PDA

View Full Version : Leather conditioner for bellows?


l2oBiN
28-Nov-2018, 01:59
What is the best leather conditioner for bellows?

(I would like to condition arca wide 4x5 and 8x10 bellows.)

I have currently been given the following by a shoe repair shop..

http://leathermate.com.au//product-info

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181128/ef28eace8eb4d7bb1670cc1c141e2063.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181128/564247e45932a6958609321c8c708527.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181128/dcc0d05dc0d91c8a11ed5ebe3698dd5d.jpg
John Kasaian
28-Nov-2018, 22:21
FWIW I'd ask Arca.
andrewch59
29-Nov-2018, 02:48
I use one from the local hardware store, but I first checked to make sure it did not have an effect on the glue used to build the bellows. Last thing you want is the bellows coming apart at the seams.
Mark Sampson
29-Nov-2018, 18:09
When I had a Tachihara with (goatskin) leather bellows, I used Lexol, popular for auto interiors but meant for leather-bound books. It worked well on my camera.
Back then (1980s, pre-internet) some people though neats-foot oil was good; and it is, for baseball gloves. But the word was also that it might dissolve the glue holding the bellows together.
Whatever you choose, use it sparingly.
Jac@stafford.net
29-Nov-2018, 18:19
Is the bellows really leather?
LabRat
29-Nov-2018, 18:45
The main ingredents in all of these brands is lanolin, which is a collagen that feeds the leather...

Read the ingredients carefully, as some contain silicone, which waterproof the material, but also prevents later treatments from penetrating and makes future repairs very difficult...

Some brands contain a lot of water that can affect glues, and expand/shrink bellows...

Steve K
eric black
29-Nov-2018, 20:03
When I had a Tachihara with (goatskin) leather bellows, I used Lexol, popular for auto interiors but meant for leather-bound books. It worked well on my camera.
Back then (1980s, pre-internet) some people though neats-foot oil was good; and it is, for baseball gloves. But the word was also that it might dissolve the glue holding the bellows together.
Whatever you choose, use it sparingly.

+1 for the Lexol- used it sparingly and never had a problem with my Arca leather bellows- works great and is available if you cannot find it in shops that deal leather goods for horse saddles and other related tack
rorye
30-Nov-2018, 09:15
I've had good results with this fluid from EBay seller hobby-nexus-supplies184925
l2oBiN
9-Dec-2018, 04:28
Regarding treatment, do you apply it on both inside and outside of the bellows or only outside?

I have been applying it only on the outside (shiny site). Inside is tougher and it feels somewhat dry..

Outside

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181209/23d20e4bae42aa973e4c68b64f272d50.jpg


Inside


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181209/95aa2947be7a204c6915013ab7c7dc2b.jpg
LabRat
9-Dec-2018, 04:54
The inside is generally lined with silk that forms a tough skeleton with the leather on the outside...

Test a little on a hidden spot on the outside, and if it didn't loosen the inner glues or made the too dry leather crumble, then just the entire outside... Don't apply too thick as it can excessively soften, but a couple of light coats over a day or two... Don't rub when wet, and very lightly when dry...

Steve K
l2oBiN
9-Dec-2018, 13:18
Hi Steve,

The bellows in hand seem to be raw leather, no silk lining. The standard Arca bellows seems to have a felt/silk lining...

I was also trying to figure out what you mentioned in your post referring to inside and outside...

Do you mean test on a small spot inside and if does not cause damage then apply?
LabRat
9-Dec-2018, 13:35
With most bellows, the strength comes from the net inside... Pushing, pulling is on the net inside, but the sealing and attractive finish is on the outside... If that net gets damaged, the bellows are a goner...

The leather just needs treatment from one side, which is the outside where it is usually applied, so test a spot on the outside bottom where it is hard to see... See if it discolors or loosens the material and wait until truly dry... Application on one side is ok as this will penetrate the material...

I used to get Venetian Cream from camera shows, and that worked the best, but use Lexol generally now...

Just careful with thin dry leather coverings as they are very delicate when wet with preservative...

Steve K