Patent ID: 6175690
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A camera comprising:a body;an electronic flash mounted within the body;a flash switch including a flash switch button on the body manually movable between on and off positions;an arm coupled to the switch and movable into and out of the body with movement of the switch between the off and on positions, such that, when the switch is in the on position the arm extends out of the body, and when the switch is in the off position the arm is substantially retracted inside the body, and movement of the arm between the extended and retracted positions moves the flash switch between the on and off positions, respectively;a spring biasing the arm to the retracted position;a retaining mechanism for holding the arm in the extended position, against the bias of the spring;wherein application of an external force to the arm, when extended, causes the retaining mechanism to release the hold, such that the switch button moves to the off position.