Ok, so anyone actually heard from this guy in, oh, maybe the last month or two? My bellows are horribly overdue, and, short of carrier pigeon, I've tried just about every means available to reach him. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
My patience is wearing seriously thin. If anyone's had contact with him in recent weeks, please let me hear about it.
Scott, frustrated on vaca
Scott, I too have been trying for the last several days to get a hold of Mark. He sent me a sample of his work and I was ready to order my 8x20 bellows from him. Now I have my doubts. I don't want to be out any $$$ if he can not come through. Where is he?? Vacation? Ill? I hope he contacts us.
Jim
He's in Hilo, isn't he? The last few days they've had a modest earthquake and a tropical storm, so that could explain why he might be out of touch, at least for the last week.
Well it looks like Mark has dropped off the planet. I hope he is ok? I finally have the funds together for my 8x20 bellows and i guess i'll have to contact Great Western Bellows. Anyone have experience recently with them. I've read past posts with pros and cons. anyone have recent dealings with them and is there anyone in particular to deal with? all help is greatly appreciated.
Jim
The only person at Western Bellows is Jim Ormand. He recently replaced the bellows on my WP Improved Seneca. He did a beautiful job. He answered my questions and phone calls. I was satisfied.Originally Posted by Jim Fitzgerald
Make sure to tell him exactly what you have, how long you want it, and ask him if there is anything he needs to know when asking for a quote. He told me that one of his biggest problems is that people do not give a complete or accurate description and then wonder why the estimate was different than the quote after he receives the camera. For example, telling him that the bellows is straight, when it really is a combo straight and tapered.
From what I can tell, just about all that is left is Western Bellows and Camera Bellows in the U.K.
Does Richard Ritter do bellows, too?
FWIW, I've still not heard anything from Mr. Kapono, after repeated emails and phone calls. I'm thinking I may be out $170 at this point, and I can't imagine what recourse I would have. Pisses me off, frankly.
David, thanks for the info on Jim at Western Bellows. I will give him a call.
Jim
The names I have grabbed off various photo BBs over the years follow. I've never done business with any so cannot vouch for anything...
FLEXIBLE PRODUCTS INC
14504 60th St N,
Clearwater FL 34620
(813) 536-3142
GORTITE
A & A Mfg. Co., Inc.,
2300 S. Calhoun Rd.,
New Berlin, WI 53151,
(414) 786-1500
do single qty replacements
www.gortite.com
TURNER BELLOWS
526 Child St
Rochester NY 14606
(716) 235-4456
sales@turnerbellows.com
www.turnerbellows.com
Universal Bellows Co.
25 Hanse Ave
Freeport NY 11520
(516) 378-1264
WESTERN BELLOWS COMPANY
7th St #G
Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730-5664
(909) 980-0606 9340
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