Abstract: A camera having a recess in an exterior surface thereof and a battery assembly having mounting structure adapted to be slidably received by the recess for attaching the battery assembly to the camera to provide a source of energy for operating various components of the camera.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic camera having an automatic shutter latch mechanism which may be released in response to initial shutter blade movement resulting from energization of the shutter drive means and which may thereafter be moved into position to accommodate relatching of the shutter blades in response to film advancement. The automatic shutter latch mechanism is also responsive to initial shutter blade movement resulting from manually actuated energization of the electrical shutter drive means for actuating a power interlock switch to maintain the electrical energization of a photographic exposure control system after manual deactuation by the user. In addition, the shutter latch mechanism includes a shock stabilizing arrangement to inhibit the accidental unlatching of the shutter blade mechanism resulting from shutter blade movement occassioned through extraneous vibrations, sudden shock or otherwise and not through actuation of the shutter drive means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shock inhibiting means for use with an automatic shutter latch mechanism of the type which may be released in response to initial shutter blade movement resulting from energization of the shutter drive means and which may thereafter be moved into position to accommodate relatching of the shutter blades in response to film advancement. The shock inhibiting means operates to positively inhibit the accidental unlatching of the shutter blade mechanism resulting from shutter blade movement which might otherwise be occasioned through extraneous vibrations, sudden shock or jarring, and not through intentional actuation of the shutter drive means.

Abstract: A modular self-developing camera having structure therein for accurately positioning a film container, holding self-developing film units therein, at an operative location within the camera wherein a film unit in the film container is properly orientated with respect to the exposure plane, a film advancing device and a film processing station. The modular camera features a unitized frame for mounting components and subassemblies thereon. The frame is configured to cooperate with portions of a camera housing section to define a receiving chamber for the film container.

Abstract: Photographic apparatus, preferably a camera, having a reflex optical system for exposing film units which include a transparent outer sheet or layer through which image-bearing light is transmitted to expose photosensitive materials within the film unit. A reflex mirror, forming part of the optical system, is arranged at an optimized position with respect to the camera exposure plane to prevent light rays reflected from the transparent outer sheet from impinging the mirror at an angle of incidence which would redirect the light rays back to the film unit thereby causing a second exposure or "ghost image".

Abstract: An optical trim mechanism is provided for embodiment in the exposure control system of a photographic camera apparatus wherein the output response of the exposure control system is determined by both the photographic scene light reaching the photographic camera as well as the focused distance from the photographic camera to the subject to be photographed. The trim mechanism provides the photographer with a degree of overriding personal control through which he may simultaneously vary the amount of scene light reaching the exposure control system while at the same time varying the output response of the exposure control system as determined by the focused distance from camera to subject.

Abstract: A structural arrangement for mounting a mirror in a reflex optical system. The mirror is mounted on an apertured rear wall of an opaque plastic structural member which defines an exposure chamber of the system. The aperture formed in the rear wall has edges lying substantially in the mirror plane. These edges define the limits of the reflecting surface of the mirror. The orientation of the plane of the mirror is defined by three mounting bosses extending from an exterior surface of the rear wall. Surrounding the aperture are outwardly extending flanges designed to cradle the mirror when it is placed over the aperture. A capping retainer clips onto the rear wall to secure the mirror in place and cooperates with the flanges to form a light seal.

Abstract: An exposure counter for use in a camera which provides a user with information as to the number of remaining exposures within a film cassette positioned therein. The exposure counter includes a drum or cylinder which is coupled to one member of a gear train which operates to simultaneously index the drum and actuate a film-advancing apparatus so that the drum is sequentially indexed to change a character present at a counter window in the camera while the film-advancing apparatus operates to advance an exposed film unit from within the cassette to the exterior of the camera. The camera is provided with a pawl which, when held in its operative position by the cassette, functions to allow rotation of the drum from a starting position to a terminal position while simultaneously preventing rotation of the drum back to its starting position.

Abstract: A modular photographic system that performs a series of operating functions attendant to the consecutive exposure and processing of a cassette of self-processable film units. The system construction includes a body and front cover member which cooperate to form a protective enclosure for a system assembly that provides the system operating functions independent of the enclosing structure, The system assembly is formed by attaching a series of 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 body includes an internal chamber that is adapted to slidably receive the system assembly to support and position it such that the structural interfaces between the two form a cassette receiving chamber. The front cover member fastens to the body with snap-type connectors to retain the system assembly within the body chamber and complete the enclosing structure.

Abstract: A photographic exposure control system which automatically functions in an ambient mode of operation, in response to scene light values and in a flash mode of operation, in response to both scene light values and scene ranging, the latter providing select aperture values in accordance with anticipated flash illumination of the scene, includes a trim mechanism providing operator variation of the automatic settings for both the ambient and flash modes of operation. The trim arrangement provides a single control which alters both the photoresponse of the system and the selection of aperture with scene ranging so as to modify only the photoresponse for ambient operation and both the photoresponse and the scene ranging response for the flash illumination mode.

Abstract: An exposure control system with follow focus capability is provided for a photographic camera apparatus of the non-single lens reflex viewing type having means for receiving and initiating the energization of a source of artificial light to illuminate a photographic scene. The follow focus aspect of the exposure control system is automatically actuable to provide a range responsive aperture adjustment upon the mounting of a flash unit upon the camera apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a focusing screen with an integral split image rangefinder located substantially away from the geometric center of the focusing screen. Such an arrangement improves photographic image acuity and it encourages better photographic composition.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus includes inertial means for selectively presenting an inertial characteristic to influence the movement of the exposure control system shutter blade elements. The inertial characteristic influences the rate of movement of the shutter blade elements toward their maximum aperture defining position without influencing the return movement of the shutter blade elements toward their closed position. The inertial means is also thereafter automatically reset in readiness for the next photographic cycle.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus is provided with an inertial member, the inertia characteristic of which may be selectively presented for movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements of the exposure control system. The inertial member is arranged to move in correspondence with the shutter blade elements to control the rate of movement of the shutter blade elements toward their maximum aperture defining position. Conversely, return movement of the shutter blade elements toward their closed position operates to disengage the inertial member therefrom so as to allow the shutter blade elements to be quickly closed without the influence of the inertia characteristic. The inertial member is thereafter automatically returned to its initial position in readiness for subsequent movement in correspondence with the shutter blade elements upon the next photographic cycle.

Abstract: A modular subassembly for a self-developing camera that has an operating cycle which includes the exposure and processing of a film unit. The subassembly includes a molded base section having integrally formed structure for mounting components of the subassembly including a film advance device, film counter, motor and gear train. These components are retained on the base section by a molded retaining section which snaps onto the base section.

Abstract: A photographic camera apparatus of the non-collapsible type suitable for use with self-developing film units is additionally provided with a single lens reflex capability for through the lens viewing and focusing. The physical size of the non-collapsible camera apparatus is minimized by providing a compact spacing between the various camera components. Toward this end, the camera viewfinder is arranged to define a folded optical axis which lies on a plane substantially parallel to the camera film plane. In addition the camera includes a reflex reflecting component which is arranged to pivot about an axis parallel to the film plane and viewfinder thus providing a compact side-by-side relationship between the viewfinder, reflex member and film plane. Also, the viewfinder, film plane and reflex member are all arranged in substantially orthogonal relationship to the base portion of the camera apparatus housing in order to further compact the spatial distances between these camera components.

Abstract: A light attenuating filter is provided for a light responsive exposure control system in order to facilitate calibration of the exposure control system so that the amount of scene light admitted by the exposure control system during an exposure interval will substantially correspond to a particular film speed. The exposure control system is of the type having a light detector wherein the light attenuating filter is movable into intercepting relation with a select portion of the scene light directed toward the light detecting means. The select intercepted portion of the scene light is determined and fixed during the manufacture of the exposure control system in order to provide the requisite output response from the light detecting means to terminate an exposure interval in time to insure that the amount of scene light admitted during the photographic cycle substantially corresponds to the select film speed.