Abstract: If a sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction, a planetary arm is also rotated in the clockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear and a transmission gear to operatively mesh. If the sun gear is then rotated in the clockwise direction, a cam plate driven by a pin is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. A first engaging lever is rotated in the clockwise direction by a cam mounted to the rotary edge of the cam plate to release the engagement of the rotary edge of the planetary arm. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the planetary arm is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to permit the planetary gear to mesh with an idle gear. The planetary arm is engaged with a second engaging lever to maintain the meshed state between the planetary gear and the idle gear. If the sun gear is then rotated in the counterclockwise direction, a photographic film is wound up within a cartridge.

Abstract: If a sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction, a planetary arm is also rotated in the clockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear and a transmission gear to be meshed with each other. If the sun gear is rotated in the clockwise direction under this state, a cam plate driven by a pin is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. A first engaging lever is rotated in the clockwise direction by a cam mounted to the rotary edge of the cam plate so as to release the engagement of the rotary edge of the planetary arm. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction under this state, the planetary arm is rotated in the counterclockwise direction so as to permit the planetary gear to be meshed with an idle gear. The planetary arm is engaged with a second engaging lever so as to maintain the meshed state between the planetary gear and the idle gear. If the sun gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction under this state, a photographic film is wound up within a cartridge.

Abstract: An instant film pack for use with an instant camera has a case, with a back wall and a front wall in which an exposure aperture is formed. 10 rectangular film units are stacked and contained in the case. The film units after exposure are exited through an outlet slot. Two access openings are formed in the back wall of the case, and receive entry of pads of the camera. A light-shielding sheet is contained between the back wall and the film units, closes the access openings openably, and prevents ambient light from entry through the access openings. The light-shielding sheet, pressed by the pads, presses the film units toward the exposure aperture. Two pressing curved ridges are projected from the back wall in an arcuate shape, and contact at least two lateral edges which are formed beside the light-shielding sheet, and directed toward the outlet slot. The pressing curved ridges prevent the film units from being depressed to a rear of the exposure aperture inside the case.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photographic film unit has a flash device for emitting a flash of light. A charge switch is adapted to bring the flash device into an on-state, either by rotation of a film advancing wheel, or when a shutter device is cocked. When the flash device is in the on-state, a main capacitor is charged so as to allow emission of a flash of light. In a preferred embodiment, the charge switch is initially turned on so as to keep the flash device in the on-state. In another preferred embodiment, the flash device is in the on-state while the charge switch is on, and is in the off-state while the charge switch is off, in response to the shutter device. When the lens-fitted photographic film unit is contained in a wrapper, an insulating tape is inserted between a positive electrode of the battery and a contact segment.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photographic film unit has a flash device for emitting a flash of light. A charge switch is adapted to bring the flash device into an on-state, either by rotation of a film advancing wheel, or when a shutter device is cocked. When the flash device is in the on-state, a main capacitor is charged so as to allow emission of a flash of light. In a preferred embodiment, the charge switch is initially turned on so as to keep the flash device in the on-state. In another preferred embodiment, the flash device is in the on-state while the charge switch is on, and is in the off-state while the charge switch is off, in response to the shutter device. When the lens-fitted photographic film unit is contained in a wrapper, an insulating tape is inserted between a positive electrode of the battery and a contact segment.

Abstract: A buffer comprises a specially designed bearing for supporting the rotation axis of a rotatable mirror. The bearing structure is so designed that when the rotation of the mirror is stopped by a stopper, the bearing can shift the rotation axis in the direction in which force is applied to the rotation axis. This shift takes place at the moment of mirror stop. Immediately after the shift, the rotation axis is returned to its original position by a biasing force.