FallisPhoto
Veteran
The brittle ones at least (I haven't ever tried a burn test on a good one) actually were vinyl coated paper.
Sevo
Yes, I know. From what I have seen, they are very like the material used to make shopping bags. The better ones were made of cellulose leatherette on a cloth base (Kodak, Balda, Zeiss, Welta, Voigtlander and etcetera). With minimal care, those can last 50 years or more with no problems. The best were made of leather.
FallisPhoto
Veteran
I think if the bellows would last for 30 years, any longer would be irrelevant! Even at about GBP25 for 10 years would be considered good investment. This works out at about GBP2.50 a year, cheaper than a roll of film (120 of course).
Well, a NOS Kodak bellows will last about 50 years and costs about $10, when you can find them (they are getting scarce). They are still out there if you hunt though. http://www.camera-shopper.com/196 ads.htm Look at ad #18.
Windscale
Well-known
Well, a NOS Kodak bellows will last about 50 years and costs about $10, when you can find them (they are getting scarce). They are still out there if you hunt though. http://www.camera-shopper.com/196 ads.htm Look at ad #18.
I cannot agree with you more. But then, as you wrote, you have to hunt them down and run the risk of not having seen the real thing. I think GBP2.50 spread over 10 years is a little luxury I can afford without having to feel guilty. Also, the bellows from Custombellows are guaranteed light-tight and good fit and will promptly arrive in about a week!
FallisPhoto
Veteran
I cannot agree with you more. But then, as you wrote, you have to hunt them down and run the risk of not having seen the real thing. I think GBP2.50 spread over 10 years is a little luxury I can afford without having to feel guilty. Also, the bellows from Custombellows are guaranteed light-tight and good fit and will promptly arrive in about a week!
The ones in the ad are never opened and still in the wrappers. I think they are safe.
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