Quality bellows may be obtained at an affordable price. After many years away from photography, I have returned to offer this service for the vintage camera enthusiast. Materials currently available are a synthetic impregnated covering over a cloth lining which confers the light-tight properties required of a photographic camera bellows. This material has a soft pebble-grain finish, and is compliant with ANSI standards for longevity for cover materials. The construction imparts both pliability at the folds and rigidity throughout the body of the bellows.
There are important dimensions that I require in order to fashion an appropriate replacement. In some instances you may need to send your original bellows. The required dimensions are found in the quote request form that is available at the link below. Once you have obtained the dimensions for the replacement bellows you require, send the completed form, and a prompt reply with quote shall be sent.
Scroll down for some further information and images.
Mark Kapono-Replacement Camera Bellows
PO Box 7491 - Hilo, HI - 96720
mkapono <at> hawaii <dot> edu
After renovation photos and comment courtesy of customer K.K., Ontario, CANADA
"...ANOTHER HAPPY CUSTOMER :-)))...Thanks, K."
• Price for fabrication of Deardorff V8 replacement camera bellows is $265.00US + S/H fees. •
Description and before and after renovation photos submitted by R.A.G.C., Norcross, GA.
"Asanuma & Company (Asanuma Shokai) is the oldest photographic equipment distributor in Japan, dating back to 1871. They branded much of the equipment they sold with the name “King”. This camera was originally an English-style half plate camera made for bookform holders and old-style tripod legs. The original back, which I have, has the nameplate shown in the small photo, identifying it as a King First Model, or No. 1. The camera was probably made by Tanakaishi in the years preceding, or during WWII in Japan. Tanakaishi I am told was a predecessor of Nagaoka. Except for the wooden front standard, the camera appears identical to a Nagaoka. There is very little nickel-plating on the brass parts, possibly a wartime limitation. I have added a plywood closure plate for the bottom which includes an American style tripod mount and two spirit levels, and have made both a 4x5 and 5x7 backs for it by adapting old Burke and James springs and frames onto home built backs....I am delighted with your work and will recommend you to anyone needing bellows replacement. Thanks again and good luck with your business."
• Price for fabrication of Asanuma Shokai King No. 1 replacement camera bellows is $155.00US + S/H fees. •
This is an early 30's folding strut Zeiss-Ikon that shoots 6x9 on 120 rolls or cut film. Lens is a CZ Jena Tessar 105/3.5 in Compur. Focusing is marked in feet on lens, and can be accomplished via ground glass back, or estimation. Marked in back is "For China". The original leatherette bellows will be replaced as 70 years time has taken its toll.
The original leather on the chassis had begun to bubble up off the camera due to the enormous amount of corrosion underneath, and was easily peeled away. Perfunctory cleaning revealed the body and several frozen in place fasteners. A replacement bellows was fabricated and fit to the body using a form that guides the bellows into the proper position, as two surfaces mis-aligned when using contact cement can present a bit of a headache. More notes later as the project continues.
• Price for fabrication of Zeiss-Ikon Bébé 342/3 replacement camera bellows is $45.00US + S/H fees. •
Before photos courtesy E.H., Los Angeles, CA. Description and bottom photo by M.K.K., Hilo, HI.
More photos of this camera at this link
This is a Burke & James 4x5 camera that I obtained on the big auction site for which was to be my return to large format photography. It took several weeks to obtain all the gear necessary for me to get out shooting, and in the mean time I started a search for a replacement bellows. Having folded bellows in the past, I had an idea of what was required, yet feeling lazy I sought pricing from a variety of sources. Sticker shock, to say the least, is what eventually got me back into folding a bellows for this camera. Prior to stripping the finish I documented the camera. The frame was embossed with "147" under the focusing rails, and the rear standard was marked in pencil with "10-12-1947 (checkmark)5A", possibly denoting the manufacture date. Two weeks later, after having sourced reliable materials with which I was familiar, a replacement bellows for this camera was had. That in essence is how this small business of mine began. Eventually this camera will be refurbed and I will put the item up for sale.
• Price for fabrication of Burke & James 4x5 Field replacement camera bellows is $155.00US + S/H fees. •
OTHER BELLOWS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST
 Galvin Medium Format View |
 Korona 5x7 |
 Seneca 5x7 |
 Seneca Competitor 5x7 |
 Asanuma Shokai King No. 1 5x7 |
 Burke & James Grover 4x5 and 5x7 |
 Deardorff V8 8x10 |
Custom bellows for Camera Builders |