How do I convert a bellows into a lens shade?

[cxc]

I have an extra bellows, from a dead camera, which it occurs to me I

should be able to rig up into a lens shade, hopefully for all three

of my remaining living cameras. Bellows is square, relatively stiff,

with metal frames at each end.

 

Has anyone already done this and can give me the benefit of their

experience? Or is it impractical?

 

I envision needing some way to hook it on the front frame top, but

not needing a light tight seal, as it will be behind the front of the

lens. Then, some sort of inverted monorail setup to extend the

bellows. And I guess the rail must be retractible to keep it out of

the view of wider lenses. My range of lenses is 65mm - 450mm.

 

Advice, please.

 

TIA,

 

CXC

[wayne_crider4]

Probably the best thing to do is view pictures in mags and on the internet of

products already produced to get ideas. My Calumet catalog shows some. I

would question outdoor applications more than indoor lighting setups. If your

shooting landscapes, wouldn't rubber hoods be more practical, or are you

primarily shooting in a studio? Whatever the case, you'll need a small rail

attached somewhere at the front standard and extending out with the bellows

attached and moveable. Maybe something on e'boing would be less of a

hassle? Let us know how you make out.

[bob_salomon]

Not only retractible.

 

You use a compendium on view cameras - not lens hoods.

 

That means the bellows moves left to right, in and out and tilts. This keeps it from cutting

off part of the image when doing front, rear or both movements.

[ralph_barker]

The one I have, Christopher, uses two small rods at the top to allow the bellows to be moved fore and aft to clear or cover the lens respectively. Those rods attach to a shallow, wide square u-shaped bar that, in turn is attached/pinned to another that is attached to the top of the lens standard. That way, the shade can be moved forward, and then tilted out of the way of the lens to make adjustments to the lens settings. Then, use separate small bars forming a square with moveable corners (snug, friction fit) at either side of the bellows to manage the bellows extension. That allows the front edge of the bellows to be tilted (compressed or extended) to fit with front standard movement. Using the top mounting rods to control extension would inhibit warping the shade to fit with lens tilt. I'll send you a couple of digital pics later.