Bellows question

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T R - 10 Mar 2004 03:11 GMT

Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:

What is the effect of small light leaks in the bellows of an enlarger? I
can understand the effect a hole, however small, would have on a view
camera's photographic integrity, but I can't quite extrapolate that to the
darkroom. Is it simply a matter of putting more and mores stray light into
a room that is meant to be dark, or is it something that involves light
leaking *into* the projection path?

And how does one best repair the inevitable worn corners, short of
replacing the bellows? I've heard suggestions about the use of black RTV
or something called "liquid tape", the latter sold as a flexible, paint-on
insulater for electrical wires.

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.

Trad

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RWatson767 - 10 Mar 2004 04:30 GMT

Trad

> Bellows question

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.

A few small holes can be tolerated. As they get more intrusive they can be
patched with "ripstock nylon tape". Available at camping suppies or undoubtely
online.
Bob AZ

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David Nebenzahl - 10 Mar 2004 04:40 GMT

On 3/9/2004 7:11 PM T R spake thus:

> Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.

So far as the effect of a small hole goes, I think the main problem would be
with light leaking out, not with light leaking in; after all, it is in a
*dark*room.

I haven't repaired enlarger bellows, but I've patched holes in camera bellows
(on small folding cameras), where I've had very good luck with plain black
fabric paint, obtainable at any good-size craft supply store. It's flexible
enough not to crack when, well, flexed, and is plenty opaque and thick enough
to cover small holes.

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brook - 10 Mar 2004 16:45 GMT

> Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Trad

I use thread bare bellows and worse all the time, even one camera with
a bellows with a 2" rip. I use a really big opaque dark cloth and
pretty much wrap up the whole camera. never had a problem doing this.
Brook

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brook - 10 Mar 2004 16:48 GMT

> Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Trad

Oops, you were asking about enlarger bellows, not cameras, my mistake
Brook

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