any intrest in new bellows?

[UberSquid]

Once I learned to use CAD and Solid Works I've used them for anything I build since. I find that I'm able to cut down on mistakes during construction that I might have otherwise made. Being able to make a 3D model of what I'm building lets me see how things fit together, identify any clearance issues and to double check my construction method. I'm currently working on building a 4x5 field camera and if I had gone with my original sketch it wouldn't have worked, I would have had clearance issues with the folding mechanism. Since I was able to do a parametric model I can see how it folds and adjust the design accordingly. I can't tell you how much wasted time building models it has saved me!

For materials I ordered two different weights of dark out cloth from Freestyle. I have also picked up some nice flat black canvas for the inside layer. That should do for most applications. For fun I also picked up some great crinkle pattern red and black vinyl. It looks like really aged leather. It's thin enough that I should be able to use it for the larger bellows and for covering on a few 35mm rangefinders I'm working on.

[UberSquid]

Originally Posted by cooltouch

Guys this is an interesting thread and it occurs to me that I might be able to get an answer to a question I've had from y'all. I have a Nikon PB-4 bellows with the PS-4 slide copy attachment. The PB-4's bellows are fine, but the small bellows in the PS-1 are totally shot -- like missing the bottom of them altogether. I can see no obvious way to dismount the bellows from the standards, thus I'm not sure how new ones would be attached. But if y'all might have a word or two of advice, or could perhaps tell me where I could have the PS-4 repaired, I'd be appreciative. Actually I wouldn't mind learning how to do this on my own, since I have an Agfa Isolette that will be needing new ones soon most likely and I have plans to acquire even more bellows-equipped cameras. In fact, one of my plans is to build my own 4x5 field camera and I'd like to do the bellows for it as part of the project.

I have no idea how to take the bellows off your PS-1. Actually I've never even looked at one. My suggestion would be to take pictures of it and post them on here. Maybe someone could give you an idea of how to take it apart from the photos. Make sure you shoot up into the missing bottom so we can see the inside where the bellows are attached. I'm guessing there is a retaining ring somewhere.

If you want to learn to make your own, check out this web site:

http://www.stockholmviews.com/diypho...ercamera3.html

or this is my personal favorite and the one I learned from:

http://www.pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=folders

Good Luck!

[jnoir]

Originally Posted by UberSquid

For materials I ordered two different weights of dark out cloth from Freestyle. I have also picked up some nice flat black canvas for the inside layer. That should do for most applications. For fun I also picked up some great crinkle pattern red and black vinyl. It looks like really aged leather. It's thin enough that I should be able to use it for the larger bellows and for covering on a few 35mm rangefinders I'm working on.

Great ! Did they provide you with the specs for that material (e.g. abrasion resistance, crease recovery, hydrophilic properties, maybe tensile strenght...)?

[burancap]

How did this project work out?

I am in need of replacing at least one bellows.