johnnyrod
More cameras than shots
I'm considering buying a camera for restoration. The seller has been very honest (so far!) and says there are numerous pinhole light leaks in the corner folds of the bellows - it's a half-frame 120 folder from about 1945. How easy is it to get new bellows? I had a bit of a search on here, there is talk of sealing them with liquid electrical tape - would this work for corners? Or has anyone got a better suggestion?
Liquid electrical tape is pretty thick, gloopy stuff, especially out of a pre-opened tube or tin. If the holes aren't too big, I suspect it would probably be effective. I would also consider a suitable fabric paint for wider areas requiring treatment, as the LET can build up the surface it is applied to noticeably which may or may not be desirable. A combination of the two used where best suited might possibly yield best results. But for the corners, where some ability to bridge a hole and retain flexibility is needed, I would be inclined to try the LET, I think as it's likely to plug the holes better. It's nasty stuff, so try to keep it off your skin and not to inhale it as you apply it. The Tomosy book "Restoring Classic and Collectible Cameras" has some patterns and information about cutting and folding bellows from scratch, which is a start. Obviously a replacement bellows is the most reliable long term solution, however in the interim the above would enable you to test and use the camera and consider your options, if you're pleased with its other attributes.
Cheers,
Brett
Cheers,
Brett
charjohncarter
Veteran
I've used black silicone adhesive. I, with a pin that has a ball on the end, push some adhesive into each corner from the INSIDE. It has work and does look bad.
oftheherd
Veteran
What camera is it? The reason to ask is that some people on here might know another camera that you could scavenge a bellows from a parts camera. And I am guessing you mean it is a 645?
Dwig
Well-known
I've used 3M Photographic Tape 235 Black to patch bellows and as a tape hinge on the flaps of 4x5 sheet film holders. It is an opaque black paper tape with an opaque black adhesive. It stays flexible for decades. I swear that my old Beseler 4x5 enlarger's bellows was 1/3 tape when I got it and over 1/2 tape when I sold it 20 years later.
farlymac
PF McFarland
I tried fabric backing glued to the corners, but finding a glue with the right properties was fruitless. It also built up too much bulk for closing the bellows. I like what Dwig suggested, and will look for some later today. I might be able to save my Agfa Karat after all.
PF
PF
johnnyrod
More cameras than shots
Super Ikonta A. Intersting bits of advice, though the bidding has started on the Bay of Pigs so the situation may well resolve itself!