Abstract: The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a front plate 12 fitted to an outer cylindrical surface of a lens barrel 5b and a rear plate 13 placed on the backside of a liquid crystal panel 7, and an accessory shoe 11 is fixed to a rib 12a formed on the top of the front plate 12 and a rib 13a formed on the top of the rear plate 13. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the strength of attachment of the accessory shoe 11. Therefore, even when an external device with a large weight such as a strobe device 51 is attached to the accessory shoe 11, it is possible to avoid deformation or damage to the accessory shoe 11.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a photographer to take images for a customer and provide those images to order servicing equipment with which the images are placed on-line for the customer to view. The customer may place orders for the images and products and services related to the images. The order servicing equipment may credit the photographer when the customer orders images, products, or services. Images may be manipulated before images, products, or services are ordered. Images may be taken using film-based cameras or digital image acquisition equipment. Image presentation options may be selected. Content may be appended to the images. Web sites and digital albums may be created using the images. The photographer may check the status of assignments that have been submitted to the order servicing equipment and may check on account status. Different rights levels may be established for different parties. Loyalty rewards may be awarded for frequent use of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a solution treatment unit for supplying a treatment solution to a substrate and treating the substrate inside an accommodating vessel, comprising a frame for having the accommodating vessel mounted therein. The accommodating vessel has a structure which enables it to be pulled out in a predetermined direction from the frame. Therefore, the accommodating vessel can be pulled out from the frame at the time of maintenance, which makes it possible to secure sufficient work space for performing the maintenance and to appropriately perform the maintenance operation.

Abstract: In a developing method for performing developing treatment of a substrate by supplying a developing solution onto a resist film formed on a surface of the substrate, the present invention controls a zeta potential of the surface of the substrate at a predetermined potential in the same polarity as that of a zeta potential of insoluble substances floating in the developing solution, thereby preventing or reducing the adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate. This remedies the occurrence of development defects. The adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate can also be prevented or inhibited by supplying an acid liquid to a liquid on the substrate, or controlling a pH value of the liquid on the substrate to control an absolute value of the zeta potential of the insoluble substances.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminium support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, at least one set of driving rollers, at least one guide roller or guide plate and means for providing direct electrical contact between the lithographic printing plate precursor and other electrically conducting surfaces in the apparatus which are in contact with the processing liquid. A method of processing a lithographic printing plate precursor using the apparatus is also disclosed. Undesirable electrochemical cell formation during processing, and the consequent deleterious effects on silver image formation, are prevented and subsequent problems with poor plate run length can therefore be avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test material storage and feed device with a light-proof container, into which either chemical film test strips, or pre-exposed photographic paper sections can be inserted. The container has a delivery mouth for taking the test strips or paper sections out of the container. A connecting device can be provided on the delivery mouth of the container which can be placed against a corresponding feed opening of a printer or a film processor, or can be inserted at least partially into the feed opening.

Abstract: An image read apparatus, which reads an image recorded on a film accommodated in a film cartridge having a disk for indicating a development status of the film, detects the development status of the film by using a sensor, and, if the development status detected by the sensor shows undeterminable or a undeveloped state, forcibly controls the disk of the film cartridge to show a developed state.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a processing assembly can interface paper in magazines or cassettes from external printers with a minilab printer so that the paper printed externally can be processed using the minilab's processor and the processor's replenishment system. The adapter which includes a light-tight feed slot is configured to receive a cassette thereon and the adapter can be mounted onto the processing assembly. When mounted on the processing assembly the adapter along with the feed slot forms a light-tight path from the cassette to the printer. Printer functions such as back-marking, printing, punching, etc. can be deactivated during use of the adapter, and photosensitive material which enters the printer through the feed-slot of the adapter will follow the printing path of the printer and thereby trigger checks which are utilized to control replenishment in the processor of the processing assembly.

Abstract: Minilab paper processors are known for giving an exposure to photographic paper, processing the exposed paper and then drying the paper to produce photographic prints corresponding to negative filmstrips. Such processors have a second entry slot to the processing stage thereof through which a test strip can be introduced for processing. Described herein is an adapter for utilizing the second entry slot to supply paper for processing in the processor which has been exposed in apparatus other than that processor. The adapter comprises an elongate portion, which engages with the second entry slot of the processor section, a central slot, and a recess, lined with velvet plush material to ensure that the connection is light-tight, for receiving a cassette containing a roll of previously exposed photographic paper. One end of the cassette has an elongate protrusion having a slot formed therein and through which the paper can pass.

Abstract: A method for processing a photosensitive material characterized in that an exposed photosensitive material is subjected to dip coating with a processing solution, according to which there are no problems encountered in plate making by the conventional dip developing method and coating developing method, rapid processing can be attained, maintenance is easy, less waste processing solution is produced, and lithographic printing plates on which uniform print images can be formed from the top end portion thereof by silver complex diffusion transfer process, and an apparatus used for the processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a photosensitive material includes a device to replenish a tablet of a solid processing agent into a processing tank in which a cross-section of the tablet is shaped in a circle. A container in which plural tablets are accommodated is detachably mounted on the device. The plural tablets are accommodated in such a manner that an outer circumference of each tablet is contacted with that of the others.

Abstract: A developing machine having a high durability at a high temperature even in the presence of a high concentration of the developing agent is provided. The developing machine has means for keeping the temperature of a color developer having a concentration of an aromatic primary amine developing agent of 0.15 to 0.50 mol/l in the range of 40.degree. to 50.degree. C., and the material for at least one of the developing tanks and the racks is a resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polymethylpentene resin, polyether ether ketone resin, polyalkylene terephthalate resin, polyether imide resin, polyether sulfone resin and polysulfone resin.