Abstract A single-lens reflex camera wherein the device which reflects light against the focussing screen consists of a single mirror which is pivotable at a point close to its upper edge or of two discrete mirrors which are pivotable in opposite directions with reference to each other. The single mirror is pivotable from a position at an angle of 45* with reference to the optical axis to a position in which its reflecting surface faces the focussing screen by pivoting and by simultaneously moving rearwardly and upwardly so as to permit the placing of the lens close to the plane of an unexposed film frame. If the light is reflected by two discrete mirrors, one of the mirrors is movable in the same way as the single mirror or about a fixed pivot axis, and the other mirror is pivotable to a concealed position behind an internal wall of the camera body. The single mirror or the two discrete mirrors can automatically return to operative positions upon completion of each exposure or they can be held in inoperative positions during the interval between the completion of an exposure and the next following transport of film or as long as desired.
Inventors
👤 Junichi Yokozato
👤 Shigeru Kurihara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-03 22:54
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
In a single-lens reflex camera, a combination comprising a camera body having a front portion and a rear portion; a lens mounted in said front portion; focusing means mounted in said body at a level above said lens and including a stationary lightdispersing element; means for reflecting against said focusing means at least some scene light entering said body by way of said lens, comprising at least one mirror mounted in said body behind said lens and being movable with reference to said focusing means between an operative position at an acute angle to the optical axis of said lens to reflect scene light against said focusing means and an inoperative position; and actuating means for moving said mirror between said positions, said actuating means defining for said mirror a pivot axis which is at least substantially normal to said optical axis and said actuating means having drive means for pivoting said mirror about said pivot axis with reference to said focusing means and for moving said pivot axis along a curved path in a direction towards said rear portion of said camera body and simultaneously upwards towards said stationary light-dispersing element so that due to such combined movement of said mirror axis said mirror will bypass said lens during its movement towards said light-dispersing element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
In a single-lens reflex camera, a combination comprising a camera body having a front portion and a rear portion; a lens mounted in said front portion; focusing means mounted in said body at a level above said lens and including a stationary lightdispersing element; means for reflecting against said focusing means at least some scene light entering said body by way of said lens, comprising at least one mirror mounted in said body behind said lens and being movable with reference to said focusing means between an operative position at an acute angle to the optical axis of said lens to reflect scene light against said focusing means and an inoperative position; and actuating means for moving said mirror between said positions, said actuating means defining for said mirror a pivot axis which is at least substantially normal to said optical axis and said actuating means having drive means for pivoting said mirror about said pivot axis with reference to said focusing means and for moving said pivot axis along a curved path in a direction towards said rear portion of said camera body and simultaneously upwards towards said stationary light-dispersing element so that due to such combined movement of said mirror axis said mirror will bypass said lens during its movement towards said light-dispersing element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said pivot axis is located at a level above said optical axis and said drive means is arranged to move said pivot axis upwardly and away from said lens while said mirror pivots during movement from said operative to said inoperative position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising release means operative to effect a movement of said mirror to said inoperative position, film advancing means actuatable to advance the film with reference to said lens, and means for returning said mirror to said operative position in response to actuation of said film advancing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A combination as defined in claim 3, further comprising selector means operable to effect retention of said mirror in said inoperative position.