First time making bellows, is this an "ok" plan?

[Nathan Appel]

I'm building a 4x5 camera, and to go with the "diy" concept, I want to build the bellows also. I've researched some posts here, and a few other 'outdated' links (materials that are no longer accessable) If anyone has any tips or ideas, suggestions, comments, please, let me know! This is for a TAPERED bellows, the materials I am planning on using:
1: sheet metal to build the frame or bottom of the bellows
2: bk5 fabric for inner darkout material
3. 1oz pigskin or sheepskin leather for outer bellows material
4. HH-66 vinyl fabric adhesive
5. Manila folders for the "ribs"

does this sound ok? Thanks, and again, any feedback is greatly appreciated

[Jim C.]

1 oz leather is awfully thick, 1/64 " ( .015" - .016" ) if you're going to use leather
then head on over Columbia Organ Leathers, they have a leather there that's almost a dead
on match for the old leather bellows thickness ( .008" ).

[Nathan Appel]

Thanks Jim!!!!

[TheDeardorffGuy]

In the 40s Deardorff used Sheepskin for bellows on the Baby Deardorff and some 5x7s. That leather held up surprisingly well. I have a few with that bellows and your description is identical except for the glue. Good luck

[ic-racer]

I used Lexan or polycarbonate for the ribs, but had not seen anyone else doing that. Ribs less likely to get wrinkled, they can bend and recover shape.

[Curt]

I used Lexan or polycarbonate for the ribs, but had not seen anyone else doing that. Ribs less likely to get wrinkled, they can bend and recover shape.

What thickness of Lexan, sounds like an excellent choice?

Curt

[Jim C.]

HH-66 and lexan might not play well together.

[Nathan Appel]

I used Lexan or polycarbonate for the ribs, but had not seen anyone else doing that. Ribs less likely to get wrinkled, they can bend and recover shape.

Wouldn't the lexan or other super rigid material potentially "chew" thru the leather or dark cloth, especially with constant wear?

[ic-racer]

What thickness of Lexan, sounds like an excellent choice?

Curt

I used Lexan from McMaster Carr I think it was 0.02inches
.http://www.largeformatphotography.in...8&postcount=59

Also, Gortite bellows are made with .010 mylar (polyethylene) stiffeners.

[TheDeardorffGuy]

Wouldn't the lexan or other super rigid material potentially "chew" thru the leather or dark cloth, especially with constant wear?

Yes it does unless you "soften the edges" w/ some 400 wet or dry sandpaper. Use wet it cuts better. On the corners go to a scrap booking store and get a corner cutter. Different radius are available. The incompatipility of glues can take months if not years. Some bellows after assembly will "gas out" and form blisters. The solution is the new brand of water based contact glues like PL Bond. It does not react with anything.