Real-image viewfinder for photographic camera

Abstract

A real-image viewfinder for a variable-exposure camera has a mask member having a field frame for defining a field of view of the viewfinder, and a mask drive mechanism which moves the mask member between an operative position in which the mask member is positioned in an image surface of an optical system of the viewfinder so that the field frame is viewed through an eyepiece of the viewfinder and a retracted position in which the mask member is retracted from the optical path of light bundle passing through the optical system. A transparent support member having a smooth surface is disposed so that the smooth surface is positioned in the image surface of the optical system of the viewfinder and the mask member is formed of an elastic material having a flexibility. The mask drive means moves the mask member so that the mask member is brought into close contact with the smooth surface of the support member under the elasticity of the mask member itself in the operative position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.