Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement to a photographic camera of the type 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 shutter latch mechanism additionally includes a shock stabilizing arrangement to inhibit the accidental unlatching of the shutter blade mechanism resulting from shutter blade movement occasioned through extraneous vibration, sudden shock, or otherwise. The improvement resides in the automatic shutter latch mechanism which includes means responsive to the displacement of the latch when effecting the release of the shutter blade mechanism for inhibiting the operative influence of the shock stabilizing means on the blade mechanism until the blade mechanism is returned to its arrangement wherein it is retainable by the latch.

Abstract: An exposure control system is provided with means through which it is automatically actuated to change the exposure controlling characteristics thereof in response to the coupling of a source of artificial illumination therewith. The exposure control system is operable in both an ambient and flash mode of operation wherein the exposure control system anticipates a rather large shutter blade overshoot subsequent to the command signal to close the shutter blades during the ambient mode of operation which anticipation is automatically compensated for during the flash mode of operation to provide an optimum flash mode exposure interval prior to receipt of the command signal to close the shutter blade elements.

Abstract: An optical trim mechanism is provided for embodiment in the exposure control system of a photographic camera apparatus wherein the output response of the exposure control system is determined by both the photographic scene light reaching the photographic camera as well as the focused distance from the photographic camera to the subject to be photographed. The trim mechanism provides the photographer with a degree of overriding personal control through which he may simultaneously vary the amount of scene light reaching the exposure control system while at the same time varying the output response of the exposure control system as determined by the focused distance from camera to subject.

Abstract: A photographic exposure control system which automatically functions in an ambient mode of operation, in response to scene light values and in a flash mode of operation, in response to both scene light values and scene ranging, the latter providing select aperture values in accordance with anticipated flash illumination of the scene, includes a trim mechanism providing operator variation of the automatic settings for both the ambient and flash modes of operation. The trim arrangement provides a single control which alters both the photoresponse of the system and the selection of aperture with scene ranging so as to modify only the photoresponse for ambient operation and both the photoresponse and the scene ranging response for the flash illumination mode.

Abstract: An exposure control system with follow focus capability is provided for a photographic camera apparatus of the non-single lens reflex viewing type having means for receiving and initiating the energization of a source of artificial light to illuminate a photographic scene. The follow focus aspect of the exposure control system is automatically actuable to provide a range responsive aperture adjustment upon the mounting of a flash unit upon the camera apparatus.

Abstract: An improved exposure control system featuring a follow-focus mechanism wherein the geometrical relationship of the mechanical components are determined in a select manner to provide uniform adjustment of the exposure aperture through a trim mechanism irrespective of the actual focus setting. The follow focus additionally may be precisely calibrated despite the cumulative effect attributable to the dimensional variations of the individual components albeit such variations remain within prescribed tolerances.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus includes inertial means for selectively presenting an inertial characteristic to influence the movement of the exposure control system shutter blade elements. The inertial characteristic influences the rate of movement of the shutter blade elements toward their maximum aperture defining position without influencing the return movement of the shutter blade elements toward their closed position. The inertial means is also thereafter automatically reset in readiness for the next photographic cycle.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus is provided with an inertial member, the inertia characteristic of which may be selectively presented for movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements of the exposure control system. The inertial member is arranged to move in correspondence with the shutter blade elements to control the rate of movement of the shutter blade elements toward their maximum aperture defining position. Conversely, return movement of the shutter blade elements toward their closed position operates to disengage the inertial member therefrom so as to allow the shutter blade elements to be quickly closed without the influence of the inertia characteristic. The inertial member is thereafter automatically returned to its initial position in readiness for subsequent movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements upon the next photographic cycle.

Abstract: A light attenuating filter is provided for a light responsive exposure control system in order to facilitate calibration of the exposure control system so that the amount of scene light admitted by the exposure control system during an exposure interval will substantially correspond to a particular film speed. The exposure control system is of the type having a light detector wherein the light attenuating filter is movable into intercepting relation with a select portion of the scene light directed toward the light detecting means. The select intercepted portion of the scene light is determined and fixed during the manufacture of the exposure control system in order to provide the requisite output response from the light detecting means to terminate an exposure interval in time to insure that the amount of scene light admitted during the photographic cycle substantially corresponds to the select film speed.

Abstract: A pivoting exposure control system is provided for a photographic apparatus wherein the exposure control system includes a shutter blade apparatus for respectively blocking and unblocking the passage of light through a light entry exposure opening in a camera housing. The shutter blade mechanism includes two shutter blade elements which are disposed for both pivoting and translational motion about a first fixed pivot point spaced laterally apart from the light entering opening in the camera housing. Rotating means pivotally connect at two spaced-apart locations to the respective shutter blade elements so that the shutter blade elements may be simultaneously rotated about a second pivot point spaced laterally apart from the light entering opening and the first pivot point. In this manner, the shutter blade elements may be simultaneously moved over the light entering exposure opening to define a progressive variation of effective apertures.