An Improvement connected with Photographic Cameras.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Mar., 1895-Accepted, 13 h Apr., 1895
An Improvement connected with Photographic Cameras.
1, HANS VON ELPONS of 5 II Littanerstrasse, Berlin, Germany, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to photographic cameras and its object is to provide an
adjustable device, which, whilst dispensing with the use of the ordinary opaque
focussing cloth, enables the operator to see the image thrown on the focussing
glass of the camera in an upright or correct position thereby enabling him to
readily ascertain the suitability of position of the image as well as an approximate
idea of the length of exposure necessary to take such image.
On the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the invention,
Fig. 1 is a side view of the device and Fig. 2 is a plan thereof.
Fig. 3 shows the method of fixing the device to a camera.
The device consists of a reflecting surface or mirror a corresponding in size to
the focussing glass and which is movably or fixedly secured to the focussing
frame b of the camera, by means of the side wings or flaps of an enclosing casing A
made of suitably opaque material, in such manner that the reflector is inclined at
an angle of 45° to the focussing glass. The image to be taken can be seen and
properly focussed through an opening B at the top of the casing which can be
closed by a hinged flap c.
The device can be fitted to any camera and in the case of cameras with
reversible focussing screens it may be arranged to take either vertical or horizontal
views.
The device can either be fitted as a permanent fixture to the focussing frame or
be removably secured thereto.
This auxiliary device is not to be mistaken for, or to be confused with, the
contrivances, such as view finders, adjustable frames or cases, anascopes, reversing
lenses, iconometers, etc., generally used and which have for their object the
production of an image, through a special object glass or lens, of the view to be
taken and wherein the necessary adjustment of the image, is, in some cases,
obtained by means of a focussing cloth, whilst, in other cases, a reversed image is
produced; such apparatuses being inefficient, costly, and, in some cases, very
complicated.
The appliances generally used in connection with hand cameras and which
produce a correct image without the use of an opaque cloth differ from the
present invention in that the image produced by the special object glass is
first reflected on the mirror and then thrown on a horizontal ground glass disc
or plate, whereas, in my invention, the image is first taken through the usual
focussing glass and subsequently reflected by the mirror direct to the eye of the
operator.
The improved device can be removably secured to the focussing frame of the
camera by means of an india-rubber band d, passed round the device and
interlocked at the ends by means of hooks e and eyes e' as shown at Fig. 3.
My invention possesses the following advantages over others generally used :-
(1) Dispensing with a focussing cloth so that the operator has his hands free
when focussing.

page_text: 2) The production of a correct image which allows the operator, especially in
the case of country scenery, to ascertain the artistic effect or suitability of the
position of the object.
(3) Dispensing with the use of high tripods or stands.
The invention, in fact, combines all the advantages of the view finders or other
search appliances at present in use.
The device does not impede or encumber the handy transport of the camera.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
consider novel and desire to claim is :-
The device for photographic cameras consisting of a reflecting surface or
mirror a secured fixedly or removably to the focussing frame by means of an
enclosing casing A which is provided at top with a peep hole B, said reflecting
surface being inclined at or about an angle of 45° to the focussing glass and
reflecting a correct image direct to the eye of the operator, substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings annexed.
Dated this 12th day of March 1895.
H. D. FITZPATRICK,
70, Wellington Street, Glasgow, Agent.