US3788202A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Viewfinder for single lens reflex cameras
Assignee: Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH
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Filing: 1972-08-22
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Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1992-08-22
Abstract
Abstract A single lens reflex camera comprising a penta prism arranged above the reflex mirror is provided on the light emerging side of the prism with a light ray reflecting means. The reflecting means is movably mounted so that the light rays emerging from the prism may be directed into at least two different directions. It is thereby achieved that the camera may be used with at least two different viewing directions, e.g. mainly with a horizontal and with a vertical viewing direction.
Inventors
- 👤 W Wiessner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:39
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B19/00; G03B19/02; G03B19/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
A viewfinder system for single lens reflex cameras having a housing, a picture taking lens mounted over an aperture in said housing, said picture taking lens receiving light rays and having an optical axis, a reflex mirror mounted in said housing along said optical axis and reflecting said light rays having an a first pentaprism mounted in said housing above said reflex mirror along said reflected optical axis, said pentaprism having a light emerging surface from which said optical axis exits, light reflecting means movably mounted and adjustable to at least two alternate positions which define different viewing directions of the viewfinder system in said housing along said optical axis exiting from said light emerging surface, said housing having at least two viewing opeinings corresponding to said different viewing directions and ocular means on said housing along said optical axis reflected by said light reflecting means for viewing an upright and unreversed image of an object being photographed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
A viewfinder system for single lens reflex cameras having a housing, a picture taking lens mounted over an aperture in said housing, said picture taking lens receiving light rays and having an optical axis, a reflex mirror mounted in said housing along said optical axis and reflecting said light rays having an a first pentaprism mounted in said housing above said reflex mirror along said reflected optical axis, said pentaprism having a light emerging surface from which said optical axis exits, light reflecting means movably mounted and adjustable to at least two alternate positions which define different viewing directions of the viewfinder system in said housing along said optical axis exiting from said light emerging surface, said housing having at least two viewing opeinings corresponding to said different viewing directions and ocular means on said housing along said optical axis reflected by said light reflecting means for viewing an upright and unreversed image of an object being photographed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light reflecting means is a prism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light reflecting means is a second pentaprism.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light reflecting means is a Schmidt-prism which reflects the light rays at an angle of 75*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second pentaprism is mounted pivotably.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the Schmidt prism is rectilinearly displaceable in a vertical direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein a separate ocular is arranged in each viewing direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1 and wherein said ocular means is attached to the light reflecting means so as to be movable therewith.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 1 and further compriSing light blocking means for blocking the opening in the camera housing not used for viewing, said light blocking means being attached to the light reflecting means for joint movement therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A viewfinder as claimed in claim 9, wherein said light blocking means is combined with said ocular means to form one unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |