Abstract: A generally conventional still camera having an exposure counter and adapted to use rewindable cassette loaded film, e.g. a 35 mm camera, includes a selector member movable to an "automatic rewind" position, a "mid-roll rewind" position and a "counter-reset" position. When the selector is in its automatic rewind position, the film is automatically rewound entirely into the cassette after all of the available exposures have been made, as is well known in the prior art. When the selector is moved to the mid-roll rewind position, a partially exposed roll of film is rewound into the cassette, leaving its leader portion extending from the cassette and the film counter continues to display the number of the last unexposed film frame. Preferably, a signal is also displayed in the viewfinder to alert the photographer to the fact that the camera has been adjusted to this mode of rewinding operation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to photographic cameras adapted to receive film cartridge assemblies enclosing rotatable film disk units. When a film cartridge assembly is received in the camera, it cooperates with a camera mechanism that opens an exposure window in the cartridge assembly and rotates the film disk unit incrementally to locate successive exposure areas accurately in exposure position. Various novel camera mechanisms are also disclosed for supporting the film exposure area in a predetermined film exposure plane and for preventing accidental exposure of the film to ambient light.

Abstract: An automatic rangefinder and focusing apparatus is provided for use with a camera for determining the distance from an object to be photographed to the film plane of the camera and for positioning the camera's objective lens to focus an image of the object in the film plane. The apparatus comprises a photoresponsive device and a light emitter device that projects light in angularly intersecting relation to the optical axis along which light is received by a photodetector incorporated in the photoresponsive device. The light projected by the light emitter device is amplitude modulated at a frequency functionally related to the distance from the camera at which that light intersects the optical axis of the photoresponsive device.

Abstract: A lens carrier damping device is provided in a camera having a lens carrier that is selectively movable between two alternate positions to change a parameter of the camera's optical system. The two positions of the lens carrier are established by its operative engagement with respective abutment surfaces under the influence of bidirectional spring means that bias the lens carrier in the direction of its movement during the final portion of its movement toward contact with either of the abutment surfaces. The damping device is bidirectionally operable and is adapted to retard the final movement of the lens carrier to thereby cushion its impact against the abutment surface with which it is brought into contact by the spring means.

Abstract: A camera for perforated roll film includes a transport mechanism for advancing film along an exposure plane, a metering lever spring biased from an inactive toward an active position to disable the transport mechanism, and a sensing member for detecting the arrival of a perforation in the film at a predetermined position. The metering lever engages the film sensing member and biases the film sensing member into contact with the film. Sensing of a perforation and subsequent movement of the sensing member to a metering position disengages the sensing member from the metering lever and permits movement of the metering lever to its active position. Exposure operation of the shutter actuating mechanism returns the metering lever to its inactive position. A spring acting substantially parallel to the exposure plane is operative to return the sensing member to its sensing position upon subsequent operation of the film transport mechanism.

Abstract: A viewfinder of the inverted Galilean type, for use with a photographic camera having a pair of interchangeable objective lenses, comprising a viewfinder lens, an eyepiece having two reticles formed thereon, a fixed mirror frame and a movable mirror frame. The fixed mirror produces a projected virtual image of one reticle. Structure is provided for positioning the movable mirror to produce a projected virtual image of the second reticle in response to interchange of the objective lenses.