DURACELL 28A 6V Alkaline Battery, 1 Count Pack, 28A 6 Volt Alkaline Battery, Long-Lasting for Cameras, Medical Devices, Garage Door Openers, and More

A reliable 6V standby for film cameras and small electronics

A lot of niche batteries are hard to find, and harder still to trust. The Duracell 28A sits in that sweet spot of being widely available, reasonably priced, and dependable enough that I don’t have to think about it once it’s installed. I’ve been using this 6V alkaline cell across a few devices—primarily a couple of vintage SLRs and a garage door remote—and it has behaved exactly the way I want a specialty battery to behave: it just works.

What it is and what it fits

The Duracell 28A is a 6-volt alkaline battery that’s physically compact but designed for relatively high-drain bursts. It’s the same size and electrical format you’ll see listed as 4LR44, A544, PX28A, or 476A. If your device calls for any of those codes, the 28A is the right shape and voltage.

I’ve used it in:
- A Canon AE-1 Program for metering and shutter control
- A Pentax 6x7 MLU body
- A Bronica SQ-A body
- A garage door opener remote
- A small door sensor

In each case, the fit and polarity alignment were straightforward. For older camera bodies in particular, the spring contacts can sometimes get finicky with off-brand cells; I didn’t have that issue here.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the package, my fresh cell read 6.36 V open-circuit on a multimeter, which is exactly what I expect from a new alkaline 4LR44 form factor. Under a modest load (roughly 10 mA through a resistor), voltage settled at 6.12 V and stayed stable over a few minutes. That’s a good sign for devices that pulse current—autowinders, shutters, and IR transmitters—because it suggests the cell isn’t going to sag dramatically during a burst.

Duracell claims a five-year shelf life. The date code on my pack lined up with that claim, and the packaging was tight and tamper-resistant. For a battery that might be a “buy now, use later” option in an emergency kit or a camera bag, that long shelf rating matters.

Real-world performance

In the Canon AE-1 Program, I used the 28A for weekend shooting over two months—meter always on during sessions, with frequent half-presses and periodic shutter bursts. The camera’s battery check tone remained consistent the entire time, and I didn’t see exposure drift that can happen when a 6V source sags under use.

The garage door remote is a different workload: short, infrequent bursts, but with long idle periods. After three months of daily use, the open-circuit reading of the same battery settled around 6.18 V, and the remote range felt unchanged. Alkaline cells naturally decline in voltage over time, but this one stayed in the “no worries” zone through typical household use.

In the Bronica and Pentax systems, which are more selective about contact pressure and voltage stability, installation was tidy and performance was uneventful—the best outcome with legacy gear. The shutter and mirror lock-up behaved reliably, and the battery didn’t rattle or back out under recoil.

How it compares to other chemistries

The 28A is an alkaline stack (4LR44). There are two common alternatives worth noting:

• 4SR44 (silver oxide): Same size, nominal 6V, but a flatter discharge curve and a slightly higher per-cell voltage stability. Silver oxide versions tend to hold their voltage more evenly as they drain, which can be beneficial for cameras that are picky about meter accuracy. They’re usually more expensive.

• PX28L / 2CR1/3N (lithium): Similar 6V output, excellent cold-weather performance, and long shelf life. Lithium cells generally offer longer runtime in intermittent, high-drain devices. They also cost more and may be overkill for occasional camera use.

For many camera bodies, garage remotes, and sensors, the Duracell 28A’s alkaline chemistry is perfectly adequate. If you shoot in extreme cold, leave a trigger or sensor armed for months at a time, or you’re obsessive about metering precision over a long drain, a silver oxide or lithium version can be a smart upgrade. For general-purpose use, I’ve had no reason to step up.

Reliability and leakage

Alkaline chemistry has a reputation for leakage if abused or stored in devices for years. I store spares in a cool, dry drawer and pull batteries from gear I’m not using for a while; I also clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol when I swap. Following those habits, I haven’t seen any leakage or corrosion with this 28A.

Duracell’s packaging and date coding help guard against old stock, but it’s still worth a quick check at arrival. A fresh open-circuit reading above 6.2 V gives me confidence I’m starting with a healthy cell.

Runtime expectations

Exact runtime depends heavily on the device. As a loose reference, 4LR44 cells typically land in the ~150–170 mAh range at low drain. Cameras draw short, high-current pulses with longer idle periods; remotes do the same. In practice, that means months of normal use rather than days or years. My experience across camera and remote use aligns with that expectation. If you rely on a device professionally, keeping a spare in the bag is cheap insurance.

Ease of use and availability

This battery is the definition of “plug and play” if your device calls for it. The copper-and-black wrap is easy to spot, the polarity markings are clear, and the can’s finish resists scuffing during insertion. Because it’s a single-pack, I typically buy two at a time—one to install and one to stash.

Availability matters with oddball sizes, and Duracell has been reliably in stock. That consistency is half the reason I stick with name brands for specialty batteries; I prefer knowing I can replace like for like.

Small annoyances

• Single pack only: If you have multiple devices, you’ll end up buying several singles or shopping around for a multipack.
• Not ideal for extreme cold: Alkaline performance drops in low temperatures. If you shoot outdoors in winter, consider a lithium variant.
• Alkaline voltage curve: For devices that demand tight voltage regulation over the entire life of the cell, silver oxide holds its line a bit better.

None of these are dealbreakers for typical use, but they’re worth keeping in mind.

Tips for best results

• Check compatibility codes: 4LR44, A544, PX28A, 476A are equivalent designations for this size and chemistry.
• Inspect contacts: Clean with isopropyl alcohol before installing; oxidation can masquerade as a “bad battery.”
• Don’t mix old and new: Always replace as a set if your device takes more than one cell (some accessories do).
• Remove for storage: If you won’t use the device for months, pull the battery to avoid leakage risk.
• Mind the date code: Aim for the furthest-out expiration you can find to take advantage of the five-year shelf guarantee.

The bottom line

The Duracell 28A hits the mark for what a specialty 6V cell should be: consistent, easy to source, and unremarkable in the best possible way. It has powered my film cameras, a garage remote, and a small sensor without drama. Voltage stability under normal loads is solid, shelf life is long enough to stock a spare, and the form factor fits precisely in the devices that call for it.

Recommendation: I recommend the Duracell 28A for anyone who needs a dependable 6V alkaline in the 4LR44/A544/PX28A/476A class. It’s a trustworthy choice for film cameras and small electronics. If you routinely operate in extreme cold or demand the flattest possible voltage curve, step up to a lithium or silver-oxide counterpart; otherwise, this alkaline variant balances performance, availability, and cost very well.