Abstract: A motion-picture camera optionally loadable with silent-film and sound-film cassettes has a reversible film-feeding mechanism including a reciprocable transport claw and a catch engageable with a takeup reel through a coupling within the cassette including a rewind stop. A spring-loaded stud close to the catch enables the rewind stop to be disengaged in a sound-film camera whereby the film can be transported backward for trick cinematography such as superposition of scenes. During the first run of such a double exposure, a step-down transmission can be activated to slow the windup of the film within its cassette if the latter is of the silent-film type, thereby creating a reserve length of film that can be rewound on the supply reel. In the presence of a sound-film cassette, as determined by a sensor which could be the aforementioned stud, this stepdown transmission is disabled inasmuch as the disengagement of the rewind stop allows the film to be reverse-driven without such reserve length.

Abstract: A camera adapted for use with either a silent-film cartridge or a sound-film cartridge of larger size and having sound recording means including a capstan and a pressure roll movable into and out of engagement with the sound film against the capstan with a sensing means actuated by the sound-film cartridge inserted into the camera for permitting the actuation of a release mechanism for movement, through a mechanical linkage, of the pressure roll into engagement with the sound-film against the capstan and for deactivating the release mechanism upon insertion of a silent-film cartridge into the camera to permit disengagement of the pressure roll from the capstan.