Abstract: The image taking apparatus of the invention includes a light quantity control device that is arranged on the optical axis of subject light and controls transmitted volume of the subject light. The light quantity control device includes a light quantity control layer and a pair of light-transmissive electrodes. The light quantity control layer expands and contracts in accordance with an electric field generated therein and thereby changes the transmitted volume of the subject light. The electrodes are disposed so as to sandwich the light quantity control layer and generate an electric field in the light quantity control layer, in response to application of voltage, thereby causing the light quantity control layer to expand and contract.

Abstract: A camera shake compensation unit includes (1) a mobile optical device which changes the direction of the light running through the mobile optical device by moving on a two-dimensional plane which intersects with the direction along the light; (2) a camera shake detection section; (3) a polymer actuator; and (4) a camera shake compensation section which compensates for displacement of the light by supplying a voltage corresponding to a detection result by the camera shake detection section to the plurality of electrodes. The polymer actuator includes (i) a polymer membrane which expands and contracts in response to application of a voltage, and connects the mobile optical device with a holding section, and (ii) a plurality of electrodes for application of a voltage to parts of the polymer membrane.

Abstract: The image taking apparatus of the invention includes a light quantity control device that is arranged on the optical axis of subject light and controls transmitted volume of the subject light. The light quantity control device includes a light quantity control layer and a pair of light-transmissive electrodes. The light quantity control layer expands and contracts in accordance with an electric field generated therein and thereby changes the transmitted volume of the subject light. The electrodes are disposed so as to sandwich the light quantity control layer and generate an electric field in the light quantity control layer, in response to application of voltage, thereby causing the light quantity control layer to expand and contract.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a light quantity control mechanism that diaphragms object light quantity entering into an image taking optical system to transmit to an imaging area of an imaging device. The light quantity control mechanism includes a base plate that has an aperture on an optical axis of the image taking optical system, and a light quantity control plate that is composed of plural of diaphragm blades which are arranged to overlap the base plate, and which varies an area of an aperture covering the aperture of the base plate, responding to an electrical field formed by an applied voltage.

Abstract: An optical barrel includes an outer wall and space members. The outer wall has a plurality of tube members which are each in tube form and are engaged one another in such a manner that one tube is inserted inside another and are relatively moved by a driving force. The space members are mounted between the plurality of tube members which open and close the spaces between the plurality of tube members by expanding and contracting in response to application and release of a voltage.