Abstract: A cartridge loading chamber for IX 240 type cartridge (so-called APS cartridge) usually has a bottom lid. A lid of the invention has a function for detecting whether the cartridge exists in the cartridge loading chamber by installing a detecting mechanism on the lid which includes a projection member spring-biased and a electric switch made of a pair of metal leaves capable of switching on/off in association with movement of the projection member made by being pushed by the bottom of the cartridge when the lid is closed.

Abstract: An underwater housing has a shell having inside and outside surfaces and an opening extending between the surfaces. An actuator is disposed in the opening. The actuator has an outer member disposed external to the opening and an inner member disposed internal to the opening. The actuator has a torsion bar joining the members to the shell. The members are pivotable about an axis through the torsion bar, between an initial orientation and a pivoted orientation. The torsion bar is relaxed when the members are in the initial orientation and tensioned when the members are in the pivoted orientation. A facing is united with the shell and the actuator. The facing seals the opening.

Abstract: A specification-variable camera comprises a plurality of switches. A specification-change member renders a predetermined combination of the plurality of switches conductive. An operation member is used to select a mode of the camera. A detection switch serves to detect an operation on the operation member. A control means is compatible with a plurality of specifications. The control means sets a mode of the camera in correspondence with conducting states of the switches, when an output is supplied from the detection switch. The specification of the camera is changed by changing the combination of the conducting states of the switches.

Abstract: There is provided a camera including a camera body having an inner space, a cover mounted to said camera body to open and close said inner space, and an operation member movably mounted to said cover. The operation member is manually operable from outside said camera. The camera further includes at least one switch provided in said camera body, and a motion transmitting mechanism provided between the at least one switch and the operation member. The motion transmitting mechanism is provided to the camera such that it switches a status of the at least one switch in response to an operation of said operation member.

Abstract: A compact camera has a camera case that covers up more than half of a camera body in a resting position where the camera case covers a taking lens, a flash projector, a battery chamber and a cartridge chamber. By sliding the camera case to a working position uncovering the taking lens and the flash projector, the flash projector springs up to a flashing position, and a main switch is turned on. Then, a lens barrel is protruded out of the camera body. Locking mechanisms are provided to stop the camera case at the working position. The camera case is allowed to move from the working position to the resting position by stowing the flash projector into the camera body. The camera case is allowed to move from the working position in an uncoving direction by operating a knob that is mounted in a room provided inside the battery chamber. The battery chamber is located behind the flash projector in the stowed position, and a battery chamber lid and the flash projecotr are mounted rotatable about the same axis.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body pre-loaded with photo film. A flash unit is secured to the main body, and emits flash light to a photographic field. An exposure opening is formed in the main body, and introduces light from the photographic field to the photo film. A shutter mechanism is secured to the main body, and opens and closes the exposure opening. A charger switch causes the flash unit to store charge upon being turned on. A changeover plate with a small diameter opening is movable to first and second set positions, and stops down the exposure opening when in the first set position. One end of the changeover plate allows turning on and off the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the first set position, and forcibly turns on the charger switch when the changeover plate is in the second set position.

Abstract: A camera of the kind using a cartridge with the cartridge accommodated inside a cartridge chamber is required to ensure that the lid of the cartridge chamber is openable only when film has been rewound into the cartridge. To meet this requirement, there is a known method for unlocking the cartridge chamber lid only when the film has been rewound. However, in the event of some accident, it might become impossible to rewind the film to make the cartridge chamber lid no longer unlockable. To solve this problem, a camera according to the invention disclosed is arranged to make the cartridge chamber lid unlockable in response to a specific operation performed differently from an ordinary photo-taking operation.

Abstract: A camera is provided which enables the selection of a plurality of specifications in a simple structure and by a simple method. A first contact pattern, a second contact pattern, and a third contact pattern are provided at different positions, respectively. The mode of the camera can be optionally selected out of a derivative mode switch having a first mode setting button which enables conduction of the first contact pattern and the second contact pattern, and a derivative mode switch having a first mode setting button which enables conduction of the first contact pattern and the third contact pattern.

Abstract: A camera has a shutter release button that is depressible to initiate picture-taking, and a self-timer for automatically initiating picture-taking after a predetermined interval of time has elapsed. The self-timer is a flexible resilient diaphragm or thin disk to be manually deformable from a normal state to a deformed state and to have the capability of automatically returning to the normal state from the deformed state after the predetermined interval of time has elapsed. A support in the vicinity of the shutter release button is constructed to receive the self-timer in the deformed state in order to position the self-timer raised from the shutter release button, but to permit the self-timer to automatically return to the normal state after the predetermined interval of time has elapsed in order to depress the shutter release button to initiate picture taking. The self-timer can be removed from the support in order to use the shutter release button without the self-timer or to reuse the self-timer.

Abstract: A slide cover is movably attached to a camera body. The slide cover is moved to a photographing position when a picture is taken. At the time of photographing, the slide cover is utilized as a right-hand grip. A rear face of the slide cover is provided with a zoom operating member which is swingable around a horizontal shaft. An upper side of the zoom operating member is a telephoto operating portion, and a lower side thereof is a wide-angle operating portion. The telephoto operating portion and the wide-angle operating potion are vertically arranged so as to be perpendicular to a moving direction of the slide cover.

Abstract: A shutter release member is rotatably coupled to a lens holder covering member. When a shutter button is depressed, a lever is rotated in counterclockwise direction, so the electrical contact assembly is also rotated. The movement of the electrical contact assembly is larger than that of the shutter button. Then, third and fourth electrical contact arms come in contact with fourth and fifth electrical contact pads, by which red-eye reduction device is activated. Concurrently, a shutter actuation lever is moved to activate a shutter mechanism for carry out an exposure. When an external force applied to the shutter button is weakened, the shutter actuation lever returns back to initial position by a bias of a biasing plate. A sixth electrical contact arm is moved to come in contact with a third electrical contact again, so a film winding mechanism is activated to feed a photo filmstrip by one frame.

Abstract: A decorative frame that may be made of metal is arranged at the periphery of a manual operation button, and the manual operation button with decorative frame are designed so that they may be fixedly attached to the exterior cover of a camera body within an opening in the cover.

Abstract: A camera having a control dial/display panel unit includes a ring member which can be manually rotated about a first axis; a display panel which is surrounded by the ring member so as to be viewed through an aperture of the ring member from outside the camera; a rotational member which is rotatable about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis; a transmission device for transmitting the rotation of the ring member to the rotational member; a detection device which is disposed on the rotational member to detect rotation information of the rotational member; and a controller which determines rotation information of the ring member via the rotation information of the rotational member, which is detected by the detection device, to indicate information corresponding to the rotation information of the ring member on the display panel.

Abstract: A belt clip is suitable for use with a camera that includes a pair of front and rear cover parts, a main body part between the front and rear cover parts, and a particular device on the main body part that needs electrical energy to be able to operate and has a power switch with a movable switch element that is moved to change the power switch from a normal state to a working state in order to provide electrical energy to the device. The belt clip has a clip portion for holding one's belt between the clip portion and the rear cover part, an actuating portion for moving the movable switch element to change the power switch from its normal to working state, and an intermediate portion between the clip and actuating portions.

Abstract: A camera comprising a particular device such as an electronic flash that needs electrical energy to be able to operate and has a power switch capable of being changed from a normal state to a working state in order to provide electrical energy to the device, and an activating member supported to be manually moved to change the power switch from its normal to working state, is characterized in that the activating member is a belt clip constructed to be placed on and removed from one's belt and supported to be pivoted against the power switch to change the power switch from its normal to working state as the belt clip is removed from one's belt, whereby when the belt clip is removed from one's belt the device will be made ready to operate.

Abstract: In a finder apparatus, a diopter adjusting knob for driving an eyepiece back and forth is supported by a shaft portion of a main body. A plurality of V-shaped ratcheting grooves are disposed in a direction orthogonal to a parting line caused by molding under the shaft portion of the main body. The diopter adjusting knob is ratchetingly adjusted when a ball supported on a diopter adjusting knob slides in contact with the V-shaped grooves. The main body can be molded using simple dies without slides because the V-shaped grooves are orthogonal to the parting line.

Abstract: A zoom lens decode control includes a circuit board, the circuit board having a first annular contact circuit, a second annular contact circuit and an annular counting circuit concentrically arranged around an axle hole thereof, the annular counting circuit having radially extended protruding counting tips, and an electric brush adapted to be rotated with a gear and moved over the circuit board, the electric brush having three protruded contacts adapted to contact the first annular contact circuit, the second annular contact circuit and the counting tips of the counting circuit for causing a microprocessor to control the angle and direction of rotation of a zoom lens control motor subject to the amount and direction of the rotary motion of the gear.

Abstract: A camera adapted to APS is equipped with an optical zooming feature and a feature of entering a demand of electronic zooming by which information regarding a zooming ratio readable to make a print from a frame of a negative film at a print magnification corresponding to a demanded zooming ratio by a printer is recorded on the film loaded therein.

Abstract: An electronic flash unit includes a flash circuit board, an illumination-producing flash tube having two opposite end electrodes, respective electrical conductors contacting the opposite end electrodes to electrically connect them to the flash circuit board, an energy-storing capacitor electrically connected to the flash circuit board and chargeable to a storage capacity sufficient to cause the flash tube to provide illumination, and a flash charge switch which when manually closed permits the capacitor to be charged. The flash charge switch has a movable closing-switch element that forms an integral single piece with one of the electrical conductors contacting the opposite end electrodes of the flash tube.

Abstract: A camera has a main module and a lens movement control. The lens movement control has opposed front and rear grip surfaces that are disposed adjacent respective front and rear faces of the main module. The grip surfaces are pivotable relative to the main module from a neutral position to opposed first and second pivoted positions. A lens system is joined to the main module. The lens system has a driver and a movable lens element connected to the driver. The driver extends and retracts the movable lens element, relative to the main module, during the pivoting of the lens movement control to the first and second pivoted positions, respectively.

Abstract: An operation button comprises a button body swingably attached to a recess of a portable apparatus. The button body has a conical shape and is uniformly urged toward the recess by arm portions of a leaf spring. The button body is kept in a neutral position where a bottom edge of the button body abuts on the bottom of the recess and the button body does not incline. When the operation button is depressed, the button body is swung in a state that the bottom edge thereof is a fulcrum. Upon this, contact points formed on a printed circuit board is short-circuited. The arm portion corresponding to the depressed position urges a button cover in a direction separating from the recess. At the same time, a position of the button body opposite to the depressed position is urged toward the recess by the other arm portion. When the operation button is stopped to be depressed, it is speedily returned to the neutral position owing to synergism of the arm portions.

Abstract: A waterproof camera includes a camera body having an actuation member that actuates an internal mechanism when pressed. A waterproof case is arranged to contain the camera body in a watertight fashion, with an opening arranged to face the actuation member and a stepped portion around the opening on an inside wall of the waterproof case. A resilient operation member having a button portion exposed to the outside through the opening has a mounting portion which fits on the stepped portion around the opening. The operation member can be resiliently deformed to press the actuation member when the button portion is depressed. A supporting member pushes the mounting portion against the stepped portion from inside the waterproof case, so as to secure the operation member. In one embodiment, the supporting member is fixed on the camera body.

Abstract: A camera with a magnetic recording device that may record optional data on a magnetic recording layer of a photo filmstrip while the photo filmstrip is advanced by one frame after each exposure. The optional data is print number data designating the number of copies to print from a picture frame and/or caption data designating a content and a language of a caption to print with a picture frame. The optional data is selectable by photographers for each picture frame by operating a multi-operation button when the camera is put in a mode set-up standby stage upon a shift switch being turned on by pushing a shift button. The multi-operation button is virtually divided into four sections. The camera is put in a print number setting mode when one of the sections that is provided with a mark indicating the print number setting mode, is pressed in the mode set-up standby stage.

Abstract: A decorative frame that may be made of metal is arranged at the periphery of a manual operation button, and the manual operation button with decorative frame are designed so that they may be fixedly attached to the exterior cover of a camera body within an opening in the cover.

Abstract: A camera having a rear cover with an operation member thereon, includes an electrical signal generation device and a mechanical operation device, provided in a camera body; a movable common operation member provided on the rear cover of the camera to actuate the electrical signal generation device and the mechanical operation device; a movable association member in the camera body, which is moved in accordance with the movement of the common operation member when the rear cover is closed, to actuate both the electrical signal generation device and the mechanical operation device; a biasing member on the rear cover, for holding the common operation member at a predetermined position when the rear cover is opened, regardless of the position of the common operation member when the rear cover has been closed; and a biasing member on the camera body, for holding the association member at a predetermined position when the rear cover is opened, regardless of the position of the common operation member when the rear

Abstract: A camera having a control dial/display panel unit includes a ring member which can be manually rotated about a first axis; a display panel which is surrounded by the ring member so as to be viewed through an aperture of the ring member from outside the camera; a rotational member which is rotatable about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis; a transmission device for transmitting the rotation of the ring member to the rotational member; a detection device which is disposed on the rotational member to detect rotation information of the rotational member; and a controller which determines rotation information of the ring member via the rotation information of the rotational member, which is detected by the detection device, to indicate information corresponding to the rotation information of the ring member on the display panel.

Abstract: An operation device of a camera includes an indication member comprising a plurality of characters, an operation member which is movable relative to the indication member and includes an index mark for pointing at one of the plurality of characters when the operation member stops at a corresponding stop position thereof; and an illuminating device which illuminates at least one of the plurality of characters at which the index mark points. Also disclosed is a control device for controlling the illuminating device to be turned ON and OFF in a predetermined particular pattern immediately after the power of the camera is turned ON, wherein the control device does not turn the illuminating device ON and OFF in the predetermined particular pattern thereafter, in a power-ON state of the camera.

Abstract: In a film unit, a charge operation member is held on a fron side of a guide member to be slidable between an ON position to turn on a flash charge switch of a built-in flash device and an OFF position to turn off the flash charge switch. The guide member is mounted stationarily to a front side of a flash circuit board of the flash device. Joints between front and rear cover of the film unit are set away from those circuit portions of the flash device where high voltage current flows. The flash charge switch is constituted of a metal contact blade and contact chips provided on the flash circuit board. The metal contact blade is bent roundly at a base portion of a pair of resilient arms. The charge operation member keeps on pressing the arms onto the contact chips in the ON position. The flash device charges a main capacitor while the flash charge switch is on, and automatically stops charging when the charge voltage goes above a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A shutter release member is rotatably coupled to a lens holder covering member. When a shutter button is depressed, a lever is rotated in counterclockwise direction, so the electrical contact assembly is also rotated. The movement of the electrical contact assembly is larger than that of the shutter button. Then, third and fourth electrical contact arms come in contact with fourth and fifth electrical contact pads, by which red-eye reduction device is activated. Concurrently, a shutter actuation lever is moved to activate a shutter mechanism for carry out an exposure. When an external force applied to the shutter button is weakened, the shutter actuation lever returns back to initial position by a bias of a biasing plate. A sixth electrical contact arm is moved to come in contact with a third electrical contact again, so a film winding mechanism is activated to feed a photo filmstrip by one frame.

Abstract: A cartridge loading chamber for IX 240 type cartridge (so-called APS cartridge) usually has a bottom lid. A lid of the invention has a function for detecting whether the cartridge exists in the cartridge loading chamber by installing a detecting mechanism on the lid which includes a projection member spring-biased and a electric switch made of a pair of metal leaves capable of switching on/off in association with movement of the projection member made by being pushed by the bottom of the cartridge when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having setting means for setting mutually contradictory functions, wherein the setting means comprises a pair of operation buttons, and the operation buttons are disposed on opposing surfaces of the body of the portable apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: A camera, including a body, a lens barrel has a rotating ring, a rotational position detector, a character memory and a character information recorder. The rotating ring is rotatably provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel. The rotational position detector detects a rotational position of the rotating ring. Character information, associated with the object image and defined on the basis of the plurality of characters, is set by an operator. The character information recorder selectively reads characters, corresponding to the character information, from the plurality of characters stored in said character memory, and records the character information in the recording medium as additional data. Then, the rotating ring operates as a device for setting the character information. The character information to be recorded in a recording medium is set in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating ring.

Abstract: In a camera, a shutter release button is arranged on one surface on the top side of the external housing of the camera and a zoom operating button is arranged on a second surface, which is formed as a step relative to the first surface.

Abstract: A flash camera has an extendable arm mechanically coupled to a flash on/off switch. The arm extends from the camera body when the switch is on the “on” position, and automatically retracts and returns the switch to the “off” position if the extended arm is bumped or touched. The arm also serves to provide a visual indication that the flash switch is in the “on” position.

Abstract: A protective cover has an arm extending toward a flash switch operation member, and a cam follower pin is formed on a free end of the arm. A flash switch knob, a shifting cam groove and a locking cam groove are formed integrally on a switch plate. When the protective cover is opened, the cam follower pin slides along the shifting cam groove, causing the flash switch knob to move to an ON position, turning on a flash switch of a flash device. In the open position of the protective cover, the cam follower pin is disengaged from the shifting cam groove, allowing the flash switch knob to move to an OFF position. When the protective cover is closed while the flash operation member is in the ON position, the cam follower pin slides along the shifting cam groove into a locking cam groove, causing the flash switch knob to move to the OFF position. While the cam follower pin is in the locking cam groove, the flash switch knob is locked in the OFF position.

Abstract: A cartridge is disposed in a chamber of a cartridge receiving apparatus. An actuating member on the apparatus is moveable a first increment to initiate an apparatus operation and moveable a second increment. A latch is positioned to prevent the actuating member from being moved the second increment after it is moved the first increment. The actuating member is moved the second increment only when the cartridge is at least partially removed from the chamber. The cartridge receiving apparatus may further include a prevention member to prevent the chamber from receiving an exposed filmstrip.

Abstract: A water-resistant push button switch of a water-resistant apparatus, includes: an opening formed on a body wall of the water-resistant apparatus; a water-resistant elastic member for preventing water from entering inside the water-resistant apparatus through the opening; an operational member positioned on an outer side of the water-resistant elastic member so as to be movable with respect to the body wall; an intermediate member positioned on an inner side of the water-resistant elastic member so as to be movable with respect to the body wall, the intermediate member being pressed by the operational member via the water-resistant elastic member when the operational member is depressed; and a switch which is operated by being pressed by the intermediate member via the water-resistant elastic member upon the operational member being pressed.

Abstract: An operation apparatus for a water proof device includes an operation member which is rotatably or slidably supported on an outer surface of a water tight casing of a water proof device, a water tight transparent window formed in the casing that is covered by the operation member, a reflection type photocoupler provided inside the transparent window, and a reflection code pattern provided on the surface of the operation member that is opposed to the transparent window. The reflection code pattern is provided with different reflectances for light emitted from the light emitter of the photocoupler, so that the amount of light to be received by the light receiver of the photocoupler can be varied in accordance with the operation position of the operation member.

Abstract: A double dial mechanism for a camera includes two coaxially-arranged rotatable dials, and two dial rotational position detecting mechanisms. The two dial rotational position detecting mechanisms are respectively arranged at positions that differ in an axial direction and overlap in a radial direction.

Abstract: A camera comprising a manually actuatable operating button, an activatable light source located at the operating button to illuminate the operating button when the light source is activated, and a hand-pressure-responsive switch connected to the light source to be closed to activate the light source when one holds the camera, whereby the operating button can be seen in a darkened surrounding.

Abstract: A camera and method for controlling operation of the camera. The camera includes a film path for receiving a filmstrip and a transport mechanism for advancing the filmstrip along the film path. A motor connected to the transport mechanism is provided for advancing the filmstrip along the film path.

Abstract: A variable format camera comprising a front cover part having a particular-format viewfinder opening, and at least one other-format mask movable beneath the front cover part into alignment with the viewfinder opening to change the format of the view through the viewfinder opening to that of the mask and out of alignment with the viewfinder opening, is characterized in that a format-encodement-on-film switch is actuatable to provide a format encodement on a filmstrip in the camera; the mask has a switch actuator for actuating the encodement switch; and a rigid support for the switch actuator maintains a gap between the switch actuator and the encodement switch when the switch actuator does not actuate the encodement switch, to prevent the switch actuator from accidentally actuating the encodement switch because the front cover part is pressed inwardly.

Abstract: A group of two different variable format cameras comprise a viewfinder in each of the cameras; a single format mask supported for movement into and out of the viewfinder in one of the cameras, and an identical format mask supported for movement into and out of the viewfinder in the other camera; a format-encodement-on-film closeable switch in one of the cameras, and an identical switch in the other camera; and a closing actuator connected to the mask in one of the cameras to close the switch in that camera when the mask is moved into the viewfinder in that camera, and a different closing actuator connected to the mask in the other camera to close the switch in that camera when the mask is moved out of the viewfinder in that camera.

Abstract: A zoom camera has a push button switch that is constituted of a single disc virtually radially divided into sections, and switches disposed behind the sections one by one. The single disc is supported in a center such that the single disc tilts in a different direction when pushed at one of the sections, and returns to a horizontal state by a spring force. One of the switches is actuated to output a signal when a corresponding one of the sections is pushed. The push button switch doubles as a mode setting operation member and a zooming operation member. When the mode setting operation is designated by a manually operable switch, the signals from the switches are used for the mode setting. Otherwise, the signals from the switches are used for zooming.

Abstract: First and second dials are coaxially and rotatably supported by a boss formed on an outer cover. An encoding plate having an encoding pattern formed on each of its upper and lower surfaces is fixed to the lower surface of the outer cover. A first contact which slides on one of the encoding patterns interlocking with the first dial is provided on the upper surface of a dial holding plate attached to a lower end of a shaft of the first dial. A second contact which slides on the other encoding pattern interlocking with the second dial is provided on the lower surface of a protrusion provided on the lower surface of the second dial.

Abstract: A camera having a retractable lens barrel which can be fully received in the camera body when the camera is not in use, such that the portion of the lens barrel closest to the back of the camera, i.e., nearest the image plane, stops forward of the portion of the electric supply battery extending furthest from the side wall of the camera body to which the electric supply battery is adjacent. As a result, the height of the camera can be made smaller. Moreover, a mounting board, with a release switch formed thereon and activated by a release button operated by a user, is located above a motor which drives the lens barrel, such that the load on the mounting board, during the activation of the release switch by pressure of the release button, is supported by the motor, so that it is not necessary to dispose a separate support member in the camera body, and the size of the camera can be made smaller.

Abstract: A camera comprising a particular device (such as an electronic flash unit) that requires electrical energy to operate, a power switch capable of being changed from a normal state to a working state in order to provide electrical power to the device and biased to return to the normal state, and a protective cover (such as a lens cover) that changes the power switch from the normal state to the working state as the protective cover is moved from being closed to being open, is characterized in that the protective cover is supported for manual movement when open, without being moved to close, to change the power switch from the normal state to the working state when the power switch has returned to the normal state.

Abstract: A compact camera comprising a main body part, and a substantially flat flash circuit board, is characterized in that the flash circuit board has at least two separate flat board pieces, and the main body part has respective separate locations for each one of the separate pieces of the flash circuit board.

Abstract: A camera having an exposure system and including an electrical function board, such as a flash board, operatively coupled to the exposure system. A cover closely adjoins the electrical function board and has an opening that exposes a part of the board including a contact pad and a protruding subunit closely adjoins the contact pad. The opening has a rimless margin. An elastomeric button is disposed in the opening. The button has a bridge and a conductive puck connected to the bridge. The button is resiliently deformable from a non-actuated conformation, in which the puck is spaced apart from the contact pad, to an actuated conformation, in which the puck shorts the contact pad. The bridge overlies the protruding subunit in both conformations. The bridge has an excursion that is insufficient to substantially transmit force to the protruding subunit.

Abstract: A release switch apparatus having a release button which is supported in a camera body so as to move between an initial position and a specific operational position in which the release button is pushed down. The apparatus includes a light emitter provided in the release button or in the vicinity thereof and an emission controller for causing the light emitter to emit light when the release button is moved from the initial position. A light receiver is provided in the camera body or in the release button to receive light emitted from the light emitter, and a controller is provided which operates in response to the output to the light receiver.