PURPOSE: To obtain an electromagnetic actuator capable of obtaining revolving torque for opening and closing a shutter for a camera without scaling up constitution by providing respectively specific moving member, permanent magnet means and electromagnetic means.

CONSTITUTION: A moving member 1, an intermediate section of which is supported axially by a slender tabular member composed of a magnetic material and which can be turned between one and the other maximum revolution- positions (a), (b), and a permanent magnet 6 and first and second yokes 7, 8 joined with the different pole faces 6a, 6b of the permanent manget 6 are installed, and the first and second yokes 7, 8 are faced oppositely while holding the moving member 1 in the direction of rotation of the moving member 1 on both end section sides of the moving member 1. A permanent magnet means attracting and holding the moving member 1 to either of one or the other maximum revolution-position (a), (b) and an electromagnetic means having electromagnetic windings 5a, 5b capable of giving magnetic flux in the direction opposite to the magnetic flux of said permanent magnet means to the moving member 1 and rotating the moving member 1 to one or the other maximum revolution- position (a) or (b) by exciting the electromagnetic windings 5a, 5b are provided.