Photographic apparatus with improved control of camera vibration

Abstract

A photographic apparatus particularly suitable for the exposure and initiation of processing of a self-processing film unit includes a movable shuttle that is adapted to engage the film unit and advance the exposed film unit at least partially from its exposure position. A spring biases the shuttle towards a retracted position wherein a film engaging portion thereof is disposed to engage the film unit in its exposure position. After advancement of a foremost film unit from the exposure position a restraint supports the shuttle in an advanced position against the bias of the spring. The shuttle is releasable from the restraint in response to movement of a body release from an initial position to initiate exposure of the next succeeding film unit. The improved apparatus of the invention provides means responsive to movement of the body release means from its initial position for releasing the shuttle from the restraining means and for permitting the shuttle to translate only part of the distance towards its retracted position under the bias of the spring means and to translate the remainder of the distance towards its retracted position when the body release means returns to its initial position. In allowing the shuttle to translate the remainder of the distance to its retracted position only after the body release is allowed to return towards its initial position any shock or vibration created by the shuttle when reaching the retracted position will likely occur at a time subsequent to termination of the exposure of the film unit.