Reinforcing bellows corners

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

I could swear I've seen this topic before but can't find it ... feel free to redirect me to an old thread if there is one.

I have a couple of old cameras which have relatively solid bellows but have some wear at the corners. I'd like to add some thin cloth along the corners to reinforce and protect those thin areas. I'll attach a shot of a FKD 13x18 which was made like that.

So, the question is: have you done that and how? I've thought about bookbinders tape, linen tape, silk strips, silk ribbon - and maybe adhering it with Pliobond. I distrust tape in general since the adhesive is often problematic. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Nathan

tessar · Dec 20, 2008

Hello Nathan,
Bostick & Sullivan makes a bellows patch kit for $15 US which includes the sealer and a good supply of fabric for patching. I've used this with excellent results. The link for the kit is
Dead Link Removed

tessar · Dec 20, 2008

Sorry, I misspelled the link. It should be
http://www.bostick-sullivan.com/cart/home.php?cat=16

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

tessar said:
Hello Nathan,
Bostick & Sullivan makes a bellows patch kit for $15 US which includes the sealer and a good supply of fabric for patching. I've used this with excellent results. The link for the kit is
Dead Link Removed

Yes, I've used that kit too, it's very good. It's particularly aimed at fixing holes though, I'm really trying to strengthen a large area that's weakened. In fact, I was planning to use that kit to first fill any actual pinholes and then go over it with the tape or cloth strip.

Another reason for going this route is that one of the cameras is a Burke & James with red non-leather bellows. I think they're still light proof, but the corners are worn down a bit. Short of using red Plasti-Dip, I can't think of a good way to fix that without it looking weird.

Nathan

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

I finally found an old thread in which Sandy King recommended bookbinders tape here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I'd still like to hear any other ideas though.

Thanks,
Nathan

Francis in VT · Dec 20, 2008

Hello Nathan,

This may not be high tech enough but I have repaired/reenforced many bellows using 3 M Black cloth tape. It is available in different widths and I beleive different colors. In most cases I applied t to the inside of the bellows.

Francis in VT

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

Hi Francis,
Is 3M Black cloth tape the same thing as "Gaffer's Tape"? I haven't used either of them, but Gaffer's Tape sounds like about the most useful stuff around.
Nathan

Maris · Dec 20, 2008

I use 3M 850 Black polyester tape. It's very thin, very strong, very black, with a non-bleed non-creep adhesive that stays put. One of my enlarger bellows is entirely covered with 3M 850 without being bulked up or losing flexibility.

The downside is expense. My last roll cost $100 but it means I can make good any bellows that is still vaguely in one piece.

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

Nathan Smith said:
I finally found an old thread in which Sandy King recommended bookbinders tape here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I'd still like to hear any other ideas though.

Thanks,
Nathan

Much thanks to Sandy, he confirmed that this is the tape he was referring to:
http://www.gaylordmart.com/adblock....CD&search_by=desc&search_for=Book Tape&mpc=WW
and that it is good for both repairing both bellows and film holders.

Nathan

Nathan Smith · Dec 20, 2008

Thanks Maris, I hadn't heard of 3M 850 Black polyester tape, but I've looked it up and it looks like good stuff. It is a bit pricey, but looks like it might be cheaper here in the States.

Nathan

bobwysiwyg · Dec 20, 2008

I noticed it comes in several widths. Having never done any bellows work, which would be a better width from most bellows repair/reinforcement?

Nathan Smith · Dec 21, 2008

bobwysiwyg said:
I noticed it comes in several widths. Having never done any bellows work, which would be a better width from most bellows repair/reinforcement?

Sandy's original post in the previous thread suggested 2-3". I guess it depends on the size of the weakened area. In my case, the wear is directly on the corners, so 2" will probably be fine.

Nathan

raucousimages · Dec 21, 2008

I fixed one set with several bad holes in the corners with black gaffer tape. It worked well and has held up for several years but added extra thickness to the bellows so they don't compress as flat as they used to.

eli griggs · Dec 27, 2008

You could try using patches made from Golden Heavy Body Black (or suitable red) acrylic and a Japanese paper, made from 90-100% kozo or gampi fiber, such as a Gampi tissue, Hosho or Kitakata. Avoid more than 10% sulphite in these papers.

The Golden acrylic paints are top quality and the acrylic binder acts an adhesive, though you could also buy a small jar or bottle of one of their many gel or liquid mediums as added insurance; most are very good glues and used by artists as such. Emailing Golden for their advice might be good, they have great product support and may have experience with this topic.

The Japanese papers are made from long fibers, longer even than flax, in overlapping layers that run at cross directions and are very durable; they are often used for mending books, which can put them through a lot of stressing, perhaps more so than a bellows.

Paint them on the bellows side with the paint and dab a little over the bellows area where it'll go, lay-on the patch and when dry, about 30 min or so, give a light overcoat of paint/medium, or repeat with a slightly larger patch and then a finishing coat.

Any decent art supply house will carry these papers and brand paint so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding them. If you can't locate the paper, PM me and I'll shoot you some odd pieces you can use as patches.

Cheers

Nathan Smith · Dec 28, 2008

Thanks Eli, very interesting idea. I like it.
Nathan

mongo6407 · Jan 26, 2009

liquid electrical tape

for fixing pin holes could you also use liquid electrical tape? from what I've read it is fast drying and comes in red and black

mongo6407 · Jan 28, 2009

fixing bellow pinholes with acrylic nail polish?

I read online of using wet 'n' wild nail polish color black creme to fill in pin holes in the bellows of an agfa isolette. Does anyone have any success with this method? To me it wouldn't seem to work well because nail polish is meant to be hard and brittle, whereas the bellows are meant to be flexible. Therefore, I wouldn't think this would even be a good short term solution. Any ideas?

Shadow Images · Jan 28, 2009

Used liquid electrical tape on my deardorff. Seem to work well, do it in layers.

mongo6407 · Jan 28, 2009

how durable is the repair

With the liquid electrical tape, how long does the repair last?

michaelbsc · Feb 2, 2009

mongo6407 said:
With the liquid electrical tape, how long does the repair last?

I've got one that's been over a year now, but the camera doesn't see much use. No more than one roll a month if that. It's still flexible and light tight, and a lot cheaper than a replacement bellows.

If you want something for hard use that must be dependable in the face of financial loss to a customer, then I wouldn't use the liquid electrical tape. But for a hobby camera that I use occasionally I'm pretty satisfied with the results so far, and it's pretty cheap.

MB

Reinforcing bellows corners

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