Abstract: An electromagnetic drive system for actuating the shutter blades in photographic devices, preferably in picture taking cameras, comprises a permanent magnet mounted on a magnetically conductive base plate and a first and a second solenoid on either side of the magnet. The coils of the solenoids are electrically connected and are wound in an opposite sense so that the magnetic poles of the solenoids are opposite to one another. A double armed lever is rotatably supported adjacent one pole of the permanent magnet so as to be pivotable between two end positions. In either end position one arm of the lever rests against the core of the first or of the second solenoid and is kept in this position by forces of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. When a current pulse is conducted through the solenoids the lever is pivoted to its other end position. One arm of the double armed lever is in a driving connection with the shutter blades.