How and why did my Linhof Master develop cracks in the bellows?

**tgtaylor** · 26-Apr-2012, 17:54

If they are made with leather, then why not treat it occasionally with saddle soap???

**E. von Hoegh** · 27-Apr-2012, 06:59

Originally Posted by tgtaylor

If they are made with leather, then why not treat it occasionally with saddle soap???

Saddle soap is a cleaner, as the name implies. I give mine a very light application of neat's foot oil every so often. As I posted earlier, they are the original bellows and are in excellent condition.

**rlee2010** · 27-Apr-2012, 20:30

I do not think they are light leaks, and are only cosmetic.

**Bob Salomon** · 28-Apr-2012, 06:38

Originally Posted by Bill_1856

I don't know about "average," but it seems to be a fairly common occurance."

How many occurances here in the forum?
How many Technikas do you think are out there?

And, if one bought a used Technika, how would one know that they even have a Linhof bellows?

**SergeiR** · 28-Apr-2012, 07:35

Well it is thin pigskin, isn't it. If not cared for - any leather product craps out after a while, even pigskin which is super durable.
You can always get replacement synthetic one. I ripped mine out without waiting for it to go bad on me, after getting used technika V, replaced, and happy camper since (first of all b/c i know how to replace it if need arise, secondly - b/c synthetic one is pretty durable, and secondly b/c it is pretty much as compact and stretchy as original one.

PS: i don't care for resale stuff, b/c i like me technika, and intended to shoot with it for as long as i could.

**Frank Petronio** · 28-Apr-2012, 08:59

I tried the Chinese $100 Do-It-Yourself kit and it was tough and functional but not as flexible or nicely mounted as the OEM Linhof replacement. I also had a beat-up Technika IV with a Crown Graphic vinyl bellows that worked fine and was very durable, but limited to only 12-inches so it was quite a compromise!

**Paddy McKay** · 29-Apr-2012, 09:55

A few years ago, I had the bellows on my Tech V, replaced by Camera Bellows, in the UK. It's synthetic, and extremely flexible, but not any bulkier, to my eye. I don't expect to have to replace this any time soon.

**TheDeardorffGuy** · 29-Apr-2012, 17:28

Originally Posted by Vick Ko

I have a Linhof Technika Master.

The bellows has developed cracks on the outer black surface. I do not think they are light leaks, and are only cosmetic.

What caused the cracks? I live in Canada and stored the camera closed, at normal room temperature and normal humidity, perhaps only drier humidity through winter.

See the photo for details.

Has this happened to your Linhof?

Attachment 72729

Vick, I did not know you were on this forum. Whats the bellows made from?