Abstract: A photographic still camera includes a magnetic head for recording information on a magnetic surface of photographic film. The head is supported on a carriage which is mounted on a film platen for movement relative to the platen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the film. A spring mounted on the carriage is provided with spring arms that bias the carriage toward the longitudinal axis of the film so that a pair of pins extending from the carriage engage an edge of the film to maintain a precise relationship between the recorded information track and the film edge. A pressure pad carried by another arm of the spring urges the film into contact with the head. The platen carriage, head, spring and pressure head form a modular assembly which can be conveniently mounted into a photographic still camera.

Abstract: Data is recorded on the film by the manufacturer prior to exposure at a first magnetic head azimuth angle. The camera magnetically records information on the film frame-by-frame at a second head azimuth angle with each exposure or shortly thereafter. Before exposure of any frame, the camera determines whether the frame has already been exposed by sensing the recorded signal amplitude at one of the two magnetic head azimuth angles. In order to prevent a double exposure, the camera transports the film past any frame having data magnetically recorded therein corresponding to the second azimuth angle.

Abstract: A disk film camera which is of simple, compact and inexpensive construction and yet provides one-button operation to expose the film and actuate a motor which disengages the film and cocks the shutter, then advances and locates the film. A demetering cam that is simpler and takes less space in the camera is used to remove the metering pawl from engagement with the film to permit the film to be advanced.