Abstract: An image recording apparatus and method employing a diaphragm shutter having a time variable exposure aperture with flash firing, following actuation of the shutter, after a time interval dependent on subject range. The functional relationship between the time interval and subject range establishes a parametric relationship between the brightness of the subject due to its flash illumination and the scan time of the diaphragm shutter. The inverse of this parametric relationship constitutes the timewise variation in the exposure aperture area of the shutter. Consequently, whenever the subject is within a predetermined maximum distance from the camera, dependent upon the maximum aperture area attainable by the shutter, the instantaneous product of subject brightness and aperture area will be a constant with the result that proper exposure of the photographic film is achieved independent of the subject range.

Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus for a camera comprises a camera to photographic subject ranging device for providing a signal indication of elapsed time corresponding to the camera-to-subject distance and an objective lens arrangement displaceable between a plurality of focal positions at a rate such that the objective lens arrangement reaches each of its plurality of focal positions at an elapsed time from its initial displacement directly proportionate to the elapsed time indicated by the ranging device.

Abstract: A single lens reflex photographic camera for use with self-developing film units is automatically controlled to perform a plurality of photographic related functions in a select sequence. The camera includes a movable reflex mirror, a shutter blade mechanism and a film advancement and processing apparatus, all of which are automatically controlled, primarily by mechanical apparatus, to perform their respective functions in the select sequence in response to the actuation of a single photographic cycle initiating button.

Abstract: A photographic camera in which a two-position lens is focused automatically on subjects located within "near" and "far" distance ranges from the camera. The lens is normally positioned in one of the two positions and movable to the other of the two positions in response to a signal generated by an electronic ranging circuit upon the detection of subject location in the focus range to which the other position corresponds.

Abstract: A camera control and exposure system for cameras of the self-developing type includes "scanning type" shutter blade elements which can be quickly closed to terminate an exposure interval by a magnet actuated closing spring arrangement which is thereafter automatically recocked by way of a motor driven film advance and processing mechanism. The control and exposure system is additionally adapted for use with an array of flashlamps wherein prior to each flash photographic cycle, the array of flashlamps is sensed to determine the operative condition of the last flashlamp to be fired in the array. The system then mechanically inhibits the implementation of the photographic cycle in the event that the last flashlamp to be fired in the array is defective.

Abstract: A compact, rigid camera has a folded optical path between an objective lens and a film plane and formed at least in part with a prism element having an entrance face, an exit face overlying and closely spaced from the film plane, and a reflective face. The exit face both reflects light which enters the prism at the entrance face and transmits light out of the prism. The reflective face is inclined to return to the exit face, for transmission to the film plane, the entering light internally reflected at the exit face. The entrance face of the prism is inclined relative to the reflective/transmissive face by an angle larger than the relative inclination of the reflective face. Light transmitting prism surfaces, spacings between optical elements, light absorptive coatings, and mechanical light controlling elements including a light collimator, prevent the entry of unwanted nonfunctional light into the prism and eliminate such light that does enter the prism.

Abstract: An exposure control for a camera of the type having scanning type shutter blade elements driven by a walking beam to provide a progressive variation in effective exposure and light sensing apertures. A control is provided so that in an artificial scene lighted mode, during an exposure cycle, the scanning blades cause the effective exposure aperture to progressively increase toward the full open f/stop for the camera. In addition, the scanning blades cause the effective photocell aperture to increase at a relatively low rate until a time when the effective exposure aperture equals a predetermined f/stop somewhat below the full open f/stop. The source of artificial illumination is then fired and the effective photocell aperture increases at a relatively high rate to specifically control the artificially illuminated portion of the exposure cycle.

Abstract: A combined view and rangefinder for use in cameras having a variable focus objective lens includes means for establishing a primary image of the scene to be photographed framed in a generally rectangular field of view together with a secondary focusing image superposed on the primary image and movable obliquely across the primary image in correspondence with camera focusing so that substantial coincidence between the primary and secondary images is indicative of the camera assuming a focused condition with respect to the scene to be photographed. In addition, the path of movement for the movable secondary image of the combined view and rangefinder is located above the geometric center of the primary image so as to facilitate the framing of a human photographic subject to locate the subject's head above the geometric center of the picture. The combined view and rangefinder may also be conveniently and easily assembled through snap-fitted components.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a pair of juxtaposed processing members included within a photographic camera at a critical predetermined location for optimizing the processing of an exposed self-developing type film unit by distributing a fluid processing composition between predetermined layers of the film unit to initiate a developing process therefor. The mounting apparatus comprises a bracket for rotatably mounting the processing members thereon which is adapted to be attached as an integral unit to internal structure within the camera on an entrance side of the processing members and a housing section having an integrally molded film exit slot adapted to be snap-fitted to the bracket with the film exit slot positioned at an exit side of the processing members. The processing members are releasably retained at the predetermined location and precluded from moving laterally, longitudinally and vertically out of the critical predetermined location.

Abstract: A battery assembly including structure for mounting the battery assembly to an exterior surface of a photographic camera such that the terminals of the battery assembly make electrical engagement with a pair of contacts located within the camera thereby providing electrically operated components of the camera with a new source of energy.

Abstract: An exposure counter for use in a camera which provides a user with information as to the number of unexposed film units remaining within a film cassette, positioned within the camera. The exposure counter includes an indicia-bearing member which is indexed subsequent to each exposure of a forwardmost film unit included within the film cassette. A pawl is provided for automatically unlatching the exposure counter for movement to a starting position upon removal of the film cassette from within the camera.The camera includes an exposure actuator for actuating an electronic exposure control system included therein whereby the forwardmost film unit is exposed, processed and advanced to the exterior of the camera.The exposure counter is mounted such that the position of the exposure actuator is responsive to the angular disposition of the indicia-bearing member of the exposure counter.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus is provided with an automatic illumination and exposure control system for controlling a pair of scanning type shutter blade elements as well as a flash fire and quench signal directed to a quench strobe operatively associated therewith. The control system operates to selectively delay the quenching of the strobe as a function of whether the camera is operating in a "fill-in" flash mode of operation or in an ordinary flash mode thereby permitting a dark subject to be adequately illuminated against a lighted background without overexposing the subject.

Abstract: The method of this invention is utilized by the manufacturer of a camera apparatus of the type having an automatic shutter latch mechanism, as well as an automatic film advancement mechanism to adjust the control system of the camera apparatus prior to the shipment so that even if the shutter latch mechanism is accidentally unlatched, the user will still be able to insert a film cassette into the film receiving chamber without incurring an automatic film advancement operation prior to closing the film loading access door. The method provides for the advancement of the camera control system through a portion of its photographic cycle by an external motor to a point in the cycle where a film unit would have otherwise been processed and advanced from the camera thereby insuring that the first time insertion of the film cassette within the camera by a user will not result in a film advancement operation if the automatic shutter latch mechanism should become unlatched during transit.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus of the type having an automatic exposure control system for controlling a pair of scanning shutter blade elements, having respective primary apertures therethrough for collectively defining a gradually varying effective aperture size as a function of the position of the blade elements together with corresponding photocell sweep secondary apertures therethrough for movement in correspondence with the primary apertures to define a small secondary effective aperture for admitting the passage of scene light to a photocell, is adapted for use with either an ordinary flashlamp or a quench strobe. The interchangeability between flashlamp and quench strobe is made possible by utilizing the command signal to close the shutter blade elements from the camera exposure control system and thereafter providing a signal to the quench strobe to terminate the firing of its flash tube subsequent to the expiration of a predetermined time delay after the shutter blade closing command signal.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus having a shutter-diaphragm mechanism for regulating the exposure aperture and the exposure interval under both ambient and flash illumination conditions having a blade arrangement which when driven in an opening direction provides enlarging aperture values in a tracking relation defining both a taking aperture and a photocell aperture. The latter being specially configured to initially provide relatively small aperture values necessary for proper flash exposure at near subject distances includes a pair of blade openings wherein the leading portion of one opening is a segment of short length as measured along the axis of diaphragm movement so that, when it is in overlapping arrangement to the leading edge of the other opening, very small aperture values result.

Abstract: The internal configuration of a rigid opaque exposure chamber structure for use in a reflex photographic optical system is disclosed. The structure is a plastic, injection molded member of unitary construction. Its interior preferably includes an arrangement for receiving a single snap-in side wall having a specularly reflecting surface which, in combination with specularly reflecting side walls of the housing, either direct unwanted radiation from outside the field of view of the system away from its film plane or, alternatively, absorbs it by reducing its intensity through multiple reflections so that the quality of a final photograph will not be impaired. Selected side walls include serrated light traps to enhance the overall performance of the structure in this respect.

Abstract: A modular photographic system assembly that performs a series of operating functions attendent to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units. The assembly is formed by attaching a group of system function-providing modules to a primary structural member that supports each of the modules in interfacing relationship while simultaneously defining the system exposure chamber. The module group includes a shutter module, gear train module, viewfinder module, and spreader module. Each module is attached to predetermined exterior portions of the primary structural member with snap together type fasteners. Once constructed, the assembly is an independently functioning unit that is adapted for enclosure in a protective chamber formed by mating a camera body and front cover member.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus including a "sequencing system" for initiating and controlling the orderly performance of functions in a cycle of apparatus operation that includes the exposing and processing of a self-developing film unit. The "sequencing system" includes a sequencing gear which makes a single revolution during the operating cycle and preferably initiates, controls and/or performs the function of selectively latching and unlatching a shutter, operating an electrical power switch, operating a film advance device and indexing a film counting device.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus having a shutter-diaphragm mechanism for regulating the exposure aperture and the exposure interval under both ambient and flash illumination conditions. The shutter-diaphragm includes a blade arrangement which when driven in an opening direction provides enlarging aperture values in a tracking relation defining both a taking aperture and a photocell aperture until both achieve a maximum at which time further blade displacement provides a reduction in the photocell aperture to accommodate ambient, low scene light conditions. Under flash conditions, the system employs hybrid operation in which the exposure aperture is selected by a follow-focus mechanism in accordance with subject distance while the interval is determined by the scene light transmitted to the photocell.

Abstract: A unicell radiation measuring device having a single electrical output signal that can be correlated with film sensitometric characteristics and scene object luminance patterns to either predict photographic exposures directly, or alternatively, used as an input function for controlling a camera exposure control system. The device consists of an optical system having a single optical element for collecting and directing radiation from a scene onto the surface of a photoelectric transducer element having a spectral sensitivity substantially identical to the photopic visual response curve of the standard photometric observer according to the CIE thereby qualifying it as a photometer. The optical element consists of a central circular planar portion of uniform thickness surrounded by an annular positive lens portion having radially decreasing thickness. Both portions are integrally molded to provide the optical element with a unitary construction that is rotationally symmetric.