Abstract: A camera comprising a manually depressible release button for a shutter, and a frame counter for indicating the number of exposures remaining to be made on a filmstrip, is characterized in that the release button is at least partially transparent and the frame counter is beneath the release button to permit the frame counter to be seen through the release button, whereby there is no need for a separate window for viewing the frame counter.

Abstract: A compact camera which comprises a viewfinder having a pair of spaced front objective and rear eye lenses for viewing a subject to be photographed when one's eye is brought close to the rear eye lens to look at the subject through the viewfinder, and a frame counter supported for movement in a space between the front objective and rear eye lenses to view exposure related indicia of the frame counter when looking through the viewfinder, is characterized in that the frame counter has a transparent carrier for the exposure related indicia which is movable adjacent the rear eye lens to permit the exposure related indicia to be viewed through the viewfinder only when one's eye is farther from the rear eye lens than when one's eye is brought close to the rear eye lens to look at the subject to be photographed and to permit one to view the subject without seeing the exposure related indicia when one's eye is brought close to the rear eye lens.

Abstract: A camera having multiple display functions and/or a date imprinting function wherein the display can alternately switch between displaying the date and the film frame number. The frame number is displayed when winding blank film and the date is displayed at other times. The display also has an indicator which lights up or flashes to indicate the status of the camera power source. The display also shows the date and this date can be imprinted on film when a photograph is taken. The date can be imprinted whether or not the camera is in a date correction mode when the photograph is taken. A multiple function button is used to change photographic information shown on the display, wherein different functions correspond to different camera modes. Adequate safeguards are therefore provided by this camera to prevent accidental changing of information.

Abstract: A compact camera comprising a frame counter disk supported for rotation to indicate the number of exposures remaining to be made on a filmstrip, is characterized in that the frame counter disk is flexible, has a curved periphery, is bent along a straight line joining two spaced points on the curved periphery to be located in two different planes in order to conserve space, and has a plurality of exposure related indicia that is moved successively from one of the planes to the other plane as the frame counter disk is rotated.

Abstract: A camera comprising a rear opening, and a flexible web frame counter supported for movement to be within direct view through the opening to see exposure related indicia of the frame counter when looking through the rear opening, is characterized in that:a top opening is positioned to permit the frame counter to be within direct view through the top opening to see the exposure related indicia when looking through the top opening.

Abstract: A camera having a camera housing (1, 2), a film cassette chamber (38) arranged in the camera housing for receiving a film cassette (25) for strip-like, photosensitive film (26), a film opening (31) of the film cassette (25) being closable in a lightproof manner by a sealing member (33), which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position, furthermore a drive device displaceably arranged in the camera housing for adjusting the sealing member (33) of the film cassette (25) inserted in the film cassette chamber (38) from the open position into the closed position, a film transportation device and a locking device arranged in the camera housing for locking the film transportation device when the sealing member (33) of the film cassette (25) is in the closed position.

Abstract: A film cartridge control device is provided for controlling a film cartridge provided with a data disk which rotates in association with a cartridge spool and indicates given information depending upon a position at which the data disk is stopped when a film is completely rewound in the film cartridge. The film cartridge control device includes a drive device that drives and rotates the cartridge spool, a control circuit that performs stop control for causing the drive device to stop the data disk at a predetermined position, and a storage circuit that stores stop control information that indicates that the stop control is being performed. The stop control information is set when the stop control is started and reset when the stop control is finished. The control circuit restarts the stop control after the cartridge spool is rotated by a predetermined amount by the drive device, if the stop control information is set in the storage circuit when the film cartridge control device is started.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a film condition judging device which judges a film condition based on data obtained by reading out bar codes of a bar code disk equipped on a film cartridge, wherein the bar code disk is initially stopped at a predetermined rotational position in response to the film condition, signals which are output from a sensor, are detected at plurality of times during a bar code disk rotation, and so inclinations in changes of the sensor's output are detected, thereby an error signal is distinguished from a correct signal according to the inclinations in the changes. Further, a sensor's output as a correct signal is counted, then the used condition of the film is judged based on the counted value of the sensor's output. Thus, even if there occurs an unstable rotation of the bar code disk, which brings the error signal, the film condition can be correctly judged by one sensor.

Abstract: A photographic camera having a halfway film rewind mode in which a cartridge having film with part of the frames exposed and part of the frames unexposed is rewound into the film cartridge. The camera also allows the user to set a mode in which data relating to the cartridge can be entered into the memory of the camera. The memory of the camera stores the user input cartridge data together with data representative of the member of unexposed film frames remaining on the film in the cartridge.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing with an outer surface, and a time and temperature integrating device for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure on the outer surface, wherein the time and temperature integrating device is thin enough so as to not interfere with performance of the cartridge in a photographic camera and comprises a thermally sensitive image-forming area and indicating indicia in association with the image-forming area for indicating when the film cartridge has been exposed to a predetermined cumulative thermal exposure.

Abstract: The time after film is rewound up to a first frame until a film cartridge holding the film is allowed to be taken out is divided with the time required for rewinding the film by the currently-exposed frames. A delayed frame number is displayed at the time which is delayed from a time when the actual frame corresponding to the delayed frame number has been rewound for a delay time which is found based upon a number of the currently-exposed frames. Thus, a time in which a displayed number "1" changes to such a mark as "E" can be decreased, thereby preventing the user from opening a film cartridge chamber before the film is completely rewound.

Abstract: A photograph processing device includes an automatic negative mask section having a film slot and a cartridge setting unit at the film slot. A guide guides a film separated from a cartridge into the film slot. The guide is removably attached to the cartridge setting unit. The guide is attached to a periphery of the cartridge setting unit by a hinge to be integral therewith.

Abstract: A camera comprising a film winder rotatable in engagement with a film spool inside a cartridge to wind an exposed filmstrip into the cartridge, a frame counter rotatable to indicate the number of exposures remaining for picture-taking and having a circular array of teeth that are successively engaged to rotate the frame counter, a metering sprocket engaged intermittently with successive perforations in the filmstrip to rotate the metering sprocket as the filmstrip is wound into the cartridge, an actuator coaxially connected to the metering sprocket for rotation in engagement with the respective teeth to rotate the frame counter, and a disabling mechanism for preventing rotation of the frame counter after the last exposure is made and keeping the metering sprocket disengaged from anyone of the film perforations to permit rotation of the film winder to complete film winding into the cartridge without rotating the frame counter and the metering sprocket, is characterized in that the disabling mechanism is coaxia

Abstract: A camera comprises an exposure counter for indicating the number of frames of a film load that have been exposed or remain to be exposed, and a flash illumination light source for illuminating a subject being photographed. The exposure counter has a phosphorescent substance that becomes luminescent due to the absorption of radiation and continues with an afterglow some time after the radiation has stopped, to permit one to read the exposure counter in dimly lit or dark ambience. A light pipe directs illumination from the light source to the phosphorescent substance. Thus, the exposure counter can be read in dimly lit or dark ambience after the light source has been used.

Abstract: A camera comprising a film frame counter rotatable at a central hub to successive numbered settings, and a metering cam rotatable in response to film advancement and having at least one tooth for intermittently engaging the frame counter to rotate the frame counter to its next numbered setting when the metering cam is rotated, characterized in that a cantilevered flexible beam has two ends, and is supported at one end to permit the beam to be bent at the other end for the beam to forcibly press between the two ends against the central hub of the frame counter to prevent an unintended rotation of the frame counter, and the metering cam has a cam lobe arranged to bend the beam at its other end for the beam to forcibly press between its two ends against the frame counter when the tooth is not engaged with the frame counter.

Abstract: In the low cost APS camera, an exposure counter is originally at count 1 and is covered by a flag which is removed from count 1 when the shutter release button is depressed. When the film is returned to the cartridge and the exposure indicator is parked, the flag covers count max. The counter returns to the initial count position in response to opening the film door. The counter is incremented off the HEL (high energy lever) instead of the film perforations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photographic recording or reproducing device, preferably a camera, with a transportation device for the frame-by-frame transportation of a film along a film transportation path and with a film length-measuring device with an engagement member pivotable about an axle for engagement in perforation holes along a perforated edge of the film, the film transportation device being locked when the film reaches a position during the course of its transportation for recording or reproducing an image, the engagement member containing a leading engagement element in relation to its rotary movement and a following support element and being adjustable transversely to the film transportation path as a function of the support of the support element on a surface extending parallel to the film transportation path.

Abstract: A camera includes a main body having a first cavity for receiving a film cartridge and a second cavity for receiving film withdrawn from the film cartridge, a metering apparatus mounted within the main body for metering the film, one frame at a time, between the first and second cavities and across a film exposing area, a back cover covering the first and second cavities and the film exposing areas, the metering apparatus having a member that projects toward the back cover when the film is metered and an indexable film frame counter disposed on the back cover and having frame number indicia viewable by a user via a window in the back cover. The frame counter being engageable by the member when the film is metered and indexing in response thereto to display a next frame number.

Abstract: A dual wheel frame counter comprises a tenths counter wheel having a series of ten or less evenly spaced units and respective evenly spaced actuated members equal in number to the series of at least two units, and a unit counter wheel having a series of ten evenly spaced units which correspond to the series of at least two units of the tenths counter wheel and a single actuating member which successively actuates the actuated members to rotate the tenths counter wheel one unit in response to each rotation of the unit counter wheel ten units. The unit counter wheel includes an opposed-end concentric channel having an opening between opposite ends of the channel. The single actuating member constitutes a protuberance on the unit counter wheel which is positioned in the opening to leave respective ingress and egress spaces in the opening between the protuberance and the opposite ends of the channel.

Abstract: A camera for use with a film cartridge having a retractable lip portion that is retracted upon exposure of film in the cartridge, and that is fully extended before exposure of the film, the camera comprises a camera body for forming a protective enclosure. A double exposure hook is disposed in the camera body that latches onto a recess in the retractable lip portion when the film is exposed upon insertion of the cartridge into the camera body for preventing double exposure of the film, and that is forced outwardly upon insertion of the film cartridge when the film is not exposed for permitting the cartridge to be fully inserted. A movable element includes a first position that obstructs viewing through a viewfinder when the cartridge is not inserted, and that is moved to a second position by the double exposure hook upon insertion of the cartridge for permitting viewing through a viewfinder.

Abstract: The display apparatus according to the present invention includes a display device which has a rotating indicator pointer and which displays information by rotationally driving the indicator pointer, an operating device which is capable of being operated in two manners for rotating the indicator pointer, and a drive control device which rotationally drives the rotating indicator pointer in the same rotational direction, whichever be the one of the two manners in which the operating device is operated.

Abstract: A camera comprising a film frame counter rotatable to successive numbered settings, and a counter actuator movable in engagement with the frame counter to rotate the frame counter to its next numbered setting, is characterized in that a bearing support for the frame counter supports the frame counter, first to permit the frame counter to be axially shifted to become separated from the counter actuator, and then to permit the frame counter to be rotated freely to reset the frame counter to an initial setting.

Abstract: An Indicator device for use with a web of material having perforations therein of a first pitch along an edge incorporates a wheel having a plurality of teeth that have a pitch that is less than the pitch of the perforations in the web of material. A spring urges the wheel into contact with the web of material such that at least one tooth on the wheel engages a perforation on the web of material. As the web and the wheel move relative to each other when a tooth is aligned with a perforation, the movement of the web of material then rotates the wheel until the tooth disengages with the aligned perforation. When a tooth is not aligned with a perforation on the web, the wheel and its teeth slide on the web of material until a tooth is aligned with a perforation. The diameter of the wheel and the associated teeth translating into the pitch between the teeth can thus be much smaller than a wheel with teeth having the same pitch as the perforations on the web material.

Abstract: A sheet film pack has a pack housing containing a plurality of sheet film units in a stack therein, a lid slidable relative to the pack housing to open or close an open top of the pack housing, and a plate spring mounted on an inner bottom surface of the pack housing to urge the stack of sheet film units toward the open top. Each sheet film unit consists of a sheet of photographic film and a plastic film sheath backing and fringing the sheet film. The plate spring has a pair of arched arms which extend parallel to each other along side zones of a bottom one of the sheet film units, such that peak areas of the arms contact the bottom sheet film unit at positions within 15 mm from side edges of the sheet film unit.

Abstract: A film drive gear has a thumbwheel that is rotated by a camera user and also has a shutter cam surface that rotates with the thumbwheel to reset a shutter mechanism and has a film metering cam surface that rotates with the thumbwheel to release a film metering mechanism. The shutter cam surface and the film metering cam surface are axially separated along a shaft of the film drive gear that extends outwardly from the thumbwheel. The drive gear can include a toothed sprocket that actuates a film transport mechanism such that revolution of the thumbwheel rotates the toothed sprocket and moves the photographic film a predetermined distance. The thumbwheel also can be provided with an outer circumferential surface that is coupled to an exposure counter wheel having frame index numbers such that a predetermined number of revolutions of the thumbwheel moves the exposure counter wheel by one frame index number relative to the thumbwheel.

Abstract: A camera adapted to receive a film cartridge having a recording member on which is recorded information relating to a total number of available frames in a film is provided. This camera includes an information detector that detects the information relating to the total number of available frames that is recorded on the recording member, a display unit that displays the information relating to the total number of available frames, an abnormality judging unit that determines whether any abnormality is present in the information relating to the total number of available frames that is detected by the information detector, and a display controller that controls a display of the display unit according to a result of judgement made by the abnormality judging unit.

Abstract: A camera having a film counter according to the present invention includes a display device which displays information related to frames of a film; a detector which detects that a battery has been replaced while the camera is loaded with the film; a volatile memory which stores information related to a number of remaining unexposed frames of the film; and a controller which causes the display device to display the number of remaining unexposed frames according to the information stored in the volatile memory until the battery is replaced, and switches the display device to display a frame number in a forward count display, in which a frame number increases for each exposure, in response to a signal generated by the detector upon replacement of the battery.

Abstract: A camera is detachably mountable with a film cartridge which is provided with a photographic film having a number of successive frames and a film state indicator operable to indicate an exposed state that the film is already exposed, and includes: a film feeding device which feeds the film in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a recording device which records a specified data on the film when the film is being fed in the first direction; a judging device which judges whether the specified data is recorded on the film when the film is being fed in the second direction; and a setting device which is responsive to the judging device and associated with the film state indicator of the film cartridge, and is operable to cause the film state indicator to indicate the exposed state when the specified data is judged not to be recorded on the film.

Abstract: To cope with undefined codes of coded information, an information setting device is provided having a code read-in device, a memory device to store information corresponding to the codes, and an information reading device to read information from the memory device corresponding to the codes read by the code reading device. The memory device of the information setting device of a camera which sets information read from the information reading device in the camera can be an information overwritable memory device having an information storage area for undefined codes where information is not set.

Abstract: A photographic camera including a picture size switching device adapted to switch the picture size between a regular size, for example, of 36 mm.times.24 mm and a panoramic size, for example, of 65 mm.times.24 mm, wherein, when it is intended to switch the picture size, a predetermined quantity of a roll of film is fed or rewound so that a space of a predetermined extent may be generated between the adjacent previously exposed film frame and the following film frame to be exposed and thereby multiple exposure as well as wastefulness of the film may be avoided.

Abstract: A one-time-use camera comprises a resistive heating element positioned to apply sufficient heat to a critical component of the camera, such as a plastic taking lens, to permanently damage the component when a battery in the camera is connected to the heating element, and a normally open switch which is closed to connect the battery and the heating element after the last available frame of a filmstrip in the camera has been exposed.

Abstract: A camera includes a chamber for containing a film cartridge having a rotatable film spool with external engagement access to allow rotation of the spool. The chamber is closed by a lighttight door having a cavity including a status indicator member for determining the status of a contained film cartridge. The status indicator member is attached a cartridge engagement member which is rotatable with the cartridge film spool. The status indicator member includes a display disk for indicating the status of said cartridge based on the rotational position of said spool which is visible through an opening in the chamber door.

Abstract: A camera, which uses a film cartridge having a film exposure status display, comprises an E2PROM. The E2PROM stores the fact that the film status determination operation is underway when film status determination operation is underway. When a power supply is removed while the film status determination is operating and then the power supply is mounted, the camera operates an initial process. The film exposure status display is set in `exposed` because the E2PROM holds that the film status determination operation is underway. A camera is .provided that deems the film in the film cartridge to have been exposed and does not perform exposure if the power supply is cut off while the determination of the film status of the film in the film cartridge mounted in the camera is underway.

Abstract: A film cartridge has a housing with a film exit slit, and a film roll support rotatable inside the housing to unwind a filmstrip beginning with a film leader outwardly through the slit to accomplish film loading in a camera. A visible film-loaded indicator is provided on the housing to be seen through a window in a camera. A flexible cover strip has a leading end portion secured to a forward end portion of the film leader which protrudes from the slit, an opaque trailing end portion extending over the film-loaded indicator to prevent the indicator from being seen through the window in the camera, and an intermediate folded portion interconnecting the leading and trailing end portions to unfold as the film leader is moved outwardly through the slit. The folded portion is of suitable length to draw the trailing end portion from over the film-loaded indicator to permit the indicator to be seen through the window in the camera when the film leader is moved substantially completely through the slit.

Abstract: A reloadable film canister system provides light-tight and dust-free enclosure for 105 mm microfilm and the like. A gear-toothed reel inside the canister meshes with a gear assembly of the canister and linearly drives a detectable element adjacent a sensing element located in a host machine.

Abstract: A film feeding device of a camera includes a film feeding mechanism which has an initial winding mode to feed film mounted in the camera and wind a first frame to a shooting position, a first frame winding mode to wind the film by one frame subsequent to shooting, a manual rewinding mode to rewind the film into a film cartridge when a rewinding operation member is operated, and an automatic rewinding mode to rewind the film into the cartridge when the film is rewound through the final edge during rewinding of the film by one frame. A frame number counting mechanism counts a number of shootable frames remaining each time one frame is wound, and counts a number of frames remaining to be rewound each time one frame is rewound.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying the status of a film cartridge in a camera, the cartridge having a film exposure status indicator for identifying whether the cassette is fully unexposed, partially exposed, or fully exposed. The apparatus includes a blocking member which cooperates with the status indicator of the cartridge to prevent the loading of a fully exposed film cartridge, and a multiple state switching element which cooperates with the blocking member to sense the state of a loaded cartridge. An LCD provides user feedback as to the state of the camera depending on the state of the switching element.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for initializing a rotatable frame counter in a camera to a preliminary setting from a random setting, in which an engagement element is placed directly on a surface of the frame counter in a ready position to engage and thereby arrest the frame counter when the frame counter is rotated from the random setting to the preliminary setting. According to the present invention, the frame counter is rotated relative to the engagement element to bring an off-axis hole on the frame counter into contact with the engagement element only when the frame counter is at the preliminary setting, whereby the engagement element will arrest the frame counter at the preliminary setting.

Abstract: A camera having a detection assembly and method are capable of detecting a top edge or a bottom edge of film. The camera includes a film detection assembly positioned within a camera body to detect one of the top edge and the bottom edge of the film. The film detector assembly includes a force detection assembly that detects a force exerted by one of the top edge and the bottom edge of the film. The film detection assembly also includes a film indication assembly to indicate the presence of film within the camera. The film indication assembly is connected to the force detection assembly. The film indicator assembly includes a switch assembly that opens and closes in response to the absence or presence of film within the camera.

Abstract: A single-use camera which is loaded with a film cartridge, having a light-shielding cover on a film gate, when the single-use camera is assembled. The camera includes: the film cartridge for accommodating a photographic film; a film-winding knob, capable of rotating, for winding the photographic film; a film detection member for detecting the photographic film at a position outside the film cartridge in the camera; and a mechanism for moving the light-shielding cover to a closed position where the light-shielding cover closes the film gate when the film detection member detects absence of the photographic film at the position.

Abstract: A mechanism and method used by photographic systems to determine when film has been completely rewound into a film cartridge so that other operations involving the film cartridge can occur, for example, aligning a visual indicator with an appropriate visual exposure icon visible on exterior of a film cartridge. Preferably, the mechanism and method of the present invention are for use in photographic systems that accept film cartridges having a radial bar code contained on a data disk and means for aligning a visual indicator with an appropriate visual icon. The mechanism and method are characterized in that during rewinding of the film, sensing the leading edge of the film causes the number of film spool rotations to be counted. After a predetermined number of rotations have occurred, it is presumed that the film is completely rewound on the film spool and, as a result, a predetermined parking sequence can be initiated.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a device, for photoelectrically detecting perforations formed in a film margin, which comprises two elements, one of which is disposed in a space with at least one end slope formed between inner and outer film guide rails so as to keep a film traveling across the back of the camera away and isolated from coming into contact with the element.

Abstract: A film metering mechanism includes a metering slide that is released from a ready position by the pressing of a camera shutter release button such that the film metering slide is pulled by a drive spring and engages a shutter mechanism, temporarily opening the camera shutter, and at the same time is moved so an integral flag portion of the lever is visible in the camera viewfinder. As the film is moved to the next frame, the metering slide engages a perforation of the film and is pulled against the force of the drive spring by the film movement, moving the warning flag out of the viewfinder, until the metering slide returns to its initial position against a frame stop. Pressing the shutter release button disengages the metering slide from the film and starts the sequence over again.

Abstract: A camera for use with a film cassette having a light lock to be closed when a filmstrip is wound completely into the cassette and to be open when the filmstrip is outside the cassette, is characterized in that a closing part biased to close the light lock is supported for movement to be positioned against the filmstrip to be restrained by the filmstrip from closing the light lock when the filmstrip is outside the cassette and to be positioned across a particular space formerly occupied by the filmstrip to close the light lock when the filmstrip is wound completely into the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film unit with a lens in which data such as a taking date can be taken at a low price. The IC substrate is put together while the film unit with lens is assembled. The timer in the IC times the current date and time. The date mode selector outputs the information, which is selected by the mode select switch, to the memory. The release sensor switches in synchronous with the release of the shutter button and outputs the current frame number information, which is counted by the frame number counter, to the memory so as to increase the frame number of the frame number counter. Moreover, the release sensor writes the information outputted from the timer and the information outputted from the date mode selector in the addresses 1-36 so as to correspond to the frame number information from the frame number counter in interlocking with the release of the shutter. Therefore, the taking date and time information of the film are written in the addresses 1-36 of the memory in turn.

Abstract: A film cartridge comprises a housing having a film exit slit, and a film roll support rotatable inside the housing to unwind a filmstrip beginning with a film leader having several frame lengths from the film roll support to allow the film leader to be moved outwardly through the slit to accomplish film loading in a camera. A visible film-loaded indicator is located to be seen through a window in a camera. A cover strip covers the indicator to prevent the indicator from being seen. A tether has a forward portion located at the slit for releasably engaging the film leader and a rearward portion releaseably engaging the cover strip. An engageable portion is located on the film leader for engagement with the forward portion of the tether as the film leader is moved outwardly through the slit, to make the tether move with the film leader to draw the cover strip off the indicator when the film leader is moved out of the housing sufficiently to accomplish film loading in a camera.

Abstract: A photographic format indication system for a camera having at least two selectable photographic formats. The indication system identifies the photographic format of previously exposed frames of film in the camera following an exposure of a frame. The indicated format is maintained after a photographic format is no longer selected. The indicator may be an electronic display or a symbol printed on a firm cartridge.

Abstract: A film cartridge comprises a housing having a film exit slit, and a film roll support rotatable inside the housing to unwind a filmstrip beginning with a film leader having several frame lengths from the film roll support to permit the film leader to be moved outwardly through the slit to accomplish film loading in a camera. A visible film-loaded indicator is located on the exterior of the housing to be seen through a window in a camera. A flexible cover strip has an opaque portion covering the film-loaded indicator to prevent the indicator from being seen and a film engaging portion located at the slit. Engageable means is located on the film leader for engagement with the film engaging portion as the film leader is moved outwardly through the slit, to make the opaque portion be drawn off the film-loaded indicator to uncover the indicator when the film leader is moved out of the housing sufficiently to accomplish film loading in a camera.

Abstract: A film spool has a film-unwound verifier that produces an audible indication that a particular length of a filmstrip has been unwound from the spool.

Abstract: A film cassette includes a cassette body, a film spool onto which can be wound a strip of film drive disk coupled directly to the film spool, and an indicator flex disk that includes a film status indicator tab whose position relative to a window of the film cassette indicates the film exposure status. The position of the film status indicator tab is changed when the flex disk is moved into engagement with the drive disk and the film spool is rotated upon film movement. The film status indicator tab otherwise does not engage the drive disk and therefore does not change position. The cassette is particularly suited for operation with a photographic camera that includes a camera body, a loading chamber in the camera body that receives the film cassette, and a loading chamber cover having at least one movable indicator release pin that moves the flex disk into and out of engagement with the drive disk and thereby changes the position of the film status indicator tab.