:

A lot. It depends on the film speed, the distances to the subjects, as well as the phase of the moon.

The only answer to this question is: take 2 sets of spare batteries.

Cheers from Redeye Dick

-- richardjx@hotmail.com (richardjx@hotmail.com), May 25, 2002.

I imagine it depends of lot of factors (power of the light, distance of the topic ...)and age of the batteries; for me, approximately one hundred of shots, 15 months with same original batteries, but only in TTL mode (may be more economical for energy ??) Leica says only one thing in the book: "350 lights at full power" I hope it could help you, Alain

-- alain.besançon (alain.besancon@chu-dijon.fr), May 25, 2002.

Chris:

A lot. It depends on the film speed, the distances to the subjects, as well as the phase of the moon.

The only answer to this question is: take 2 sets of spare batteries.

Cheers from Redeye Dick

-- RICHARD ILOMAKI (richardjx@hotmail.com), May 25, 2002.

The only factor I have noticed is how important the shots are. If they are important, you will have the batteries fail. I always carry spares.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@shaw.ca), May 25, 2002.

John - a minor correction/amplification: if the shot is really, really important, you'll discover that you've stored the spare batteries too long. ;-)

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), May 25, 2002.

Were I designing a flash attachment, batteries would be held in a type of *en block* carrier-- a speed loader type device. Batteries would not be installed one at a time.

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), May 25, 2002.

ISO film speed isn't the only factor. I mostly shoot with Lux lenses wide open, at as low a shutter speed possible for the shot at hand. Under such conditions the flash is acting as a lower output "fill" even in fairly low light. My batteries last a looong time. Never-the-less, before any important shoot like a wedding, I put load fresh batteries and carry spares. Small expense to keep from worrying if the batteries are okay.

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), May 25, 2002.

Seems to last quite a looooooog time I have never had them go out , even after 15 films in the mostly dark but I also alway carry spares ( and spares for the spares in the big bag )to keep Murphy at bay . The only time I have run them dry is when I have left the flash over night .

-- Charles C. Stirk Jr. (ccstirkjr@yahoo.com), May 25, 2002.