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rwphoto
20-Jun-2016, 03:18
Hi all,

I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Made-Bellows-For-Calumet-C-Series-8x10-Large-Format-Camera-/272050544945?hash=item3f5779e131:g:n-YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

Any advice?

Thanks!

Daniel Stone
20-Jun-2016, 03:47
It'll be more money, but frankly, I'd order up a set of bellows from these guys, in England. Product is 100% top notch ,and has always been perfect on all of my orders.

http://www.custombellows.co.uk/

ImSoNegative
20-Jun-2016, 06:28
mine needs to be replaced as well, there are pinholes in every corner on it but as long as I put the cloth over it before exposure I have yet to have a light leak

SergeiR
20-Jun-2016, 06:39
Hi all,

I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Made-Bellows-For-Calumet-C-Series-8x10-Large-Format-Camera-/272050544945?hash=item3f5779e131:g:n-YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

Any advice?

Thanks!

He makes good bellows. Go for it.

ghostcount
20-Jun-2016, 11:09
Hi all,

I was recently gifted a Calumet C-1 monster by a family member with no knowledge of cameras.

During my initial check-out of the camera I noticed that the bellows are leaking light like a sieve and have to be replaced.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on either where to get a new set made, or if the below replacement bellows found on ebay would work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Made-Bellows-For-Calumet-C-Series-8x10-Large-Format-Camera-/272050544945?hash=item3f5779e131:g:n-YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

Everything else on the camera checks out other than the 8x10 ground glass which will have to be replaced, but I have seen numerous of those for sale.

Any advice?

Thanks!

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?107169-ecbuyonline2008-1-excellent-custom-bellows

rwphoto
21-Jun-2016, 12:29
Thanks for the quick responses everyone! This definitely clears it all up

xvelids
25-Sep-2016, 19:48
Thanks for the quick responses everyone! This definitely clears it all up

Hi - did you end up purchasing the bellows from the seller based in HK? I'm interested in purchasing as well, but he hasn't gotten back to me when I messaged him with questions. It's strange because the description for the Calumet C1 is for a different camera so I'm wary of purchasing something if it doesn't fit. Also, how was the installation if you did it?

Stephen Thomason
25-Sep-2016, 21:24
I've purchased bellows from the ecbuyonline folks and they are fine. They seem to be made of modern light tight material, are lighter than the originals, and I think they will hold up well. From what I have read, the folks in the UK do an excellent job, but I haven't used them as yet.

xvelids
26-Sep-2016, 17:28
I've purchased bellows from the ecbuyonline folks and they are fine. They seem to be made of modern light tight material, are lighter than the originals, and I think they will hold up well. From what I have read, the folks in the UK do an excellent job, but I haven't used them as yet.

OK - was it hard to install? Was it this one by chance? - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Made-Bellows-For-Calumet-C-Series-8x10-Large-Format-Camera-/272050544945?hash=item3f5779e131:g:n-YAAOSw5VFWOz2w

Stephen Thomason
26-Sep-2016, 20:36
I haven't had to replace the bellows yet on any of my 8x10's or 5x7's, only some 4x5's. That is the eBay seller from whom I have gotten some. The last one was for a Toyo 45A, and no, it wasn't particularly hard to replace. I don't have a C-1, but I assume that the bellows is glued to the standards. Sometimes they are also nailed in with tiny nails.

Some like the 45A have a thin metal frame around which the ends of the bellows is glued, and then the assembly is screwed to the standards.

It's not a particularly difficult project. Just figure out how the bellows are attached, remove them, clean up the standards, and replace them in the same manner (more or less) as the originals. Lots of good posts on this forum and much info to be found on a web search. If you run into some difficulties, there are plenty of folks who would be willing to share their experiences with you I am sure.

DON'T USE CONTACT CEMENT. I use Pliobond, as was recommended to me by forum members. Clean up old adhesive using bamboo sticks for cuticle care as found in a drug store's beauty supply area. Sharpen them by hand as needed using sandpaper -DON'T use a power sander. Use alcohol as a solvent/cleaner as needed - I use denatured.

While you are waiting for the bellows to arrive, spend some time searching the forum and web for tips on techniques and supplies.

Good luck and enjoy the project!