Ebony repair

**Robert Fisher** · 25-Jun-2007, 15:12

The image that appears (by clicking the URL) below is of an Ebony non-folder. Unfortunately (IMO) the camera’s bellows are in awful condition. I am told that the camera needs to go back to Ebony in Japan for replacement of the bellows. I am being quoted $500 to $700 for the repair and new bellows. The cost does not bother me so much as the amount of time required.

Does anyone know if the existing bellows can be refurbished to look “quasi-new” and glued back in place properly here in the USA? Any estimate on cost?

All knowledgeable input will be appreciated.

Thanks!

http://ip.rm16.net/photos/Ebony%20repair.jpg

**Lee Hamiel** · 25-Jun-2007, 16:16

Robert:

What are the dimensions of the two plates for the bellows attachment?

I have an Ebony set of bellows (unsure of which body they work with) that may be the right size ...

Let me know.

**Robert Fisher** · 25-Jun-2007, 17:08

Lee, it is a 57 non folder. Needs the WA bellows for a 57 body.

Thanks!

**Jeffrey Sipress** · 25-Jun-2007, 18:59

I don't see why you couldn't order the part from japan and have the work done here.

**PViapiano** · 25-Jun-2007, 21:54

Have you spoken with Ian? Is that where you got your timetable and cost estimate?

My 45s developed a crack in the base plate around the tripod mount. It hasn't compromised the integrity of the base (yet) and the estimate was about $170 and a few weeks time, however I chose not to send it off because the estimate was for filling the crack in with ebony dust and epoxy, and I wanted a new base plate fitted on there. Never got the estimate for that particular repair and the camera has worked like a charm, no flexing, etc ever since.

**Joanna Carter** · 25-Jun-2007, 23:30

This looks to be very much cosmetic; are there any pinholes or light leaks? If not, all that is needed is to clean and feed the leather, and then to carefully re-pleat the bellows whilst the leather food is still drying off. Using high quality, specialist, leather care products will be a lot cheaper than all that hasle... providing there are no problems with the integrity of the bellows.

**George Hart** · 26-Jun-2007, 02:32

I agree entirely with Joanna! From what one can see on the pic this is the 57SUE model, which has bellows that are glued in place in the factory. The bellows are not the same as the Ebony 5x7 WA bellows which are removeable. The bellows actually look good, just a bit mishandled! The standards may have been brought together repeatedly without the lensboard being set in the zero rise/fall position, which has caused the bellows to be a bit crumpled. Some leather food (I use Nikwax) and careful re-folding is called for! It looks to be a very nice camera.