Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical exposure unit for forming an image on photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a first light beam source and transmitted through a photographic film; and a digital exposure unit for forming an image on the photosensitive material by exposing the material with light beam generated from a second light beam source according to digital image data. The optical exposure unit and the digital exposure unit share a single common exposure point. The optical exposure unit includes a masking mechanism for delimiting an exposure area on the photosensitive material, and this masking mechanism and a head module of the digital exposure unit are integrated together as a unit.

Abstract: A splicing table which can distinguish the kind of a film to be processed, cut the film, and connect a leader to the film. The splicing table has a recess for receiving a patrone, a film presser, and a splicing portion for connecting a leader to the cut end of the film. Under the splicing table are a bar code reader for judging whether or not the film can be developed, and a solenoid for restricting the operation of the cutter unit based on the result of judgment by the bar code reader.

Abstract: Extra printing is made possible during a set of ordinary processing operations such as film development and printing. A film is developed and dried while being fed by a leader attached thereto. After cutting the leader from the film, it is fed to the printing unit to print the images on the film onto photographic paper. A plurality of film stocking units are provided in a path from the film drying unit to the printing unit. Each stocking unit can selectively stock a single film or allow it to pass without stocking. A second film stocking unit can move laterally to change the film track. If a film requiring a long exposure time is present in the printing unit, the subsequent films that have been developed and dried can be stocked in the other film stocking units. Thus, continuous film developing operations are not interrupted.

Abstract: A apparatus for reading film information provided in plural stages on an outer surface of a cartridge containing a film. The apparatus comprises a light source; a pocket including a main body having a space for containing the cartridge in the main body and a window for exposing the film information of the cartridge contained in the space to outside, and a support unit for movably supporting the main body in a direction of varying the stages of the film information; an actuator for moving the main body of the pocket; and a reading mechanism for detecting light emitted from the light source, and reflected at an area of the film information through the window. The film information such as bar codes provided in two or more stages on the outer surface of the cartridge can be automatically read by one sensor, so that labor saving and downsizing of the apparatus can be achieved.

Abstract: The leader attached to a web of film is cut from the film while processing the film in a photographic processing machine. Before feeding the film to the printing unit, the leader is separated from the film. At a turning point where the film feed direction extending from the film drying unit to the printing unit changes, the film is fed straight ahead and the leader is cut off the film by a cutter. The film is fed back in a reverse direction and its end is turned up by a guide. When the printing unit gets vacant, the film without the leader is fed into the printing unit.

Abstract: The films are developed and printed continuously and automatically even if the film feed direction in the film processor and the one in the printer are not in the same vertical plane. A film stocking unit is provided downstream of the film driving unit. The film stocking unit is movable to a position aligned with the film feed path extending to the printing unit. This increases the freedom or flexibility in arranging the film processor and the printer.