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photonz · Joined: 23 May 2003 Posts: 3 Location: New Zealand

I have a 5"x7" Speed graphic which has light leaks in the bellows. Does anyone know where I can get new bellows for this press model. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Richard Edmunds
richard.edmunds@xtra.co.nz

45PSS · Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 5:25 am Post subject:

I did a Google search for New Camera Bellows and found THIS at Historic Camera.
Charles

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

clnfrd · Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 12:22 pm Post subject:

I've had good luck repairing small light leaks with the black version of the rubberized stuff you dip tool handles in. If it stops pouring here, I'll go to my shop, dig it out, and post the exact brand name. I've also used this material to repair small splits in my Auto Graflex Jr. hood. Fred.

photonz · Joined: 23 May 2003 Posts: 3 Location: New Zealand

Thanks guys for the link to Historic Cameras and thanks for the idea of the rubber material. Seems that the weather is bad all over as it's been pouring in the east coast of the north island of New Zealand too. Would appreaciate that brand name. Many thanks for your asistance guys

vic valis · Joined: 21 Nov 2001 Posts: 247 Location: San Francisco

My solution was to use black silicon gasket sealer, bought in the local auto repair shop. My holes were at the very corners. I used the stuff inside and out, dabbing some good-sized dollops, and it's stayed pliable for going on 2 years now. In retrospect, I probably put it on too thick but the bellows still manages to collapse all the way. The one drawback is that the stuff dried to a very glossy finish, and so it still looks wet. At any time, with the bellows open, it looks like black stuff oozing through the corners.

jeff

_________________
That money talks,
I'll not deny.
I heard it once;
It said "good-bye."

clnfrd · Posted: Sun May 25, 2003 8:36 pm Post subject:

The product is North American Brush-On Electrical Tape, Black, Manufactured by North American Oil Company, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. I acquired it at a local hardware store. Fred.
P.S. As an afterthought, I did a Google search and here's their site: http://hartwellinternational.com/staticpages/northamericanoil.htm

[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-05-25 13:40 ]

pcrow · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 5

I've heard of using the rubber stuff, but never used it myself. But when I got my Busch Pressman 8 years ago it had several pinholes which I fixed with white fabric glue (stays flexible) dyed black with a little India ink. Still light tight, many negs (and openings, closings and extensions) later.

45PSS · Posted: Mon May 26, 2003 2:13 am Post subject:

I thought you were looking to replace as they were beyond repair. A local hoby shop may have some black fabric paint that will work well on the inside of any bellows and most hardware stores will have black poly coat for tool handles and or black silicone rubber for the exterior, just add an artist brush to spread/paint with; extend bellows to maximun and allow to dry completely before folding.
Charles

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

photonz · Joined: 23 May 2003 Posts: 3 Location: New Zealand

Hi Guys

Thanks for your amazing response to my problem. I'll check them all out and let you know how I get on. Many many thanks. Kind regards to you all
Richard Edmunds