the camera preferably has a slotted take - up spool which when the film compartment covering door is opened is automatically rotated into an ideal position where a hook in a film - capturing slot thereof has an outward facing orientation ideal for capturing a film leader perforation when the film leader is inserted therein . the slot is preferably configured as a lengthwise passage leading into a hollow axially disposed chamber within the take - up spool , the trailing edge of the slot nearest the imaging station being provided with the hook . this edge is positioned so that it does not come into confronting engagement with the film during initial advance thereof until the film is firmly captively secured over the hook .