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bellows for large format camera

bellows for large format camera
heres how you can make a bellows for a large format camera .
while i realize that film cameras are the old way this can be used if you want to make a scanner camera a pinhole camera or even a bellows to pump air.
 
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Step 1Material list

to make this you will need :
1 sheet of black bristol board(sometimes called bristle board)
1 roll of black cloth hockey stick tape 1inch wide
1 ballpoint pen{if its dried up its ok so long as its stromgly made}
1 straight edge (longer than the sheet)
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27 comments
Jul 16, 2011. 9:31 PMdwerg85 says:
Thanks for this. I've seen everywhere that making the bellows is a long and arduous process. With this how to, cutting the carton was the most time consuming bit.
Jan 11, 2010. 12:37 AMquepez says:
vientos carnal esta muy interesante

Apr 14, 2011. 2:37 PMnef says:
jajaj awebo barrio!
Nov 16, 2009. 10:01 PMTbonestone says:
 Is there an instructable on building the camera framework? I would like to build the bellows, but need a reason to... :-)
Thank you,
Tbonestone
Nov 5, 2009. 2:31 PMpolerix says:
went a step beyond, added a usb flatbed scanner to the back, and one of those black cloth covers.
Aug 28, 2009. 10:23 PMpolerix says:
great instructable. works as displayed.
Jun 25, 2006. 9:05 AMbigbadd says:
Lennyb, how water resistant is this material? I am interested in building a field camera and the one you have pictured looks like a jewel but I would like whatever I build to stand the weather. thank's bb
Jun 3, 2008. 3:42 AMLach says:
Gold! My next project is going to be a concertina, so this will be very handy.
May 25, 2008. 11:51 AMmjbphoto says:
I might of missed it but did anyone specify what material should be used for a traditional bellows on my 8x10. What was used by the original maker, Agfa in the early 1900's mjb
Mar 18, 2007. 8:46 AMgmoon says:
Great stuff! I've got an ancient 'Ansco' 8x10 view camera, but the bellows are really leaky. Had thought about using a neoprene compound to seal the worn areas--but now might try replacing 'em...
Oct 27, 2007. 6:56 PMsmieglitz says:
Did you ever construct replacement bellows for the Ansco? I have 2 Agfa Commercial View Cameras that need bellows replaced so I will be starting that project soon. Your camera may be a newer version of the two I have. I have an old bellows to use as a pattern. I'll append my bellows construction webpage once I have it figured out.
Oct 28, 2007. 6:02 AMgmoon says:
No, I haven't. I'll check out your page, it might be just what I need. If you PM me your email, I'll send you a photo of the camera....to compare with yours.
Mar 30, 2007. 6:21 AMgmoon says:
That's a good point, although I generally don't collect photo stuff that I can't use...
May 7, 2007. 5:22 AMfreewheeler says:
it would be cool if someone posted an instructable of a negative pinhole camera. i made one at skool using a pinhole camera without a viewing screen,and photographic paper stuck on the back.
May 4, 2007. 2:13 AMfreewheeler says:
hey do you know where it is possible to get one of those modern plate cameras?i want something with HUGE format and serious depth of field.
Jan 6, 2007. 11:20 PMtrjames says:
Come on, we're looking for those camera plans!
Apr 2, 2007. 9:59 PMtrjames says:
Thanks for the reply. I understand the combo all too well believe me. Don't you love those projects that don't get worked on for years at a time? I got six I can think of off the top of my head.
May 23, 2006. 2:07 PMhomebrew106 says:
thats the best idea for making bellows i've seen the camera looks good too any chance of listing plans for that ?? cheers Homebrew

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Author:lennyb
i am a photolab technician and an incurable packrat. i have made swords ,chainmail, crossbows.cameras,bike trailers,kayaks,guitars{slide and electric},knives,various film winders and vacum easels for...
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