Abstract: A circuit for operating and controlling optical apparatus for viewing an object and making a photographic record thereof and having an illuminating light source and a photoflash light source, the circuit including a pulse width modulator for operating the illuminating light source, a flyback converter circuit and capacitor charging and discharging circuit for operating the photoflash light source, a clock pulse source connected to the pulse width modulator and the flyback converter for operating the same, and a delay circuit for allowing the optics to settle before operation of the photoflash. An energy level control circuit monitors the capacitor voltage and stops application of clock pulses to the flyback converter when the capacitor voltage reaches a desired value. A first visual indicator signals when the desired capacitor voltage is reached, a second visual indicator signals a certain condition in the apparatus, and a circuit gives priority to operation of the second indicator.