One of the most convenient methods of changing plates in a hand camera is to have a double chamber, in the top chamber B a magazine A moves backwards and forwards by rack C and pinion D over an opening E in the floor F, through which the plates may be dropped for exposure in any order. The opening is covered by a sliding piece K, pulled out from the side. The magazine consists of a grooved box made in zinc, with a sliding lid or bottom G. It is inserted into the top chamber through a light-tight door II, the lid underneath, which is bolted to the floor at I, so that as the magazine is racked forward towards the opening the lid is pulled off. Strips J are placed at the sides to guide the plate and keep it in correct register. After exposure the camera is turned upside down, and the plate fulls back into the magazine. Numbers corresponding to the grooves, or plates, are placed along one side of the magazine, and may be read off through a little ruby glass window at the side. Focussing may be done by opening the door L and pushing the screen M into register.

The only objection to this pattern is its bulk.

Arrangement for Changing Plates in a Hand Camera.