Abstract: An accessory attachable to an image pickup apparatus through an adapter includes a body portion configured to contact the adapter, a screw engageable with a screw hole in the image pickup apparatus through a through-hole formed in the adapter, an operation unit configured to move the screw relative to the body portion. The screw is movable in a plurality of directions including a direction along an optical axis of the image pickup apparatus and a direction orthogonal to the optical axis in accordance with an operation of the operation unit by a user.

Abstract: A method of loading a film assembly comprising a first film container (13) which may be a conventional film cassette and an additional film container (15, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) having a length of film wound in one of the containers and extending to the other, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a coiled length of film which may be a bulk roll (52) and attaching a free end to a film winding tool (34); (b) rotating the film winding tool (34) to wind the film into a coil about the tool (34); (c) before or after step (b), enclosing the coil in the additional film container (15, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502) so that the film extends through a film slot thereof, and removing the film winding tool (34). The invention also resides in a film container for use in the method, and in an assembly so formed.

Abstract: In a film extraction apparatus, a flexible stripper blade tongue is held in a relaxed condition with the tongue extending downwardly of the blade by a natural curvature in the tongue near the tongue's juncture with the remainder of the blade. Inducing stress in the blade to create a slight degree of curvature of the tongue forces the tongue into a longitudinally straight and stiffened condition allowing the tongue to be driven through the cartridge mouth. Relaxation of the stress on the blade returns the tongue into its normal, downwardly-extending condition with the end of the tongue resting on the outer layer of the film irrespective of the roll diameter. Presence of the stripper blade upper surface across the gap between the cartridge mouth and a following film channel serves to guide the film into the film channel during the film extraction procedure.

Abstract: A lock device is provided for locking an accessory-grip to a camera body. A lock lever is movably supported by a housing. The lock lever is moved and can be stopped at a lock position, a partial release position, and a complete release position. First and second connecting members are movably supported by the housing, and can be displaced in association with the lock lever. When the lock lever is positioned at the lock position, the first and second connecting members are engaged with the camera body. When the lock lever is positioned at the partial release position, the first connecting member is released from the camera body and the second connecting member maintains the engaged state.

Abstract: A camera opening device for use with a single-use camera having an exposure button and a canister containing a film therein includes a base, a winding portion disposed in the base and which winds the film into the canister, and at least one of an end opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove an end of the canister; and a bottom opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove a bottom portion of the camera. The winding portion may have a winding receptacle dimensioned and disposed to receive the camera, an exposure button pressing device an interlock switch which detects if the exposure button is pressed, a winding switch, a motorized wheel, and a camera winding holding device.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: An interface control assembly for a one-time-use camera having a recording device includes a controller for receiving and storing photofinishing information and a communication device that transfers the information from the controller to the recording device of the camera to cause the information to be written on a filmstrip. The photography arrangement includes a one-time-use camera as well as the interface control arrangement. This permits the one-time-use camera to be customized with a magnetic recording on the film while providing the expensive components involved in magnetic recording on the film outside of the camera.

Abstract: In a film camera production method, a leading portion of a filmstrip is draped across a midsection of a camera frame. The camera frame has a film roll chamber joined to the midsection. A free end of the leading portion is lodged in the film roll chamber and a retention zone of the filmstrip is placed in engagement with a retention structure mounted to the frame. The retention zone adjoins the free end. The retention structure is fixed in position on the frame. The engagement of the retention zone and retention structure locks the leading portion against longitudinal travel toward the film roll chamber. The frame is transported and, during the transporting, the engagement of the retention zone and retention structure is maintained. Following the transporting, the retention zone is pulled off the retention structure.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: In a camera frame assembly, a frame includes a film return chamber, a film roll chamber spaced apart from the film return chamber, and a midsection extending between the chambers. The midsection has a pair of film guide surfaces that define a film path between the chambers. A holdfast is joined in fixed relation to the midsection adjacent the film roll chamber. The holdfast extends outward from the midsection toward the film path. The holdfast is fully outside the film path. A film unit has a film holder and a filmstrip. The film holder is seated in the film return chamber. The filmstrip has a leading portion having a free end and a grip adjoining the free end. The filmstrip has a main portion adjoining the leading portion. The filmstrip is movable between a first position in which the grip engages the holdfast and a second position in which the main portion occupies the film path and extends from one of the chambers to the other.

Abstract: A partially assembled one-time-use camera includes a film section that longitudinally extends from a rotatable film winding spool in a film cartridge and that is engaged with a rotatable metering sprocket, and a separate rear cover part that is to be placed over the film section and the film cartridge and is constructed to prevent the film section from retracting out of engagement with the metering sprocket. The film winding spool is rotatable in a film winding direction to wind the film section into the film cartridge. If the film cartridge is allowed to rotate in the film winding direction before the rear cover is placed over the film section and the film cartridge, the film section will retract out of engagement with the metering sprocket. Consequently, a cartridge retention piece is positioned against the film cartridge to prevent the film cartridge from being rotated in the film winding direction.

Abstract: A lock device is provided for locking an accessory-grip to a camera body. A lock lever is movably supported by a housing. The lock lever is moved and can be stopped at a lock position, a partial release position, and a complete release position. First and second connecting members are movably supported by the housing, and can be displaced in association with the lock lever. When the lock lever is positioned at the lock position, the first and second connecting members are engaged with the camera body. When the lock lever is positioned at the partial release position, the first connecting member is released from the camera body and the second connecting member maintains the engaged state.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: A camera opening device for use with a single-use camera having an exposure button and a canister containing a film therein includes a base, a winding portion disposed in the base and which winds the film into the canister, and at least one of an end opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove an end of the canister; and a bottom opening portion disposed in the base and which can remove a bottom portion of the camera. The winding portion may have a winding receptacle dimensioned and disposed to receive the camera, an exposure button pressing device an interlock switch which detects if the exposure button is pressed, a winding switch, a motorized wheel, and a camera winding holding device.

Abstract: A photograph film container (2, 102, 202) has a housing (4, 104, 204) defining an elongate film slot through which, in use, the film may extend, and an aperture (13, 15; 113, 115; 213, 215) for insertion of a film-winding tool (42), the aperture (13, 15; 113, 115; 213, 215) being closed by a resiliently biased movable shutter plate (28).

Abstract: An interface control assembly for a one-time-use camera having a recording device includes a controller for receiving and storing photofinishing information and a communication device that transfers the information from the controller to the recording device of the camera to cause the information to be written on a filmstrip. The photography arrangement includes a one-time-use camera as well as the interface control arrangement. This permits the one-time-use camera to be customized with a magnetic recording on the film while providing the expensive components involved in magnetic recording on the film outside of the camera.

Abstract: A film back exchangeable camera has a camera body and a film back that can be attached to and detached from the camera body.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for loading a disposable camera with a photographic film, a film unwinding and film insertion device (8) is provided for unwinding a predetermined film length from a film cartridge (203) of a film unit (2; 2′ etc.) to form a film supply roll (202) and for inserting the film cartridge and the film supply roll in a film supply chamber (102) or film cartridge chamber (104) of a camera fabrication unit (KU; KU′ etc.

Abstract: In a method for loading a camera frame assembly having an flash circuit powered by a battery, a battery is placed in a battery compartment of a camera frame assembly. Film is scrolled in the camera frame assembly. The scrolling generates a static charge on the camera frame assembly. The static charge is dissipated. During the scrolling and dissipating, the battery is retained within the battery compartment, but is isolated from the flash circuit. Following the dissipating, electrically conductive contact is established between the battery and the flash circuit.

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 motor drive device capable of being connected with a camera body includes a communication line for communicating information on an operation mode of the motor drive device from the camera body to the motor drive device, a switch connected in series with the communication line and arranged to be closed when a battery connected to the motor drive device is a specific type of battery, and a control circuit which controls the motor drive device to operate in an operation mode based on the information on the operation mode communicated from the camera body when the switch is closed and to operate in a predetermined operation mode when the switch is opened.

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: Apparatus (10; 800) is disclosed for loading a camera (106) of a type including an external housing (320) having at least one movable closure (322, 324) which, in an open position of the closure, enables a discrete filmstrip (332) to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera; the camera further including a memory feature (344) for storing and communicating information, the apparatus including a frame (40-50); a station (14, 138, 142; 804) to support a camera to be loaded; a source (150, 168) supported by the frame for unexposed photographic film; a film loading member (522) supported by the frame and extended between the source and the station for guiding film from the source to a camera; a mechanism (176, 246, 248) for driving film from the source, via the film loading member, and to a camera; a customer interface (18-30) supported by the frame for inputting at least one signal about a desired manner of photo-finishing; and means (212, 348) responsive to the at least one signal for communicati

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: Apparatus (10; 800) is disclosed for loading of film into a photographic camera (106), the camera including an external housing (320) having at least one movable closure (322, 324) which, in an open position of the closure, enables a discrete filmstrip (332) to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera; the camera further including a memory feature (344) for storing and communicating information about at least one type of film appropriate for the camera, the apparatus including a frame (40-50); a station (14, 138, 142; 804) supported by the frame for a camera to be loaded; means (109, 148) supported by said frame for communicating with a camera to receive from the camera a first signal corresponding to a type of film appropriate for the camera; a source (150, 168) supported by the frame for unexposed photographic film, the source including at least one type of unexposed photographic film; a film loading member (522) supported by the frame and extended between the source and the station for guid

Abstract: Apparatus (10; 800) is disclosed for loading film into a photographic camera (106), the camera including an external housing (320) having at least one movable closure (322, 324) which, in an open position of the closure, enables a discrete filmstrip (332) to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera, the apparatus including a frame (40-50); a station (14, 138, 142; 804) supported by the frame for a camera to be loaded; a customer interface (18-30) supported by the frame for inputting a first signal corresponding to a type of film desired for a camera; a source (150, 168) supported by the frame for unexposed photographic film, the source including at least one type of unexposed photographic film; a film loading member (522) supported by the frame and extended between the source and the station for guiding film from the source into a camera at the station; a mechanism (176, 246, 248) supported by the frame for driving film from the source, via the film loading member, and to a camera at the stati

Abstract: A method for forming a film scroll and assembling the film scroll into a non-lighttight camera body begins in a darkroom by winding a filmstrip into a film feed roll from a filmstrip source, such as a stockroll onto a winding quill after attaching a formed leading portion thereto. According to the present invention, an outer end of the film feed roll is attached to a film spool of a film cartridge to form a prewound scroll and cartridge assembly for loading into respective chambers of the non-lighttight camera body section. A cover is then fixed to the camera body section to make the camera lighttight.

Abstract: Apparatus (10, 800) is disclosed for loading film into and vending photographic cameras (106), the cameras including an external housing (320) having at least one movable closure (322, 324) which, in an open position of the closure, enables a discrete filmstrip (332) to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera, the apparatus including a frame (40-50); a station (14, 138, 142; 804) to support a camera to be loaded, or unloaded, or vended; a first source (60; 826) supported by said frame for a plurality of cameras to be loaded, or vended, or both; a guide (66; 806) for moving a camera from the first source to the station; a second source (150, 168) supported by the frame for at least one type of unexposed photographic film; a film loading member (522) supported by the frame and extended between the second source and the station for guiding film from the second source to a camera; and a mechanism (176, 246, 248) supported by the frame for driving film from the second source, via the film loading

Abstract: A one-time-use camera comprising a film cartridge, a filmstrip that has been prewound from the film cartridge into an unexposed film roll, and a film winding device rotatable to wind successive exposed sections of the filmstrip into the film cartridge, is characterized in that a film winding motor is supported for movement to have respective separate positions in the camera not engaged with the film winding device, to permit the filmstrip to be prewound from the film cartridge into the unexposed film roll, and engaged with the film winding device, for rotating the film winding device to wind each exposed section of the filmstrip into the film cartridge.

Abstract: A camera to be used with a film advance motor and/or a self timer, comprising a main body part having an engageable portion, and a single-piece multi-adapter fixture having an engageable portion constructed to be connected with the engageable portion of the main body part to secure the single-piece multi-adapter fixture to the main body part, having another separate portion constructed to hold the film advance motor, and having another separate portion constructed to hold the self timer, in order to support the film advance motor and/or the self timer on the main body part to permit the camera to be used either with the film advance motor or the self timer or with the film advance motor and the self timer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a film cartridge in a camera frame having a cartridge chamber, a supply chamber, and a thumbwheel extending into the cartridge chamber. The film cartridge has a case, an internal spool, and a filmstrip attached to the spool. In the method, the film cartridge is positioned in the cartridge chamber with the spool axially adjoining the thumbwheel. A quill is placed in axial proximity to the spool of the film cartridge, opposite said thumbwheel. The quill is turned in a rewind direction for the spool. Rotating of the spool in the rewind direction is deterred. During the turning, the quill is urged into axial engagement with the spool and the spool is urged into axial engagement with the thumbwheel. Following the urging, a leading portion of the filmstrip is thrust out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A take-up shaft is adapted to taking up photo film from a photo film cassette having the photo film, and particularly used in a lens-fitted photo film unit. The photo film cassette includes a cassette spool on which the photo film is wound in a roll form. A cassette shell contains the cassette spool in rotatable fashion. The take-up shaft has a shaft body (46, 53, 72, 81) having a substantially cylindrical shape. A nip device (47, 52, 73) is disposed inside the shaft body, and nips a leader (26b) in removable fashion. The shaft body is rotated with the leader, to wind the photo film in a roll form (26a). At least one curved face (46c, 53c, 57b, 62b, 64c, 72a, 81a) is formed between the inside of the shaft body and a cylindrical face of the shaft body and at a radius of curvature 0.4-0.85 time as long as a radius of the shaft body, and prevents the leader secured to the shaft body from being sharply bent.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for loading and unloading a discrete film strip into or from a film guide track (566) extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564) within a camera (426), the camera being of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to the film guide track and the film having opposing longitudinal edges. The apparatus may include a frame (320, 352); a device (324-334, 348-356) supported by the frame for defining a first pair of opposed guide slots (336, 338) for receiving the longitudinal edges as the film is driven into the camera; and a device (370, 372, 378) supported by the frame for guiding the film from or to the first guide slots into or from the film guide track.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for loading and unloading a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera, the guide track extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564), the apparatus including a light tight housing (12, 14, 18); a source (24) for unexposed photographic film positioned within the light tight housing; a nest (74) for receiving a camera within the light tight housing; film loading device (72) extending between the source and the nest for guiding film from the source into the film guide track within the camera; a film unloading device ((82) for guiding film from the camera; a cutter (84) for cutting exposed film unloaded from the camera; a device (292, 708, 710, 878) for driving film from the source, along the loading device and into the camera; and a device (584, 602, 708, 710, 874) for driving film from the camera along the unloading means to th

Abstract: In a camera dedicated to a film feed type Patrone, one end of a spool axis of the Patrone or of an axis coupled with the spool axis is bared on the outer surface of the camera so that the spool axis can be driven externally. Bared contacts are provided to externally detect conditions within the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus (610) is disclosed for opening and closing a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a slidable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera, the closure including an externally accessible slot (636), the guide track extending between an unexposed film chamber (562) and an exposed film chamber (564). The apparatus may include a frame (12); a nest (74) supported on the frame for receiving a camera; and a door opening mechanism (612-646) supported by the frame, the mechanism including a member (632, 634) for engaging the slot and an actuator (616, 628) for moving the member to open the closure.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for loading a photographic camera (426) of a type including an external housing (428, 478) having a movable closure (484) giving access to a film guide track (566) within the camera; an externally accessible device (476, 508, 526, 530) for moving film within the camera; a counterwheel (500), operatively connected to the means for moving, for counting a number of frames exposed during use of the camera, the counterwheel having a feature (676, 676a, 676b, 676c) optically detectable when illuminated; and a window (501) in the housing for external viewing of the feature.

Abstract: A camera comprises a chamber for receiving a film cartridge that contains a film spool having a spool end which is exposed to allow it to be engaged for rotation to wind a filmstrip into the cartridge, and a door for the chamber that covers the spool end. The door has a normally light-tight access opening arranged to be located over the spool end to permit a spool driver to be inserted through the access opening to engage the spool end for rotation to wind the filmstrip into the cartridge without having to open the door.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a camera having a lighttight body compartment for retaining a film cassette having a film spool, in which the lighttight body compartment includes a detachable portion. The apparatus includes a sensing member for sensing the camera as it is attached to the apparatus, a spool driving element for engaging an exposed spool end of a cassette film spool, and a pair of pin members which engage and release the detachable portion of the camera body. According to the present invention, a control module automatically controls the action of a drive motor to cause the spool driver to engage the film spool end to wind the film into the cassette. After a predetermined time period has elapsed insuring all of the film is wound, the detachable portion of the camera body is automatically removed by engagement of the pin members and the film cassette is removed from the camera body.