Repairing folder Billows

Derek Lofgreen · Jul 21, 2007

I have an old kodak 6x9 folder in great shape except the corners of the billows are starting to leak light a little. What is the best way to recondition the fabric corners so they don't leak?

Thanks

D.

waynecrider · Jul 21, 2007

Usually either tape or some vinyl cement. The Vinyl stuff is used alot for repairing ripped auto seats and living room chairs and will come in colors. Not sure as to the opacity tho so proceed with caution. You might also try using some cement with a small piece of fabric.

Kino · Jul 21, 2007

Derek Lofgreen said:
I have an old kodak 6x9 folder in great shape except the corners of the billows are starting to leak light a little. What is the best way to recondition the fabric corners so they don't leak?

Thanks

D.

On the advice of others, I went to Harbor Freight Tools and bought a $6 can of black "Plasti-dip"; a liquid plastic-like rubber you normally dip tool handles into for better gripping surface.

I found that my omega/toyo view had developed a few pinholes around where the folds make sharp points in the bellows, so I coated the areas on the inside with about 4 layers of this rubber applied with a Qtip. I waited a minimum of 2 hours between applications, but the stuff dries quick and is really flexible. Does stink a bit while it dries, so do it outside if you can or in a well ventilated room, like, say, your darkroom!

So far, the repair seems to be working fine and the rubber does not seem to be overly tacky, so it doesn't stick to itself when collapsed for storage.

The can I bought should do about 200 sets of bellows, so don't worry about running out!

Greg_E · Jul 21, 2007

It won't last long enough to go through the 200 bellows unless you have them all waiting for repairs. It goes bad pretty quickly after it is opened. You might need to add thinner every month to try and keep it useable.

Kino · Jul 21, 2007

Yeah, that was a joke... Sealing the can back up with aluminum foil keeps it fresh for some time.

I did, however, find that the Plasti-dip will stick to about anything, so it is good for making or replacing ruined hand grips on tripods and even rubberizing cloth, so no need to waste what is left over...

You could refurbish shutter curtains with the stuff, I am pretty sure, if you thin it out enough and coat it carefully.

Alex Hawley · Jul 21, 2007

Derek, I've been using liquid electrician's tape. Should be able to find it in most any hardware store.

Jim Jones · Jul 21, 2007

I use liquid black artist's acrylic paint on fabric lined bellows. An old soft toothbrush scrubs it into the corners so it doesn't build up thickness.

patrickjames · Jul 22, 2007

I have tried the liquid electrical tape and didn't have any lasting success. It stuck to itself even after leting it dry for a long time, probably days, but I don't remember how long I let it be.

Roger Hicks · Jul 22, 2007

Dear Derek,

My own suspicion is that it's about like trying to repair a condom: the things just weren't made to be repaired. A couple of small pinholes in a bellows is one thing: general mankiness is quite another. If you really want to use the camera, contact Camera Bellows, www.camerabellows.com for a new set.

Cheers,

Roger

Derek Lofgreen · Jul 22, 2007

Thanks for all the input guys. It is indeed just a few pinholes and I realize I will someday need to replace the bellows but I just want to get a little more out of it before I do. I ended up using some liquid acrilic textile paint. I figured the billows corners are fabric right? Any way the pinholes are fixed and it seems to be folding and unfolding wouthout any ill effects (so far).

D.

Repairing folder Billows

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