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pin hole checking
Had the time to test my cameras bellows out with a flashlight in a dark room. Its depressing for a camera that the seller listed as "no light leaks".
Its only every corner has a tiny pin hole in it.. really should post a photo. Is it better to just find a new bellows and laugh at how much i did not have to spend on a brand new camera?
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Re: pin hole checking
I have one Toyo Field camera and several Toyo monorail cameras - all bought used and all had numerous pinholes. I tried to "paint" over the pinholes with black acrylic paint mixed with some PVA glue to make it more flexible, but to no avail. Most of the pinholes re-appeared.
My solution was to buy "cheap" bellows from Amazon - around 100 US$ each. Replacing the bellows on the monorails was easy. Replacing the tapered bellows on the 45A Field camera was a bit more tricky, but not impossible with some patience. And the new bellows are perfectly light tight and have proven to be quite wear resistant. Light leaks are a pain, so I found replacing the bellows both practical and useful.
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Re: pin hole checking
If you do replace your bellows, there are two brands of contact cement that I'd like to suggest: either Weldwood or Durabond.
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Re: pin hole checking
Laugh and the world laughs with you
Look into retapeing all corners with good tape
It can look nice and last for decades
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Re: pin hole checking
If the seller advertised it as having no light leaks, you should return it for a refund and buy something better. (IE: spend a bit more $$)
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Re: pin hole checking
What TC said plus white pva and black India ink is magical. I’m sure seller like KEH only meant cosmetics.. your camera is probably 50+ years old. Probably requires grease too.
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Re: pin hole checking
Not sure on needing grease.. this thing is smoother then the macro bellows i bought. Its only pin holes in EVERY corner on it, and the email alert is telling me my lens was just delivered.
I sent out emails to about 5 places last night about a custom bellows, and only 1 place responded so far..
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Re: pin hole checking
Custom bellows as much $$ as a new camera . Do as Paul suggests not worth hassle especially when you will never be able to resell the camera with the new bellows for as much as the camera and bellows cost.
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Re: pin hole checking
The best replacement bellows I have found are the U.S.-made all synthetic and waterproof products from Dynatect or Nabel (you will pay more for the same thing).
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Re: pin hole checking
Imho, if you really like the way that the camera works, do a temporary fix on the bellows while you are looking into the replacement, and use it. Replacing bellows is a maintenance issue unless you plan on replacing the camera soon. If you replace the bellows, the value of your camera will increase.