Bellows not stiff enough?

[D-tach]

Anyone experience with this problem?
Last week I did some testshots to do my own developing - with the 'new' Voigtlander Heliar 210. I noticed in all my portrait mode shots that there was this line in the bottom of the photo. My camera is a ChamonixN2 with universal bellows and I think it is a bit 'sloppy'. When I look through the lens to the upper side of the GG I see a little bellows in the way.

Anyone who's experienced the same problem with the Chamonix N2?
When I put my loup under the bellows the problem seems solved but isn't there a more professional way of solving this as I'm sure when there is gonna sit a beautiful lady in front of the camera I will forget to put the loup :rolleyes:

Or should I buy the standard bellows (I don't know if they're stiffer)

And damn that Heliar is sharp when stopped down :eek:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5693936186_400e7dbaf8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60030955@N05/5693936186/)
Chamonix N2 - Voigtlander Heliar 210 @F10 - Provia100F

[Gem Singer]

Bellows sag is not an unusual problem, especially with cameras that have a large bellows extension capability.

Various methods can be used to prop up a sagging bellows. Improvise.

[Vaughn]

I have run into this problem with an 7x17 with long bellows -- I used document clips like these:

http://www.staples.com/Staples-Black-Metal-Binder-Clips-Bulk-Pack-Mini/product_566942?cmArea=SEARCH

Rubber bands attached to the clips and around the front standard pull the bellows tighter (the clips clip onto a fold of the bellows).

Another idea, which I have seen on cameras, is to replace your loupe with a heavy wire arrangement that swings up when needed and folds down when not needed or when the camera is folded up. The wire would rest along a fold of the bellows.

Vaughn

[D-tach]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Isn't this forum wonderful? :-) discovered the forum last year, ended up buying a Chamonix and finally a Jobo CPA2 because 12€/sheet to develop here in Belgium (aaauch). Now it costs me 54€/200 sheets and it is not that difficult with a Jobo. Me likes much more than my D700!

Thanks to everyone for all the input!

Tom

[Daniel Moore]

This issue has been reported elsewhere. (http://www.apug.org/forums/forum44/79662-chamonix-45n-2-mini-review.html)

I have the same camera on order and am considering ordering the standard bellows since I don't own anything longer than a 210mm.