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#1
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Replacing bellows: new or used
I plan on replacing the deteriorating bellows on my Omega DII enlarger.
I can get a brand new set from Harry's classic-enlargers for $120 (after fitting to plates and shipping). Or I can obtain a used set, described to be in "perfect condition, not dried out" for $45 (after shipping). I want something that will last me awhile (10+ years). My question: do bellows just deteriorate with age? I imagine the used bellows have got to be 20+ years old. But money saved on this can go to more film and paper :-) Any reason why a used set in great condition wouldn't continue to be in great condition? |
#2
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Replacing bellows: new or used
I went the used route and was perfectly satisfied. Keep in mind the bellows
could be closer to 50 years old. Having said that, make sure you get a 10-day money back inspection or equivalent) the darkroom can be a hostile place to bellows (especially leather) and old-style glues. My original D-II bellows did not wear out, it had a "blow out", and the seam unglued. I've also seen cases where the pleats lost their folds, usually caused by glue failure as well, this time the bellows material and stiffeners loose their grip. I went to a camera swap this weekend and could have had my pick of 3 D-2V's for $120 each, should have bought them to part out. -- darkroommike "Mike" wrote in message news I plan on replacing the deteriorating bellows on my Omega DII enlarger. I can get a brand new set from Harry's classic-enlargers for $120 (after fitting to plates and shipping). Or I can obtain a used set, described to be in "perfect condition, not dried out" for $45 (after shipping). I want something that will last me awhile (10+ years). My question: do bellows just deteriorate with age? I imagine the used bellows have got to be 20+ years old. But money saved on this can go to more film and paper :-) Any reason why a used set in great condition wouldn't continue to be in great condition? |
#3
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Replacing bellows: new or used
?Have you tried Omega for the bellows replacement?
Regards. BoB McCarthy |
#4
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Replacing bellows: new or used
I was in camera sales for 15 yrs in a high end photo store in
Washington state. I left that store in 1991.I remember having several bellows repaired by a company called Brooklyn Bellows. I am not sure about their name, but if you can give me about one week I will research it and get back to you. I know they did beautiful work and were very reasonable. They just took all the old parts that you could salvage and sent you back what looked like better then new. Clint H. |
#5
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Replacing bellows: new or used
What's now called Omega (Satter) has very little connection to the older
company (Simmon Omega) other than name. Omega has gone through many iterations over the years. They do have parts for the LPL enlargers they imported. And some D-series parts, mostly carriers and lens discs (some D-5 will fit older enlargers (not the bellows)). http://www.omegasatter.com/v2/home.cfm The best source for parts for classic Omega enlargers is Classic Enlargers (used to be known as Classic Omega Enlargers). The website is http://www.classic-enlargers.com/ and Harry Taylor has more parts than anyone else. He's been buying, refurbishing and parting out Omega enlargers for years. When original source parts supplies dry up Harry makes or has made replacement parts to keep the venerable beasts running. He also runs a forum on his site called "Ask Harry" and has FAQ's on enlarger related subjects. One other place to try is KHB in Canada http://www.khbphotografix.com/omega/ they have parts for many enlargers and cameras (if nothing else they have a VERY comprehensive parts list). -- darkroommike wrote in message ups.com... ?Have you tried Omega for the bellows replacement? Regards. BoB McCarthy |
#6
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Replacing bellows: new or used
I was in camera sales for 15 yrs in a high end photo store in
Washington state. I left that store in 1991.I remember having several bellows repaired by a company called Brooklyn Bellows. I am not sure about their name, but if you can give me about one week I will research it and get back to you. I know they did beautiful work and were very reasonable. They just took all the old parts that you could salvage and sent you back what looked like better then new. Clint H. Thanks for the offer Clint. Not necessary. I've heard of Brooklyn Bellows and they are well regarded (as is camerabellows.com and a few other sources) |
#7
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Replacing bellows: new or used
Pity you don't have a real email address, I tried to send you a heads up on
a set of bellows that went real cheap on eBay this weekend. -- darkroommike "Mike" wrote in message news I was in camera sales for 15 yrs in a high end photo store in Washington state. I left that store in 1991.I remember having several bellows repaired by a company called Brooklyn Bellows. I am not sure about their name, but if you can give me about one week I will research it and get back to you. I know they did beautiful work and were very reasonable. They just took all the old parts that you could salvage and sent you back what looked like better then new. Clint H. Thanks for the offer Clint. Not necessary. I've heard of Brooklyn Bellows and they are well regarded (as is camerabellows.com and a few other sources) |
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