Abstract: An artificial illumination control system for controlling the energization of an electronic flash device during a photographic exposure interval in a camera automatically operates in a full flash mode whenever the ambient light level is too low for a proper daylight exposure and the camera-to-subject distance does not exceed a maximum distance suitable for a full flash exposure. Moreover, it automatically operates in a fill flash exposure whenever the ambient light level is bright enough that areas of the subject may be substantially shadowed and the camera-to-subject distance does not exceed a maximum distance small enough to ensure that the fill flash output will lighten the shadowed areas. The maximum distance for a fill flash exposure is always less than the maximum distance for a full flash exposure.

Abstract: A photographic camera is adapted for use with a film cartridge having a tongue portion from which a curled film leader projects. The projecting leader comprises a relatively short full width section adjacent the tongue portion and a relatively long reduced width section separated from the tongue portion by the full width section. Integral means is provided in a loading chamber of the camera body for supporting the cartridge at its throat portion to locate the full width section of the leader away from the camera body during axial insertion of the cartridge initially into the loading chamber. This will prevent the forward longitudinal edge of the full width section of the leader from jamming against the camera body to interfere with film loading. A straightening member along the camera body contacts the forward longitudinal edge of the reduced width section of the leader to uncurl that section in response to continued axial insertion of the cartridge into the loading chamber.

Abstract: A string instrument, such as a guitar, includes an instrument body, a neck portion, pivotably coupled to the body by means of a joint, to permit pivotal movement of the neck portion between an operative and a folded position, a string mount moveably mounted on the body, at least one string, one end portion of which is secured to the string mount and the other end portion of which is secured to the neck portion, and drive means for moving the spring mount, which is coupled to the spring mount and the joint. The drive means moves the spring mount in direct response to pivotal movement of the neck portion about the joint, so as to maintain the original length and tension of the at least one string, when the neck portion is moved between the operative and folded positions thereof.