Recommendations for bellows replacement?

[David Silver]

Hey all,

An important topic that should be addressed in this section...

Please provide your recommendations for bellows replacement services, including any significant pros and cons, plus contact information, and some ideas of prices and time involved if you've actually dealt with them.

The number one problem facing users of folding cameras (everything from large format view cameras to compact 35mm mdoels like the Retina) is deteriorating bellows. Let's make this thread a primary resource for people needing help! Ideally we will eventaully list services in USA, UK, Asia, and continental Europe.

Thanks for your input!

Dave

[PeterW]

Hi Dave, very pertinent subject.

In the UK probably the best known, and certainly the oldest still going is Camera Bellows in Birmingham. They've been making bellows since 1905 and claim they can make ANY bellows for ANY camera. Their website is
www.camerabellows.com/

I haven't dealt with them for quite a few years, but once when they had a stand at Photographica camera fair in London I asked, without really much hope, for some bellows for a 1920s Ensignette. They handed me some off the shelf (or rather out of the box)! Not all that cheap, but at a fair price, very well made, and a perfect fit.

I understand that since then they haven't replaced their old stocks as they sold and have very few, if any, of the old ones left. But I believe they still have the patterns and will make to order. Or, provided you measure your camera accurately, or send the old bellows as a pattern, they will make a set one-off.

What prices are like now I have no idea, but they have a 'measurements form' on their website and will quote. They are recommended by the MPP Users Club.

Peter

[kdwall]

I've heard nothing but excellent stories about the service provided by Western Bellows in the United States, and I've met their very friendly owners at several camera shows. I'll do some research and get back here with whatever contact information I can find about them.

KD