One of the PX-625 batteries in my Lunasix went dead today and I replace both cells with fresh ones. Then I noticed that my supply of refrigerated 625 mercury cells is wearing thin.
I remember reading somewhere that these cells can be recharged. Is there any truth in this or am I likely to cause a fire, an explosion or a cloud of mercury vapour (or all three) in my workshop?
It would be nice to at least prolong their life a bit. They have become almost impossible to find and the alternatives seem to have major drawbacks. It would be nice to keep my Lunasix, Rollei 35 SE (PX-27) and Leica MR meter in working condition.

I did a quick google on the subject and found that while they can be recharged their voltage varies after recharging and they are not as reliable for the subsequent discharge cycle.

http://tpub.com/neets/book21/87i.htm

As the production of mercury batteries is forbidden under EU laws, I'd advise you to get a battery adapter. www.criscam.com and www.rolleicamera.com/sales-batt-adapt.htm

Hans

Yes, the PX 625 can be recharged, with a small solarcell device I bought years ago from Solar World Co Spgs, CO. It is called Button Battery POCKET CHARGER item No. SBE-1 (US PAT.No. 4,539,516). It works great and a not completely uncharged button cell can be recharged for over 10 times. When the cell is completely empty it might not work.

Good luck,
Philippe