Abstract: A simple camera adapted for taking pictures with percussion-ignitable flashlamps. A striker element is cocked by movement against a spring and is retained in this position by spring-loaded sear lock. When the trigger is pivoted downward, the withdrawal of the sear lock causes the striker element to be driven in a straight line. An ear on the striker element hits a lug on a pivoted shutterblade and causes the shutterblade to swing against the bias of a light tension return spring to open the lens opening for predetermined time period until its return. When a flashlamp is employed, the firing pin portion of the striker element first contacts the torsion bar striker of the flashlamp, thus reducing the force subsequently imparted to the shutterblade and increasing the exposure time. The shutterblade is proportioned so that the lens opening is about 75 percent unobscured at the instant the flashlamp fires.