bellows material

[chrisf]

Has anyone used BK 5 for bellows? If so, how does it work?

http://www.thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_ID=190

thanks,
chris

 

[Mike Wilde]

I am looking for something just like this for a MF folding camera restoration. The thickness seems right. I was advised to use 0.007 leather, if building from leather if the camera is to be able to close on the new bellows.

Regretably, the quantity on offer is a bit too large for me to bite on buying this on spec. I need a a piece about 30cmx60cm maximum.

 

[dlin]

Hi Chris,

I've made a set of replacement bellows for a Century studio camera using two layers of BK5, and it came out quite nicely. One layer of BK5 is not completely light tight. However, with two layers of BK5 bonded together with contact cement and railroad board for the ribs, the final sandwich is very thin, flexible and light tight.

Best,
Daniel

 

[chrisf]

Thanks Daniel, just what I needed to know.
Did you use spray contact cement like 3M 87?

I'm building a 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 "traveler". For my biking around the city. Not sure when I'll get around to the film holders but the camera should be done in a couple more weeks.

chris

 

[dlin]

Hey Chris, I believe there was a thread a while back discussing the various merits/weaknesses of adhesives for BK5, but I've found the spray contact cement like 3M 87 was adequate for my purposes.

Hope all is going well for you.

Best,
Daniel

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Have you tried talking to the friendly folks at Custom Bellows?

http://www.custombellows.co.uk/

They may sell you some of the 'real' bellows materials and some plans on how to do your own. It's worth a try.

 

[chrisf]

Ralph,

Thanks for the suggestion. I had them make a bellows for me and I was very happy with the results. I'll contact them.

 

[ChasBosio]

Does Thor Labs ship to the US?

 

[greg pb]

Does Thor Labs ship to the US?

It's possible,they are in Newton, NJ

 

[Mike Wilde]

My search for bellows making material ended over the week-end. In my favourite camera store i found 2- 14"x33" rubberized cloth blackout window coverings. They appear to be perfect material donors for the bellows fix project.

 

[ronlamarsh]

Railroad bd

Hi Chris,

I've made a set of replacement bellows for a Century studio camera using two layers of BK5, and it came out quite nicely. One layer of BK5 is not completely light tight. However, with two layers of BK5 bonded together with contact cement and railroad board for the ribs, the final sandwich is very thin, flexible and light tight.

Best,
Daniel

OMG I was just shopping around on thorlabs site and saw the BK5 which I have used for other things i.e. curtain to convert kitchen to darkroom and am going to make a new bellows for my 5x7 I need to know what is railroad bd?

 

[dlin]

Ron,

Railroad board is just a type of stiff cardboard that comes in different colors. If I recall correctly, I used black 4-ply board to make the ribs for my bellows.

 

[Andrew Moxom]

BK-5 is fine, but you need multiple layers. I use it and wilderness outfitters 'silverized taffeta' material for my wet plate darkbox... Works slick.

 

[eworkman]

Crisf Thanks for the link to the bellows material
Andrew- I tried to google wilderness outfitters and got camps and guides and thing like that-no apparent stores
Do you have a link you could please share?
thanks
regards
Ed

 

[eclarke]

BK-5 is fine, but you need multiple layers. I use it and wilderness outfitters 'silverized taffeta' material for my wet plate darkbox... Works slick.

Andy, I am going to make a bag bellows for my 11x14. Do you think the Bk5/ silvered taffeta combo is IR safe?..Evan Clarke

 

[richard ide]

IIRC "railroad board" is a card with a recycled core. I think a far better material (considering what it is going to be used for) would be something like Strathmore illustration board. It is cotton and very durable. I think the extra cost would be well worth it.