Abstract: A fully automatic and integrated focusing and exposure control system for a photographic camera includes a combination latch and actuator mechanism that operates to normally latch a shutter blade arrangement in its scene light blocking position and to unlatch the shutter blade arrangement in anticipation of an exposure cycle. The combination latch and actuator mechanism also operates during the unlatching of the shutter blades to actuate the focusing apparatus so as to automatically focus the camera objective lens in synchronism with the shutter blade being unlatched.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus includes an improved exposure and electronic flash fire control system comprising a single photoresponsive element. The system provides a scene brightness measurement prior to a photographic exposure interval, an exposure influencing event during the exposure interval responsive to the photoresponsive element providing an indication of the commencement of the photographic exposure interval and an exposure terminating signal responsive to the photoresponsive element detecting a selected amount of scene light corresponding to the exposing scene light admitted during the exposure interval.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus includes an automatic exposure control arrangement having scanning shutter blade elements which are accelerated to a determinate velocity and thereafter released for movement through a range of progressively varying sized apertures at the determinate velocity to define a photographic exposure cycle. A uniform trim control is provided to give the photographer a degree of overriding personal control through which he may slightly vary film exposure by simultaneously varying the determinate velocity at which the shutter blade elements traverse the aperture range and the amount of scene light transmitted to a photoresponsive control system which automatically controls film exposure.

Abstract: A photographic camera control system is provided for varying the time at which a source of artificial illumination is energized subsequent to the commencement of a photographic exposure interval in accordance with variations in the ambient scene light intensity and the camera-to-subject range. The control system operates to energize the source of artificial illumination at later times and hence larger aperture values under conditions of insignificant ambient scene light intensity than under conditions of substantially higher ambient scene light intensity for identical camera-to-subject distances.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus and method employing a diaphragm shutter having a time variable exposure aperture with flash firing, following actuation of the shutter, after a time interval dependent on subject range. The functional relationship between the time interval and subject range establishes a parametric relationship between the brightness of the subject due to its flash illumination and the scan time of the diaphragm shutter. The inverse of this parametric relationship constitutes the timewise variation in the exposure aperture area of the shutter. Consequently, whenever the subject is within a predetermined maximum distance from the camera, dependent upon the maximum aperture area attainable by the shutter, the instantaneous product of subject brightness and aperture area will be a constant with the result that proper exposure of the photographic film is achieved independent of the subject range.

Abstract: In a photographic camera apparatus, there is provided an exposure control system of the type embodying "scanning" shutter blade elements in which the opening shutter blade movement is slowed by way of an inertial wheel which is rotated in concert with the shutter blade mounting member or walking beam. During the closing movement of the shutter blade elements, the walking beam disengages from the inertial wheel to facilitate a fast shutter blade closing movement substantially unrestricted by the inertial wheel.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus for a camera comprises a camera to photographic subject ranging device for providing a signal indication of elapsed time corresponding to the camera-to-subject distance and an objective lens arrangement displaceable between a plurality of focal positions at a rate such that the objective lens arrangement reaches each of its plurality of focal positions at an elapsed time from its initial displacement directly proportionate to the elapsed time indicated by the ranging device.

Abstract: A single lens reflex photographic camera for use with self-developing film units is automatically controlled to perform a plurality of photographic related functions in a select sequence. The camera includes a movable reflex mirror, a shutter blade mechanism and a film advancement and processing apparatus, all of which are automatically controlled, primarily by mechanical apparatus, to perform their respective functions in the select sequence in response to the actuation of a single photographic cycle initiating button.

Abstract: An exposure control system of the type embodying scanning type shutter blades includes two separate sets of photocell sweep secondary apertures in the shutter blades together with a single photoresponsive element wherein each set of secondary apertures may be controlled independently of the other set to admit scene light to the photoresponsive element in correspondence with the scene light admitted to the film plane during either an ambient or artificially scene lighted mode of operation.

Abstract: A camera control and exposure system for cameras of the self-developing type includes "scanning type" shutter blade elements which can be quickly closed to terminate an exposure interval by a magnet actuated closing spring arrangement which is thereafter automatically recocked by way of a motor driven film advance and processing mechanism. The control and exposure system is additionally adapted for use with an array of flashlamps wherein prior to each flash photographic cycle, the array of flashlamps is sensed to determine the operative condition of the last flashlamp to be fired in the array. The system then mechanically inhibits the implementation of the photographic cycle in the event that the last flashlamp to be fired in the array is defective.

Abstract: A camera control and exposure system for cameras of the self-developing type includes "scanning type" shutter blade elements which can be quickly closed to terminate an exposure interval by a magnet actuated closing spring arrangement which is thereafter automatically recocked by way of a motor driven film advance and processing mechanism. A shutter blade latch arrangement maintains the magnet actuated drive spring arrangement in its cocked position while simultaneously maintaining the shutter blade elements in their scene light blocking arrangement prior to exposure. Manual actuation of the latch arrangement permits the shutter blade elements to be driven by an opening spring to their scene light unblocking arrangement thereby commencing an exposure interval. The exposure interval is terminated by deenergizing the electromagnet permitting the closing spring arrangement to drive the shutter blade elements back to their initial scene light blocking arrangement against the bias of the opening spring.

Abstract: An exposure control for a camera of the type having scanning type shutter blade elements driven by a walking beam to provide a progressive variation in effective exposure and light sensing apertures. A control is provided so that in an artificial scene lighted mode, during an exposure cycle, the scanning blades cause the effective exposure aperture to progressively increase toward the full open f/stop for the camera. In addition, the scanning blades cause the effective photocell aperture to increase at a relatively low rate until a time when the effective exposure aperture equals a predetermined f/stop somewhat below the full open f/stop. The source of artificial illumination is then fired and the effective photocell aperture increases at a relatively high rate to specifically control the artificially illuminated portion of the exposure cycle.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus is provided with an automatic illumination and exposure control system for controlling a pair of scanning type shutter blade elements as well as a flash fire and quench signal directed to a quench strobe operatively associated therewith. The control system operates to selectively delay the quenching of the strobe as a function of whether the camera is operating in a "fill-in" flash mode of operation or in an ordinary flash mode thereby permitting a dark subject to be adequately illuminated against a lighted background without overexposing the subject.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus of the type having an automatic exposure control system for controlling a pair of scanning shutter blade elements, having respective primary apertures therethrough for collectively defining a gradually varying effective aperture size as a function of the position of the blade elements together with corresponding photocell sweep secondary apertures therethrough for movement in correspondence with the primary apertures to define a small secondary effective aperture for admitting the passage of scene light to a photocell, is adapted for use with either an ordinary flashlamp or a quench strobe. The interchangeability between flashlamp and quench strobe is made possible by utilizing the command signal to close the shutter blade elements from the camera exposure control system and thereafter providing a signal to the quench strobe to terminate the firing of its flash tube subsequent to the expiration of a predetermined time delay after the shutter blade closing command signal.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus having a shutter-diaphragm mechanism for regulating the exposure aperture and the exposure interval under both ambient and flash illumination conditions having a blade arrangement which when driven in an opening direction provides enlarging aperture values in a tracking relation defining both a taking aperture and a photocell aperture. The latter being specially configured to initially provide relatively small aperture values necessary for proper flash exposure at near subject distances includes a pair of blade openings wherein the leading portion of one opening is a segment of short length as measured along the axis of diaphragm movement so that, when it is in overlapping arrangement to the leading edge of the other opening, very small aperture values result.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus including a "sequencing system" for initiating and controlling the orderly performance of functions in a cycle of apparatus operation that includes the exposing and processing of a self-developing film unit. The "sequencing system" includes a sequencing gear which makes a single revolution during the operating cycle and preferably initiates, controls and/or performs the function of selectively latching and unlatching a shutter, operating an electrical power switch, operating a film advance device and indexing a film counting device.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus having a shutter-diaphragm mechanism for regulating the exposure aperture and the exposure interval under both ambient and flash illumination conditions. The shutter-diaphragm includes a blade arrangement which when driven in an opening direction provides enlarging aperture values in a tracking relation defining both a taking aperture and a photocell aperture until both achieve a maximum at which time further blade displacement provides a reduction in the photocell aperture to accommodate ambient, low scene light conditions. Under flash conditions, the system employs hybrid operation in which the exposure aperture is selected by a follow-focus mechanism in accordance with subject distance while the interval is determined by the scene light transmitted to the photocell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic camera having an automatic shutter latch mechanism which may be released in response to initial shutter blade movement resulting from energization of the shutter drive means and which may thereafter be moved into position to accommodate relatching of the shutter blades in response to film advancement. The automatic shutter latch mechanism is also responsive to initial shutter blade movement resulting from manually actuated energization of the electrical shutter drive means for actuating a power interlock switch to maintain the electrical energization of a photographic exposure control system after manual deactuation by the user. In addition, the shutter latch mechanism includes a shock stabilizing arrangement to inhibit the accidental unlatching of the shutter blade mechanism resulting from shutter blade movement occassioned through extraneous vibrations, sudden shock or otherwise and not through actuation of the shutter drive means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shock inhibiting means for use with an automatic shutter latch mechanism of the type which may be released in response to initial shutter blade movement resulting from energization of the shutter drive means and which may thereafter be moved into position to accommodate relatching of the shutter blades in response to film advancement. The shock inhibiting means operates to positively inhibit the accidental unlatching of the shutter blade mechanism resulting from shutter blade movement which might otherwise be occasioned through extraneous vibrations, sudden shock or jarring, and not through intentional actuation of the shutter drive means.

Abstract: An exposure control system is provided for a photographic apparatus of the type which may be used in conjunction with a source of artificial illumination to illuminate darkened portions of a photographic subject under relatively high levels of ambient scene light intensity. The exposure control system includes means for programming the exposure control in a select manner so as to respond to the artificial light source being utilized under relatively high levels of ambient scene light intensity. The exposure is programmed by determining the exposure interval as a function of whether the artificial light source is ignited in an ordinary manner after a predetermined time delay subsequent to the commencement of the exposure cycle or in a so called "fill-in flash" manner as a function of the integrated ambient scene light intensity reaching a predetermined level.