Have old Bessa folder 6x9 from 1940's, can bellows be replaced?

harlequin · Jan 30, 2018

Dear APUG Folder/Rangefinder Experts,

I was given a Bessa 6x9 folder from relative with Color Skopar,
the body and camera overall looks good however the bellows is another story entirely.

Q:

a) Is there a place in USA that would supply replacement bellows for this camera
b) if not in USA, some other country??
c) I would like to restore this to its former glory, if anyone in APUG has had to replace the bellows
what were the steps to doing so, or am I best to bite the bullet and send it for replacement of bellows.
d) As a 6x9 I would really like to begin using it, I know its not a GSW69III Fuji, but for black and white
landscapes and candid work, should fit the bill.

Many thanks for your suggestions/responses or even photos taken with this camera as
I think it was "ahead of its time" for design and quality...

Kind Regards,

Harlequin

R.Gould · Jan 30, 2018

Can't help with the USA but over here Custom Bellows, Formally Camera Bellows, could almpost certainly supply new bellows, They will custom make the bellows

Barry Kirsten · Jan 30, 2018

ecbuyonline on eBay supply most kinds of bellows at very reasonable prices. I've had one of theirs for my 4x5 Linhof about 6-7 years and it's still going strong. Quality is excellent.

EdSawyer · Jan 30, 2018

There are ready-made bellows for the Bessa on ebay, regularly.

pbromaghin · Jan 30, 2018

EdSawyer said:
There are ready-made bellows for the Bessa on ebay, regularly.

Some store in Hong Kong has them listed for 79.99 USD.

johnnyh · Jan 31, 2018

Good luck with sourcing the bellows. You enquired about photos taken with this camera; I have one here taken with the non-"Color-" Skopar on the predecessor model Bessa - no need to feel doubtful about using yours for colour as well if the occasion arises ;-)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/43334883@N03/5128470519/in/album-72157631286853918/

baachitraka · Jan 31, 2018

http://www.sandehalynch.com/camerawork/bellows.php

johnnyh · Jan 31, 2018

That ^^^ reminds me - Sandeha Lynch supplied a bellows for my Agfa Record III (also 6x9), it was very good and easy to fit.

europanorama · Feb 12, 2018

I repaired a badly shaped Grundner(very large) shutter with the help of 3M tape 850 F. its very thin. there is a thicker material-tape. maybe someone can provide its name. or i must dig out.
btw: there are images of this unrepaired grundner_shutter online. when i will use it i will show the repaired version..not looking nice but effective. 1/6 can be achieved quickest

ChuckP · Feb 13, 2018

A heavier 3M tape is #235 Photographic tape. I've used it to repair bellows. Easy but the thicker tape means sometimes the camera doesn't fully close if it's a folder.
https://www.freestylephoto.biz/2838-3M-Black-Photographic-Tape-235-1-2-in.-x-60-yd.

wjlapier · Mar 7, 2018

baachitraka said:
http://www.sandehalynch.com/camerawork/bellows.php

Sandeha installed bellows in my Certo Dolly SS--6x6 camera. He did a great job--I'm very pleased with the results and the camera.

Have old Bessa folder 6x9 from 1940's, can bellows be replaced?

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