Patent GB-190921588-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Photographic Cameras of the Type known as Reflecting or Reflex Cameras.
Inventor: ADAMS ARTHUR LEWIS
IPC: G03B19/12
Filed: 1909-09-22
Granted: 1910-09-22
Abstract: 21,588. Adams, A. L. Sept. 22. Cameras, reflex.-A folding reflex camera is constructed with the focusing - screen frame pivoted at or near the front of the camera and with means for swinging it into the vertical position in folding the camera. The mirror is pivoted at its upper edge to two upright arms pivoted to the lower part of the camera - back. A spring- actuated flap or curtain adapted to cover or close the observation opening in the hood is opened, when the camera is set for focusing, by means such as a cord attached to the flap or curtain and to the mirror. The focusing-screen frame D<1>, Fig. 2, is pivoted at D<2> to the front A, and the levers D<5>, D<6> are pivoted as shown in connexion with the frame. The frame is moved into the vertical position, for closing the camera, by vertical arms F, which are pivoted at the front part F<1> of the screen frame and which erect the viewing-hood E for focusing. The arms F are retained in extended position by engaging the edge N of the camera under the pressure of a spring slide P, Fig. 6. This slide P is retracted by a handle P<1>, and is shifted backwards by inclined slots P<2>, thereby enabling the arms F to be retracted from the edge N and moved downwards to swing the focusing-screen into a vertical position. The mirror C is pivoted at C<1> to arms H, which are themselves pivoted at H<1> to the lower part of the camera-back. In the focusing position the lower edge of the mirror engages the lower surface of the links D<5>. The mirror is released by moving a release-knob, which projects from a lever rigidly fixed to the arm H, and swings the lever H back until the end C' clears the lever D<5>, whereupon the mirror is raised by the spring C<2>, Fig. 2. In order to re-set the mirror, a slide K is mounted to slide on the lever H by pins and slots H<3>, K<2>, H<4>, K<1>, and is connected to the mirror by a short link C<4>. A sliding plate L on the side of the camera is moved down by a projecting pin L<3> and carries with it the pin K<3> on the slide K, thus lowering the slide and the mirror by the arm C<4>. A focal-plane shutter may be adapted to the camera, and the winding-wheel fitted with a pin which moves the slide L when the shutter is being wound up. The shutter may be released by the return movement of the slide L when the mirror is released. The shutter described in Specification 2485/07, may be adapted, and a winding-wheel with a pin such as that described in Specification 25,849/08. In connexion with the viewing-hood E, a cord G<1> connected between the spring flap G and the mirror opens the flap G when the mirror is set for focusing. The lever H is normally pressed forwards by the spring M to retain the mirror in focusing position, but on collapsing the camera the lever H is tilted back and the mirror pressed by the focusing-screen right back against the focal-plane shutter. The back and front frames of the camera may be jointed by stays and may be connected by lazy-tongs. The lazy-tongs may be used at the bottom of the camera as well as at the sides, and may be fitted either inside or outside the bellows.