Adaptor to by pass CR123

[khchan88]

Just want to verify if there is a adaptor that came with the S1Pro or S2Pro that can by pass the CR123 batteries and use only from the AA power source. Is this true?

[arttl]

Hmmm....seriously dun think that there's an adaptor that comes in the package. Unless you are referring to the MB-16..... Which is sold seperately...

[khchan88]

Hmmm....So there are such an adaptor. Except it has to be purchased seperately.

Any idea how much it costs? Also once by pass the CR123 and drawing only from the AA. Do you know how much "mileage" one can get out of the AA?

[khchan88]

One more thing. So am I able to operate the camera (S1 Pro, S2 Pro) without putting in the CR123 batteries (without the presence of a MB-16)?

[arttl]

Originally Posted by khchan88 Any idea how much it costs? Also once by pass the CR123 and drawing only from the AA. Do you know how much "mileage" one can get out of the AA?

Brand-new MB16 should cost between $120-$150. Paiseh, forgot how much I bought. It'll definately last longer and cheaper than CR123 batt. However, you'll need to do some modification to it before fitting onto the S2 Pro, as it was meant for Nikon F80 body.

Originally Posted by khchan88 ]One more thing. So am I able to operate the camera (S1 Pro, S2 Pro) without putting in the CR123 batteries (without the presence of a MB-16)?

Yes.

[yowch]

When using the S2pro without CR123, the built-in flash cannot be used, and I can feel a grinding slowness in the AF speed. That said, when the CR123 is low and the camera refuses to work, dump the 123s and shoot with just the 4 AAs, you'll probably get an additional 5 to 20 shots. That's because the AAs (NiMH) will discharge and voltage will drop, and once below activation voltage, the batteries are as good as gone.

MB-16 at about $95 for new but no warranty set (grey). You'll probably void warranty by modifying it, anyway. And the MB-16 takes an additional 4 batteries, not drawing from the original 4, so you'll carry 8 batteries around.

I can get 700 shots with 1 set of CR123 (that's $2.50 each for $5.00) for $95, I'll have 19 sets or 13300 shots. I find that the MB-16, no matter how good the workmanship in modification, will not connect perfectly well, and mounting on tripod will be a little loose. For 13300 shots equivalence, I'll carry a lighter body .

[arttl]

Originally Posted by yowch When using the S2pro without CR123, the built-in flash cannot be used, and I can feel a grinding slowness in the AF speed. That said, when the CR123 is low and the camera refuses to work, dump the 123s and shoot with just the 4 AAs, you'll probably get an additional 5 to 20 shots. That's because the AAs (NiMH) will discharge and voltage will drop, and once below activation voltage, the batteries are as good as gone. MB-16 at about $95 for new but no warranty set (grey). You'll probably void warranty by modifying it, anyway. And the MB-16 takes an additional 4 batteries, not drawing from the original 4, so you'll carry 8 batteries around. I can get 700 shots with 1 set of CR123 (that's $2.50 each for $5.00) for $95, I'll have 19 sets or 13300 shots. I find that the MB-16, no matter how good the workmanship in modification, will not connect perfectly well, and mounting on tripod will be a little loose. For 13300 shots equivalence, I'll carry a lighter body .

That's what I call a detailed explaination..... Haha....

But other than the battery life, I guess the biggest advantage of the MB16 would be providing a better grip and build bah. But no vertical release though. Anyway, I never use the build-in flash at all... So it never really bother me.

Cheers!

[yowch]

Better grip? The S2pro is already the same height as the F80 with the MB16. You must have gorilla hands to need such a big grip!!!!

Do forget that the built in flash is a good and convenient fill flash, saves the time of mounting on the external flash.

[arttl]

Oh yah... forgot to mention that I'm a gorilla....

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by yowch I can get 700 shots with 1 set of CR123 (that's $2.50 each for $5.00) for $95, I'll have 19 sets or 13300 shots. I find that the MB-16, no matter how good the workmanship in modification, will not connect perfectly well, and mounting on tripod will be a little loose. For 13300 shots equivalence, I'll carry a lighter body .

wooo...
where u get that CR123 for S$2.50/piece?

[yowch]

Originally Posted by Cheesecake wooo... where u get that CR123 for S$2.50/piece?

Sanyo brand, but I get bulk order price (50 pieces? 200 pieces, etc.).

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by yowch Sanyo brand, but I get bulk order price (50 pieces? 200 pieces, etc.).

okie!

hohoho!

[ericp]

Agree with yowch, I did the same sums myself (slightly different numbers ) and concluded the same thing ... MB16 not for me, even though I have an F80 as well.

Sanyo CR123 $3 at Eastgear (#2 Peninsula), Panasonic (I think) CR123 at Chamoxa (#4 Funan) $2.50 (but loose, ie. no packaging ... but if you ask they'll put into individual small plastic bag for you) ... if you buy full tray of 50, it's $1.50 each ...

[yowch]

Hehehe, Chamoxa is also my friend...

Yes, the Panasonic are really cheap, and I can seriously considering them for my next 'bulk' purchase. Even if they last 50% as long, they are about 50% the price, too.

For us S2pro users, have you noticed that when the CR123 is low, the cam shuts down as if the AAa are not charged? I face this everytime my CR123 hits the low battery signal. My solutions are 1. change CR123, 2. shut down, let the CR123 cool off for a while, then restart and 3. pop the CR123 and run my 5 to 10 shots on the AAs alone.

I do have an F80, too. I use the MB16 on the F80 to give it the same grip as the S2pro. Also the cam becomes more balanced.

[Cheesecake]

yup, went to chamoxa upon the recommendation of yowch. bought the panasonic CR123s for a good price of S$2.50/ each. hohoho! best price!

was thinking of bulk purchase of at least 50pcs.

there's rechargable CR123 for sale? can't seem to find it.

[yowch]

Rechargeable CR123: expensive and not very high charge, available only overseas. Nobody seems to be bringin in for the small market here.

[Cheesecake]

Originally Posted by yowch Rechargeable CR123: expensive and not very high charge, available only overseas. Nobody seems to be bringin in for the small market here.

sad...

went to EastGear and they said they are looking into the possibility of bringing them in.. hopefully at a good price.

i can always turn to a tray of 50 CR123s if the price is too high. but i thought it might be a worthwhile investment.