Graflex.org

djon · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 174 Location: New Mexico

I noticed somebody (from Europe?) talking about a liquid bellows repair fluid or goop ....

What is it and who sells it in the US ?

I want to revive an old Speed.

RichS · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 4:06 pm Post subject:

My first advice is to do a search for "bellows repair"

This will get you started:
http://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?topic=587&forum=1

The "answer" really depends on what type of bellows and what type of damage you want to repair!

Henry · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:30 pm Post subject:

Somebody on the board a while back suggested using Liquitex acrylic paint (black), the kind that comes in a tube and is available at art supply stores. Apply to the cracks from inside of the bellows. It's said to remain flexible. Anybody confirm that this works?

vic valis · Joined: 21 Nov 2001 Posts: 247 Location: San Francisco

I cannot confirm that the paint works, but something that did work for me was black silicon gasket sealant, stuff that comes in a tube... definitley remains flexible, repaired small corner holes in a pre-ann Speed Graphic bellows and still light-tight after at least 3 years of regular use. Only drawback is that the stuff is always shiny, so that it looks like something is oozing out the coners of my bellows. Minor asthetic point though; the fact that is functions is what matters to me.

jeff

_________________
That money talks,
I'll not deny.
I heard it once;
It said "good-bye."

RichS · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 3:15 am Post subject:

Just a mention for that 'shiny' look...

In auto vinyl repair, a texture is pressed into the warm, soft repair spot. This removes the shiny new vinyl spot that would stand out and not blend in to the surrounding area.

This would be very difficult with something like the slow drying goo, but I have used tape in the past. Doesn't matter much what kind, but ordinary masking tape works fine. The whole trick is that after the goo is dry, the tape will peel off the now dry surface of the goo just like the surrounding area, but leave a frosted texture behind in the goo area (and sometimes a little adhesive...). For stuff like this that can't be painted or changed otherwise, it works very well.

And, ummm, for those vinyl covered bellows with a leather texture... Try the vinyl repair kits available at auto stores. Even comes with the texturing papers

45PSS · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:40 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-25 11:22 ]

clnfrd · Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:39 pm Post subject:

The black liquid tape...the kind you can use to dip tool handles in...works well and it stays pliable. I used it extensively to repair the hood on an Auto Graflex Jr and to repair the bellows on an old enlarger.The brand I've used is North American Brush-On Electrical Tape, mfd by North American Oil Co., Atlanta, GA. from my local independent hardware store. There are several similar brands out there. Fred.