Abstract: A camera comprises a camera body and first and second lens assemblies interchangeably insertable into the camera body. Each lens assembly has a displaceable actuator, a diaphragm adjustable between a maximum aperture and a minimum aperture value responsive to displacement of the actuator and a transducer for generating a first signal representative of the displacement of the actuator. In the camera body, there is generated a second signal representative of the desired aperture value of the diaphragm for correct exposure. The first and second signals are compared and the actuator of the lens assembly inserted in the camera body is displaced responsive to the comparison to stop down the diaphragm from the maximum aperture value toward the minimum aperture value until the first and second signals assume a predetermined relationship. The diaphragm of the second lens assembly is maintained at the maximum aperture value during an initial portion of the displacement of the actuator.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an interchangeable lens, such as a lens which is ordinarily intended for use with a single-lens reflex camera, for which the distance from the rear surface on the lens to a focal plane is relatively great, to a camera body, such as a video camera body, for which the distance from the front surface of the lens mount to a focal plane is relatively small. The adapter includes a diaphragm, which is used in place of the diaphragm of the interchangeable lens, and an electric motor for controlling the aperture value provided by the diaphragm. The aperture data supplied by the interchangeable lens is transmitted to the camera body as electrical data, which is preferably produced with a variable resistor or the like. Contacts are provided on the casing of the adapter for transmitting data to the camera body and receiving an operating signal for the motor from the camera body.

Abstract: A camera has a displaceable actuator in a diaphragm adjustable between a maximum aperture value and a minimum aperture value responsive to displacement of the actuator. A first signal representative of the displacement of the actuator is generated. A second signal representative of a fraction of an exposure quantity dependant on film sensitivity and subject light is generated. Responsive to the second signal, the exposure time of the camera is set. At least partially responsive to the second signal, a third signal representative of the desired aperture value of the diaphragm for correct exposure is generated. The first and third signals are compared. Upon shutter release, the actuator is displaced and the diaphragm is maintained at the maximum aperture value during an initial portion of the displacement of the actuator to compensate for the characteristics of the particular interchangeable lens connected to the camera body.

Abstract: A stop control apparatus for an electronic camera capable of performing both still picture photographing and motion picture (video) photographing operations. A video exposure control circuit and a still exposure control circuit produce first and second operating signals during motion picture and still picture photographing operations, respectively. A selected one of the signals is applied to operate an electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism composed of an electronic drive device mechanically coupled to operate the aperture blades of the camera. An aperture opening regulator determines the aperture opening amount in accordance with a selected aperture value, with the regulating means operating by producing a force which acts against the force produced by the electromagnetic drive device.

Abstract: A compensator system for diaphragm control in a single-lens reflex camera of interchangeable type having an exposure control circuit responsive to the position of a lever that is operatively coupled to the diaphragm according to a preset position of a diaphragm preset ring. The exposure control circuit is regulated for compensating any errors in illumination intensity in a film plane provided by individual interchangeable lenses and errors in illumination intensity provided by photometric operation through respective lenses mounted on a camera in relation with a specific position of a light receiving element contained in a photometric circuit. A diaphragm preset ring has on the periphery thereof an indication for the automatic diaphragm control at a predetermined angular distance from an indication for the fully closed diaphragm value of an associated lens.

Abstract: Eccentricity between an external knob and camera casing is accommodated by providing a flexible rubber ring between the two which will bend during a change in their relative positions so that a good seal is continuously maintained. Sealing can also be enhanced by extending the rubber gripping ring around the circumference of the knob down to the camera casing so that the sealing and operating rings are integral.

Abstract: In a camera having a displaceable actuator and a diaphragm adjustable between a maximum aperture value and a minimum aperture value responsive to displacement of the actuator, displacement of the actuator is arrested responsive to first, second, and third signals when the diaphragm is adjusted to the desired aperture value. The first signal is representative of the displacement of the actuator. The second signal is representative of the desired aperture value of the diaphragm for correct exposure. The third signal is representative of the difference between the minimum aperture value and the maximum aperture value. Preferably, the first, second, and third signals are applied to a microcomputer which controls the arresting of the actuator displacement.

Abstract: A camera has first and second displaceable actuators and a diaphragm adjustable between a maximum aperture value and a minimum aperture value responsive to displacement of the second actuator. A first signal is generated that is representative of the displacement of the first actuator. A second signal is generated that is representative of a desired aperture value of the diaphragm for correct exposure. A first and second signal are compared. The first actuator is displaced upon shutter release, but the second actuator remains stationary during an initial portion of the displacement of the first actuator and is displaced as a unit with the first actuator during the remainder of the displacement of the first actuator. When the first and second signals assume a predetermined relationship as indicated by the comparison, displacement of the actuators is arrested and the proper aperture value is provided.

Abstract: A light indicating the readiness of an electric flash unit is provided in the camera view finder at the same location as the other exposure value indicators. The flash readiness indicator light is preferably an LED and is located either among or immediately adjacent an LED array for indicating the shutter speed setting.

Abstract: A film rewinding device in a camera in which depression of a sprocket shaft causes a clutch mechanism between a winding mechanism and a sprocket to be disengaged. This action causes a locking member to lock the sprocket shaft, to maintain the sprocket in rewinding state. The film rewinding device comprises a winding button linked to the sprocket shaft and appearing in a recess formed in an outer housing member of said camera. A bearing member is provided for the rewinding button and has a groove in the upper surface thereof. Hence, depression of said rewinding button to the depth of the groove in said bearing member will cause the sprocket shaft to be depressed to the disengagement position of the clutch mechanism provided between the winding mechanism and the sprocket. This maintains the clutch mechanism in a disengagement state by means of the locking member thereby to permit the film to be rewound.

Abstract: In a camera having both a mechanical release and a motor drive release, the motor drive unit is provided with a cam which, when the motor drive unit is actuated, limits the movement of the mechanical release member to an amount sufficient only to trip a motor energizing switch without mechanically releasing the curtains. In this way, the same release lever can be used for both the mechanical and motor drive release operations.

Abstract: A camera having an interchangeable finder with rails or rail grooves that is detachably mounted on a camera body by being moved back and forth. The camera body has rail grooves (or rails) engaging the interchangeable finder. A viscoelastic member and a resin member or a metal member are secured in combination to the interchangeable finder of the drawing type or the camera body. When the interchangeable finder of drawing type is mounted on the body, the resin member or the metal member abuts against the camera body or the interchangeable finder of drawing type to thereby establish an environmental seal.

Abstract: A continuous viscoelastic gasket 2 is compressively sandwiched between mating grooves and surfaces of a camera body 1 and a hinged rear cover 3 to tightly seal the film compartment against moisture and dust when the cover is closed. The interlocking pin 10 of the automatic film counter restoring mechanism is protectively disposed within the gasket perimeter and is engaged by a tab 9b extending inwardly from a reinforcing plate 9 mounted on the rear cover.

Abstract: A locking device is provided for preventing the mirror release until the completion of the winding operation. In its preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises a locking lever pivotally mounted on the end of the lower curtain release lever and engaging a cut in the mirror release pin to prevent the movement thereof until the lower curtain release lever pivots at the end of the winding operation.

Abstract: Full and minimum aperture information is transmitted to a camera body from an interchangeable lens by coding possible combinations of the two values into various discrete single values and transmitting the single value to a decoder in the camera body. For instance, a projection may be provided on the lens barrel having a height corresponding to a particular combination of full and minimum aperture values.

Abstract: A counting device for counting the number of exposures for a given frame of film in a multiple exposure camera is operable by the winding mechanism of the camera after the film winding spools have been disengaged therefrom. A means is provided for enabling the counter while simultaneously disengaging and locking the film spools and both mechanical and electrical exposures counters are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in a camera to digitally indicate inside the viewfinder, film exposure values based upon iris opening, shutter speed and film exposure index.

Abstract: An indicator device extending into the optical path of a removable mirror box is controlled by a spring biased coupling system mounted on the box. A coupling gear in the coupling system meshes with a drive gear on the camera body and is provided with a locking mechanism for securing the position of the indicator when the mirror box is removed.

Abstract: The eyepiece in an interchangeable finder is made axially adjustable by mounting it in a holder which, in turn, is slidably mounted within the finder. In the preferred embodiment, sliding movement of the eyepiece holder is accomplished through a rack and pinion.

Abstract: An automatic exposure control circuit for a camera is disclosed. The circuit is capable of automatically controlling the shutter speed when the diaphragm is manually set, and is capable of automatically controlling the diaphragm opening when the shutter speed is manually set. In both cases the same transducer is used for the manual diaphragm or shutter speed selection.