Perkeo I - Safely remove bellows

aconbere · Sep 9, 2025

I have a Perkeo I got cheap but the bellows liner is separating in some areas. I think the best bet for non invasive repair is to remover the bellows entirely, then apply contact adhesive to the liner from the bottom edge.

However I’ve had mixed luck removing bellows from bodies before. Hoping someone here has advice (or alternative ideas on repair).

Thanks!

loccdor · Sep 9, 2025

I've used this glue for bellows which is black, flexible, and has an applicator like a needle:

If the issue is the inner and outer layer separating you might be able to make a tiny hole in the outer layer, squeeze some glue in and clamp it with magnets or something until it dries. Then you could repair the small hole you made with the same glue.

I've personally only ever worked on the outside layer of bellows though.

aconbere · Sep 9, 2025

loccdor said:
If the issue is the inner and outer layer separating you might be able to make a tiny hole in the outer layer, squeeze some glue in and clamp it with magnets or something until it dries.

It is precisely that the inner and outer layers are separating. And a little hole to squeeze glue into is definitely something I’ve considered. But if I could safely extract the bellows I think I could apply glue without introducing any holes. Perhaps that’s a big if.

Is there a reason you would pick the outer layer for a hole rather than the inner?

loccdor · Sep 9, 2025

What I read on a bellows construction guide suggests the inner layer light-tightness is of more critical importance.

How to make a Bellows

When it comes to large format cameras, the bellows is by far the most challenging and most rewarding part to make. If you haven’t made one before, it will likely take more than one attempt. There are two common ways that bellows are made. Flat on a table, and around some sort of form. Since it...

standardcameras.com

aconbere · Sep 9, 2025

I see! Thanks, I always assumed it was the leather.

aconbere · Sep 9, 2025

Picture of the bellows for reference. They are currently light tight, they just crinkle and I can’t imagine this is good for their longevity.

loccdor · Sep 10, 2025

Let's get somebody who knows more about bellow to chime in. Any takers?

aconbere · Sep 10, 2025

I ended up cutting two small slits in the inside liner along the edge of the inner supports. spreading glue all over as much of the inside as I could, then extending the bellows and pressing them together with my fingers. Then I glued the slits shut behind me.

Finally I coated the slits in a small amount of screen printing ink (what I generally use for pinholes) and let that cure.

The end result is pretty good. The liner still isn’t perfectly adhered but much improved. It keeps its shape and isn’t being bent in weird ways anymore. Importantly the bellows remain light tight.

Still not sure it’s the /right/ call. But it’s what I did!

John Wiegerink · Sep 11, 2025

aconbere said:
I ended up cutting two small slits in the inside liner along the edge of the inner supports. spreading glue all over as much of the inside as I could, then extending the bellows and pressing them together with my fingers. Then I glued the slits shut behind me.

Finally I coated the slits in a small amount of screen printing ink (what I generally use for pinholes) and let that cure.

The end result is pretty good. The liner still isn’t perfectly adhered but much improved. It keeps its shape and isn’t being bent in weird ways anymore. Importantly the bellows remain light tight.

Still not sure it’s the /right/ call. But it’s what I did!

Plus it's better than it was and works! I'd say it was the right call, at least for now.

loccdor · Sep 11, 2025

Good job, if it works, it works - you can always fix it again in a few years if need be.

albireo · Sep 11, 2025

Sandeha Lynch

www.sandehalynch.com

This nice guy, based in Wales UK, makes fantastic bellows for Agfa Isolette folders. Might be worth getting in touch to ask if he can manufacture new Perkeo's bellows too.

Perkeo I - Safely remove bellows

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