Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing wind and trip in camera units for use with photographic film. Each camera unit encloses and defines a film path and includes a film driven preset member and a film spindle. The preset member extends into the film path. In the method, the film spindle of the camera unit is wound; and, in tandem with the winding, a film surrogate is propelled along the film path from a position upstream from the preset member to a position downstream from the preset member. During the propelling, the film surrogate is maintained in the film path.

Abstract: A film edge driving film loader, film loading method, and related camera frame assembly. In the method, a filmstrip is loaded in a film roll chamber. The film roll chamber has a central axis. The filmstrip has a central region and a pair of opposed edges. The method includes the steps of: transporting the filmstrip into the film roll chamber; cinching a leading portion of the filmstrip; winding the filmstrip into a film roll about the axis; and during said cinching and winding steps, engaging the filmstrip only along a pair of opposed edges of the filmstrip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing wind and trip in camera units for use with photographic film. Each camera unit encloses and defines a film path and includes a film driven preset member and a film spindle. The preset member extends into the film path. In the method, the film spindle of the camera unit is wound; and, in tandem with the winding, a film surrogate is propelled along the film path from a position upstream from the preset member to a position downstream from the preset member. During the propelling, the film surrogate is maintained in the film path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for loading a filmstrip. The method includes the steps of: propelling the filmstrip into a cylindrical film space; curling the filmstrip into a film roll within the film space; during the curling, constraining the roll between a pair of opposed contact surfaces; and during the constraining, rotating the contact surfaces about a pivot axis transverse to a film roll axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a photographic camera having a cartridge chamber and a film chamber. In the method, a film cartridge is positioned in the cartridge chamber. The film cartridge includes a spool and a filmstrip. A leading portion of the filmstrip is curled about a curling axis internal to the supply chamber. During the curling, deflection of the leading portion in directions radial to the axis beyond a predetermined preliminary radius is limited. A main portion of the filmstrip is wound around the leading portion to form a film roll. The film roll has an outermost turn defining a first film roll radius larger than the preliminary radius. Following the winding, the film roll is allowed to expand to a second film roll radius larger than the first film roll radius. Outward telescoping of the film roll is limited.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading and prewinding a photographic film cartridge in a camera frame assembly. The camera frame assembly has a rear opening. The camera frame assembly has a cartridge chamber and a supply chamber facing the rear opening. In the method, a film cartridge is first positioned in the cartridge chamber of the camera frame assembly. The leading portion of a filmstrip is advanced out of the cartridge to the supply chamber of the camera frame assembly. A mandrel is admitted into the supply chamber. The leading portion of the filmstrip is guided around the mandel. The filmstrip is cinched to the mandrel. The mandrel is rotated to wind a main portion of the filmstrip into a film roll around the mandrel. The mandrel is removed from the film roll. The rear opening of the camera frame assembly is closed.