Camera with external combined crank and key for film pre-winding and limiting removal and reloading of film and method of accomplishing same

Abstract

A camera having means for pre-winding unexposed film, in non-darkroom conditions from a film cartridge to a take up spool and limiting removal and replacement of the film cartridge to those designated to do. A latching member includes a pair of slots structured to slidingly engage a pair of guide pins disposed on the main body side wall and a pair of hooks structured to matingly engage a pair of hooks extending out from the rear door to prevent the camera door from being opened. A pair of outwardly biased locking pins, extending out from the main body side wall, are structured for movement from a first extended position, wherein the pins extend through a pair of corresponding holes in the latching member, thereby retaining the latching member in a first upper, locking position, to a second depressed position, wherein the latching member may be slid downward to a second lower, unlocking position, thereby permitting the rear door to be opened. An external tool includes a pair of pins structured to depress the locking pins into the second depressed position so that the latching member may be slid into the lower position, and a generally circular-shaped rim, with at least one inwardly disposed tab, extending out from its bottom face, structured to mate with a corresponding shaped structure on the outer end of the take-up spool to facilitate the pre-winding of the unexposed film.