Abstract: A film transfer apparatus and method are disclosed for use in transferring a film cassette containing an exposed film unit from an image recording apparatus and the film processor so that the film unit can be exposed in the image recording apparatus transferred in lighttight fashion to the processor, and automatically operated so that the film can be processed by the processor.

Abstract: A system for developing photographic film which is ecologically friendly includes a tray holding a pair of film cassettes. One cassette includes negative film sheets which is inserted into a camera where the negative sheets are exposed. The exposed sheets are delivered to a developing apparatus. A second cassette from the tray includes positive film sheets and it is delivered to the same developing apparatus. The empty tray is mounted on the developing apparatus. Each positive film sheet includes a rupturable pod of developer liquid for spreading between mated positive and negative film sheets. Exposed negative sheets and positive sheets are mated and the pod ruptured to spread liquid between the two as the mated sheets move in a first path into an imbibition chamber. A pick at the exit end of the imbibition chamber strips the evacuated pod, negative film sheet and residual developer liquid from the positive sheet and delivers them to the face of a ram.

Abstract: A film cassette for an automatic film processor is provided with a cam surface for consistently and accurately guiding a force-transmitting member into and out of engagement with a pocket formed in a sheet element of a self-developing, peel-apart film unit enclosed therein, for the subsequent movement of the sheet element into a developer liquid spread system located in the film processor for engagement with other film unit elements.

Abstract: A film cassette designed to receive photosensitive film in a light protective envelope and maintain lighttight integrity while removing the protective envelope includes means for bringing a light emitting enhancer screen into intimate contact with the photosensitive film during exposure to x-ray photography. The back of the photosensitive film may be brought into intimate contact with a film or sheet of specimen-containing radioactive or radiation generating material.

Abstract: Dual camera photography is effected using two conventional cameras of the same or diverse models with, for example, one camera carrying instant film and the other camera housing negative film. Actuation of each of the cameras is controlled by the present synchronizing device so that the shutter of each camera is open when the strobe or flash unit of one of the cameras or one or more remote strobe or flash units controlled by one of the camera's fires. The present synchronizing device assures that both shutters are open when the flash fires by, first measuring the difference in the time lag between camera actuation and the flash sync pulse of each camera, and, second, delaying actuation of one camera relative to the other so that the sync pulse of the strobe firing camera follows the sync pulse of the non-strobe firing camera by a sufficient time interval to allow the shutter of the non-strobe firing camera to open before the flash fires.

Abstract: A vehicle identification camera arrangement for photographing a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate through a vehicle windshield includes a housing having an object window at its distal end forwardly of the lens and an aperture stop adjoining the lens with the length of housing from the lens establishing the distance to the windshield. The aperture stop sufficiently reduces the aperture to increase the depth of field to encompass the variations in distance of the VIN plate behind the vehicle windshield. Preferably, the arrangement is provided as an adapter housing whose interior is divided into an upper lightbox section and a lower exposure section by an opaque baffle and a diffusing screen. The lightbox section receives flash illumination and directs it at a sharp angle with respect to the optical axis of the camera objective to illuminate the VIN plate through the windshield with a minimum of reflection from the windshield along the camera exposure axis.

Abstract: A motor driven camera back for instant film carrying machine readable indicia representative of parameters of the film. The back includes a pair of processing rollers driven by a motor between an initial spaced relationship and an operative pressure nip relationship and also in rotation in the operating relationship to process and discharge an exposed film unit from the back. A sensor and motor control circuitry is provided so that upon initial withdrawal of film unit portions, information supplied to the circuitry by the film carried indicia will operate the motor only if the processing parameters of the film unit are suitable to those of the camera back.

Abstract: A photographic method and apparatus in which a camera adapted to receive a film container with at least one light-sensitive film unit and a dark slide protecting the film unit from light prior to insertion of the container into the camera, wherein the dark slide and/or film unit carry machine-readable information corresponding to the value of at least one film variable applicable to the film unit. The camera is equipped with reading means by which the indicia is read while the slide and/or film unit is stationary or during discharge from the camera to provide appropriate camera adjustment under control of signals developed by the reading step. The indicia may be in the form of a magnetic recording medium, in which case, the reading means carried by the camera is a magnetic read head or, alternatively, the indicia may be optically readable by optical scanning means carried by the camera.

Abstract: In a variable focus lens camera having a rangefinder that is operatively coupled to the lens of said camera for focusing thereof, a known relationship must exist between subject distance as determined by said rangefinder and the subject-in-focus position of said lens, to properly focus the image of the subject to be photographed at said camera's film plane. The present invention provides an arrangement whereby a portion of the means for moving said lens to the correct in-focus position is pivotally uncoupled from said lens by cam actuating means so that the proper rangefinder to lens-position relationship can be established. Once this relationship is established, the uncoupled portion of said lens movement means is recoupled to said variable focus lens by cam actuated pivotal movement of same and is maintained in this coupled position by interlocking said cam actuating means with variable focus lens support structure.

Abstract: An exposure control system for photographic apparatus utilizing electrically controlled shutter-diaphragm blades mechanically latched in a light-blocking condition in conjunction with a latch actuator which delays return of the released latch to the blade path prior to commencement of the exposure interval during which scene light is passed to the film. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator enables a latch element for release and energizes the blades to draw them slightly further in a light-blocking direction from the latched position so as to release the latch just prior to initiation of the exposure interval, and the actuator includes an over center spring arrangement which provides a decrease in the required force of actuation as the system is electrically energized so that the operator inherently holds the actuator in an operating position with the latch element held out of blade engagement for a time sufficient to allow escape of the blades from the latch position.