Bellows Preservation: I've got an older modern bellows and would like to know what others use to stop the bellows portion from going bad and still work as designed? *At first I was...

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

I've got an older modern bellows and would like to know what others use to stop the bellows portion from going bad and still work as designed?

*At first I was thinking about spraying something like silicon on the bellows but feel like that might attract too much dust.

(Thanks for the feedback.)

Vietnam Vet

I'm guessing my Hasselblad bellows is 30+ years old. It is good as new and I have never treated it with anything. I figure if it tears I will use some gaffer tape.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

When not in use, I try to keep the bellows somewhere where it does not get excessively hot or too dry. Besides that, I thoroughly inspect the bellows about once a year for any signs of deterioration, such as cracks. The only time I apply any substance is while performing actual repair, not as a general preventive measure.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

I doubt if my bellows have had anything since the mid 1980's and are in like new condition right now. In a bunch more years they may start to crack, (I'll likely croak first. LoL) but I have a habit of wanting my stuff to last and be like new forever.

I have a 30 year old pair of rubberized Pentax binoculars that I rubbed boot waterproofing wax/mink oil on when first purchased. They are used often and immaculate even after several rough times!

Maybe I'll either leave it along or on a quiet day I'll carefully apply the waterproofing. ???

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

GENorkus wrote:

I've got an older modern bellows and would like to know what others use to stop the bellows portion from going bad and still work as designed?

*At first I was thinking about spraying something like silicon on the bellows but feel like that might attract too much dust.

(Thanks for the feedback.)

I have an old bellows too. And I am concerned about the dust it might generate and find its way to the sensor.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

GENorkus wrote:

I've got an older modern bellows and would like to know what others use to stop the bellows portion from going bad and still work as designed?

*At first I was thinking about spraying something like silicon on the bellows but feel like that might attract too much dust.

(Thanks for the feedback.)

What type of material are your bellows made from? I may be able to help if I know what type of material. Thank you Bob

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Your asking a tough question.

The entire unit is a Pentax Auto Bellows A.

The bellows themselves appear to be sort of a lightly covered rubberized cardboard. I really doubt if it really is cardboard but I have no idea what else to call it.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

My guess is that mold even unseen mold would be the ageing factor. So, put in a sealed plastic box, youknow like kitchen or storage stuff, and put in silica jel bags you have been collecting all these years.

Silica bags can be rejuvinated by baking in an oven. Pehaps at 250*F 1-2 hrs.
https://www.silica-gel.it/en/content/14-how-to-regenerate-

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

rook2c4 wrote:

When not in use, I try to keep the bellows somewhere where it does not get excessively hot or too dry. Besides that, I thoroughly inspect the bellows about once a year for any signs of deterioration, such as cracks. The only time I apply any substance is while performing actual repair, not as a general preventive measure.

What, praytell, might that "substance" you rarely apply be?

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

GENorkus wrote:

I've got an older modern bellows and would like to know what others use to stop the bellows portion from going bad and still work as designed?

*At first I was thinking about spraying something like silicon on the bellows but feel like that might attract too much dust.

(Thanks for the feedback.)

I have kept mine in a cool , dry storage with No Sunlight upon it except for when i am using it outdoors (of course) and have managed 30 years of No pinholes as of yet ....but the though always plagues me . I am usually concerned about mold getting into those tight groves , etc. ......and I forgot to mention air-conditioning as well. Fresh air that is low in moisture content if at all achievable......Time is the Enemy.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

GENorkus wrote:

I doubt if my bellows have had anything since the ... (show quote)

Would some kind of oil - like is used on a baseball glove - help to prevent cracking?

bamfordr Loc: Campbell CA

I’d try to find an independent camera repair shop - maybe owned by someone who’s been doing it for decades. I would also not put anything on the bellows until I found a way to check it out. And, finally, I’d try Ricoh customer service - probably on line - to see if anyone has a suggestion.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

duck72 wrote:

What, praytell, might that "substance" you rarely apply be?

Primarily black silicone gasket sealant, sold in tubes at automotive stores. But I only use it on repair areas, I don't cover the entire bellows with it. I got the idea from instructions by someone who repairs bellows for a living. So far, it has worked quite nicely.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

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rwww80a Loc: Hampton, NH

Try ordering and using a little bit of Flex-Seal from the TV ad. You probably thin it first with some solvent.