I installed a new focusing track on my speed graphic but in doing so the seam on the underside bellows seperated. Is there an easy way to repair this - tape, contact cement, rubber cement (for flexibility)? Any ideas would be appreciated

If all you need to do is reglue the seam, I'd suggest "Pliobond," a flexible adhesive that works well on leather, vinyl and other flexible materials.

In my experience, rubber cement embrittles and flakes away, over time, though that experience was gained with porous materials like paper that expose the bond to air. Others on this site have recommended it.

I'd avoid tape unless there is some compelling structural reason to use it -- anything that increases the thickness of the pleats will affect your ability to collapse the bellows.

Search>>use keyword-bellows repair>>select all the terms>>then the search button with all other options at default=more than you want or need to know.

Rubber glue....thin coat on both surfaces, let dry until dull....works like contact cement! I use it to re-glue new cloth shutter curtains to the rolls...can still get it apart if you dont position it right the first time, but will hold for many years!
Have a nice day....Bert

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bertsaunders on 2005-09-10 01:14 ]</font>