I have an old camera whose bellows appear dry(?). When the bellows is extended it makes a "cracking" noise. I guess the bellows are leather (unsure).

What should I do to restore the bellows? What should be done to maintain similar bellows?

Thank you.

-- Richard Urmonas (rurmonas@senet.com.au), April 11, 1998

Answers

You might try Armor All to soften the bellows (though this will make them rather slimy). Check for light leaks by placing a light bulb inside the camera. I have found that black silicone bathtub caulk works extremely well as a sealer for bellows.

-- Peter Hughes (ravenart@redshift.com), April 11, 1998.