Bellows Help, Need a favor

gbenaim · Sep 6, 2007

Hi all,

In trying to fix my 8x10 bellows someone reccomended a product called vinyl paint by rust-oleum, which unfortunately isn't available here in Israel where I live. I even talked to the distributor. Here's a link to the product, so you know what it looks like:

Dead Link Removed

Anyway, I was hoping someone wouldn't mind getting me a can next time they're in a hardware store and shipping it to me. I can paypal the money to cover all costs right away. You'd be doing a fellow LF'er a huge favor. Thanks in advance,

GB

phfitz · Sep 6, 2007

GB,

I don't think any carrier would accept an aerosol can for shipping, too dangerous. You could check with an auto body repair shop where you are, they would have this or can order it for you.

Good luck with it.

blaze-on · Sep 6, 2007

Another product is called "dip-it" or similar...what they use on tool handles and can be bought here in the states at any hardware/home center. Ok to brush on too..

bdial · Sep 6, 2007

There are probably several alternatives to this particular product. Are you looking to fix pinholes?

removed account4 · Sep 6, 2007

gb

equinoxphotographic sells bellows patch as does bostick and sullivan.
they can probably ship the product to you, without any worries.

i have never used either of these items, or the one you mention,
but i did repair bellows with pva (poly vinyl acetate / glue ) and ink ( thanks jeremy!),
and i haven't had troubles yet -- its been about a year.

Anscojohn · Sep 6, 2007

If it is just pinholes, fabric paint from an art or craft store works very well.
I have used a brand called SCRIBLES, Nr. SC 139.

gbenaim · Sep 7, 2007

Thanks all for your suggestions, I'll se what I can find locally. It is just pinholes, all along the corners.

GB

colrehogan · Sep 7, 2007

Bostick and Sullivan sells a bellows repair kit which includes the stuff you paint onto the bellows and cloth to patch any significant holes in the bellows.

gbenaim · Sep 7, 2007

Diane and Jnanian,

Is the B&S kit good for lots of pinholes along the corners, or is it just for a couple of big holes? What's in it exactly? Thanks.

gbenaim · Sep 7, 2007

I found this thread,

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

where among other things Sandy King reccomends bookbinders' tape for fixing pinholes along the corners. Does anyone know what Gaylords is and whether they ship overseas? Thanks.

DBP · Sep 7, 2007

Another product you may be able to find locally is liquid electrical tape, which is basically a thick paint like substance that dries to a rubbery consistency.

Jim Jones · Sep 7, 2007

For pinholes in fabric lined bellows I scrub black liquid artist's acrylic paint well into the fabric with an old soft toothbrush.

gbenaim · Sep 7, 2007

Jim,

Why not the outside as well?

John Koehrer · Sep 7, 2007

Jim Jones said:
For pinholes in fabric lined bellows I scrub black liquid artist's acrylic paint well into the fabric with an old soft toothbrush.

Me too.
And it should be available in Israel.

Jim Jones · Sep 7, 2007

gbenaim said:
Jim,

Why not the outside as well?

Yes, the outside too if acrylic paint will stick to it. Sometimes fabric lined bellows have a plastic material on the outside to which acrylic won't adhere securely.

gbenaim · Sep 10, 2007

OK, I used the acrylic and it worked great at closing the pinholes. Only thing now is the bellows are kind of sticky still. I let it dry overnight, and don't know whether it'll just always stay sticky or if I need to let it dry longer still. Would you put talc on the inside of bellows to counteract the stickiness, or will it just make a mess of my negatives? Thanks,

GB

Jim Jones · Sep 10, 2007

Acrylic does have a slightly tacky surface, but I haven't noticed any practical drawbacks. A powder like talc might eventually migrate to the film. A very light application of wax might be better, although I've never felt the need to try it.

gbenaim · Sep 10, 2007

Jim,

Does it eventually get less tacky? The bellows tend to stick together when stored, and I'm afraid that if left closed too long it might stay stuck, especially where it's thicker. I'll try the wax idea.

Russ Young · Sep 13, 2007

A visually attractive solution is self adhesive (an acrylic?) black satin cloth tape made by Lineco (item # 533-1082). It is used by the conservation field to make slip covers, boxes, etc. It truly is satin and the effect if you run down all of the 'valleys' of your bellows is quite nice. Most non-photographers who have seen my ancient cameras assume it is a 'custom' touch.
Russ Young

gbenaim · Sep 14, 2007

Thanks, Russ, I already took care of it w acrylic paint, but will keep it in mind for next time.

Jim Jones · Sep 15, 2007

gbenaim said:
Jim,

Does it eventually get less tacky? The bellows tend to stick together when stored, and I'm afraid that if left closed too long it might stay stuck, especially where it's thicker. I'll try the wax idea.

I've never noticed an increase in tackiness.

When mending bellows, a build-up in thickness can be a problem in bellows that must compress tightly, as in press cameras, or when wide angle lenses are used. That's one reason to use an opaque material that plugs up pinholes instead of adding an extra layer of material. However, some "temporary" black crepe paper patches have adorned a few of my cameras for many years.

Bellows Help, Need a favor

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