Bellows question

Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:

What is the effect of small light leaks in the bellows of an enlarger? I
can understand the effect a hole, however small, would have on a view
camera's photographic integrity, but I can't quite extrapolate that to the
darkroom. Is it simply a matter of putting more and mores stray light into
a room that is meant to be dark, or is it something that involves light
leaking *into* the projection path?

And how does one best repair the inevitable worn corners, short of
replacing the bellows? I've heard suggestions about the use of black RTV
or something called "liquid tape", the latter sold as a flexible, paint-on
insulater for electrical wires.

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.


Trad


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Trad
Bellows question

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.

A few small holes can be tolerated. As they get more intrusive they can be
patched with "ripstock nylon tape". Available at camping suppies or undoubtely
online.
Bob AZ

On 3/9/2004 7:11 PM T R spake thus:

Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:

What is the effect of small light leaks in the bellows of an enlarger? I
can understand the effect a hole, however small, would have on a view
camera's photographic integrity, but I can't quite extrapolate that to the
darkroom. Is it simply a matter of putting more and mores stray light into
a room that is meant to be dark, or is it something that involves light
leaking *into* the projection path?

And how does one best repair the inevitable worn corners, short of
replacing the bellows? I've heard suggestions about the use of black RTV
or something called "liquid tape", the latter sold as a flexible, paint-on
insulater for electrical wires.

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.

So far as the effect of a small hole goes, I think the main problem would be
with light leaking out, not with light leaking in; after all, it is in a
*dark*room.

I haven't repaired enlarger bellows, but I've patched holes in camera bellows
(on small folding cameras), where I've had very good luck with plain black
fabric paint, obtainable at any good-size craft supply store. It's flexible
enough not to crack when, well, flexed, and is plenty opaque and thick enough
to cover small holes.


--
The Bush administration should restrain itself from its imperial arrogance
that has so alienated countries around the world. Their contempt for the
United Nations in the dash to war with Iraq; their support of the coup in
Venezuela in April 2002, and the continuing hostility toward President
Chavez; the pressure on nations of the world to exempt the US from the
International Criminal Court, now joined by their contemptuous attitude
toward President Aristide must be halted. It is time for the people of the
USA to make this point clear even if the administration continues to walk
around with wax in its collective ears, with eyes closed, and ranting about
its version of the world as defined by Bush.

- Excerpt from TransAfrica statement on the situation in Haiti, 2/17/04
(http://www.transafricaforum.org/)

T R wrote in message . ..
Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:

What is the effect of small light leaks in the bellows of an enlarger? I
can understand the effect a hole, however small, would have on a view
camera's photographic integrity, but I can't quite extrapolate that to the
darkroom. Is it simply a matter of putting more and mores stray light into
a room that is meant to be dark, or is it something that involves light
leaking *into* the projection path?

And how does one best repair the inevitable worn corners, short of
replacing the bellows? I've heard suggestions about the use of black RTV
or something called "liquid tape", the latter sold as a flexible, paint-on
insulater for electrical wires.

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.


Trad

I use thread bare bellows and worse all the time, even one camera with
a bellows with a 2" rip. I use a really big opaque dark cloth and
pretty much wrap up the whole camera. never had a problem doing this.
Brook

T R wrote in message . ..
Another question for the experienced readers of this newsgroup:

What is the effect of small light leaks in the bellows of an enlarger? I
can understand the effect a hole, however small, would have on a view
camera's photographic integrity, but I can't quite extrapolate that to the
darkroom. Is it simply a matter of putting more and mores stray light into
a room that is meant to be dark, or is it something that involves light
leaking *into* the projection path?

And how does one best repair the inevitable worn corners, short of
replacing the bellows? I've heard suggestions about the use of black RTV
or something called "liquid tape", the latter sold as a flexible, paint-on
insulater for electrical wires.

Facts AND enlightened opinions appreciated.


Trad


Oops, you were asking about enlarger bellows, not cameras, my mistake
Brook