Camera Bellows Cleaning and Minor Repairs

Michael Finder · Nov 6, 2008

My new antique 8x10 field camera just arrived fom India. Its a piece of art.
The bellows are quite dusty and have obviously been stored for a while and need a thorough clean.
There are also minute pin hole light leaks visible when shining a torch into the bellows.
Any suggestions on cleaning the bellows and can the pinhole leaks be effectively repaired? Thanks Michael.

k_jupiter · Nov 6, 2008

Rule number 1: Never buy LF equipment from India.
Rule number 2: There is no rule number 2.
Rule number 3: If in doubt, refer to rule number 1.

Yes, you can clean up small pinholes with small amounts of black rtv. Fill them, leave the bellows extended, then repress the folds the way they should be.

I think you may find you have a very nice piece for your mantle.

just my opinion,

tim in san jose

Pupfish · Nov 12, 2008

He never said he bought it, he just said it arrived.

Maybe it was a gift. Personally, I'd gladly take possession of a free-to-me Deardorff (or even a Linhof or maybe even a lowly MPP) from India-- or Pakistan for that matter-- even one with pinholes. As they say, never look a gift Horseman in the mouth.

mpirie · Nov 18, 2008

There is a company in England (yes, a bit of a trek from Australia) who make replacement bellows, and although I haven't used them (black photo-tape works wonders) they quoted a very reasonable price to me to replace my Toyo bellows. It might be worth a call or an email (Salescb@camerabellows.com) if you're interested.

Michael Finder · Nov 18, 2008

Thanks for the information. I have already partially restored the bellows using black artists acrylic and black material dimensional (puffy) paint. My next step is to try Sandy King's suggestion of book binder's tape along the corners. If this doesn't work I'll give them a try. Michael.

Camera Bellows Cleaning and Minor Repairs

Michael Finder

k_jupiter

Pupfish

mpirie

Michael Finder

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