The Fujica ST701 was Fuji Photo Film's first standard SLR. It replaced fixed-lens models they had previously offered.

The first ones had a separate shoe that attached to hold the flash but a later revision made it a built-in hot shoe.

These were fairly dependable units but many who get them or dig them out of storage are unaware of a quirk that can make them appear to be defective.

When they were introduced cameras used mercury batteries to run meters and they were no exception. These batteries were very long-lasting and many ran for years with originals in them.

But in the years since those batteries have disappeared from the market and been replaced with alkaline batteries. Here is the problem.

Mercury cells put out 1.3 volts while a new alkaline cell puts out 1.55-1.6. The meter in the Fujica 701 will NOT work at ALL with the new batteries. The higher voltage jams the bridge circuit in them. The unit is OK but the meter will not react, making it appear dead.

The fix? Get zinc/air cells. These put out 1.35 volts and the camera is quite happy with them. Wein puts out cells for camera use but the cheapest and easiest way to feed the meter is to get hearing aid batteries available from drug stores or Radio Shack.

These will be a deal smaller than the original batteries but a piece of tubing, hunk of rubber band, paper, etc. can be wrapped around the circumference to center them.

The cells should only be opened and put in the camera when it is to be used. The modern cells do not last very long once they are energized.

Accuracy should be the same as with the original batteries but watch out if you wear glasses. Light can pass through your glasses and into the eyepiece, throwing off the reading, if the sun (or other light source) is behind you.

These are nice little cameras and formed the basis for the ST801 and 901 that followed. Enjoy them while you can.