Bag bellows that fit Chamonix 8x10?

[Daniel_Buck]

I'm starting to use a wide lens on my Chamonix 8x10, and I'm wrestling with the bellows a bit when doing good sized rise/fall movements (the velcro strips help, but not enough). Does anyone know of a bag bellow that will fit the Chamonix? Is it a standard size that something else may fit it?

It appears that Chamonix itself does not make any alternate bellows for the 8x10.

Thanks for any tips! I may just end up trying to make one for myself, but if I can find something that will fit, I'd rather do that, since I have enough little projects going on that I've not yet finished. :o haha!

[Jan Pedersen]

Daniel,
I could use one too. It was my hope that Chamonix eventually would make one but it may have to be a special order.
Please post if you find something that fits.
Thanks.
jan

[Darryl Baird]

ditto, I used a 159 Wolly on my 8x10 and managed to dislodge the rear bellows from the frame and got a resulting series of fogged negatives... it wasn't obvious from opening and inserting the film holders, so I only "caught" the mistake after development :-(

I have since modified the rear frame by inserting flexible framing points behind all four sides (of the bellows) and a strip of black camera tape to help seal the whole frame. I thought this was due to the custom (extended) bellows I ordered with the extension rail, but perhaps it is a minor design flaw. The bellows are pretty flexible, but there is a limit obviously. I own a Sinar 8x10 and the bellows do not fit either of the standards.

I thought I might also use the camera with the 4x5 reducing back and a 90mm lens, but gave up the idea after the problem. Pity.

[Steve Hamley]

Get a set of bellows frames and send them to Custom Bellows UK and tell them what you want. Problem solved.

Cheers, Steve

[Gem Singer]

Badgergraphics lists a wide angle bellows for the Shen Hao FCL810-A on their website.

This camera is very similar to the 8X10 Chamonix.

Perhaps the wide angle bellows for the Shen Hao will fit the Chamonix.

It's worth a call to Jeff to check it out.

[Daniel_Buck]

Gem, I'll do that, thank you!

[Daniel_Buck]

Jeff got back to me, he said he does not know if the bellows will fit, and he doesn't have one instock for another 3 weeks or so. I'm going to try and contact him about it again in 3 weeks.

Does anyone here have the 8x10 Shen-Hao wide angle bellows? Mind swapping some measurements and a few photos of the bellows with me to compare them to mine?

[ic-racer]

I can give you the front and rear frame measurements of the standard Shen Hao bellows. Not sure if the Cham is similar but the Shen standard bellows mounts to the front standard like a lensboard. The rear of the bellows is not really attached to anything, it has a perimeter flange that is held in place by the removable back. I guess the WA bellows would mount in an identical manner.

Also, what lens are you using to require the bag bellows. A friend of mine keeps trying to get me to buy a 150 XL Schneider but it seems a little big for field use.

BTW awesome vintage racer photos with the speed graphic on your web site!

[Daniel_Buck]

ic-racer, that sounds like how the bellows attach to the chamonix camera. rear bellow is sandwiched inbetween the standard and the removeable back, and the front bellows attached like a lensboard.

Could you give me some measurements? I'll measure mine here in just a minute.

I'm using a 6 1/4" f12.5 Wollensak, but thinking about renting one of the 150 XL lenses for a few locations.

Glad you like the speedgraphic shots, it's fun shooting it at the vintage races :-)

[Daniel_Buck]

rear -

11 1/16th outside
10 1/4 inside bevel (with the bottom size having a 45 degree angle cut to it, bevel sticks up about 1/8th inch)
9 9/16th inside opening
1/8th thick outside bevel (a hair or to more than 1/8th)


front:

6 9/32 outside
5 29/32 inside bevel (bevel sticks up about 1/8th inch)
1/8th thick outside bevel (a hair or to more than 1/8th)

I'll post up a few photos of the bellows, see how it compares to yours?

Maybe I should find someone in LA who has a shen hao 8x10, see if we could meet up for lunch or something, to compare the bellows :-)

[ic-racer]

Shen Hao 8x10 standard bellows:
Rear frame: 11 1/16 square
10 1/4 'inside" bevel with 45 degree angle cut on bottom
9 14/16 inside opening
No "outside" bevel.

Front is rectangle: 6 14/32 by 6 2/32
5 6/32 x 5 6/32 square bevel
Sticks up a little more than 1/8th

So, its close but not a direct interchange.

[Daniel_Buck]

ah, bummer :-(

Oh well, I guess I'll have to get ahold of some chamonix bellows frames and make (or have made) some for myself. Thanks for taking the time to measure out that stuff, I appreciate that :-)

[ic-racer]

So, for $200 for the SH bag it would be possible to adapt but maybe not worth it. If you need an "outside" bevel on the back you could build it up with Midwest model hardwood 1/8 x 1/8 or so. Otherwise I think the rear would fit as it is.
The front could be cut down on the top and bottom and the edges build up again with 1/8 or so wood strips to make it snug side-to side. The inside front opening is smaller, so perhaps it would fit OK.

Like Chamonix, you can order SH products right from China. Might be able to get one quicker than Badger.

[Daniel_Buck]

So, for $200 for the SH bag it would be possible to adapt but maybe not worth it. If you need an "outside" bevel on the back you could build it up with Midwest model hardwood 1/8 x 1/8 or so. Otherwise I think the rear would fit as it is.
The front could be cut down on the top and bottom and the edges build up again with 1/8 or so wood strips to make it snug side-to side. The inside front opening is smaller, so perhaps it would fit OK.

These cameras are so nice, I agree its probably better to get something pro-made.

might not be a bad idea, particularly if the rear already fits. :)