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Jim23 · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 2:12 am Post subject:

Several years ago, Mr. Fred Lustig indicated that I should always store the Super Graphic with the front door open since the spring metal tape that couples the rf would gain a permanent bend if the camera were stored closed. I store the camera with the bellows in and the door locked open in my cabinet. What is the best way to store the other Graphics (Speed, etc.)? Cameras open and bellows partially out/closed or cameras closed? What about the cable release in these cameras? What is best for the bellows. I do have a low-humidity, low dust area where the cameras are kept. I use them several times per year and once per month run the shutters (leaf and FP) through the speeds regardless. I also remove the 22.5 cells from the Super and store them in the refridgerator.

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I was told that bellows shouldn't be stored compressed. I'm curious what others do.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

RichS · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 6:26 pm Post subject:

Just my personal opinion here, but I would keep all bellows compressed in storage.

Two good reasons. First, after a while, the bellows will develope a 'natural' sag which would be a bit anoying...

Second, deterioration of both the cloth and vinyl (or leather). Stored open, these materials can more easily oxidize and dry out. Kept closed, they are more protected from air and dirt. And dust is a killer as it actually wicks the materials dry...

t.r.sanford · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 6:30 pm Post subject:

I'm not familiar with the rangefinder coupling disposition of the "Super" design. I'd listen respectfully to anything Fred Lustig said on the subject.

I can report that storing an "Anniversary Speed" that I've owned since 1966, and a "Pacemaker Speed" that we got in 1970, with their bellows compressed does not seem to have led to any deterioration.

My guess is that the problem with compressing bellows is much more pronounced with the folding cameras that have trick front standards linked to the bed, and squash the bellows flat when you close the camera. Press cameras don't do that; there's no reason to apply pressure when collapsing the bellows. I imagine that this puts much less strain on the fabric and paper fibers at the folds.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2148 Location: New Jersey

sobahguy · Joined: 09 Oct 2001 Posts: 173 Location: Massachusetts

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

I don't own a Super but all of my cameras are stored closed. The FP shutter should be run down as far as it goes,tension at it's lowest point and if storage will be long term, give all metal parts a wipe with an oily cloth and give the body a nice coat of Kiwi Parade Gloss black polish. If you wipe down the bellows with Pledge or whatever, be sure they are absolutely dry before storing.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Jim23 · Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2004 1:57 pm Post subject:

All, thanks for your replies. I will continue to leave the SG open, but bellows compressed and the others closed.

Regards...