Abstract: A collapsible camera comprising a body defined by a first panel, a second panel and rigid support means. The first and second panels are substantially planar and parallel when the camera body is in its collapsed condition and bowed away from each other when the camera body is erected. When the camera body is erected, the rigid support means act between the first and second panels to define and retain the spacing between the panels during normal usage of the camera. By including rigid support means, reliable focussing of an image on a film in the camera can be achieved.

Abstract: It is known to treat the effluent resulting from photographic processing apparatus. Such treatment takes the form of either neutralization where the effluent is mixed with a neutralizing solution prior to disposal, or evaporation where the effluent is heated to form a precipitate and a concentrated liquid portion prior to disposal. However, both these techniques have disadvantages they do not account for toxic particles which may be suspended in the solutions. Described herein is apparatus in which photographic effluent can be treated to provide harmless end products which can be disposed of directly. The apparatus comprises a mixing unit (10) in which the effluent (S1) is mixed with treatment chemicals (S2, S3, S4, P1, P2, P3) and is then passed to a separation unit (20) in which the treated effluent is separated into non-toxic liquid and solid phases. A computer (100) is used to control all stages of the treatment of the effluent.

Abstract: A method of treating photographic effluent containing one or more metal ions with an oxidation number greater than one, comprising the addition of a water-soluble silicate to the effluent in an amount to render it glass-like and less permeable to water. Conveniently the effluent has been treated by the addition of calcium hydroxide and the silicate, preferably water-glass may then be added either to the treated effluent suspension and the mixture separated or to the pre-separated solid.

Abstract: A method for increasing the filtration rate of a precipitate produced from a photographic effluent includes treating the effluent with hydrogen peroxide and an alkaline earth metal salt to form a precipitate and adding to the precipitate a diatomaceous earth filtering aid and then filtering the precipitate.

Abstract: It is known to apply processing solution to photographic material using a high speed moving surface. High speed rotating drums have been used to transfer processing solution from a reservoir to the material. Horizontal belts are also known. However, such arrangements require large volumes of processing solution in order to operate effectively. Described herein is a processor comprising a vertically mounted high speed belt which both transfers processing solution from a reservoir onto photographic paper being processed, and provides agitation at the paper surface. Two transport belts are provided, one on either side of the belt to assist in the transport of paper through the apparatus. An arrangement according to the invention has the advantages that only low volumes of processing solutions are required, good surface agitation is provided, and it can be fitted into conventional photographic processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for drying photographic materials from an initial moisture content to a desired final moisture content is provided. At least one side of a photographic material having an initial moisture content is heated, with a first heater stage, to achieve an intermediate moisture content in the material. The intermediate moisture content is less than the initial moisture content of the material and greater than the desired final moisture content. The intermediate moisture content of the material is measured and an output signal corresponding to the intermediate moisture content is provided to a control means. The material is then heated with a second heater stage to the desired final moisture content. The second stage heating is controlled using the output signal and the desired final moisture content.