Cinematographic apparatus

Abstract

The invention is concerned with a motion picture projector or camera, with a claw for feeding the motion picture film, having at least one switch provided in one or several electric circuits of the motion picture projector or camera, which switch is controlled by said claw. An 8-mm motion picture camera in which a switch for various circuits of the camera is provided within the intercept of the claw is already familiar. In such an arrangement, contact elements of the switch are kept mutually in mesh by the claw while it engages the film or disengages from its perforations and if there is no film, the claw releases or opens these contact elements. Switching contacts of this type may be provided, e.g., in the electric circuits of the feed mechanisms or of the exposure control device of a motion picture camera. In this way, when no film is inserted, the batteries are unable to discharge. In addition, a motion picture camera is known that has signals responding during operation and indicating that the film is being moved forward properly. Such a camera has, within the range of the film track, a switching contact that has been developed as part of a drag claw and is maintained by the film in an open position. When the motion picture film has already left the track, or when the film breaks, the contact closes and activates the signal. On the other hand, the invention is intended to provide a motion picture projector or camera, in which switches may be activated by means of the claw when the film cannot be properly advanced. Also, the invention is designed to prevent any damage to the film or the accessories of the motion picture projector or camera, when the forward movement of the film does not take place in the proper manner. Thus, the invention proposes that in a motion picture camera of the type described at the outset the gripping arm (arm of the claw) is mounted in such a way that it may be shifted, and preferably pivoted horizontally in the forward direction and that it is kept in its operating position by a detachable bracket, while the gripping arm functions as activating member of the switch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.