[LargeFormat] Dealing with Bellows Sag

[Les Newcomer]

On Friday, April 4, 2003, at 01:23  AM, Clive Warren wrote:

> Most larger cameras have hooks at the top of the bellows to allow some 
> solution to be put in place to deal with bellows sag when using lenses 
> that require a middle extension of the bellows.
>
> Now, I have never seen the gizmos that are supposed to be used to 
> support the bellows when sag is an issue. I am assuming that the 
> manufacturers originally supplied rods to be used in conjunction with 
> the hooks. The rods would presumably be balanced across the rear and 
> front standards.
>
> Does anyone have the original solution (rods?) or have any advice on 
> the best ways of dealing with the sag that would otherwise cause 
> vignetting?
>
> Cheers,
>            Clive
>
>
>
>

I use a coat hanger for the rod.   Now on my RB cycle graphic the eyes 
were on the side and hooked to the front standard to limit the bellows 
movement to the rear when using short lenses. I've seen triple 
extension plate cameras without this feature and most of the time the 
front part of the bellows is shot from the weight.

Les