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Thread: Bellows not stiff enough?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Aalst, Belgium
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    667

    Bellows not stiff enough?

    Anyone experience with this problem?
    Last week I did some testshots to do my own developing - with the 'new' Voigtlander Heliar 210. I noticed in all my portrait mode shots that there was this line in the bottom of the photo. My camera is a ChamonixN2 with universal bellows and I think it is a bit 'sloppy'. When I look through the lens to the upper side of the GG I see a little bellows in the way.

    Anyone who's experienced the same problem with the Chamonix N2?
    When I put my loup under the bellows the problem seems solved but isn't there a more professional way of solving this as I'm sure when there is gonna sit a beautiful lady in front of the camera I will forget to put the loup

    Or should I buy the standard bellows (I don't know if they're stiffer)

    And damn that Heliar is sharp when stopped down


    Chamonix N2 - Voigtlander Heliar 210 @F10 - Provia100F

  2. #2
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Re: Bellows not stiff enough?

    Bellows sag is not an unusual problem, especially with cameras that have a large bellows extension capability.

    Various methods can be used to prop up a sagging bellows. Improvise.

  3. #3
    Vaughn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Humboldt County, CA
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    9,222

    Re: Bellows not stiff enough?

    I have run into this problem with an 7x17 with long bellows -- I used document clips like these:

    http://www.staples.com/Staples-Black...?cmArea=SEARCH

    Rubber bands attached to the clips and around the front standard pull the bellows tighter (the clips clip onto a fold of the bellows).

    Another idea, which I have seen on cameras, is to replace your loupe with a heavy wire arrangement that swings up when needed and folds down when not needed or when the camera is folded up. The wire would rest along a fold of the bellows.

    Vaughn

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Aalst, Belgium
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    667

    Re: Bellows not stiff enough?

    Thanks for the suggestions guys! Isn't this forum wonderful? :-) discovered the forum last year, ended up buying a Chamonix and finally a Jobo CPA2 because 12€/sheet to develop here in Belgium (aaauch). Now it costs me 54€/200 sheets and it is not that difficult with a Jobo. Me likes much more than my D700!

    Thanks to everyone for all the input!

    Tom

  5. #5

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Berkeley, CA USA
    Posts
    208

    Re: Bellows not stiff enough?

    This issue has been reported elsewhere.

    I have the same camera on order and am considering ordering the standard bellows since I don't own anything longer than a 210mm.

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