Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically clamping film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and for releasing the film material exposed by a recording element from the recording drum. The apparatus has a roll film cassette introducible into a light tight portion of the reproduction device. Conveyor and guide surfaces are provided between the roll film cassette and the recording drum. Film conveying means is provided for conveying the film web situated in the roll film cassette to the recording drum. A film cutting means is provided for the separation of film sheets. A film length measuring means, a pressure means having a lowerable pressure roller for the film sheets, a positioning drive for turning the recording drum into a start of clamping, start of exposure and start of release position, and a lift-off means having a lowerable lift-off finger for peeling the exposed film sheets from the recording drum are all provided. The film sheets are fixed on the recording drum by vacuum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for automatically clamping and releasing film material onto or, respectively, from the recording drum of a reproduction device with vacuum suctioning. The device is composed of a roll film cassette, of a conveying and guide surface, of a film cutting means, of a film length measuring means, of a pressure means having a pressure roller, of a lift-off means having lift-off finger, as well as drives for turning the recording drum and for conveying the film material to the recording drum. The recording drum comprises axially proceeding suction hole rows for suctioning the film material by vacuum. A vacuum distributor controllable by the rotational motion is arranged in the recording drum, this vacuum distributor successively connecting the individual suction hole rows to the stationary vacuum pump during clamping, so that the suction hole rows are charged with vacuum step-by-step with increasing wrap of the recording drum by the film material.