How to Patch Camera Bellows
- 1). Pull out camera's front lens assembly so that the bellows are fully extended. Brush away any surface dirt and dust from the bellows material with a soft-bristle brush.
- 2). Make a mixture of one teaspoon white all-purpose glue, two drops of liquid dish detergent and two drops of black shoe dye.
- 3). Apply the mixture to the areas of the bellows with pinholes using a small paintbrush. They usually occur at the corners of the bellows material.
- 4). Alternate between retracting and extending the bellows for two minutes to work the mixture into the pinholes.
- 5). Extend the bellows fully and allow the mixture to dry for 24 hours before storing or using the camera.
- 6). Place strips of black electrician's tape over larger holes or cracks in the bellows material. While a more permanent fix should be performed by a professional camera repairman, electrician's tape will suffice as a short term patch.