Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the charging operation of an electronic flash in a photographic apparatus operates to enable the electronic flash to charge in response to readying the camera in anticipation to implementing a photographic exposure cycle and thereafter disabling the charging of the electronic flash as soon as the electronic flash reaches its full charge condition. The control system responds to the subsequent actuation of the camera to initiate a photographic exposure cycle to reenable the electronic flash to again become fully charged. After the electronic flash is fully charged, it is again disabled from further charging during the remainder of the photographic exposure cycle.

Abstract: A photographic camera exposure and flash fire control system provides for a proportional fill flash by firing an electronic flash or strobe at an aperture appropriate for the camera-to-subject range. The flash is fired during the closing movement of the shutter blade mechanism and subsequent to the integration of ambient scene light to a select proportion of the optimum film exposure value whereby the remaining proportion of the optimum film exposure value is provided by the artificial illumination from the flash during the closing of the shutter blades.

Abstract: An extended range exposure control system for photographic cameras having an aperture plate slidably movable from a first position in which it stops down the maximum relative aperture of the camera lens to second and third positions in which a photographic circuit is altered while the maximum relative lens aperture is maintained. A shutter mechanism controlled by a light sensitive circuit includes a switch actuated by movement of the aperture plate to the third position to shift the light level sensitivity range of the circuit thereby accommodating shutter speeds necessary to effect exposure of relatively fast film at maximum relative lens aperture. The aperture plate is slidably supported within a housing for the shutter and the respective positions thereof made clearly visible as a result of indicia on the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A flash exposure system for use with a photographic camera of a variety which automatically carries out an involved photographic cycle upon the momentary depression of a start button. The system is particularly adapted to use with a linear flash array which is either replaced or reversed in its mounting upon the camera upon the expenditure of all lamps within an operational face thereof. The exposure system detects the expenditure of all lamps within an operative face of an array and inhibits the performance of an automatic cycle. Simultaneously, a perceptible warning signal apprises the operator of the expended status of the flash array.

Abstract: A control system for a camera which automatically carries out an involved photographic cycle in response to the momentary depression of a start button. Under select low light level conditions, the automatic carrying out of the cycle is deferred for an operator light evaluation interval amounting to about 5 seconds. Should the operator determine to make a time exposure, the start button is depressed again to cause the camera to carry out a time exposure. An indicator arrangement may be supplied for apprising the operator of low light level conditions.

Abstract: A remote flash slave apparatus for use in conjunction with a packaged linear array of flashlamps. The slave unit incorporates a solid state flashlamp selector circuit which is enabled or energized for only a limited period of time corresponding with the output interval of a typical flashlamp to preserve the integrity of the firing circuit. Additionally, the slave unit incorporates a feature providing for the avoidance of inadvertent cascading or firing of a series of flashlamps under a high steady-state light level environment.

Abstract: A photographic flash firing circuit operative to sequentially ignite each of an array of flash lamps in a predetermined order from first to last responsive to an input signal. The circuit is constructed as an integrated circuit including a dual set of circuit components capable of being interconnected for either low level, logic triggering or pulse triggering of the circuit. Basically, the firing circuit includes a plurality of lamp switching circuits and a forward sequencing circuit which sequentially couples each lamp across a supply voltage in accordance with repetitive activation by a suitable trigger network. In the logic trigger arrangement, the trigger network includes a transistor buffer stage and voltage divider network coupled to the forward sequencing circuit and operative to trigger the latter in accordance with operation of the camera exposure control system.