I've finally found the perfect stuff to make your own bellows that look nicer than any I've seen (including professionally made). I found a fabric that is light proof and very handsome. It is a polyester microfiber suede that looks and feels just like the real thing but isn't nearly as thick. It was $16.99 a yard but well worth the money. The glue I found doesn't add any bulk to the bellows, glues the craft paper spacers nice and tight, dries stable within a half an hour, is water proof and is clear and flexible when dry. In fact, I think it is helping the bellows to retain a good elasticity after the bellows sat in compression when I was done making it. It is called Tear Mender made by Val-A out of Chicago (www.tearmender.com) and I found it at the same fabric store I found the fabric. It is basically a natural latex in a solvent and when I put the gaberdine backing inside the bellows it glued the two cloths like one. I was able to get a draw on the bellows from 1.5" to 17" and the corners are sharp and clean. I'll put some pictures and info up on my website as soon as the pictures are developed. Thought those who are planning making bellows would like to know.
Dan Rhoades www.rhoadescameras.bizland.com |
- Re: [Cameramakers] Bellows Construction Daniel Rhoades
