Uploaded January 2012 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Mat Marrash responds to a question regarding bellows factor when shooting Large Format and other bellows cameras.
When focusing a camera with moveable bellows, any extension of the lens beyond it's infinity focusing distance (focal length) will result in the loss of light during the exposure. You can correct this by compensating for the bellows draw, with two easy measurements, and two quick calculations.
Mat Marrash responds to a question regarding bellows factor when shooting Large Format and other bellows cameras.
When focusing a camera with moveable bellows, any extension of the lens beyond it's infinity focusing distance (focal length) will result in the loss of light during the exposure. You can correct this by compensating for the bellows draw, with two easy measurements, and two quick calculations.
