| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Luddite Frank
Joined: 08 Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Location: NE Penna
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 8:07 pm Post subject: Replacement Lens bellows ? RB G-flex 3x4 |
 |
|
I have just acquired a nicely patina-ed RB Graflex, Series B, 3-1/4 x 4-1/4.
The only major issue seems to be that the lens-bellows (focusing bellows), is falling apart; at the very least, it's leaking light at the corners when the focus is racked-out.
Are the any sources for replacement bellows, outside of robbing another camera ?
Thanks !
_________________
Luddite Frank
Last edited by Luddite Frank on Fri Jun 25, 2010 1:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
bruiser
Joined: 15 Oct 2006
Posts: 260
Location: Northern NSW Australia
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 11:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hi Frank,
Are these major holes/tears or just many pinholes? If just pinholes Equinox Photographics, and I'm sure other sources, have a good pinhole repair substance that is applied to the inside of the bellows for $6.50 + postage.
As 3 1/4" x 4 1/4" RB Graflexes come in many flavors (Series B, Series C, Series D, Super D, Auto Graflex, Tele Graflex) some have more easily replaced bellows than others if the damage is major. Which exact type of RB camera do you have?
As replacement, or especially custom made bellows are not cheap, maybe a junker camera with good bellows is the only option. However, replacing them can be a fiddly business.
There are posts on this site (somewhere!) regarding bellows replacement for a few specific models.
Cheers,
Bruce
http://graflex.coffsbiz.com |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Luddite Frank
Joined: 08 Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Location: NE Penna
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 1:54 pm Post subject: bellows repair / replace ? |
|
|
Hi Bruce,
It is a Series B, RB Graflex, Serial 1393xx. Mid to late 1920's ?
The interior fabric lining of the bellows looks to be intact, but the outer leather seems to be cracking and flaking-off; I can see the edges of the cardboard stiffeners on several pleats near the lensboard. There are no mis-folds or other signs of mis-handling.
Definitely leaking light at the corners in front when the lens is racked-out a bit.
( Looking through the open curtain with the back removed. )
Bellows assembly looks like it is secured to the body and lens board with screws ?
If there's a way to patch it up, that would be nice; being an archaic format, I don't think it will see a tremendous amount of use...
Appreciate the help !
LF 
_________________
Luddite Frank |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 7:44 pm Post subject: |
|
|
1393xx=1924; this is about the time that the Tele was being re-badged Series B. Does your camera have a small bellows that is centered in the front of the camera with a pop up lens cover attached to the camera front like the cutaway pictured one in the instruction manual, http://graflex.org/RBGraflex/ ?
The Telescopic has the front standard on tracks, the lens cover is attached to the front standard and the front standard comprises much of the camera front when closed.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Luddite Frank
Joined: 08 Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Location: NE Penna
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 8:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It has the small lens-door and bellows, like the one in the cutaway view.
From your description, I gather the Telescopic is the model where the whole front face of the camera racks-out with the focusing knob ?
LF
_________________
Luddite Frank |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.
|
| Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 10:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | From your description, I gather the Telescopic is the model where the whole front face of the camera racks-out with the focusing knob ?
|
Yes.
The front of your Series B is attached to the body with wood screws, 3 or 4 each side and 2 or 3 along the bottom. They may not all be the same diameter or length so pay attention when removing them. Unscrew the lens from the camera. Remove the 4 machine screws around the front of the bellows/lens mount. Remove the 4 screws that hold the rear bellows frame to the camera body. Lift the bellows assembly from the camera.
Using Latex contact cement, glue any loose leather or stays down. Stretch the bellows to maximum extension without tearing. Measure the front and rear edges (perimeter) and the length. Take a piece of darkroom blackout cloth, available from some darkroom departments of photo stores or a large enough section of a changing bag made of rubberized nylon, and cut a piece 1 to 1 1/2 inches wider than the bellows. You should have a piece the same length as the bellows wider at one end than the other. Glue the rubberized fabric to the inside of the bellows offsetting the original seems by 1/2 inch using the contact cement. Fold the bellows to original folds, compress and allow to sit for 12 to 24 hours fully compressed. Reattach to the camera. The lens plate inside the bellows front will rotate so check the lens orientation so that the aperture scale is in proper position when reattaching it to the focus frame. I find the latex contact cement works best when wet, dried cement rubs off easily, and cured cement is very difficult to separate.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
