Konica Pearl bellows removal

OAPOli · Sep 10, 2023

I want to replace the bellows on a Konica Pearl III. I can take the lens off and I have some materials for new bellows.

I can't figure out how to remove the bellows from the body. They seem to be sandwiched between the film gate and body, and the gate itself seems to be clamped to the body via folded metal lips on the body. No sign of fasteners. Unfolding the lips would make a mess so I don't think that's the way? Looking for suggestions on how to proceed.

Dan Daniel · Sep 10, 2023

photos?

OAPOli · Sep 10, 2023

folded lip holding the gate?

Film gate with ripped bellows

nosmok · Sep 11, 2023

I replaced a bellows on an Agfa folder where the film gate kinda slipped over the bellows and snapped into place, and was then held in by two very shallow screws on each side, in the film roll wells. I can imagine a similar design without those screws, though. Removing the rollers might reveal something, if you have the stomach for that.

OAPOli · Sep 11, 2023

I found a Japanese repair blog that confirmed what I thought. Not the best design since bellows are known to wear out.

I have a few options. 1) unfold the bottom lip and wiggle the film gate out. But how can I avoid marring and distorting the surfaces? 2) file/cutoff the lip and reattach using 1.6mm screws. There is some room on the sides, but at an angle and tricky to drill. 3) cut the bellows out and bond them in place, there is some surface area. That will likely leak and need patching.

Happy to hear suggestions.

OAPOli · Sep 12, 2023

I went with option 2). That said, for anyone attempting this repair, I think there is a better way. The bottom fold sits on a flexible plate and can likely be lifted/pushed a bit to free the film gate. You can unfold the end to help.

BenD · Nov 10, 2023

Hi OAPOli, I’m about to replace the bellows on my Konica Pearl iii. The camera is in great shape but the bellows leather is unfortunately coming apart at the edges. In your last post you mention a way in which the film gate can be released without cutting. I’d be grateful if you could share your thoughts on this as I’m reluctant to cut the camera if there is a better way.
Thanks
Ben

OAPOli · Nov 10, 2023

BenD said:
Hi OAPOli, I’m about to replace the bellows on my Konica Pearl iii. The camera is in great shape but the bellows leather is unfortunately coming apart at the edges. In your last post you mention a way in which the film gate can be released without cutting. I’d be grateful if you could share your thoughts on this as I’m reluctant to cut the camera if there is a better way.
Thanks
Ben

Try this. Lift one corner of the bottom lip that folds over the gate while pushing it towards the bottom of the camera. The latter has a bit of flex, which might allow you to free one corner of the film gate and then the rest.

BenD · Nov 10, 2023

Many thanks, I’ll give it a go.

Konica Pearl bellows removal

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