Bellows Issue-miniature Speed Graphic

[ARCHIVIST]

I have the option of buying a Miniarure Speed Graphic. This will the fourth one I have owned over the years.

My previous cameras have had great condition bellows but the one on offer has patched bellows that have had their day.

Where would I buy a set of bellows for this camera - either good used or ( I'm an optimist ) a new set?

Any help would be most appreciated.

Regards
Peter

 

[projectbluebird]

You could always make your own. I remember finding a good set of instructions somewhere on the web, though I don't remember where. As I recall it told how to make bellows of any size.

 

[alternatve]

I have used regular black duct tape to tape the edges with cracks or holes. It's been holding up pretty well since. No problem with bellows not being able to extend or contract.

Btw, how does one do macro or wide angle photography with a 2x3 graphic? I own a 2x3 crown and can't get quite good enough wide angle and macro capability. Is it due to the lens since I only have a 65mm and a 80mm?

Samuel

 

[ARCHIVIST]

I have taped bellows in the past but the bellows on the camera offered to me are like a mini Swiss cheese. It would end up looking pretty bad.

Btw, how does one do macro or wide angle photography with a 2x3 graphic? I own a 2x3 crown and can't get quite good enough wide angle and macro capability. Is it due to the lens since I only have a 65mm and a 80mm?

Samuel

I do not understand the problem with wide angle work. I have used a 65mm with no problem in the past. In fact I have even used a 47mm Angulon.

With the 47mm I had to drop the front in order not to get it in the image. Also there were no movements as the lens was pushed way back into the camera body.

Good macro depends on a good bellows extension length which these baby Graphics do not have.

Regards
Peter

 

[alternatve]

I have taped bellows in the past but the bellows on the camera offered to me are like a mini Swiss cheese. It would end up looking pretty bad.




I do not understand the problem with wide angle work. I have used a 65mm with no problem in the past. In fact I have even used a 47mm Angulon.

With the 47mm I had to drop the front in order not to get it in the image. Also there were no movements as the lens was pushed way back into the camera body.

Good macro depends on a good bellows extension length which these baby Graphics do not have.

Regards
Peter

I'm actually ok with the look, since black duct tape blends well with the bellows. Get the matt black one with a smooth lining and you're all set. I like my cameras worn so a few patches is alright with me! Heh.

*edit: Ah, I didn't see the part about the swiss cheese... I would still tape it, but I don't know how it'll affect the bellows. Worst case, scrap the body for parts for your other 4 cameras?

Ah, I see what you mean... I compare my 80mm zeiss vs my 65mm and I can't see much of a difference, now I know that it's due to the bellows problem. Goes to show that I'm still new at the game.. 😛

Samuel

 

[ARCHIVIST]

Should have mentioned in the initial post that I do not have the first three Baby Graphics any more. They were sold off a while back.

This one on offer is for pure nostalgia's sake - and of course it will be used like mad!

I like the 6x9 (approx) format as it is the same ratio as 35mm , 2:3. Add to this the capabliity of other formats via rollfilm backs and these little cameras are most versatile. And all of this with the convenience of 120 film.

Peter

 

[alternatve]

Should have mentioned in the initial post that I do not have the first three Baby Graphics any more. They were sold off a while back.

This one on offer is for pure nostalgia's sake - and of course it will be used like mad!

I like the 6x9 (approx) format as it is the same ratio as 35mm , 2:3. Add to this the capabliity of other formats via rollfilm backs and these little cameras are most versatile. And all of this with the convenience of 120 film.

Peter

I know what you mean. I have a crown myself with a 6x6 back. I hope to upgrade to a 6x9 back in the near future but it looks like it'll be a long wait still. 6x6 is still quite a pleasing format though.

The only complaints that I have with my crown is that the rangefinder is out of whack so I have to use the GG almost always. I got around that by driving it at f/8 and scale focusing. Pretty cool and much faster then any old USM drive. Close range shots do become a problem though so I usually pack a tripod as well. Not a very light load!

Anyway, all the best with your purchase. My thinking is, if the graphic you're offered isn't dirt cheap, forget it. Takes up too much time and effort to fix.

Samuel

 

[David Goldfarb]

If it's otherwise in nice condition, you could order a new bellows from one of the companies that makes them. I've used Camera Bellows in the UK (www.camerabellows.com) for my 11x14" camera. Since the Graphics are fairly common, and they've been in business for over 100 years I think, they probably have the pattern on file. If the bellows uses frames to attach to the front and rear standards, they'll probably need the old bellows to make the new one.

 

[ARCHIVIST]

Replies to two quotes:

QUOTE 1: " The only complaints that I have with my crown is that the rangefinder is out of whack "

If it is a KALART rangefinder they produced a booklet on how to re align and calibrate. If you cannot find one on the net then drop me a PM with a postal address and I will forward a copy to you - I have one somewhere, might take some finding.

QUOTE 2: "you could order a new bellows"

I have a good bellows maker heer in Australia who has done excellent work for me in the past. I hesitate to ask him for a set of bellows as they are very expensive and would most probably cost me three or four times the cost of the camera.

Peter

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Bellows

Bellows

Is there any chance that a set of bellows from a Voigtander Bessa 1 6x9 would fit? It might be cheaper to find one at a camera fair and cannibalise it?
I have two of them - one almost mint and the other receiving a CLA from the former Voigtlander/Zeiss service manager who lives in Sydney, but they're not for cutting up!

 

[ARCHIVIST]

Leigh,
Thank you for the suggestion but like most bellows they are purpose made.
The Voigtlander bellows would be too small I'm afraid.

 

[alternatve]

Replies to two quotes:

QUOTE 1: " The only complaints that I have with my crown is that the rangefinder is out of whack "

If it is a KALART rangefinder they produced a booklet on how to re align and calibrate. If you cannot find one on the net then drop me a PM with a postal address and I will forward a copy to you - I have one somewhere, might take some finding.

QUOTE 2: "you could order a new bellows"

I have a good bellows maker heer in Australia who has done excellent work for me in the past. I hesitate to ask him for a set of bellows as they are very expensive and would most probably cost me three or four times the cost of the camera.

Peter

It isn't just a simple rangefinder misalighment, there's something seriously wrong with it. But all the same, I will be glad to receive the manual from you. I tried to send my graphic for repair but the repairman didn't know how to use it at all. As I live in Singapore, located in the South East Asia region, it may be more feasible to send an online copy to my gmail account at alternatve@gmail.com.

Also, I think you may have just answered your own question. I believe it's now a question of either cutting your losses and rejecting the graphic or buying and restoring it to it's former glory. Not much middle road save for duct taping the bellows up. Either way, I wish you all the best on whichever path you do trod on. 🙂

Samuel