Speedex bellows just as light leak prone as isolette?

kingbuzzie · May 5, 2019

The folder bug has bitten me. I read quite a bit about the poor quality of the isolette bellows, but no much about the speedex quality? Same bellows same headache?

StanMac · May 5, 2019

I think Speedex’s are rebadged Agfas. Look on your Speedex for a label that says something like “manufactured by Agfa for Ansco” or something to that effect. I’ve acquired several Speedex’s whose bellows material looks just like those on my several Isolettes and show the same kind of deterioration at the corners of the folds.

Stan

kingbuzzie · May 5, 2019

StanMac said:
I think Speedex’s are rebadged Agfas. Look on your Speedex for a label that says something like “manufactured by Agfa for Ansco” or something to that effect. I’ve acquired several Speedex’s whose bellows material looks just like those on my several Isolettes and show the same kind of deterioration at the corners of the folds.

Stan

Yes I know, but all the bellow poo poo mentions agfa. Sometimes things are changed up for different markets. I guess this isn't one of those cases.

StanMac · May 6, 2019

I got the folder fever and I’ve acquired a motley collection of Isolettes and Speedex’s and other folder brands in last couple of years. They all had frozen helicals, sluggish shutters and bellows issues. But the only folders I’ve acquired that had good bellows, snappy shutters, and free focusing helicals were Adoxes - a Golf and a Sport. Based on those finds, I would suggest you look for a folder other than an Isolette/Speedex. I think you would stand a better chance of getting a camera that still focuses and might have a decent bellows.

Stan

KN4SMF · May 6, 2019

I've long since concluded that just because a folding camera can be folded up doesn't mean it should be closed up, when not necessary. I'm sure I can cause pinholes in the bellows of a brand new camera the first day. There's just no need to fold up a camera all the time.

mgb74 · May 7, 2019

StanMac said:
I got the folder fever and I’ve acquired a motley collection of Isolettes and Speedex’s and other folder brands in last couple of years. They all had frozen helicals, sluggish shutters and bellows issues. But the only folders I’ve acquired that had good bellows, snappy shutters, and free focusing helicals were Adoxes - a Golf and a Sport. Based on those finds, I would suggest you look for a folder other than an Isolette/Speedex. I think you would stand a better chance of getting a camera that still focuses and might have a decent bellows.

Stan

Some interesting information on frozen focus rings and making bellows here: http://www.rolandandcaroline.co.uk/repair.html

StanMac · May 7, 2019

Thanks for the link,mgb74.

The lens repair/cleaning process looks straightforward enough. I will have to try that on one of the folders that looks like it may be a lost cause before going after one that looks worthy for total salvation.

Stan

Sgore · May 8, 2019

Replacing the bellows is a pretty simple task. You can do it while you wait for the solvent of your choice to free up your focusing helical. These people have what you need http://www.sandehalynch.com/camerawork/bellows.php

Speedex bellows just as light leak prone as isolette?

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