Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

I think I like the idea of the Silicone Spray best. It doesn't require me touching it, and perhaps - making holes in the process, and I have some kicking around here, somewhere, too. But, I definitely will use some cotton wool thingies, first - lightly. I have plenty of those - they come free in my Meds vials. Ta!!!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

That is very true, saddle and harness leathers are vegetable tanned while garment, upholstery leathers are chromium tanned.
Different leathers require different care methods. Saddle leather needs some oil, garment leather, of course not. I will maintain that the biggest killer of leather is too much moisture or too much heat followed by dirt (which attracts moisture). If you leave a leather item in an area subject to freeze, thaw and heat cycles like a shed or an old uninsulated attic, (or a car trunk) the freeze cycle will cause the natural moisturizers to expend and be driven from the leather and of course the heat cycle will pull even more moisture out. On the other hand I saw many more leather items harmed by over zealous care than by insufficient care.
I think, based on my history with leather, a bellows in regular use will wear out before lack of care kills it. Old leather items on a shelf can last a long time under good conditions, in use though they wear out. Were I looking for an old field camera I would be expecting to replace the bellows as part of the purchase expense.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Oh, okay, Com, ... just may do that ... thanks for all the tips!!!!

User ID

Wasn't saying bellows IS or IS NOT leather.
Simply that it can be either so therefor it's
worth checking on that. Even a camera that
everyone KNOWS is a leather bellows model
from the "pre-vinyl" era could actually have
a vinyl bellows, newer than th camera, cuz
bellows DO get replaced.

Image I posted is just for communication,
to ask "Is this it ?". Not my camera and not
my photo.

.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

It might come down to that, yet, Rich … but, the idea of changing it out, gives me the willies, quite frankly. My hands are not that steady, anymore. I suspect that's what happened to this, though. Last year, I discovered the roof over the room it was in - had partly blown off, on both opposite ends … I've no idea how long it had been in that state. Couldn't understand where the squirrels were coming from!!!!

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Oh, I see, USER … thought you were showing me YOURS!!!

It's darkened in spots (mildew, maybe?) … don't think that'd happen to vinyl - would it?

Has to be leather - based on that, ALONE!!!!

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Oh, I see, USER … thought you were showing me YOURS!!!

It's darkened in spots (mildew, maybe?) … don't think that'd happen to vinyl - would it?

Has to be leather - based on that, ALONE!!!!

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Nope! "Flying Bird Shoe Polish". "Fei Niao" at top. "Neutral" at bottom. No other English.
Otherwise, "Meltonian" is also good for pretty, soft bellows. It's also a leather treatment.
Be careful with Kiwi and thin material, especially with hide glues. Petrochemical solvents cam loosen glue joints. Cheap and easy for shoes, tho.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

I'd thought Meltonian would be the best treatment. Thanks for your support in that, Harry. "Fei Niao" ????

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Dude! I'm an AMERICAN! I barely speaka da English! lol
I had looked it up before. It's a name. Could be a person, a factory, a shop, or even a town.
I'd been operating on old cars, motorcycles and folder cameras. The olde Neatsfoot oil was good, mink oil was sometimes close. Watch for products with beeswax, or carnauba- the products may be very good, but there are insects that think that stuff tastes very good.
Replacing a bellows isn't that hard, but still it's a PITA. Mostly because of EVERYTHING ELSE you're going to want to do when the bellows is out of the way. The cleaning, polishing. adjusting, painting, lubing, flocking, etc.
I really got into Meltonian with some old folders (bellows and bodies) and an old beige BMW. All the BMW and Mercedes folk raved about some German GooberSnitzelGlop stuff that was supposed to be oh so very good. THE stuff to get. Discontinued. The shoe repair guy (fixing my jacket) suggested the Meltonian, nd I've used it since. Great stuff, Maynerd.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Okay, then, Harry ... Meltonian it will be ... thought that might be the best treatment!!!!