Abstract: The invention relates to a friction brake (1), in particular for elevators, comprising at least two pivotally mounted brake levers (2), which each have a brake lining (6) and are arranged opposite each other in the form of a brake caliper. An actuator (5) is provided for actuating the friction brake (1). In order to avoid uneven loading of the opposing brake levers (2), the actuator (5) is designed in such a way that the force (FA) exerted by the actuator (5) acts substantially perpendicularly to a brake application force (FZ) exerted by the brake levers (5). Furthermore, a spreading mechanism (9, 26) is provided, by means of which the brake application force (FZ) can be regulated by the force (FA) exerted by the actuator.