Collapsible flare baffle for folding camera

Abstract

A thin-walled, collapsible, conical-shaped light baffle is provided on the inside of the exposure chamber of a compact folding reflex camera to reduce flare at the camera's focal plane during exposure. The light baffle is preferably formed of an opaque elastic material, such as a terpolymer, to provide it with a resilient characteristic which automatically biases it to assume a normally extended position when the camera is erected from a folded position. While in its extended position, the baffle is aligned with the optical path of the camera so that the interior surface of its lateral wall intercepts unwanted radiation originating outside of the camera's field of view which would, in the absence of the baffle, reflect off interior surfaces of the camera and cause either extraneous images and/or a contrast reduction in the final photographic record. The interior surface of the conical light baffle includes a plurality of spaced projections, concentric with respect to its axis of revolution, for trapping the intercepted unwanted radiation to absorb it. Also provided is an elastic elongated member for maintaining the baffle in proper alignment while in its extended position along the camera's optical path. When the camera is folded, the baffle is collapsed into a compact flat shape. Additionally provided are a series of spaced baffles arranged transverse to fold lines of a flexible opaque envelope which, in part, defines the camera's exposure chamber. The spaced baffles also provide a flare prevention function.