Choosing the Right Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom Battery
Are you’re looking to find a Canon Sure Shot Telemax battery?
If you’ve got your hands on a Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom, congratulations… you’re holding one of Canon’s most popular point-and-shoot film cameras from the 1990s.
It’s compact, reliable, and produces surprisingly sharp images for its size.
But before you load your favorite roll of film, there’s one small (but essential) thing you need to get right: the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery.
This camera is fully automatic, which means it relies completely on battery power to run everything… from the lens zoom and autofocus to the film advance and flash.
So, choosing the right Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery isn’t just about convenience.
It’s about keeping your camera alive and ready to shoot when the moment strikes.
The Correct Battery Type
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom uses one CR123A lithium battery.
This is a small, high-energy 3V battery that’s widely available and easy to find online or in stores that sell camera supplies.
You might also see it listed as:
- CR123
- DL123A (Duracell’s version)
- EL123A (Energizer’s version)
- K123LA (Kodak’s version)
All of these are interchangeable… they’re simply brand names for the same CR123A size and voltage.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Substitutes
It might be tempting to pop in a different type of battery if you can’t find a CR123A nearby, but that’s not a good idea.
The Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery needs to deliver consistent power to run the autofocus motor, zoom mechanism, and film transport system.
Using the wrong type could cause the camera to underperform… or even shut down mid-roll.
AA or AAA batteries simply won’t fit, and rechargeable CR123A alternatives often have slightly different voltage outputs (like 3.6V instead of 3V), which can cause instability in older film cameras.
Stick with a standard, non-rechargeable 3V CR123A lithium battery for best results.
How Long the Battery Lasts
A single Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery can usually last through 15–20 rolls of film, depending on how often you use the flash or zoom.
If you’re shooting in colder weather or relying heavily on flash photography, battery life may shorten.
A good rule of thumb:
- If the film advance seems sluggish,
- If the flash takes longer than usual to charge, or
- If the camera won’t power on at all
it’s time to replace the battery.
Because the CR123A is small and lightweight, many film photographers keep a spare in their camera bag.
It’s an inexpensive backup that can save a shoot.
Recommended Brands
You don’t need anything fancy, but stick to trusted brands for reliability and safety.
Some of the best Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery options include:
- Energizer CR123A Lithium
- Duracell DL123A
- Panasonic CR123A
- Kodak K123LA
Generic or no-name brands might be cheaper, but they can leak, die early, or provide inconsistent power.
When it comes to powering vintage electronics, a few extra dollars for a name-brand battery is worth it.
Where to Buy
You can find CR123A batteries in most big-box stores, camera shops, or online retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo.
If you buy in bulk, they’re often much cheaper per unit… a good idea if you plan to shoot film regularly.
Just store them in a cool, dry place, away from extreme heat or moisture.
Final Thoughts
Your Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom battery might be small, but it’s the heartbeat of your camera.
Without it, nothing works… no focus, no flash, no film advance.
The good news? The CR123A battery is affordable, long-lasting, and easy to find.
So before your next film adventure, double-check that you’ve got a fresh CR123A installed… and maybe a spare in your bag.
That tiny power source ensures your Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom is always ready to capture those nostalgic 35mm moments exactly as you remember them.
Get more specs for the Canon Sure Shot 85 Zoom over at the Canon Camera Museum.
