Mamiya C220 bellows replacement

[thicktheo]

So I got this nice Mamiya C220f:



...but when I extended the bellows, I saw that the outer bellows had two huge holes on them that can't really be repaired. I googled around a bit, trying to find info on bellows replacement for the Mamiya TLRs, but there was nothing to be found - it seems like I'm the only one that has come across this problem!

So I'm asking the APUG hive: can the Mamiya TLR bellows be replaced? is it easy? or should I just ask my money back from the ebay seller and be done with it?

I have to point out that its operation doesn't seem to be affected - the taking lens has its own bellows inside of the outer bellows, and I can see no problem there. Haven't tested it with a film yet, but I played around with a flashlight and I could see no obvious light leaks. Amazingly, the viewing lens doesn't seem to be affected either - I tried focusing/composing with the bellows fully extended and under strong light, and the light entering through the hole didn't seem to trouble the image in the WLF. Thus, it may only be an aesthetics problem, but even then I still would like to repair it.

 

[Steve Smith]

I'm sure they can be replaced. Somewhere I have a Mamiya repair manual as a PDF (although it's for the 330) and it shows the camera in an exploded view.

I have a scrap 330 (or is it a 33?) body at home. If the bellows are the same you can have them but I have a feeling they are different.

But as you stated, the taking lens has its own bellows inside so you can still use this camera as is.

EDIT: Have a look here: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_c220_repair/mamiya_c220_repair.htm

Steve.

 

[mgb74]

I would not completely discount the possibility of finding a replacement from Mamiya. Worth sending them an email.

 

[paul ron]

KEH has an "as is" section n sells broken cameras for dirt cheap.

Dead Link Removed

You can probably find a body for about $20 or so for parts.

To repair the tears or holes, use a shutter curtain from an old 35mm camera or here is a company that sells the stuff....scroll down to "shutter curtain"


http://www.aki-asahi.com/store/


. Contact cement will bond it nicely to the fully extended n flattened inside of the torn bellows n maybe another on the outside depending on how much support it needs at the holes.

The taking lens is in it's own chamber so the light leaks shouldn't effect the film at all but will reak havoc while focusing in certain situations.