Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a flash unit for applying flash light to a photographic object. An exposure amount changer, such as an aperture stop changing mechanism, changes over object light incident on photo film from the object between low and high exposure amounts. For the lens-fitted photo film unit, a photographic mode selection device includes a movable selector, such as a button, for selectively designating a daylight mode, a daylight flash mode and a night flash mode. The movable selector, when the daylight mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns off the flash unit, and when the daylight flash mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns on the flash unit, and when the night flash mode is designated, determines the high exposure amount and turns on the flash unit.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A loyalty camera is provided wherein a particular tool is required to rewind the exposed film and assist in manipulating the film door latch. In one embodiment, the tool is inserted into a combined film advance/rewind mechanism to move a lever arm against a portion of the anti-reversal pawl to bias the pawl out of contact with the film advance wheel and permit film rewinding. Additionally, in some embodiments the particular tool is additionally used to move the door lever to open the film door.

Abstract: A camera fame assembly has a frame and a pair of tie bars extending outward from the frame. The tie bars each have opposed first and second ends. The first ends are spaced apart. The first ends are each pivotally joined to the frame. A parallel bar is pivotally joined to the second ends of the tie bars. The parallel bar is spaced outward from the frame. The parallel bar is movable, relative to the frame, from a charged position to a discharged position. A striker is movable with the parallel bar between the charged and discharged positions. An impact shutter is movable from a closed position to an open position by the striker.

Abstract: A wrapping sheet made of a transparent sheet material such as polypropylene is provided with an opaque area where directions and the like are partially printed. A back side of the wrapping sheet is coated with an adhesive agent, which forms an adhesive agent layer. A dot printing (so-called an adhesion reduction) is applied to an area of the wrapping sheet covering an uneven part of a camera body at a printing rate of 20-100% to reduce an adhesion of the adhesive agent. The adhesion at edges of the wrapping sheet is higher than that of the area covering the uneven part in order to prevent the wrapping sheet from coming off.

Abstract: A collapsible photographic film web for a camera with a compact configuration and that may use standard 35 mm film is disclosed. The photographic film web includes light-sensitive medium incorporated within a collapsible photographic film strip or individual film frames residing on a collapsible film carrier web. The collapsible photographic film web enables a photographic camera to be as compact as possible while using film that remains compatible with standard film processing equipment.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A promotional camera including a film door latch is provided to a consumer. The latch for opening the film door is available to the consumer on the outside body of the camera, but is rendered inaccessible by a deterrent mechanism, such as an adhesive label or the like. The promotional camera is returned to a retailer for servicing including, pre-winding of the film onto a film spool prior to use. In use, after each film exposure is taken, the film advance wheel is used to rewind a single frame of film into the original film cartridge. After all pictures have been taken, the consumer returns the camera with the rewound film intact to the retailer.

Abstract: A camera includes a main body part, a pair of front and rear cover parts that house the main body part between them, and a cover attachment to the front cover part. An operational device is mounted on the main body part to be included within the front and rear cover parts, and is depressible to be activated. The front cover part has a hole positioned over the operational device to permit the operational device to be accessed through the hole to be depressed. The cover attachment to the front cover part covers the hole in the front cover part to conceal the hole, and has an actuating member that is depressible through the hole to depress the operational device.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is pre-loaded with photo film, and includes a viewfinder adapted for observing an object. A selector button is operable externally, for being shifted to a standard position and a telephoto position. A view region changer lever sets the viewfinder in a standard view field when the selector button is in the standard position, and sets the viewfinder in a telephoto view field when the selector button is in the telephoto position, the telephoto view field being included in the standard view field. An information exposure unit photographically records a telephoto discernment PAR code to an information exposure region in the photo film when the selector button is in the telephoto position. The telephoto discernment PAR code includes at least three dots, for designating production of a pseudo telephoto print from a region in an imaging frame in the photo film corresponding to the telephoto view field.

Abstract: A first pin to be used for rotatably supporting a shutter blade is disposed near a second pin to be used for rotatably supporting a stop-changing plate. A rotational direction of the shutter blade from a closed position to an open position is set so as to be identical with a rotational direction of the stop changing plate directing from a smaller-stop position to a larger-stop position. Rotational spaces of the shutter blade and the stop changing plate are arranged at one side of a photographic optical axis so that a protrusion of a front cover for containing them is prevented from enlarging.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body preloaded with unexposed photo film. A front cover covers a front of the main body. An outer cover is secured to a front of the front cover. An auxiliary sheet is sandwiched between the front cover and the outer cover. In a preferred embodiment, a lens-fitted photo film unit is constituted by component part common use of a first lens-fitted photo film unit which includes a first main body, and a first outer cover for partially covering a front of the first main body. The lens-fitted photo film unit comprises a main body constituted by the first main body. An aperture stop changing unit is secured to a front of the main body. An outer cover has a different shape from the first outer cover, and partially covers a front of the main body and the aperture stop changing unit.

Abstract: A method of providing access to photographic images over a computer network wherein a photographic image hosting service provider predetermines network access information for a set of photographic images, including a network address, the network access information is conveyed to a user without receiving identifying information from said user, the user captures a set of photographic images and conveys the network access information to an intended viewer of the photographic images, the user transmits the images to the service provider along with information associating the images with the network access information, which service provider posts the photographic images on a server connected to the network, wherein the photographic images are accessible over the network at the network address of the network access information.

Abstract: A shutter release-thumbwheel brake for a camera has a thumbwheel, a shutter release, and a sprag. The shutter release is pivotable reative to the thumbwheel between a ready position and a first released position and also between the ready position and a second released position. The released positions are opposed. The sprag is joined to the shutter release and brakes the thumbwheel when the shutter release is in either of the released positions.

Abstract: In a lens-fitted photo film unit, a flash device has a booster circuit including primary and secondary windings, the secondary winding generating high voltage when power source voltage is applied to the primary winding. A main capacitor is charged by the high voltage in the secondary winding. A flash discharge tube is connected in parallel with the main capacitor, for emitting flash light upon discharge with electric energy from the main capacitor. A trigger circuit discharges the flash discharge tube upon a switching operation. A photo transistor measures reflected light from an object illuminated by the flash light, to output a light amount signal. A light amount control circuit quenches discharge of the flash discharge tube when an integration value of the light amount signal comes up to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A single use camera which has a motor to advance film comprising a light-tight casing having an exposure aperture through which exposures are made, an unexposed film wound up around a pre-winding take-up spool disposed on one side of the exposure aperture, a removable film cartridge having a film take-up spool therein disposed on the opposite side of the exposure aperture from the pre-winding take-up spool, a motor to pre-wind the unexposed film around the pre-winding take-up spool beforehand and to wind exposed frames of the film back to the removable film cartridge. The motorized single use camera uses the built-in motor for all the film windings so that any special film loading device to roll up the unexposed film beforehand outside of the camera in a dark room is not required, and the same motor can be used for film winding after each exposure so that any manual film winding mechanism is not required.

Abstract: A camera casing-of the present invention is an integral two-color molded product whose case main body (32) consists of a transparent rigid resin layer (32a) and an opaque rigid resin layer (32b). Essential parts of the camera are exposed through the transparent resin layer (32a), so the camera may be operated from outside the casing. The casing is collected and melted as a whole without discriminating between the transparent rigid resin and the opaque rigid resin, to be recycled as a material for the opaque resin layer (32b) when the case main body is newly formed by two-color injection molding.

Abstract: An underwater one-time-use camera has a housing having a front housing part and a rear housing part. A frame assembly is disposed within the housing. The housing and frame assembly have retention features releaseably sealing the has rear housing part water-tightly against said front housing part and holding the frame assembly in the front housing part independent of the rear housing part. The camera is unloaded by releasing the rear housing part from the front housing part. The film door of the frame assembly is then opened and the film unit is removed. The retention features retain the frame assembly in the front housing part, during and following the opening and the removing of the film unit.

Abstract: A shutter device includes a shutter blade for opening and closing a shutter opening and a stop plate having a small stop of a shutter opening. While the small stop is disposed on the shutter opening, the shutter blade swings from a primary position responding to operation of shutter release. After the shutter blade leaves the shutter opening, a flashlight is emitted. Thereafter, the stop plate swings sequentially such that the shutter opening may entirely appear, and then the shutter blade swing back to the primary position with covering the small stop.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a body section, a front cover and a rear cover, all of which are plastic parts. These plastic parts are made of raw materials restored from used plastic parts. A plastic parts recycling line is constisuted of a pelletizing line and a non-pelletizing line. In the non-pelletizing line, the used plastic parts are crushed for procuring crushed materials. In the pelletizing line, the crushed materials are melted, extruded and molded into the strand-like resin, which is cut into recycled pellets. The crushed materials are used for forming the plastic parts that are not in contact with a photo film. Meanwhile the recycled pellets are used for forming the plastic parts that are in contact with the photo film.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A promotional camera including a film door latch is provided to a consumer. The latch for opening the film door is available to the consumer on the outside body of the camera, but is rendered inaccessible by a deterrent mechanism, such as an adhesive label or the like. The promotional camera is returned to a retailer for servicing including, pre-winding of the film onto a film spool prior to use. In use, after each film exposure is taken, the film advance wheel is used to rewind a single frame of film into the original film cartridge. After all pictures have been taken, the consumer returns the camera with the rewound film intact to the retailer.

Abstract: The following components can be fitted alternatively to the front of a photographic camera subassembly (FU), which is designed for recording photographic images on a photographic film (201) which is disposed therein in a light-tight manner. These components includes a first type housing front part (5), which is matched to the dimensions of the camera subassembly (FU) and with which the camera subassembly (FU) forms an operational camera without a flash device; and a second type housing front part (560) which comprises an extension section (561) which protrudes beyond a lateral edge (S) of the camera subassembly (FU), and the extension section (561) of which, together with a supplementary housing part (360) which can be inserted at the back between the camera subassembly (FU) and the extension section (561), encloses a receiver space (E) for a flash device (6) which is disposed at the side of the camera subassembly (FU), and which forms an operational camera with a flash device.

Abstract: A lens-fitted film unit comprises photographic mechanism provided with a taking lens, a shutter device and an aperture. The lens-fitted film unit has been loaded with an unexposed photographic film. The shutter device and the photographic film satisfying the conditional formula: log2(1/T)−log2(0.3×S)<−1.7 wherein T represents a shutter speed and S represents an ISO speed.

Abstract: A card camera with a compact configuration and that may use standard 35 mm film is disclosed. The camera includes a front panel and a rear panel positioned substantially parallel and co-extensive to the front panel. A band of resilient material extends approximately from the outer edge of the front panel to the outer edge of the rear panel. The rear panel is controllably movable relative to the front panel. An outer housing sheet member includes a number of strut members extending therefrom. The outer housing sheet member is affixed to the exterior side of the front panel. The strut members engageable with the rear panel to fix the rear panel a distance away from the front panel to obtain the proper focal length. A light-sensitive medium, such as photographic film, is positioned therein. A shutter controls the light imparted to the light-sensitive medium. The light-sensitive medium is exposed to a scene through the lens.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a front cover. A logotype indicating a manufacturer or a brand is formed in a hollow of the front cover. Either a transparent supplement cover or an opaque supplement cover is fitted in this hollow. The transparent supplement cover is selected upon using the logotype of the front cover. The opaque supplement cover is selected upon covering the logotype of the front cover. Another logotype is formed on this opaque supplement cover.

Abstract: A camera opening device for use with a single-use camera having an exposure button and a canister containing a film therein includes a base, a winding portion disposed in the base and which winds the film into the canister, and at least one of an end opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove an end of the canister; and a bottom opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove a bottom portion of the camera. The winding portion may have a winding receptacle dimensioned and disposed to receive the camera, an exposure button pressing device an interlock switch which detects if the exposure button is pressed, a winding switch, a motorized wheel, and a camera winding holding device.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, camera electrical system is provided for use in a family of recyclable cameras each camera having a set of desired electronic functions. The camera electrical system has a first electronic circuit for performing a first set of electronic operations including charging a flash capacitor and discharging the flash capacitor through a flash tube to cause a flash of light during photography; said first electronic circuit having a first set of electrical contacts. More than one second electronic circuit is provided. Each second circuit has contacts to engage at least one of the first set of electrical contacts, wherein the first electronic circuit and each of said second electronic circuits are adapted to cooperate in a combined circuit comprising the first electronic circuit and more than one of said second circuits to perform the set of desired camera functions.

Abstract: An underwater one-time-use camera has a housing having a front housing part and a rear housing part. A frame assembly is disposed within the housing. The housing and frame assembly have retention features releaseably sealing the has rear housing part water-tightly against said front housing part and holding the frame assembly in the front housing part independent of the rear housing part. The camera is unloaded by releasing the rear housing part from the front housing part. The film door of the frame assembly is then opened and the film unit is removed. The retention features retain the frame assembly in the front housing part, during and following the opening and the removing of the film unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter release apparatus for use in a camera for capturing images on a perforated film. The shutter release apparatus has a rotatable thumb wheel movable along an axis between a start position and a trigger position. A sprocket is provided having teeth to engage perforations on the film and to move therewith during film winding. A biased lever is moved by the sprocket against the bias from a position holding the thumb wheel in the start position to a position releasing the thumb wheel for urged movement into the trigger position. The thumb wheel blocks biased movement of the lever when the thumb wheel is in the trigger position and movement of the thumb wheel from the trigger position to the start position releases the lever for biased movement to drive the shutter to expose the film.

Abstract: A single use camera which has a motor to advance film comprising a light-tight casing having an exposure aperture through which exposures are made, an unexposed film wound up around a pre-winding take-up spool disposed on one side of the exposure aperture, a removable film cartridge having a film take-up spool therein disposed on the opposite side of the exposure aperture from the pre-winding take-up spool, a motor to pre-wind the unexposed film around the pre-winding take-up spool beforehand and to wind exposed frames of the film back to the removable film cartridge. The motorized single use camera uses the built-in motor for all the film windings so that any special film loading device to roll up the unexposed film beforehand outside of the camera in a dark room is not required, and the same motor can be used for film winding after each exposure so that any manual film winding mechanism is not required.

Abstract: An underwater camera has a frame assembly, which has a frame and front and rear covers mounted on the frame. The frame has a viewfinder tunnel. A pressure housing has an internal cavity holding the frame assembly. The pressure housing has opposed first and second viewports. The viewports each bear directly on the viewfinder tunnel and are disposed in non-load-bearing relation to said covers.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, camera electrical system is provided for use in a family of recyclable cameras each camera having a set of desired electronic functions. The camera electrical system has a first electronic circuit for performing a first set of electronic operations including charging a flash capacitor and discharging the flash capacitor through a flash tube to cause a flash of light during photography; said first electronic circuit having a first set of electrical contacts. More than one second electronic circuit is provided. Each second circuit has contacts to engage at least one of the first set of electrical contacts, wherein the first electronic circuit and each of said second electronic circuits are adapted to cooperate in a combined circuit comprising the first electronic circuit and more than one of said second circuits to perform the set of desired camera functions.

Abstract: A protective cover (13) for a taking lens is provided in the front of a lens-fitted photo film unit. The protective cover cooperates with a shutter locking mechanism which locks a shutter button (4) when the protective cover is in a closed position in front of the taking lens. The protective cover also cooperates with a flash prevention mechanism which turns off a flash charge switch off when the protective cover moves in the closed position, prevents the flash charge switch from being moved to its ON position so long as the protective cover is in the closed position, and allows the flash charge switch to be moved to the ON position when the protective cover is moved away from the taking lens. The protective cover is slidable in a horizontal direction on a front surface portion of the film unit, and the front surface portion is straight in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A package cover for packaging a lens-fitted photo film unit includes two side sheets covering two side faces of the lens-fitted photo film unit and an outer sheet covering front, rear, top and bottom faces thereof. The outer sheet is provided with edge portions formed of a plastic sheet which has heat-shrinkable property. After the side sheets are adhered to the lens-fitted photo film unit, the outer sheet is wrapped around it. The edge portions are shrunken by blowing a hot air thereon and fixedly stuck to edges of the side sheets.

Abstract: A camera casing of the present invention is an integral two-color molded product whose case main body (32) consists of a transparent rigid resin layer (32a) and an opaque rigid resin layer (32b). Essential parts of the camera are exposed through the transparent resin layer (32a), so the camera may be operated from outside the casing. The casing is collected and melted as a whole without discriminating between the transparent rigid resin and the opaque rigid resin, to be recycled as a material for the opaque resin layer (32b) when the case main body is newly formed by two-color injection molding.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge for a camera with a compact configuration and that may use standard 35 mm film is disclosed. A light-sensitive medium, such as photographic film, is positioned therein. The light-sensitive medium may be separate individually stacked photographic film frames, a fan folded photographic film strip or individual film frames residing on a film carrier web. When individual frames are used, they may be assembled into a continuous strip configuration for development using standard photographic equipment. The cartridge includes a housing with a light exposure window and an exposure region in front of said light exposure window and a storage region not in front of said light exposure region. Opaque material is provided to block passage of light through said light exposure window in a closed position while permitting passage of light through said light exposure window in an open position. The opaque material is movable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A card camera with a compact configuration and that may use standard 35 mm film is disclosed. The camera includes a front panel and a rear panel positioned substantially parallel and co-extensive to the front panel. A band of resilient material extends approximately from the outer edge of the front panel to the outer edge of the rear panel. The rear panel is controllably movable relative to the front panel. An outer housing sheet member includes a number of strut members extending therefrom. The outer housing sheet member is affixed to the exterior side of the front panel. The strut members engageable with the rear panel to fix the rear panel a distance away from the front panel to obtain the proper focal length. A light-sensitive medium, such as photographic film, is positioned therein. A shutter controls the light imparted to the light-sensitive medium. The light-sensitive medium is exposed to a scene through the lens.

Abstract: A collapsible photographic film web for a camera with a compact configuration and that may use standard 35 mm film is disclosed. The photographic film web includes light-sensitive medium incorporated within a collapsible photographic film strip or individual film frames residing on a collapsible film carrier web. The collapsible photographic film web enables a photographic camera to be as compact as possible while using film that remains compatible with standard film processing equipment.

Abstract: A camera has a capture unit and a body holding the capture unit. The body has a front cover, a rear cover, and an internal cavity disposed between the covers. The body has a viewfinder box extending from an outer surface of one of the covers to an outer surface of the other cover. A viewfinder lens unit is disposed in the viewfinder box.

Abstract: A one-time-use camera that has a body having a cartridge chamber and an opening at one end. A film transport is disposed in the body. The film transport has an advance element adjoining the cartridge chamber opposite the opening. A closure is disposed in the cartridge chamber. The closure is slidable along the cartridge chamber between a first position, in which the closure engages the advance element, and a second position, in which the closure closes the opening. After picture taking, a film door is moved away from the opening, a film cartridge is unloaded from the cartridge chamber, and the closure is moved to the second position closing the empty cartridge chamber.

Abstract: An interface control assembly for a one-time-use camera having a recording device includes a controller for receiving and storing photofinishing information and a communication device that transfers the information from the controller to the recording device of the camera to cause the information to be written on a filmstrip. The photography arrangement includes a one-time-use camera as well as the interface control arrangement. This permits the one-time-use camera to be customized with a magnetic recording on the film while providing the expensive components involved in magnetic recording on the film outside of the camera.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body pre-loaded with photo film. A flash unit is secured to the main body, and emits flash light to a photographic field. An exposure opening is formed in the main body, and introduces light from the photographic field to the photo film. A shutter mechanism is secured to the main body, and opens and closes the exposure opening. A charger switch causes the flash unit to store charge upon being turned on. A changeover plate with a small diameter opening is movable to first and second set positions, and stops down the exposure opening when in the first set position. One end of the changeover plate allows turning on and off the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the first set position, and forcibly turns on the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the second set position.

Abstract: An anti-reverse claw is in mesh with a winding dial of a lens-fitted photo film unit. The anti-reverse claw has a pair of welded pieces. The welded pieces go behind a rear cover of the lens-fitted photo film through a pair of holes formed in the rear cover. After assembling, a welding head is applied to the rear side of the rear cover to apply heat. The welded pieces and a separation plate are melted and mixed together, so that the anti-reverse claw is firmly fixed to the rear cover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus of correcting image picked up from a frame photographed on a photo filmstrip through a photographic device. An exposure correction amount is calculated by use of correction parameters predetermined with regard to decrease in illuminance on a focal plane of the taking lens with radial distance from an optical axis of the taking lens, and a curvature of the photo filmstrip relative to the focal plane. The exposure correction amount is calculated for a respective pixel of the picture with regard to a relative position of the respective pixel in the frame to an optical axis of a taking lens of the photographic device. The relative positions are defined on the assumption that the photo filmstrip is held flat in a focal plane of the taking lens with a center point of the frame located on the optical axis at the photography.

Abstract: A one-time-use camera that has a body having a cartridge chamber and an opening at one end. A film transport is disposed in the body. The film transport has an advance element adjoining the cartridge chamber opposite the opening. A closure is disposed in the cartridge chamber. The closure is slidable along the cartridge chamber between a first position, in which the closure engages the advance element, and a second position, in which the closure closes the opening. After picture taking, a film door is moved away from the opening, a film cartridge is unloaded from the cartridge chamber, and the closure is moved to the second position closing the empty cartridge chamber.

Abstract: An APS single use camera has a cover with an aperture that provides access to the film sensor and the light lock door driver via a tool adapted to be received into the aperture. The tool is used to open the light lock door and push the film sensor out of the film path so as to enable film from the APS film cassette to be scrolled into the film path. The structure permits pre-loading of film outside of a darkroom, and such a method is disclosed. The camera also employs a brake that prevents the film sensor from sensing for the presence or absence of film except during a brief sensing interval that occurs during a film advance operation.

Abstract: In a film camera production method, a leading portion of a filmstrip is draped across a midsection of a camera frame. The camera frame has a film roll chamber joined to the midsection. A free end of the leading portion is lodged in the film roll chamber and a retention zone of the filmstrip is placed in engagement with a retention structure mounted to the frame. The retention zone adjoins the free end. The retention structure is fixed in position on the frame. The engagement of the retention zone and retention structure locks the leading portion against longitudinal travel toward the film roll chamber. The frame is transported and, during the transporting, the engagement of the retention zone and retention structure is maintained. Following the transporting, the retention zone is pulled off the retention structure.

Abstract: In a camera frame assembly, a frame includes a film return chamber, a film roll chamber spaced apart from the film return chamber, and a midsection extending between the chambers. The midsection has a pair of film guide surfaces that define a film path between the chambers. A holdfast is joined in fixed relation to the midsection adjacent the film roll chamber. The holdfast extends outward from the midsection toward the film path. The holdfast is fully outside the film path. A film unit has a film holder and a filmstrip. The film holder is seated in the film return chamber. The filmstrip has a leading portion having a free end and a grip adjoining the free end. The filmstrip has a main portion adjoining the leading portion. The filmstrip is movable between a first position in which the grip engages the holdfast and a second position in which the main portion occupies the film path and extends from one of the chambers to the other.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photographic film package with dual lens includes a film-free self-activating shutter mechanism and a detachable cartridge for removing and installing film. A 35-mm film cartridge is attached to a cartridge adapter, and a filmstrip end is inserted and pre-wound into a winding housing including a winding spool therein. As photographs are taken, film is advanced frame-by-frame into the film cartridge, where it may be easily removed from the adapter without rewinding of the film, and replaced by a fresh film cartridge. Thus, the adapter transforms the lens-fitted photographic film package into a reusable package.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a housing and a wrapping wound about the housing in belt-like fashion. The housing is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film, and incorporates a taking lens and a shutter mechanism. The housing has a rear cover, which has recesses. Outer edges of the recesses are convex. Ridges are formed in the recesses for supporting the wrapping about the housing. Outer edges of the recesses are convex.

Abstract: In a film unit, a charge operation member is held on a fron side of a guide member to be slidable between an ON position to turn on a flash charge switch of a built-in flash device and an OFF position to turn off the flash charge switch. The guide member is mounted stationarily to a front side of a flash circuit board of the flash device. Joints between front and rear cover of the film unit are set away from those circuit portions of the flash device where high voltage current flows. The flash charge switch is constituted of a metal contact blade and contact chips provided on the flash circuit board. The metal contact blade is bent roundly at a base portion of a pair of resilient arms. The charge operation member keeps on pressing the arms onto the contact chips in the ON position. The flash device charges a main capacitor while the flash charge switch is on, and automatically stops charging when the charge voltage goes above a predetermined voltage.