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

I've got some Murphy's Oil Soap kicking around somewhere … just wood, wood and metal, too?

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

Com … dunno about the buffing recommendation … that could REALLY mess up the grooves!!!

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

Not Melatonin, Com … Meltonian Shoe Cream … here:

"Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This hormone is secreted by the pineal gland. As a medication, it is used for the short-term treatment of trouble sleeping such as from jet lag or shift work. Evidence of benefit, however, is unclear. One review found onset of sleep occurred 6 minutes faster with use but found no change in total time asleep. It may work as well as the medication ramelteon. It is typically taken by mouth."


"According to Meltonian Nu-Life, Meltonian shoe cream is suitable for the finest smooth surfaced and grained leathers. Meltonian shoe cream is the time-honored choice for professionals that demand the finest quality for their customers. Research and quality control teams continue to provide improved processes ensuring premium quality cream as well as consistency of color."

Meltonian Shoe Cream


Melatonin (sleep inducer)

Comphoto

They are both sprays.I have lots of leather jackets . So I use different sprays for different jackets.However,I have not treated my jackets for a couple of years; that'sbecause I treated them pretty good a couple of years ago.They stilllook great.The Kiwi neutral is a polish . Like in a shoe polish can only it's white in color.
The others are sprays .They are clear in color The picture of the camera looks great .But to me the bellows looks like treated paper.Are you sure it's leather? Also looks like it may be 8x10 .Measure the inside edges of bellows. There is also a online magazine called still camera;and view camera .I use an IPad so they come up on a search when I tap the news icon then search on bottom of screen or get it from apps.
I have 95 different photo related magazines that I check for articles that I'm interested in. They are all free. I hope this helps you out.Used to do view cameras in field at RIT

Comphoto

Yeah, I use both. Meltonian And Melatonin. Good shoes and good sleep

Comphoto

Buff the wooden frame with a soft cloth or brush not bellows

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

Yes, Com ... it's leather. It does LOOK kinda like an 8x10, doesn't it? ... But, no - I've measured the Ground Glass Screen on the other end - and it's about 6" x 8" ... there's not any 10" dimension, at all!!!
I'll look for that Kiwi neutral Shoe Polish, and see if that'll help ... meanwhile - here's a shot of the back.

Ground Glass Screen on back of B&J 5x7

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

Oh, I see … sorry for the misunderstanding … thanks for the clarification …

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

Yup!!! ... But take your shoes OFF, before you go to sleep - okay, Com?

User ID

`

All replies have assumed the bellows
is actually leather. There's a very real
chance that it's not, even if the frame
is wood, the bellows could easily be a
synthetic, possibly vinyl. There are a
number of products including for floor
care that are restorative for vinyl.

Maybe it's spozed to look like this one.
I recall you said you've got seven red
cameras, so this one comes to mind:

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Folks, shoe wax is designed to protect the shoe from dirt and to a limited extent protect it from scuffs. Today's product does that well. It actually does nothing for the leather but act as a barrier. Also shoe leather is not the same as bellows leather or jacket or upholstery or saddle leather. There are many different ways to tan leather depending on it's intended use. Bellows leather needs to be flexible and waxes and oily protectants will not really help and in fact could shorten its life. That flexibility requirement will eventually lead to it breaking down at the folds. Bellows will always need to be replaced. That is a fact of life. The best thing you can do for most leather is just keep it clean. One of the biggest mistakes people make with leather is using too much "protection". Keep it covered when not in use so dust will not be there to absorb humidity which will lead to mold and a the leather going bad. If something is spilled on it, a gentle cleaning with a mild (ivory) soap solution and a sponge rinse, not over done. Followed by a natural drying, never use direct heat. I have several old saddles, one is about 115 years old, that are just kept clean. I also have a camera 'case' that is about 45 years old, again just kept clean.

Comphoto

Yes,I knew there were other sizes ;but not doing any view camera stuff for a long time I forgot the other available sizes . It looks like the rails are metal.If you would oil the rails, they might get a build up of dirt in the grooves. Like in some of the cars in the early 50's. You use to put a little bit of oil in the air breather canister on top of the carburetor. This was before the all out switch to oiled paper filters. You might want to look for a lubricant such as white lithium grease.It comes in a spray can and also a tube.It Usally can be found in a auto parts store or major box store ( think Walmart)
A good silicone based lubricant is also readily available. Then the old standby vasiline is good These are what I would use,sparingly. If you use a spray ;spray it on cloth first then rails. Or think cotton balls or something else I found at Walmarts.Its in the women's make up section.Its called " Swisspers " they are round cotton make up pads . They are about a buck ( $1.00 ) for 100 Hope this information helps.

Comphoto

Everything presented here are suggestions.It is up to the actual owner to decide he best course of action based upon his or her particular need. Saddle leather is an entirely different process. If you google saddle leather vs other leather to understand the process. I've had one bag dry rot because it was just kept clean.

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

Yes, seven red ones - five DSLRs and two bridges - all red. That does NOT include the B&J 5x7, though.

The Bellows on it, is NOT vinyl, USER ID - it's leather! ...

That one of yours is nice, USER ... er - is that vinyl, then?

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

Mild Ivory, huh? … What about the pink stuff - made to replenish hands, with each use? Dawn - is it?
Not sure about that, even so … hate to put water on ANY camera … for my DSLRs - I use those Windex wipes - especially made for Electronics. They come out of the packet, damp, Rich … NOT wet ….