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Thread: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2016
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    Question Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Hi all,

    I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

    During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

    I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional...YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

    Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

    Any advice?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Daniel Stone's Avatar
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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    It'll be more money, but frankly, I'd order up a set of bellows from these guys, in England. Product is 100% top notch ,and has always been perfect on all of my orders.

    http://www.custombellows.co.uk/

  3. #3
    Large Format Rocks ImSoNegative's Avatar
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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    mine needs to be replaced as well, there are pinholes in every corner on it but as long as I put the cloth over it before exposure I have yet to have a light leak
    "WOW! Now thats a big camera. By the way, how many megapixels is that thing?"

  4. #4

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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Quote Originally Posted by rwphoto View Post
    Hi all,

    I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

    During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

    I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional...YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

    Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

    Any advice?

    Thanks!
    He makes good bellows. Go for it.

  5. #5
    ghostcount's Avatar
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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Quote Originally Posted by rwphoto View Post
    Hi all,

    I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

    During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

    I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional...YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

    Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

    Any advice?

    Thanks!
    http://www.largeformatphotography.in...custom-bellows
    "Sex is like maths, add the bed, subtract the clothes, divide the whoo hoo and hope you don't multiply." - Leather jacket guy

  6. #6

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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Thanks for the quick responses everyone! This definitely clears it all up

  7. #7

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    Jul 2015
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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Quote Originally Posted by rwphoto View Post
    Thanks for the quick responses everyone! This definitely clears it all up
    Hi - did you end up purchasing the bellows from the seller based in HK? I'm interested in purchasing as well, but he hasn't gotten back to me when I messaged him with questions. It's strange because the description for the Calumet C1 is for a different camera so I'm wary of purchasing something if it doesn't fit. Also, how was the installation if you did it?

  8. #8

    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    I've purchased bellows from the ecbuyonline folks and they are fine. They seem to be made of modern light tight material, are lighter than the originals, and I think they will hold up well. From what I have read, the folks in the UK do an excellent job, but I haven't used them as yet.

  9. #9

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    Jul 2015
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    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    Quote Originally Posted by Stephen Thomason View Post
    I've purchased bellows from the ecbuyonline folks and they are fine. They seem to be made of modern light tight material, are lighter than the originals, and I think they will hold up well. From what I have read, the folks in the UK do an excellent job, but I haven't used them as yet.
    OK - was it hard to install? Was it this one by chance? - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional...YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

  10. #10

    Re: Calumet C-1 Bellows Replacement

    I haven't had to replace the bellows yet on any of my 8x10's or 5x7's, only some 4x5's. That is the eBay seller from whom I have gotten some. The last one was for a Toyo 45A, and no, it wasn't particularly hard to replace. I don't have a C-1, but I assume that the bellows is glued to the standards. Sometimes they are also nailed in with tiny nails.

    Some like the 45A have a thin metal frame around which the ends of the bellows is glued, and then the assembly is screwed to the standards.

    It's not a particularly difficult project. Just figure out how the bellows are attached, remove them, clean up the standards, and replace them in the same manner (more or less) as the originals. Lots of good posts on this forum and much info to be found on a web search. If you run into some difficulties, there are plenty of folks who would be willing to share their experiences with you I am sure.

    DON'T USE CONTACT CEMENT. I use Pliobond, as was recommended to me by forum members. Clean up old adhesive using bamboo sticks for cuticle care as found in a drug store's beauty supply area. Sharpen them by hand as needed using sandpaper -DON'T use a power sander. Use alcohol as a solvent/cleaner as needed - I use denatured.

    While you are waiting for the bellows to arrive, spend some time searching the forum and web for tips on techniques and supplies.

    Good luck and enjoy the project!

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