Abstract: An electromagnetic drive system for actuating the shutter blades in photographic devices, preferably in picture taking cameras, comprises a permanent magnet mounted on a magnetically conductive base plate and a first and a second solenoid on either side of the magnet. The coils of the solenoids are electrically connected and are wound in an opposite sense so that the magnetic poles of the solenoids are opposite to one another. A double armed lever is rotatably supported adjacent one pole of the permanent magnet so as to be pivotable between two end positions. In either end position one arm of the lever rests against the core of the first or of the second solenoid and is kept in this position by forces of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. When a current pulse is conducted through the solenoids the lever is pivoted to its other end position. One arm of the double armed lever is in a driving connection with the shutter blades.

Abstract: A sub-miniature camera has a rotatable winding knob which moves the film and cocks the shutter of the objective. A slide is movable by the knob between initial and end positions and blocks a release button from actuation when the slide is in its initial position and releases the button when the slide is in its end position. The slide is provided with a slot through which passes a rod of the release button and the slot and rod co-act to block and unblock the release button. The shutter is operated electrically by contact means closed by the slide moving to its initial position. The slide also actuates an exposure counter and the exposure counter is returnable to the zero counting position upon opening of the camera housing.