Conley 4x5, possibly trashed bellows - worth $50-70??

Hi,
I have a chance to buy one of these, but from the description from the seller, the bellows need replacing. Is it worth it? I'm kind of tempted just because the thing looks so cool.

Bellows are quite easy to make, so go for it.

Ian

Well I just talked to guy further, and the bellows are fine it's the pump release for the shutter that is gone. Going to pick it up tonight. Will this thing work with Standard sheet film, or is it a glass plate only camera? Excuse my ignorance on the subject.

It is likely a plate camera, but don't let that stop you.

Here's a Conley history in a nutshell: http://conleycameras.sevenels.net/history.html

Peter Gomena

I'm guessing it's probably a plate camera as well, but can you use standard film holders in a plate camera and get it to work?

Edit: It's a Conley XV model.

Well I bought it. The bellows need to be reattached to the front standard, but other than that, are light tight. The lens is a bit dirty, but should clean up. Talked him down to $60. Can't wait to get some film holders and shoot a few shots with it!

Film holders are the first part of the solution. The catch is that the film is held at a different distance from the ground glass than the old glass plates were, so focus will be affected. I have an old Seneca plate camera on which the previous owner had flipped the ground glass around to frosted-side-out. While not an exact fix, it puts the point of focus closer to where it should be. I find I can make pretty darned sharp negatives for a hundred-year-old camera with an inexpensive original rapid rectilinear lens.

Another fix I saw on the large format forum is to cut a piece of aluminum with a rectangular hole in it the same size and position as the film window on the holder. The aluminum is the same thickness as negative glass (you'll have to do some research here.) The person posting the solution focused with the aluminum sheet in place, pulled it out, inserted the filmholder and made the image.

You also can fool with shimming the ground glass until you find the right focal point.

Good luck. I own two 100-plus year-old cameras and enjoy working with them.

Peter Gomena

Well I have a friend that has a few glass negatives kicking around, so I can find out the thickness easy enough, and I have a blacksmith for a next door neighbor. Question - just to make sure. The aluminum goes in place while focusing, and then you remove it and replace with a standard film holder while taking the image?

Thanks,
Eric

Yes. It would be a rectangle the same width as the film holder with some extra at one end so you can grip it. (I think the original post I read said the maker bent an angle on the long side for an easier grip.) The rectangular hole would be the size of the opening for the holder offset to match the window in the holder. Focus with the adapter in, remove it, slide in the film holder and make your exposure.

Peter Gomena