Abstract: Apparatus for transferring at least partially finished packets containing cigarettes or other rod-shaped smokers' products from a lower level, where the packets are advanced along a horizontal path toward a stationary transfer station, into the receptacles of a rotary indexible conveyor at a higher level, has an elevator with two superimposed components which clamp a packet during lifting from the lower level to the conveyor. A packet which is in the process of advancing to or has reached the upper level is engaged by one of several holders which are associated with the receptacles and hold the adjacent packets against undesirable displacement, at least during the initial stage of indexing of such packets from the transfer station.