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Hello Lewis,
At 08:15 AM 8/3/2002 +0100, you wrote:
 However, i decided to buy a completely manual camera on the 2nd hand 
market and decided on the Olympus OM-1 which seemed like a good deal. This 
means that i have the following lens/accessories available to me-
        Tamron 28mm f2.5
        Zuiko 50mm f1.4 lens
        Tokina 35-70mm f4 lens
        Centon 500mm f8 mirror lens
        Sunagor Auto 2x Teleconvertor
I have done various lens tests and they all *appear* to work well. Any 
comments on them would be appreciated. 
Welcome to the dark side, as we say.  Your acquisition of the Zuiko is 
automatically approved, and I've heard nothing but good things about the 
Tamron and Tokina items, so you're doing pretty well there. 
 Secondly despite searching various lists i am still unsure of the battery 
situation on the OM series using the mercury battery. I bought some 
zinc-air replacements (as per a list message i found) and upon testing the 
meter readings it seems fine - however further reading leads me to believe 
that over time these readings with be incorrect due to the continual loss 
of voltage on the battery. I have now read that there is a converter 
available (MR-9?) allowing the use of an alkaline battery - is this the 
better option?
 
I've got two MR-9s and they are apparently different, and the manufacturer 
has apparently designed them to go with different batteries through the 
years.  My first one I believe was supposed to go with a SR44/357.  The 
latest version is designed for the SR43/301.  What's the difference?  The 
battery is rated at the same voltage, but drop off characteristics 
differ.  How important is it?  Don't really know, but the reason I bought 
it is to get the best possible replacement for a normal Hg battery, whose 
drop off characteristics are what make it ideal for the OM-1, so I'm taking 
it seriously. 
Some people swear by the zinc batteries.  They wouldn't work for me because 
I'd put them in and then the next time I want the camera they'd be dead, 
since I use the OM-1 in fits and starts. 
Whatever you decide to use, I'd recommend setting up with it in conjunction 
with a professional servicing of the camera.  Even though the MR-9 is 
supposed to drop in as a replacement for the Hg battery, I have some 
doubts.  As long as you are getting some service, you could also see if 
your technician offers a conversion that allows you to use a simple 
SR44/357 cell without requiring the MR-9 at all. 
Good luck, and enjoy,
Joel W.
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