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[waynec]

I want to do some modifications to my Annivarsary Speed Graphic and was wondering if there ever was a production that had a tilting standard with the 4" boards.

Second, I was going to remove the bellows as it is stiff as all get out, and was either going to replace it or myabe use Lexol on it to see if the condition could be improved. It appears tho that it is glued and nailed in (very tiny nails) so it looks as a somewhat major pain. Has anyone replaced a bellows and could you suggest a bellows manufactuer.

[Les]

I suggest going the replacement bellows route although it might be cheaper to buy a different Anny. The best company is

http://www.camerabellows.com/

they make bellows for several high end cameras.

I'm afraid that the Lexol is only going to give you a stiff and sticky bellows, also the oil in the Lexol softens the glue holding the cloth liner to the bellows, so in a couple of years you'd end up with a stiff, sticky bellows with drooping fabric inside....not a nice thing.

[jdman]

You can add tilt to your anniversary by adding the bottom half of a Pacemaker standard. This requires no modification to the camera, but you will have to remove the right tilt knob as it will interfere with the rangefinder arm. Pacemaker and Anniversary bellows are not interchangeable, and if your present bellows is usable I would try to use it. If you would like to see a picture of the Tilt mod. Email me at Jdman@aol.com. Russ

[bertsaunders]

Use neatsfoot oil on the bellows.....I have used both Lexol and Neatsfoot for many years...there is nothing in either that will attack the glue in these bellows, anyone that has had that problem with inner lining seperation, has had something else, that caused the problem ...Lexol will >sometimes< leave a sticky residue...But there is a Lexol cleaner, and a Lexol conditioner, have never had "sticky" problem if I used the cleaner first!! Neatsfoot will clean and condition without sticky results....add the Neatsfoot liberally..let it soak in..wipe clean with a soft cloth...buff with a soft shoe brush..leather will get stiff and brittle over the years, man made material seldom does, unless the rubberized backing dries out! Try the Neatsfoot, if results are not satisfactory, only then, must a replacement be considered!! IF...you still need to replace the bellows, the tacks are a problem, but with patience you can remove them...and if the old bellows is no good anyway, a few accidental holes in it, wont hurt nuthin!!!! Bert