1898 Thornton Pickard Ruby Bellows

**slongden** · 26-Jan-2023, 02:31

Hi Guys,
I have an 1898 Thornton Pickard Ruby, full plate camera that I've restored back to working condition. I'm currently shooting (badly) glass plates onto it. When I first got the camera, the bellows were shredded so in the interim, I've repaired them with black spinnaker tape. The fix works for now and the bellows are light tight, however I'd like to have a go at making my own set of bellows. I know from removing the bellows during the restoration that they have at least a couple of layers of newspaper, but I'm assuming that they had some sort of material layer as well (it doesn't appear to be leather). Does anyone know what type of material would have been used and what the bellows were sealed with? Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott

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**Tin Can** · 26-Jan-2023, 05:54

Original may have been leather or paper/cloth

https://learncamerarepair.com/product.php?product=351

I assume by your lingo and camera you are located across the pond from USA

I highly suggest packing it off to http://www.custombellows.co.uk/

**slongden** · 27-Jan-2023, 01:51

Yes, I'm across the big pond in Australia
Thankyou so much. That was exactly what I was looking for.
Cheers,
Scott
PS. I did email custom bellows a few months ago when I first started the project and never heard back from them. If I get stuck I'll give them another try.

**pgk** · 27-Jan-2023, 02:21

I am going to speak to custombellows soon so if you want to pm me your email I'll chase them for you.

**Tin Can** · 27-Jan-2023, 05:22

Australia has very expensive shipping

Every time I THINK I have to ship

The deal fails over shipping cost

**slongden** · 27-Jan-2023, 16:22

Thanks Tin Can. My email is slongden@scottlongdenphotography.com.au
Cheers,
Scott

**MartinP** · 3-Feb-2023, 03:28

Originally Posted by slongden

Hi Guys,
I have an 1898 Thornton Pickard Ruby, full plate camera that I've restored back to working condition. I'm currently shooting (badly) glass plates onto it. When I first got the camera, the bellows were shredded so in the interim, I've repaired them with black spinnaker tape. The fix works for now and the bellows are light tight, however I'd like to have a go at making my own set of bellows. I know from removing the bellows during the restoration that they have at least a couple of layers of newspaper, but I'm assuming that they had some sort of material layer as well (it doesn't appear to be leather). Does anyone know what type of material would have been used and what the bellows were sealed with? Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Scott

Now I understand why the photo of the rather interesting camera is upside-down -- it's because I am in the opposite hemisphere! Obvious really. Good luck with your bellows quest.