Korona Bellows Replacement -- Do-it-yourself or Professional Job?

[Donald Brewster]

Hello All:

I have a nice 8x10 Korona that requires I bite the bullet and replace the bellow s. On my much more modern 4x5 this would be a simple job that I would be comfor table doing myself. On the Korona, it doesn't look that easy -- in fact it look s like a real woodworkers job. Am I missing a simple solution or is it really a job for a professional. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with re placing these bellows that they could share? Do the various bellows replacement companies gleaned from various posts just send you a new bellows or do they als o do the installation. Thanks for the info.

[david clark]

Hi Donald,

There isn't much to bellows, at least not a functional bellows. All it is, is light proof material, glue, and a stiff thin card board. First thing is figure out how they are attached, for instance, for cameras similar to yours like Eastman 2D and B&J: the 2D bellows is on frames and the frames are attached to the camera while B&J bellows is glued to the camera. If it is fancy leather bellows you want, probably job for a pro; if all you want is something that looks good and is functional, you can probably do it yourself. If all you want, is to get out and take photos then it's even easier. Just what is wrong with the bellows as they are? is it the corners? is it that the material is just plain rotten?

Best, David

[Bill Moore]

This site: bellows has info on bellows making.

[Donald Brewster]

Thanks for the responses so far. I've been a little inarticulate in my post. I'm not looking to make my own bellows (I'm truly not that handy), though reading how to do it was certainly interesting. I will buy a commercially made one -- probably from that outfit in England. I am trying to determine if replacing the bellows on my Korona (it is disintegrating due to age) requires a real camera professional to detach or reattach. I have not been able to visually determine how to detach the bellows from the frame, and don't want to start pulling on things before I know what I'm doing. As always, any and all comments appreciated. Thanks.

[Doug Paramore]

Donald: Look inside the bellows under the fold next to the mount on both ends. You will probably find a row of screws that hold the bellows in place. Most of the LF cameras mount from the inside. It is usually just a small task to remove the bellows. It ought to be a job you can do yourself with a small screwdriver.

Hope this helps,

[bill zelinski]

I just got my 8x10 B&J back from the UK and they did a very good job of remanufacturing the original bellows. Took about 5 weeks or so and cost about $350.oo, inc shipping. Lee Filters in LA (ask for John Adler) is their USA rep and he was very easy to deal with. Just send them the camera and wait. Really fine job.