Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of juxtaposed processing members included within a photographic camera at a critical predetermined location for optimizing the processing of an exposed self-developing type film unit by distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit to initiate a developing process therefor. The mounting apparatus comprises a bracket for rotatably mounting the processing members thereon which is adapted to be attached as an integral unit to internal structure within the camera on an entrance side of the processing members and a housing section having an integrally molded film exit slot adapted to be snap-fitted to the bracket with the film exit slot positioned at an exit side of the processing members. The processing members are releasably retained at the predetermined location and precluded from moving laterally, longitudinally and vertically out of the critical predetermined location.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus for spreading a fluid processing composition in a layer between a pair of superposed sheet elements of a self-developing type film unit to initiate formation of a visible image include a pair of roller type spreader elements having sheet-contacting surfaces rotatably mounted between spaced bearing blocks comprising a unitary piece structured to define first and second rigid sections. The first and second sections are flexibly coupled to facilitate movement of the second section towards and away from the first section. The bearing blocks integrally include means thereon which serve to establish a predetermined minimum spacing between the sheet-contacting surfaces of the spreader elements to facilitate an introduction of a leading edge of the superposed sheet elements therebetween. A spring element is associated with each of the bearing blocks and serves to continuously and resiliently urge the second section toward the first section of the bearing blocks.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus including an indicating device bearing indicia for relating to the operator a distance at which a variable focusing lens assembly of the apparatus is focused. The indicating device is coupled to a focusing control system of the apparatus for movement therewith as the lens assembly is moved between distant and nearmost foci to bring the camera into coincidence with a predetermined estimation of a camera-to-subject distance for a photographic scene.In a preferred embodiment, an image of the indicia is presented in or beneath a field of view of a viewfinder mounted upon the apparatus and serves as a reminder to the operator of the distance at which the lens assembly is focused whereby an error in the focused position of the lens assembly is made obvious to the operator and a proper correction can be made before the shutter of the apparatus is released.

Abstract: A switching device for use in a fully automatic camera including a chamber for receiving and locating a disposable cassette therein such that a foremost member of an assemblage, including photosensitive film units in stacked relation and a dark slide cover in superposition thereto, is positioned at an exposure station of the camera. The device may be manually or automatically activated to initiate actuation of a film advancing apparatus for removing the foremost member from within the cassette and the exposure station and to advance the foremost member to a processing station within the camera whereupon the foremost member, in the case of a film unit, is processed and delivered through an opening to the exterior of the camera. The device is automatically activated when the cassette is inserted into the receiving chamber and secured therein by the movement of a loading access door from an open to a closed, latched position whereupon the dark slide cover is removed from within the camera.

Abstract: An exposure counter for use in a camera which provides a user with information as to the number of remaining exposures within a film cassette positioned therein. The exposure counter includes a drum or cylinder which is coupled to one member of a gear train which operates to simultaneously index the drum and actuate a film-advancing apparatus so that the drum is sequentially indexed to change a character present at a counter window in the camera while the film-advancing apparatus operates to advance an exposed film unit from within the cassette to the exterior of the camera. The camera is provided with a pawl which, when held in its operative position by the cassette, functions to allow rotation of the drum from a starting position to a terminal position while simultaneously preventing rotation of the drum back to its starting position.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members operating as a spreader system for a camera to distribute a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of a film unit subsequent to exposure to initiate a developing process for the film unit. The mounting apparatus comprises a bracket for rotatably mounting the pressure-applying members thereon which is adapted to be attached as an integral unit to internal structure within the camera and a housing section including an integrally molded film exit slot adapted to be snap fitted to the bracket whereby the pressure-applying members are precisely located relative to the film exit slot and prevented from moving laterally, longitudinally or vertically out of the precise location. The mounting apparatus is constructed to be snapped together for relatively rapid ease of assembly without the aid of a fixing tool and may be subsequently disassembled with comparative relative ease for repair, cleaning or replacement of parts.