How to fix leaky bellows?

C

camperbc

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I finally started feeling a wee bit better lately, (permanent spinal injury; long story) and a good thing too, because I'm really tired of laying flat on my back in bed for days/weeks at a time, so I decided to get up and about, and attempt to find a way to adapt my lovely 1917 Kodak Autographic 1A folder to accept 120 roll film. Turns out it's quite simple really; just a matter of sticking plastic wall anchors into each end of a 120 spool, and then make a mask to support the narrower film. Piece of cake.

Then I got the bright idea that I should at least shine a light into the back of the camera to check for any leaks in the bellows, although the camera looks absolutely flawless; as if it is brand new. So how bad could the bellows really be!

Well, quite bad, it turns out. Although it shows no signs of wear on the exterior, the flashlight clearly tells a different story. So my question is... what can I do to fix these multiple leaks? I assume (hope!) that there must be some product out there that can be applied to fix light leaks in bellows, (I'm about to Google this shortly) and I'm hoping that some of you may have some personal experience with fixing these; that you may feel like sharing some of your wisdom?

I really, really want to use this camera. It's a real beauty; the finest I have ever seen. (well, aside from the bellows, that is!) The Anastigmat 130mm f7.7 lens looks like brand new. The leather is immaculate. The shutter is perfect. It even still has the original engraved stylus for "texting" a message onto the film. If there is any (affordable!) way to get this fine camera back to being light-tight, I know that it will take beautiful pictures. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Thank-you all!

Glen
DSC01440a500pix.jpg
 
There are people out there who'll replace bellows -- contact certo6.com. Also, try getting some "Liquid Electrical Tape," which is a spray on product. You probably can find it at a larger hardware store, like a Home Depot. Spray it into a small container and use a cotton swab to brush it on -- try like 3 thin coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly, like overnight.
 
If the leaks aren't too bad, Glen, I've used fabric paint flooded into the corner folds of the bellows from the inside. I also used it to fix the pinholes in a Zorki shutter.

PF
 
I've had good results with using the fabric from an old umbrella. Smear one side lightly with PVA adhesive, poke into position, and close the bellows. Re-open them to make sure the fabric has been squeezed into the right place, then leave partly folded (say about a third closed) to set. Two layers should do the trick.

It's a bodge. I freely admit that, but for the amount of use something is likely to get and the value of an nth-hand Kodak it's worth a bash.

Just look in the bins on a windy day when it's rained!

Adrian
 
I posted this on another forum somewhere. I have used what's called liquid tape. It is used for electrical work. You just brush it on and let it set(dry) and it stays flexible, thin and if you think it needs more, just brush on another thin coat. I've used it on the same camera you have and it works great.

Mike
 
I too have used Liquid Electrical Tape ,however it is a sealed can with an applicator brush and instructions.It's worked surprisingly well for me on a couple of repairs!
Regards,Peter
ps: auto parts operations stock it.
 
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