Abstract: A laser beam scanning apparatus includes: a light source unit for emitting a collimated laser light beam; a rotary deflector unit for deflecting a laser light beam from the light source unit; a focusing unit for converting the deflected light beam into a convergent light beam, and for focusing the convergent light beam on a recording medium as a light spot, so that the focused light beam scans the recording medium in a main scanning direction when the rotary deflector unit is rotated; and a beam shape control unit for changing the sectional shape of a laser light beam emitted by the light source unit to a first sectional shape by restricting the laser light beam by using an opening of the beam shape control unit, the opening of the beam shape control unit having a predetermined sectional shape and dimensions, so that a diameter of the light spot on the recording medium is changed to a desired diameter.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having deflection scanning type and line type exposing devices and first and second developing devices arranged around a photoconductive element, so that parts around the photoconductive element are arranged with ease to promote the miniaturization of the apparatus. The exposing devices are selected based on the principle that the image quality is enhanced for an image of particular color and is lowered for an image of another color expected to be printed less frequently. Specifically, the deflection scanning type exposing device forms the image of the particular color, and the line type exposing device which has an inherently long optical path and simple structure forms the image of another color. Fans are provided to produce cooling air flow to the line type exposing device and to draw out toner dirt and ozone produced by the charger associated therewith.

Abstract: A bicolor image forming apparatus having first and second exposing means and first and second developing means arranged around a photoconductive element. The first and second developing means are implemented as a deflection scanning type and a line type, respectively. Parts around a photoconductive element are arranged with ease to promote the miniaturization of the apparatus. This stems from the principle that the image quality may be enhanced for an image of particular color and lowered for an image of another color expected to be printed less frequently. Specifically, the apparatus has deflection scanning type exposing means for forming the image of particular color, and line type exposing means which has an inherently long optical path and simple structure for forming the image of another color.

Abstract: A frame number counter is provided which counts a signal produced as a film is being conveyed, the count signal being applied to electrooptical digital display means to initiate the frame number of the film. The data which are displayed by the display means are entered onto a film surface by optical means. The display means is also capable of indicating the date and the time of day in response to an output from an electronic clock. A vibrating sound emitter is provided which becomes operative when the count in the frame number counter reaches a given value. It is also possible to provide a down counting operation of the counter.

Abstract: The lens tube retraction mechanism for a camera having a lens tube which is slidable relative to a body of the camera between a photographing position and a retracted position includes on each of the opposite sides of the camera a roller which is engaged with part of the lens tube, a pusher lever capable of fixing the lens tube at the photographing position by holding the roller, and an intermediate lever having a slot for allowing a shaft portion of the roller to pass therethrough, for moving the roller, enabling the lens tube to take the photographing position and the retracted position.When the lens tube is retracted by pushing the intermediate lever inwards, the pusher lever is first moved upwards by the intermediate lever so as to be disengaged from the roller, whereby the lens tube can be retracted lightly although the lens tube can be held tightly when it is projected at the photographing position.

Abstract: A lens tube guide frame holds a retractable lens tube in the body of the camera and also holds a lens and a film surface in their respective correct positions for making exposures. The lens tube guide frame can be easily inserted in the body of the camera and includes a standard surface at its front inner wall opposite the open side of the lens tube guide frame to provide an exact stop for forward movement of the lens tube. The guide frame cross section is U-shaped or box-shaped, and has two projection portions directed outwards at the open rear end to engage adjacent side walls of the camera body. The lens tube guide frame, with the lens tube already in it, is inserted into the camera body through the back side when assembling, whereby the lens tube guide frame can be positioned without any adjustment.

Abstract: The camera includes a lens tube which is slidable relative to a body of the camera between a photographing position and a retracted position. The lens tube is moved between these two positions cooperatively with a front lid swingably mounted on the front side of the body of the camera.

Abstract: A camera capable of entering the date a picture is taken onto a film loaded therein comprises a digital date indicator for indicating the same date as the calendar date, an optical system for passing light from the date indicator onto part of the film load and for focussing the light thereon, a sight window for permitting the date indication provided by the date indicator to be viewed from the exterior of the camera, and a light shield which prevents light impinging on the sight window from reaching the film surface when a picture is taken.

Abstract: Data such as the place and time a picture is taken are written on a tape in a data capsule which is detachably mounted in the camera body. A light source and an optical system are mounted in a hollow tube which is movable along the tape to scan the data and project the data onto an edge portion of the film when the camera shutter is opened. The tube has an aperture facing the film surface and another aperture facing the tape through which the image of the data passes. The aperture facing the tape is arranged very close to the surface of the tape so that light from the light source is prevented from being scattered into the body of the camera and adversely affecting the film.

Abstract: The camera has a bodytube disposed in a retracted position and which is automatically brought to a picture-taking position in conjunction with the movement of a protective cover, covering the front surface of the lens tube or objective lens in the retracted position, to a position in which the protective cover is away from the path of movement of the lens tube to expose the same. In conjunction with the cover movement, the release button, which is hidden inside the camera, is also automatically brought to an operative position. The movable cover can carry a shield for a window for the view finder and/or the exposing light receiving section, if required.