R.B. Cycle Graphic (Folmer $ Schwing)

Reinhold · Feb 18, 2010

I inhereded a 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 with 2 film holders from a buddy who's not into musty old antique cameras.

The bellows have rotted into extinction, the leather covering is moth eaten.
The wood work is very nice, mechanically its almost new...

I'm debating whether I want to invest ± $200 and a lot of time restoring this thing. I experimented with taking some paper negative portraits with a lashed-up binocular objective (in the fuzz-wuzzy "Jim Galli" style) which looked like it had potential for a unique olde tyme portrait service.

But, I'm the kind of guy that has to many irons in the fire...
I'm not sure I need another entertaining project...
I need some encouragement...
Help me control GAS...

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto
If that doesn't work, try... http://mysite.verizon.net/res14rg7y/

Reinhold · Feb 18, 2010

Another attempt at posting a picture...

Reinhold

df cardwell · Feb 18, 2010

You've got a good camera, if you aren't going to have it repaired, for goodness sake, don't kill it.

Dave Pritchard · Feb 18, 2010

The leather outer covering has character. The bellows is sagging, but is in place. It is easy to throw a dark cloth over a bellows, to defeat small light leaks. If it was mine, I'd try using it without modifying anything.

jonw · Feb 18, 2010

I have a Premo Pony No. 6 whole plate camera which has a very similar design as yours. The Whole Plate format is very nice. I know you will make some wonderful shots with it. Those WP film holders are difficult to find. BTW Reinhold, be forewarned, these WP cameras multiply like rabbits, I have 3 of them now and am looking to replace the bellows on one of them. Jon

Reinhold · Feb 19, 2010

Jon,

Who would you contact for new bellows?
I have a quote from Custom Bellows (UK) at £ 125
Any good bellows this side of the Atlantic?

Reinhold

df cardwell · Feb 19, 2010

Custom Bellows

.

jonw · Feb 20, 2010

Reinhold said:
Jon,

Who would you contact for new bellows?
I have a quote from Custom Bellows (UK) at £ 125
Any good bellows this side of the Atlantic?

Reinhold

I am thinking about using Western Bellows in CA. Here is a link which has their contact information.

http://www.maplewood-color.com/bellows.htm

I have not contacted him yet, but hope to do so in the next month. I have already removed my "religiously challenged" bellows from my Century WP rig.

Western Bellows has a good reputation for quality and properly folding bellows, but recently I saw some threads on the various forums which indicated that recently they were not promptly responding to inquiries. Despite that fact, I believe I am going to try them.

Let me know if you use them before I do and I will do likewise.

Jon

BTW, the reason for my current delay in getting my bellows replaced is that I am trying to more fast forward and get my studio/darkroom setup. I plan on having it completed by the end of March...or at least functional at that time. I may even have an 8x10 enlarger if one I am seeking comes through.

Ektagraphic · Feb 20, 2010

Reinhold said:
Help me control GAS.

Please excuse my ignorance but what is GAS? I have seen it a few times around here......

removed account4 · Feb 20, 2010

patrick

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

good luck trying to stay immune ... being broke helps

mark · Feb 20, 2010

Western bellows kicks ass at least they did about 8 years ago. Not on the OP side of the Atlantic.

csb999 · Feb 20, 2010

GAS = gear acquisition syndrome

Sully75 · Feb 21, 2010

if the bellows are really shot, I think you can use gaffers tape to fix them. At least that's what I did. Saves you having to buy a new set if you aren't sure if you are going to keep the camera.

Reinhold · Feb 22, 2010

I tried taping the bellows, but they're paper thin and as brittle as dried soap bubbles

Those of you that have these cameras know that the bellows must collapse down to almost zero thickness, or the case won't close. Any fabric significantly thicker than the original bellows could mean chopping a few pleats off to make a thinner collapsed package. I had a similar problem a few years ago with a very reputable bellows maker...

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto.com
if that doesn't work, try: http://mysite.verizon.net/res14rg7y/

jimgalli · Feb 22, 2010

Reinhold, I think you should fit a new bellows and make some fuzzy pictures. Great fun! The back comes completely off that camera and a #8 Cirkut outfit can take it's place. Just in case you're wishing for a 5 foot long negative. See how this G. A. S. happens

Reinhold · Feb 22, 2010

Drooooooool...

G.A.S., it's a wonderful feeling....

Reinhold

www.classicBWphoto.com
if that doesn't work, try: http://mysite.verizon.net/res14rg7y/

2F/2F · Feb 22, 2010

Western Bellows (AKA Jim Ormond), near L.A., CA, U.S.A. did a great job on my Kodak #2's bellows.

Phone: 909-980-0606

Ektagraphic · Feb 22, 2010

jnanian said:
patrick

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

good luck trying to stay immune ... being broke helps

Oh I see. I have had that extremely badly for a while and didn't even know that those analog scientists came up with a name for it

R.B. Cycle Graphic (Folmer $ Schwing)

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