Seeking to correspond with someone who has replaced Horseman 45FA bellows

[Prospero]

Hello all,

The bellows on my Horseman 45FA bellows are a bit tatty and I have purchased a replacement set on eBay. Before I get the screwdrivers out I would like to talk to someone who has done it already.

Grateful if anyone who fits this description could respond with a guide.

cheers

 

[Prospero]

OK, no replies so far. Can anyone help me acquire a repair manual for the Horseman 45FA?

 

[ic-racer]

How is that replacement bellows? Does it have the tiny pleats like the original? I want to replace mine at some time, mostly for cosmetic reasons. My bellows is light tight but the previous owner permanently damaged some of the pleats.

 

[Prospero]

Hi ic-racer. The replacement bellows look very similar to the original (with tiny pleats). My reason for replacing the original is damaged pleats also - but not just cosmetic. The pleats bow in on one side and unless I remember to remove the back and push them out with my fingers I get some vignetting.

However I cannot give a definitive answer as I have not yet replaced them. Still hoping someone out there in internet land can assist.

 

[Tom1956]

Just do the job and use your good sense. You'll do alright.

 

[Prospero]

Just do the job and use your good sense. You'll do alright.

Looks like I might have to. However when I do I will post my experiences here. I can't be the only person in the world with a 45FA who wants to change the bellows!

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

You might have some luck asking on the large format photography forum as well. When i was looking for info on my 4x5 there wasnt any either, my guess is that there arent that many shooters vs 35mm so info is sparse, and even less info on repairs online.

 

[Prospero]

Thanks Newt_on_Swings. I have posted a question there as well.

 

[Besk]

I saw your post on LF forum. Everybody isn't looking at these site at all times. Give it a little time here and there.
You may want to "bump" it also.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Generally looking at other technical camera bellows replacements, its really just getting them off the camera(the manual should have info on swapping bellows such as when using a bag type) and placing a new set in. If the new set doesnt have the mounting hardware at either end of the bellows youd have to cut it off the old set and attach it onto the new bellows. I have seen a few videos online that outline this process, though not specifically for your camera. Id suggest you watch a few for tips on adhering the components together and materials required before you start. Also recording images as you go along helps when backtracking.

 

[ic-racer]

So, I looked closely at my Horseman FA today. It looks like the front of the bellows attaches to a plate that can be removed with 4 screws from the back side of the front standard (looking through the bellows from the back). The rear of the bellows looks like it is glued right to the frame. To get the new one glued on correctly, the rear frame probably needs to be removed from the camera body. I think you can loosen the 4 cap-screws on the ends of the rear-extension rods. This would allow the rear to come off. The rods turn so you would need to grasp them carefully when loosening the 4 cap screws from the front.

 

[Prospero]

Thanks - that's very helpful.

I had already identified the screws at the front but was unsure about how to approach the rear. I might do some more reconnaissance and report back. If it is glued at the rear then removing the old one might well involve its destruction.

 

[John Cee]

Reviving an old thread here. I just replaced the bellows on my Horseman 45 FA. I have good mechanical skills and would not recommend attempting this unless you have skills as well. Once you commit to this project there is no turning back as the old bellows will not be useable after you remove it. The rear standard of the camera has four special screws that hold the rear standard to the body and also provide the rear camera movements. I used an inside snap ring tool to loosen the four screws in the back. Be careful removing them as there are springs underneath the screws. Set the springs aside in a safe place. You can now slide the front standard off of the focusing rails and remove the standards and the bellows from the rear of the camera. Next you will need a #00 philips screwdriver. Find the four screws that fasten the bellows mounting plate to the front standard-You access these from inside of the bellows from the rear..Put these also in a safe place. Even though the screws are removed there will be some glue holding bellows and mounting plate to the front standard. Pry the mounting plate from the front standard being careful not to bend it. You might as well scrape the old bellows from the mounting plate while you are at it. Some rubbing alcohol can help soften the glue and assist in cleaning the old glue off.. The bellows are glued into the rear standard. There is no hardware just the adhesive holding it in place. Peel the bellows away from the rear standard and clean off the old glue with some alcohol or lacquer thinner.

I glued the new bellows to the rear standard first-So everything goes in reverse order. The bellows that I purchased were from China on Ebay and seem to be well made. The rear of the bellows did not need to be trimmed. The Front of the bellows did have to be trimmed. I tried to match the way the original bellows were trimmed, tucked and glued into place. I used Barge all purpose cement. It is a contact adhesive so you will want to be careful/accurate as you glue the bellows to the standards.

So hopefully if you are thinking about replacing the bellows on the Horseman 45FA my experience will help get you started. Good luck!