Refinishing an old Century No. 2 studio camera

campy51 · Apr 5, 2016

This is a camera that a friend asked me to sell for her. I took it to a local camera show and sale and at the auction after show the stand sold but not the camera. I am thinking of stripping it down and refinishing the wood and cleaning up the brass parts but want to know if the bellows must be removed before doing this. If it does I don't think I want to attempt it and will leave as it is. The lens and stand in photo are sold.

removed account4 · Apr 5, 2016

be careful if you remove the bellows.
they look like leather, but ...
I have a century ( 8A ) and the bellows are made of cardboard.

bdial · Apr 5, 2016

Judging from the photos the wood and finish look to be in reasonable shape, a little cleaning and waxing would probably be sufficient.

shutterfinger · Apr 5, 2016

The bellows are likely leather exterior with cardboard stays. Extend the standards fully and clean the bellows exterior while supporting the bellows from the inside. Use Windex or 90% Isopropyl Alcohol and a soft towel/paper towels for cleaning then coat them with Neatsfoot Oil in 2 or 3 light coats allowing the oil to dry completely between coats. Do not use blended Neatsfoot oil. I have serviced several Folmer and Schwing/ Graflex camera bellows this way and it holds up well.
Clean the wood with a good furniture cleaner or polish.
The camera is worth more with its original finish.

campy51 · Apr 5, 2016

shutterfinger said:
The bellows are likely leather exterior with cardboard stays. Extend the standards fully and clean the bellows exterior while supporting the bellows from the inside. Use Windex or 90% Isopropyl Alcohol and a soft towel/paper towels for cleaning then coat them with Neatsfoot Oil in 2 or 3 light coats allowing the oil to dry completely between coats. Do not use blended Neatsfoot oil. I have serviced several Folmer and Schwing/ Graflex camera bellows this way and it holds up well.
Clean the wood with a good furniture cleaner or polish.
The camera is worth more with its original finish.

What about the brass parts? Would cleaning them up and shining it drop the value?

shutterfinger · Apr 5, 2016

The brass is lacquer covered so leave it as is except for cleaning the dirt off.

Refinishing an old Century No. 2 studio camera

campy51

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