Hi Ken,

Have you visited the Diaxa site?

http://www.diaxa.com/xa/index.htm

This covers the battery issues. In essence, you need two SR44 or equivalent. It's important to get Silver Oxide batteries as they have a better power curve as they drain.

Have fun with your XA! I'm just falling in love with mine all over again

Edit: XA FAQ as well:

http://brashear.phys.appstate.edu/lhawkins/photo/xa.faq.html

Harry