CR 123 Photo Batteries in SF Lights

[Submariner]

How is a "Photo" battery harmful to a light?

From SF's web site:

Will using non-SureFire brand batteries void my SureFire warranty?
Using genuine Panasonic®, Duracell® or Energizer® batteries will not void your warranty, but using any other non-SureFire brand will void it.

and

SureFire recommends the use of only SureFire-brand 123A lithium batteries or those manufactured by Panasonic®, Energizer®, and Duracell®. However, do not use any batteries marked "Photo" or "Camera" in SureFire illumination tools.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

So 123 batteries are not all a like? Is it that they are the lithium versions?

In CR123A, what does the CR and A mean, and what does it mean if they aren't there?

[M4Fundi]

All I know is that all batteries are not created equal. I have had a few Energizer AA Lithiums blow on me. Unfortunately I still have cases of Energizer Lithiums and still use them, but prefer Duracell.

CR123A I just buy from SF and don't have to think about it. If you get on their news letter they sometimes have battery specials and I usually just grab a few boxes then.

[Iraq Ninja]

So 123 batteries are not all a like? Is it that they are the lithium versions?

In CR123A, what does the CR and A mean, and what does it mean if they aren't there?

check this data out...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...ad.php?t=67078

I think the surefire batteries are made by Energiszer?

[Iraq Ninja]

It has been awhile since I read the candle power forum report, but I think all the Made if USA batteries are made at one factory by duracell?

[Submariner]

Hello Mr. Submariner,

The reason is that photo/camera 3 volt lithium batteries can be drawn from on by cameras differently than our flashlights. If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at the below telephone number.

Thank you,

James Scannell
Technical Support Representative

Can anyone explain this?

[Iraq Ninja]

Camera has less power requirements than a SF flashlight I guess. Camera batteries are not as robust and not designed for a flashlight's power requirements.

[LOKNLOD]

Sub,
It's probably not a direct analogy, but think about a standard car battery vs. a deep cycle battery you'd use for a trolling motor. They both may be 12 volts, but different applications draw power differently. A light needs power at a relatively constant rate on-off but a camera needs both a small draw constantly and then big "bursts" for a flash.

[Robb Jensen]

My brother in the AF gets issued Kodak CR123 batteries.

[Iraqgunz]

They are in the stock system and we ordered them as well when I was in the USCG in the middle east. We never had issues with lights exploding or otherwise.

My brother in the AF gets issued Kodak CR123 batteries.