Chamonix Camera and IR film

[evan clarke]

I just got some Efke IR820 in 11x14 and made my first two test sheets. Sadly, the bellows on this wonderful camera isn't IR safe. Has anybody had this bellows issue with cameras and if so, did you come up with a solution?..Evan Clarke

[vinny]

Yup. chamonix's aren't suitable for ir work. At least their 4x5's (the earlier runs of the 45n-1 used different bellows material). Luckily the shen hao bellows which fit the camera perfectly ARE in my case (45n-2). Time to order a bellows from a different company. Chamonix isn't interested in helping, I asked.

[Kirk Gittings]

What is the difference in materials and/or construction that matter for ir?

[Roger Cole]

Interesting to learn since I'm seriously considering getting a 45N-2. Couldn't you just throw an additional cloth over the bellows before you pull the slide?

[Kirk Gittings]

or a tinfoil pyramid ?

[Roger Cole]

Your IR film is being irradiated by aliens!

(Sorry if I missed the reference - a comparison to tinfoil hats was the best I could think of...)

[vinny]

"What is the difference in materials and/or construction that matter for ir? "
One works, one doesn't.

Interesting to learn since I'm seriously considering getting a 45N-2. Couldn't you just throw an additional cloth over the bellows before you pull the slide?

Sure. Try it, see what happens.
Aluminum foil kinda works but I don't have the patience for that. Shiny bellows look great though.

[evan clarke]

Since I posted, I searched all the oldmthreads on this and quite a few have had success with a dark cloth around the bellows. I ordered a Harrison which is black on one side and reflective on the other. Need a different cloth for this 11x14 anyway.I can focus then throw the cloth in top of the bellows and give it a shot. I really want to use this film, I paid $95 for 50 sheets, it's fresh and just fine except for th IR fog..EC

[Kirk Gittings]

[QUOTE=vinny;875222]"What is the difference in materials and/or construction that matter for ir? "
One works, one doesn't.

Thanks for that useful tidbit.

Anyone else? I am curious. Is it just the sheer amount of material in the thickness of bellows or density or fabric vs. leather vs rubberized cloth?

[vinny]

haha! I don't know.
Leather works. The 45n-2 chamonix bellows are pretty thin but I don't know what makes it different than the shenhao bellows. I wish chamonix/hugo were willing to make some changes.
Evan, I'd try wasting a sheet of 4x5 taped to your holder rather than 11x14. You don't even need to go outside, just pull the slide for a few minutes on a sunny day. I tried the foil but it's not practical and I still got a bit of fogging even indoors.