Sticky Bellows

[Eric Rose]

I bought a replacement bellows from KEH.

They are made by Camera Bellows. Unfortunately I found them very slow to respond to emails and even to take things seriously once I called them from Canada. I was able to purchase it from KEH at the same price and get it immediately. Something that I needed at the time.

Very nice bellows, but it is really sticky. Everytime I pull the bellows out to take a pic (Linhof TekIV) I have to pull apart the pleats.

The bellows I think is leather. My only concern about using talc is that it will get into my lens when the Tek is closed up and being transported. What I would rather find is something that will remove the sticky stuff.

Any suggestions on how I can get rid of this stickyness without damaging the bellows?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[John Bartley]

My only concern about using talc is that it will get into my lens when the Tek is closed up and being transported. What I would rather find is something that will remove the sticky stuff.

Any suggestions on how I can get rid of this stickyness without damaging the bellows?

Thanks,

Eric

Suppose you took the back and lensboard off, blocked the openings, did the talc coating and then blew off the excess with air? I would imagine that whatever was left would be pretty well stuck in place?

just a thought

 

[photomc]

Eric, thanks for the info...wonder if a treatment with neatsfoot oil might do the trick..just a light coat to see if it will help remove whatever is causing the bellows to stick...is it sticking on the insdie? Let us know what you find, there has to be someone else that has put a new bellows on and had the same problem..and I have a old Eastman No. 1 that needs a new bellows so very interested in what you find out.

 

[User Removed]

I had the problem with bellows sticking on my cameras also. I think that is because I photography alot in the rain and snow! haha.

Anyways, try just a light dusting of powder, then dust it off with a cloth or something.

 

[Richard T Ritter]

Stay away from oil or wax of any kind it will only make a mess. Baby power will work. Put some in a cup and dip a brush into it and brush onto the bellows. Or use the camera and this problem will go away as the bellow get dirty from use.

 

[Craig]

Leatherique pristine clean. It's wonderful stuff, and what I use to clean the seats and interior on the Jaguar. I have some you can try Eric.

I bought a replacement bellows from KEH.

Any suggestions on how I can get rid of this stickyness without damaging the bellows?

Thanks,

Eric