Abstract: A cover plate is provided which is especially suited to an instant picture type camera employing mirror image deflection for picture taking. However, this cover plate is suited to any still camera having a substantially planar contiguously grouped optical element arrangement. The cover plate is longitudinally slidably mounted in the camera housing relative to the normal viewing position of the camera, and is reciprocally movable between a first position overlying the optical elements mounted in the camera housing and a second position vertically distal thereto.

Abstract: A camera mechanism provides for motion of a metal component relative to an njection-molded plastic component. The parts are so formed that contraction of the plastic subsequent to injection-molding grips the metal component tightly enough to hold said components in fixed position relative to each other so far as accidental relative displacement is concerned, while permitting relative motion when enough force is applied to overcome the frictional resistance threbetween. The mechanism is particularly suitable for use in focussing the camera, that is, changing the distance between the lens housing and the film plane.

Abstract: A ranging system for a camera is provided including a reflecting means and marking means including movable masking means reflected thereby into the viewfinder of a camera. The reflecting means within the scope of this invention includes means for translating an axial movement of the movable masking means to the camera viewfinder as a positional movement transverse to the actual displacement direction thereof. To effect this image transfer, the marking means includes at least one mirror mounted adjacent to the masking means at an angle of about 45 degrees to the displacement direction thereof. According to one embodiment of the invention, an annular mark is projected into the viewfinder. To project an image of this character, the marking means includes an interiorly mirrored conical member, and the masking means includes a mandrel axially mounted therein, the mandrel being displaceable along the conical axis.

Abstract: A camera incorporating a light-meter and a battery-powered lamp for indicng when the level of incident light is so low as to be unsuitable for photography also includes means for determining the state of charge of the battery. The possibility of making an erroneous determination of the state of charge of the battery as the result of failing to cover the photosensitive element during the determination of the state of charge is eliminated.

Abstract: A camera is provided with an objective supported by a housing of the camera or movement along its optical axis. A movable member is guided by the camera housing for movement transversely with respect to the optical axis, and this movable member has a pair of inclined surfaces. These inclined surfaces are inclined both with respect to the optical axis and with respect to the direction of movement of the movable member. A pair of pressing members respectively press against the inclined surfaces of the movable member, a pair of springs acting on the pair of pressing members for urging them against the inclined surfaces, respectively, so that the latter surfaces are slidable with respect to the pressing members engaging the same.

Abstract: A camera which has the capability of making exposures according to apertu distance, and exposure-time settings and which can also make flash exposures is provided with a housing which carries an adjustable structure movable with respect to the camera housing to provide one of the above settings, this adjustable structure also having a flash position at which it can be set with respect to the camera housing. An electronic flash device is capable of being removably connected with the camera housing by way of a connecting structure carried in part by the flash device and in part by the camera housing. This electronic flash device has a normally open switch which must be closed to render the electronic flash device operative. A switch-operating member is movably carried by the camera housing for movement with respect thereto between a rest position and a switch-closing position where the switch-operating member cooperates with the switch of the flash device to close the latter switch.

Abstract: A shutter type flash camera is provided with novel means for synchronously setting the shutter drive thereof as the camera film transport mechanism is set to a next unexposed frame, while a flash cube mounting is simultaneously rotated to a next sequential position. The film transport mechanism includes an external gear rotatably mounted on the camera housing. In mesh therewith is a second gear having external and internal gearing. The mesh between the first and second gears occurs between the external gearing of both. Eccentrically mounted within the second gear is a smaller external third gear which meshes with the internal gearing of the second gear. A crescent shaped space is defined between the second and third gears. As the first gear mounted on the film transport mechanism is rotated counterclockwise, the second and third gears are correspondingly rotated in a clockwise position. Mounted on the underside surface of the second gear are a plurality of cams in relative spaced relationship.

Abstract: A drive device for film transport and shutter cocking lever for a camera se film has a hole associated with each picture frame position and having a film transport wheel coupled to a spool core wherein a first gear wheel is concentrically connected with a film transport wheel and a second gear wheel is seated and freely revolvable, wherein a carrier conveys a coupling gear wheel which in a first position of the carrier is simultaneously in engagement with the first and second gear wheels and out of engagement in a second position and wherein the engagement occurs in a manner depending upon the position of the shutter cocking lever, or in a manner depending upon the positon of a spring-loaded pawl. The pawl is pivoted by engagement against a moving surface driven by the second gear wheel and having notch recesses therein.

Abstract: The rear cover for a film camera pivotably connected at one end to the camera housing and connectable at its other end to the housing is provided with a lock for releasably connecting the connectable end of the rear cover to the camera housing. The lock comprises a bias integrally connected to the film viewing window secured in the rear cover of the camera and a latch cooperating with the bias for releasably connecting the connectable end of the rear cover to the camera housing. In a second aspect of the invention, a second bias is provided which is integrally connected to the film viewing window and releasably secures a battery cell to the rear cover of the camera. In a third aspect of the invention, a structure for securing a battery cell to the rear cover of the camera is provided which is integrally connected to the film viewing window located therein.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a camera shutter including two substantially planar plates longitudinally arranged and set in tandem. The plates are provided with exposure clearances and are longitudinally movable into successive overlying positions for aligning the exposure clearances thereof. Means are provided whereby the plates are longitudinally displaced by a rocker lever, the plates being respectively pivotally connected to opposed arms of the rocker lever for displacement, respectively, thereof.