Photography Thailand Forum

[Don]

  Hi everyone, can anyone please advise me as to where I can purchase 1.3v battery for my Canon FT  (ql ) film camera, or can I use 1.5v ?
      I have recently come into possession of some interesting and really good condition film cameras & lenses, one being this camera complete with a 58mm 1.2 lense, but I want the correct voltage battery to make sure it's working correctly.
      I'm based in Chiangmai so it would be helpful if there's a shop that could post.

[Marty Johnston]

Hello Don,

Wow, you're going way back to the early 1970s there with that Canon!

If I remember right, that camera and many others in that era used Silver Oxide batteries which are no longer produced. I remember reading an article on some online forum a couple of years back about a substitute battery being produced which, although not exactly the same voltage, is perfectly safe to use and doesn't lead to problems with the camera meter etc.

I would suggest that you go into (or ring) "Photobug" on the Changpuak Road in Chiangmai. Here is the address and phone number:
49/13 Changpuak Rd, Sri Poom. Tel: 053-287149.

I have found them to be very helpful and knowledgable. I would be surprised if they cannot help you to source a battery for your lovely old FT.

Hope this helps!

[Don]

Hi Marty, thank's a lot for your suggestion, I know Pop the owner very well, and have already tried him, but no joy, he suggested trying a 1.4 hearing aid battery which I will as soon as I can find somewhere to sell me one, have tried a local hospital but they said I must see the doctor !!!!!!!!!!!  I'm busy shooting digital right now, but when I get the film urg again I'll look further afield,    cheers,  Don.

[Marty Johnston]

Hi Don,
I have one further suggestion for you, based on the hearing aid idea. There is a very good pharmacy called the Dara, on the Kaeo Nawarat Road (the one with McCormick Hospital). The Pharmacy is directly opposite the Shell station near the entrance to the Dara College. My wife assures me that they would sell the battery to you (assuming they have it) without any silliness about doctors etc.
marty

[Don]

Hi Marty, amazing, I already tried there also, he can sell me a hearing aid with a battery included, but dosn't sell spare batteries, amasing Thailand !!, he did say he would look into getting spares but hasn't done yet.
       Keep the ideas coming, thank's again Marty.

[Marty Johnston]

mmmm  now I have a challenge!  Let me work on that....

I suppose you've tried eBay?