lf-photo.org.uk

Hi. I've picked up a camera that has a bellows split along the seam. There is plenty of overlap available for re-gluing but I'm not sure what glue to use.
All of the US sites recommend Elmer's glue but I don't know what it is.
Should I use some kind of PU glue?

Thanks in advance,
Marizu

The bellows are leather and they are pretty dried out if that helps

Try Uhu which is available from stationers as well as Diy shops. I have used it a lot to glue leather.
Alan

Marizu wrote:The bellows are leather and they are pretty dried out if that helps

Evo stick seems to get recommended also http://home.clara.net/arianrhod/Aldebar ... ather.html

A shoe repairer should be able to advise precisely I would have thought.

You might like to restore the leather with Mink Oil first.

PS: It takes 60 minks to make 1ml of oil.....

I've just realised that the bellows are cloth (possibly rubber coated).
Does anyone know if it's possible to make them less stiff and dry.

Thanks in advance,
Marizu

Many years ago I started to restore a wooden LF camera. First stop was a firm called Camera Bellows for a replacement bellows. Their advice at the time was to use Bostik No3 adhesive. That was 20 years ago and there are no signs of deterioration. Hope that helps.

Use a PVA glue and add PVA (acrylic paint) to match the colour.

Then most UK needlework/sewing shops sell a very thin strong black self adhesive repair (patch)cloth in 5" or 6"s squares, it's light tight and you can use it on the inside of the bellows after cleaning first - the adhesive is very strong and I've used it to repair a badly damaged set of bellows which are still fine 5 years later. If it helps the fabric was made in Holland, a pound or two per square.

Ian