Geolux Posted March 2, 2014 Share #1 Posted March 2, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello: I have two questions: I have a Leica Bellows-R that has seen very little use. I recently resurrected it, and to my dismay, the bellows has accumulated a respectable amount of mildew, both inside and outside. I certainly don't want to risk the M and the lens in the presence of mildew. Is there any sure way to clean the bellows? If not, is it worth having the bellows replaced, or should the entire thing be trashed? If the bellows should be replaced, do you have any idea of the cost? Second question: I usually keep all my Leica stuff in a safe. To prevent humidity building up in the safe, I propose to keep a tray of silica gel in the safe with the cameras and lenses. There are two basic kinds of silica gel. One is just plain silica gel, and the other variation is mixed with cobalt chloride which changes color when it needs to be recharged. Silica gel by itself appears to be quite safe to use around cameras and lenses. But are there any adverse effects or precautions when using silica gel modified with the cobalt chloride? Geolux Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 2, 2014 Posted March 2, 2014 Hi Geolux, Take a look here mildew on bellows. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
david strachan Posted March 2, 2014 Share #2 Posted March 2, 2014 Ah, bad luck. Just a heads up for those storing their cameras in cases, particularly leather ever-ready-cases, can cause mildew rot etc inside your camera. For long term storage separate the camera and cases. I would try to clean the bellows (use search on the internet) and then treat it with a proprietary leather conditioner; some of those have fungicidal properties, and will help in the long run. I think the trouble will be cleaning inside the bellows. I wouldn't be storing with your cameras. Lucky here in Australia, particularly Adelaide, very dry and little suffers from fungus of any kind (except my toes!). Having said that I store my cameras in a large steel locked cabinet, with two "Camels" or "Hippos" and replace the active chemical (anhydrous calcium chloride) every few months. I'm always amazed by the several cups of water absorbed. Silica Gel is OK as long as it's active, and you have the coloured one which indicates it's efficiency. It may be worth your time and effort...nothing gained without trying. Good luck, cheers Dave S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 2, 2014 Share #3 Posted March 2, 2014 (edited) Simple mildew won’t harm your M. That is not the glass-etching fungus that can harm lenses. I would use some simple household bleach (Sodiumhypochlorite 3.5 or 4.5 %) on a piece of sponge to inactivate the mildew and then try to get the bellows material supple again with some black shoeshine cream. If it doesn’t work you won’t have lost anything. Cobalt Chloride will not harm anything as long as you do not sprinkle it over your gear. It is a salt that does not spread fumes. Still, I would get the simple plain stuff. If you keep a schedule of regenerating it you’ll be fine. Edited March 2, 2014 by jaapv Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted March 2, 2014 Share #4 Posted March 2, 2014 Before applying any kind of agent on your bellow let it dry for some days and brush the stuff off first, preferably in the garden of you neighbour, not in your kitchen ... Good luck. Regards GEORG Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_d Posted March 2, 2014 Share #5 Posted March 2, 2014 If you need a new bellows you can just check with Turner Bellows. I have used them in the past and they did good work. Mechanical Assembly, Kitting & packaging, Die Cutting, Metal Fabrication, Bellow Refabrication: Turner Bellows: Rochester, NY Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geolux Posted March 2, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted March 2, 2014 Thanks folks ! I appreciate the information. Geolux Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted March 3, 2014 Share #7 Posted March 3, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) I seriously doubt anyone could clean it to my satisfaction. Overshoes for bad weather ok, expensive gear I would not chance it. If you try, use a mildewcide and apply leather conditioner second. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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