Abstract: Disclosed herein are system and apparatus for providing an indication of proper photographic exposure for lighting conditions which include both flash and continuous light sources. An optical sensor provides a signal representative of instantaneous existing lighting conditions either to a logarithmic amplifier for continuous lighting condition measurement or to an integrator controlled by a timer for flash ambient lighting condition measurement. A sample and hold circuit receives the integrator output and provides the same to the logarithmic amplifier which is calibrated with respect to the optical sensor. The logarithmic amplifier supplies either continuous or flash exposure indicia to a display, which may comprise either a digital display or a motorized dial. An accessory program input is provided between the logarithmic amplifier and the display to receive compensating signals from optical accessories that may be mated to the optical sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flash adapter system and a plurality of flash adapters thereof having substantial common mechanical and electrical components. Each adapter of the system includes an adaptive circuit module and a sensor circuit providing an input to the adaptive circuit module which may represent light falling upon the adapter. Each adapter may further include innerface circuitry to adapt each adapter to specific and unique camera signals associated with various automatic cameras. A sensitivity adjustment mechanism adjusts the sensitivity of a photosensor in accordance with at least one parameter and may further be adapted to serve as a calculator which relates film sensitivity and camera aperture.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an interchangeable left-to-right pistol grip and bracket device onto which a camera and flash unit can be mounted. A camera bracket attaches to either side of the pistol grip body, and the grip includes a strap for encompassing the hand of the user. The strap also is reversible to the side of the grip body opposite that onto which the camera bracket is placed. The top of the body of the grip includes a shoe for receiving a flash unit. The handle of the pistol grip is disposed at an angle with respect to the body thereof and to a mounting flange for the camera bracket, and thereby provides a more comfortable grip when using either a 35 mm SLR or a medium format (single or twin lens reflex) camera. Furthermore, the grip may include a receptacle therein for receiving batteries, as well as appropriate electrical connections to an on/off switch and outlet power plug. This latter arrangement enables additional power to be supplied to a flash unit attached to the pistol grip.

Abstract: A new and improved zoom lens comprises four groups. The powers of the groups from the object end to the image end are positive, negative, negative, and positive, respectively. The first group is stationery for zooming but moves for close focusing. The second and third groups move in the same direction for zooming.

Abstract: A wide angle attachment adapted to be used with a prime lens. The lens comprises four elements in three groups. The combination of the attachment with a prime lens results in a lens system having a larger field of view than the field of view of the prime lens by itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing articles, such as aluminum beverage cans. The crushing apparatus comprises a rotatable, polygonal-shaped drum having blades mounted on each flat outer surface of the drum which project outwardly beyond the respective surface. The articles to be crushed are introduced into the area between the drum and a spring-loaded pressure plate, and on rotation of the drum, the blades engage the articles and move them into the nip between the drum and pressure plate to crush and flatten the articles. The apparatus also includes a quick release mechanism in which the pressure plate can be readily released to correct a jamming situation.

Abstract: A retrofocus lens having a field angle of up to 76.degree. and comprising as few as six elements. A strongly negative front group of only two elements contributes to the compactness of the lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an electronic flash system which obviates the need for the typical large capacity main capacitor as the power source for the flashtube. The system includes a conventional flashtube, trigger circuit for ionizing the flashtube and control circuit for turning on and off an electronic switching element which applies the main operating power to the flashtube. The ignition circuit for the flashtube uses a relatively small capacitor which is charged to a high voltage level for first igniting the flashtube and causing it to commence emission of light. Once ignited, a medium voltage power supply supplies the necessary current level for the required length of time to continue the production of the flash of light. The system also enables the use of a relatively small electronic switch as well as a relatively small voltage converter for charging the ignition capacitor.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method and an apparatus which provide a tactile indication of the occurrence of a particular event, such as during the operation of a photographic camera, to provide an indication to the operator that a proper exposure condition, like proper focus, aperture or shutter speed, has occurred. For example, and as particularly shown and described herein, a photographic camera includes an autofocus sensing system which senses when a focusing device, such as the focusing ring, of the camera lens has been adjusted for proper focus. When this focus event occurs, an electromagnet operates a brake to prevent the lens focusing device from being turned or operated further, at least momentarily, to thereby provide to the camera operator a tactile indication that the proper focus has been achieved. The electromagnet can be associated with the camera body to engage the focusing device of the lens, or it can be in or within the lens assembly.

Abstract: A zoom lens having capability of focusing to a magnification of 1:2 through movement of only the front focusing group. The power of the focusing group is chosen in relation to the power of the lens at its long focal length to accomplish close focusing with minimal axial travel while providing good aberration correction.

Abstract: An improved optical system for a relatively compact zoom lens of relatively high speed, moderate range, and extending from normal into the telephoto region, the lens being of simple construction and having two lens groups and as few as six elements.

Abstract: A very compact lens of the retrofocus type, capable of covering a field angle of up to 63.degree., comprising six elements including a singlet front group of strong negative power, and having extremely good aberrational correction.

Abstract: A zoom lens of the type having equivalent focal lengths varying from substantially less than the diagonal of its image frame to an equivalent focal length at least twice the diagonal of the image frame and having a short front vertex distance. The zoom range may be as great as 5:1, with a field angle in excess of 70 degrees at the widest field position.

Abstract: A device for activating an electronic slave flash unit for photographic use includes a circuit wherein there is a delay circuit responsive to a light sensing signal after a predetermined time delay to activate a flash unit. The time delay of the delay circuit is adjustable as required, and the delayed operation of the flash of the slave flash unit eliminates incorrect impulse signals being transmitted to light sensors of other slave flash units which would otherwise prematurely extinguish their flash and give a resultant incorrect lighting effect. The power for the circuit is obtained from a capacitor which is energized by a flash unit. The energy in the capacitor is used to power the delay circuit, and a Zener diode and unijunction transistor and variable resistance permit accurate variable time delays.

Abstract: A mechanism for a zoom lens having relatively movable lens groups where the aperture defining means moves with one of the lens groups.

Abstract: A light diffusing means for a photographic enlarger adapted to be positioned between a light mixing module and a film negative carrying module, the diffusing means including a diffuser body member having a light inlet opening, an internal light reflecting and diffusing chamber of frustoconical form, and an enlarged light outlet opening. Light transmitting and diffusing disks are provided at the inlet and outlet light openings. A conical member with a conical light reflecting surface is positioned coaxially in said chamber and in spaced relation to said openings for regulating the amount of light intensity distributed in a radial direction towards the periphery of the enlarged light outlet opening, particularly to enhance the intensity of light at the peripheral margins of the outlet opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an electronic system and method for metering the incident light on a subject being photographed, some or all of which light emanates from an electronic flash unit, and for storing an incident light value for use in controlling the electronic flash unit during the taking of subsequent photographs of the subject. An exemplary system includes a remote light sensor which can be placed at or near the subject being photographed for measuring the light incident on the subject during a "test flash" from the electronic flash unit so as to enable the storage of an incident light value. This incident light value may comprise a signal representing the duration of the flash or a signal proportional to the drop in energy of the supply source of the electronic flash unit, both of which are proportional to the quantity of incident light.

Abstract: A retrofocus lens subtending a field angle up to 84.degree. or more characterized by compactness, fast relative aperture, and good aberration correction. These characteristics are obtained by selection of the relative powers of a front negative and a rear positive group, and the dispersion of the front elements.

Abstract: A lens of variable equivalent focal length where two lens groups located on either side of an aperture defining means move relative to the aperture defining means, and a lens group of positive power is positioned close to the aperture defining means. The aperture defining means and the associated positive power group may either be stationary or move with change in equivalent focal length.