Storing Large Format

LyleB

Member

Joined

Jan 21, 2010

Messages

376

Location

Lower Michig

Format

35mm

• May 29, 2011

• #1

Just a quick question. Is it better for the camera/bellows to store a folding 4x5 folded or with the bellows partially extended? I assume partially extended, but protected makes the most sense.

 

heespharm

Member

Joined

Dec 8, 2009

Messages

527

Format

Medium Format

• May 29, 2011

• #2

I've heard arguements for both... Some guys alternat closed for 2 weeks the open for two weeks

 

Dan Henderson

Member

Joined

Feb 6, 2005

Messages

1,880

Location

Blue Ridge,

Format

4x5 Format

• May 30, 2011

• #3

I am just guessing here, but I wonder if long term storage in any position could be the damaging factor? If I was not able to use my camera for a very long time, I would probably occasionally "exercise" the bellows, along with the shutters. Another good reason to photograph as often as possible, along with exercising my mind.

 

Jesper

Subscriber

Joined

Mar 29, 2009

Messages

878

Location

Sweden

Format

Multi Format

• May 30, 2011

• #4

As long as you don't store the bellows in direct sunlight and high temperatures I think it really doesn't matter that much.
Of course the best thing to do is to use the camera regularly (and that is not just to take care of the bellows).