Abstract: A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity.

Abstract: In a position controller, a driving mechanism and an image pickup system according to the present invention, an operation of controlling a position of a movable member is performed by using, as a reference value, a first resistance value giving a first change point at which a resistance change rate per unit temperature change in a shape-memory-alloy member changes from a first rate to a second rate different from said first rate. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to control the position of the movable member based on a resistance of a shape-memory-alloy member, without a position sensor.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus permits annotation information to be added to a region within an image not only with an image that has already been recorded but also with an image that is going to be captured, and thus with higher efficiency. In one screen, either an image that is going to be captured or an image recorded on a recording medium is specified as a parent image to which to add annotation information. When the former is specified, a parent image is newly captured; when the latter is specified, in another screen, which of already recorded images to select is specified, and the specified image is used as a parent image. Within the parent image, a region to which to add annotation information is specified, and then, as the annotation information, an image is captured or a sound is recorded.

Abstract: A camera capable of taking pictures selectively in a standard or full size frame and a panorama frame having a reduced vertical dimension. This camera includes vertically movable light-shielding members for partly light-shielding an exposure range of the standard frame to set an exposure range of the panorama frame. When the panorama frame is selected, a warning is given on a display provided on the camera body to the effect that a date and other photographic information cannot be recorded on pictures taken in the panorama frame. The shutter of the camera includes an electronic device for detecting an amount of light traveling from a photographic object to which light is flashed. Output of this device is used for suitably controlling exposure for photography in the standard and panorama frames.

Abstract: In a mechanism for feeding a film, used in a camera, etc., in which a film having one perforation formed at a specified position relative to each frame or a film having a plurality of perforations formed at specified positions relative to each frame with unequal intervals therebetween as a whole is used, a sprocket 13 is employed for controlling to forward the film frame by frame. The sprocket is locked by a lever before an initial forwarding of thefilm is carried out, and it is unlocked from the lever when the film is forwarded to move the lever, so that the relationship of engagement between a tooth of the sprocket and the perforations of the film is ensured to be constant and synchronous during the initial feeding of the film.

Abstract: A camera operating from a secondary battery has a camera body, a unit including a taking lens, and a secondary battery incorporated in the unit. The secondary battery is charged by being supplied with electric power from the camera body. The unit is a lens barrel.

Abstract: A perforation detection device of a contact piece type to be built into a camera. A detection section of a first contact piece arranged on the rear surface side of a path in which the perforations of a film advance in a film feeding stage is constructed of a metal ball which is a separate member from that of the first contact piece. This metal ball comes in pressure contact with a second contact piece arranged on the front surface side of the film as the perforations pass. When the metal ball faces a perforation of the film, this metal ball comes in contact with both the first and the second contact pieces to provide a continuity between the first and second contact pieces, so that the position of the perforation is detected. In the film feeding stage, the metal ball comes in rolling contact with the film surface. The contact pieces have a very small resistance to the film feed, and it is scarcely possible that the film will be injured.

Abstract: A camera capable of taking pictures selectively in a standard or full size frame and a panorama frame having a reduced vertical dimension. This camera includes vertically movable light-shielding members for partly light-shielding an exposure range of the standard frame to set an exposure range of the panorama frame. When the panorama frame is selected, a warning is given on a display provided on the camera body to the effect that a date and other photographic information cannot be recorded on pictures taken in the panorama frame. The shutter of the camera includes an electronic device for detecting an amount of light traveling from a photographic object to which light is flashed. Output of this device is used for suitably controlling exposure for photography in the standard and panorama frames.

Abstract: A camera using a film cartridge having a shaft for winding a film and intercepting light, includes: a cartridge chamber for accommodating the film cartridge; a driving unit; a driving source for generating force for driving the driving unit; a transmitting device; and a limiting device. The driving member engages the shaft of the film cartridge accommodated in the cartridge chamber, and rotates the shaft in the film unwinding direction to remove the film from the film cartridge. The transmitting device is provided between the driving source and the driving unit, and transmits the force generated by the driving source to the driving unit. The limiting device is provided in the transmitting device, and limits the force to be transmitted to the driving unit so as to feed the film in the film unwinding direction.