Submitted by Al …
(Adapted from The Encyclopedia of Photography ©1963)
The bellows is the accordion-like folding portion of the camera which connects the lens mount with the back, permitting focusing. It is usually made of leather, black cloth, or plastic. In many cameras, the bellows collapse when the camera is folded shut.
Bellows can develop pin holes or split, letting light leak onto the film. Light leaked onto film is very evident as shown in the following photos.
Small pinholes in the bellows can be repaired with black sticking plaster. Just paint it on with the brush supplied with the can. Once dry, the plaster is very pliable.
Larger tears can sometimes be repaired using black tape.
A stiff bellows can be softened by rubbing it with a rag moistened with castor oil, sweet oil, neatsfoot oil, or other commercial leather softeners and preservatives. In some case, it will be necessary to repeat the treatment daily until the leather becomes soft and pliant.
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