Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I have an older Nikon bellows and would like to know if there is a special way to protect and care for the bellows to keep it flexible.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This is a good question! I always kept bellows protected from the environment, when not in use. My 4x5 sheet film camera had normal accordion bellows, as well as a leather bag bellows for wide angel. I strived to keep each in pristine condition. I remember repairing light leaks on an old accordion bellows, using black tape on the inside of the folds. Do your bellows look like black canvas or leather?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here is an interesting article entitled Caring for Bellows: http://cameracollector.proboards.com/thread/2305/caring-bellows

More here: http://www.google.com/search?as_q=care+for+camera+bellos&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&as_nlo=&as_nhi=&lr=&cr=&as_qdr=all&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&safe=images&tbs=&as_filetype=&as_rights=#as_qdr=all&q=care+for+camera+bellows&spell=1

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

on leather bellows, lanolin works

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

I have a Nikon PB-5 with bellows torn beyond repair. Anybody know source for replacement without breaking the bank?

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

My bellows is a Nikon Bellows Focusing Attachment Model II (FOR F) It is black leather.

I contacted Nikon Support and got this quick reply:
1.Remove as much dirt as you can using a dusting brush on a vacuum cleaner.
2.Use a cleaner that's formulated specifically for leather. These cleaners will have ingredients and a pH that won't harm leather -- most all purpose cleaners are too strong and too alkaline. Follow the directions that come with the leather cleaner.
3.After it's clean, use a leather conditioner to restore the oils in the leather. IMHO, it's a good idea to do this periodically. Again, follow the directions on the container.

A good place to find leather cleaners and conditioners is at an auto parts store, in the car care section.