Abstract: A method of pre-loading a camera with film, and specifically a single use camera, is disclosed. According to the disclosed method, the camera is pre-loaded in non-darkroom conditions with the back cover assembled to the camera without exposing any substantial portion of the film to any substantial amounts of light. According to the disclosed embodiment, the camera has a film advance mechanism that employs a manual advance wheel, and the manual advance wheel is rotated in opposing directions to pre-load film from a film cassette in the camera to a film spool compartment and to wind film back into the film cassette from the film spool compartment as exposures are taken. In the disclosed embodiment, the camera is an APS camera, and rotation of the manual advance wheel also opens and closes the APS film cassette's light lock door. In a final assembly step and if the camera employs a battery, the battery is inserted inside the film spool compartment.

Abstract: A camera includes a main body having a first cavity for receiving a film cartridge and a second cavity for receiving film withdrawn from the film cartridge, a metering apparatus mounted within the main body for metering the film, one frame at a time, between the first and second cavities and across a film exposing area, a back cover covering the first and second cavities and the film exposing areas, the metering apparatus having a member that projects toward the back cover when the film is metered and an indexable film frame counter disposed on the back cover and having frame number indicia viewable by a user via a window in the back cover. The frame counter being engageable by the member when the film is metered and indexing in response thereto to display a next frame number.

Abstract: A single use camera has a film cassette and film spool compartment for receiving unexposed film withdrawn from the cassette. A battery is disposed inside the film spool compartment and is insertable and removable via a port on the bottom of the camera aligned with the film spool compartment. Packaging is disposed about an exterior surface of the camera and is arranged so as to permit an end user to take exposures without removing the packaging but such that removal of at least one of the back cover or battery requires at least partial removal or at least partial destruction of at least part of the packaging.

Abstract: A method of loading film into a camera that employs a film cassette with a light lock door and has a back cover securely affixed to a main body includes loading the film cassette into a film cassette compartment via a film loading port with the light lock door closed, operating an advancing means to engage a light lock door driver affixed to the camera, rotating the advancing means to open the light lock door with the light lock door driver, preventing further rotation of the advancing means from operating the light lock door driver; continuing to rotate the advancing means to drive film out of the cassette across the film path and into a film receiving slot contained in a film spool and winding film from the cassette onto the spool. Additionally, a camera includes a mechanism for opening and closing a light lock door of a film safe cassette and the mechanism for opening and closing the light lock door.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed wherein the film is unwound from the film cartridge prior to use. The camera has a preventative mechanism for precluding an unaccustomed user from backing the film into the cartridge before the film has been substantially unwound.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which provides for symbol imprinting on film using a second aperture through which light passes thereby exposing the symbols on the film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a film masking mechanism for a camera. The film masking mechanism is adapted for switching the camera between a full size picture frame and a panoramic picture frame while using a single roll of film.

Abstract: A mechanism for imprinting an image on film is disclosed. The mechanism is simple, compact and inexpensive. The mechanism fits onto a camera's film door on most modern cameras, providing an interchangeable, universal system. Symbols on preprinted tapes are imprinted on film and may record the date, time, picture number or other information on photographs.