RichSBV
21-Nov-2003, 11:09
I have recently acquired an 8x10 Century Universal camera. Overall it's in basically useable and tight condition. But the bellows are original, dry, cracked (especially in the corners) and missing some small pieces (again, in the corners).
I have already found out that camerabellows will make a synthetic replacement for about $280 which doesn't seem too bad. They said they can't do leather...
I've also been told by others that if I replace the bellows, I will ruin the collector value of the camera! Same thing if I do a repair myself to the existing bellows...
So I thought I would ask the LF community. Should I replace the bellows to make a very useable and dependable camera. Should I search out someone who could make a replacement leather bellows? Would I be destroying a valuable collectors item if I did?
I won't be offended if you tell me that it's just another old camera and go ahead and do the replacement. Or even if you said it's not worth it... From the second I first saw the Century Universal years ago, I knew this was the only camera for me. Doesn't matter what it's worth, or even how well it functions. Well, as being solid, handy, and such. Light tight is obviously a must...
On a side note. Anyone know where I could find more details about the camera? I've seen the review here, but that's about all I can find except for a few mentionings about some historic photographers who have use it...
Thanks for any comments and suggestions... Rich...
I have already found out that camerabellows will make a synthetic replacement for about $280 which doesn't seem too bad. They said they can't do leather...
I've also been told by others that if I replace the bellows, I will ruin the collector value of the camera! Same thing if I do a repair myself to the existing bellows...
So I thought I would ask the LF community. Should I replace the bellows to make a very useable and dependable camera. Should I search out someone who could make a replacement leather bellows? Would I be destroying a valuable collectors item if I did?
I won't be offended if you tell me that it's just another old camera and go ahead and do the replacement. Or even if you said it's not worth it... From the second I first saw the Century Universal years ago, I knew this was the only camera for me. Doesn't matter what it's worth, or even how well it functions. Well, as being solid, handy, and such. Light tight is obviously a must...
On a side note. Anyone know where I could find more details about the camera? I've seen the review here, but that's about all I can find except for a few mentionings about some historic photographers who have use it...
Thanks for any comments and suggestions... Rich...