New Bellows for Tachihara ?

[Gary Nylander]

Anyone out there have any luck replacing bellows on a Tachihara 4 x 5 view camera ? my trusty Tachi has developed multiple light leaks after 16 years of solid use, the rest of the camera is still in good shape so I thought I would see if its possible to find new bellows. I tried writing a place in England called Camera Bellows I don't know much about them.

[Ernest Purdum]

Camera Bellows has provided many Forum members (including me) with very satisfactory products.

Another thought might be Tachihara themselves.

[Maretzo]

I ordered from them a new bellows for my Tachi. No cheap but they know the exact size and it fits. Go for it.
Serge

http://www.camerabellows.com/Bellows.html

[Preston]

I had to replace the bellows on my Tachi a few years ago. I sent it to KEH Repair. They did a great job. I don't remember the cost, but I was pleased.

-PB

[Gary Nylander]

Thanks, Ernest, Maretzo and Preston for your replies. I will see what Camera Bellows says.

[Dave Wooten]

Doesnt Badger Graphic Sales sell new Tachihara cameras? Maybe they could order a new replacement?

[Fred L]

Is it beyond liquid electrical tape ? Used similar stuff on my Wista, just make sure to keep the bellows extended while it dries.

[Gary Nylander]

Fred, thanks for your suggestion, I have never heard of liquid electrical tape. I've counted at least a dozen pin holes, all in the top corners of the bellows, my concern would be even if I could patch them , I think new holes will surely develop down the road.

Dave, I have tried ordering some other parts for the Tachihara a number of years ago by writing directly to the company in Japan, but I never did get a response.

[Dave Wooten]

Fred, thanks for your suggestion, I have never heard of liquid electrical tape. I've counted at least a dozen pin holes, all in the top corners of the bellows, my concern would be even if I could patch them , I think new holes will surely develop down the road.

Dave, I have tried ordering some other parts for the Tachihara a number of years ago by writing directly to the company in Japan, but I never did get a response.

google Badger Graphic Sales...they have all the Tach cameras listed and some special order etc. I'd just call them and ask Jeff.

[Kirk Gittings]

My old Tachi had a wonderful lambskin bellows that was super flexible once broken in. Many of the aftermarket bellows are not nearly so flexicble. If you have to go aftermarket I would try and get what we call a "universal" bellows made which is very flexible and helps reduce the need for a bag bellows for wide angle lenses. I believe this material was first introduced by Canham but many cameras offer it now and is probably available from that English bellows company. I forget the name.