Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a first timer configured to start measuring a first time period when a mirror located at a mirror-up position is moved to a mirror-down position, a second timer configured to start measuring a second time period when the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, and a controller configured to enable processing when the first timer finishes measuring the first period and the second timer finishes measuring the second period. The first period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror located at the mirror-up position starts moving to the mirror-down position, when a high power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus, and the second period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, when a low power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus comprises: a mirror which reflects light coming from a photographing optical system at a mirror down position; a mirror support member which rotatably supports the mirror; a contacting member against which the mirror support member contacts at the mirror down position; a rotatable first lever member; and a second lever member to which the contacting member is secured, and which is rotatably held by the first lever member, wherein when the mirror moves to the mirror down position, the mirror support member contacts against the contacting member, the second lever member then rotates relative to the first lever member and contacts against the first lever member, and by rotating the first lever member, the first and second lever members rotate without changing a relative positional relationship, so as to adjust a position of the contacting member with respect to the mirror support member.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing device, the operating speed of which is increased by reducing mirror bounce, a photographing apparatus having the same, and a photographing method. The image processing device includes a mirror disposed to revolve with respect to a shaft, a first guide unit disposed in a path of revolution of the mirror to lessen vibration of the mirror when the mirror revolves, and a first elastic unit applying predetermined elastic force onto the first guide unit while being engaged with the first guide unit.

Abstract: A lens-interchangeable single-lens reflex camera system according to the present invention employs a novel reflex apparatus comprising stationary “smart glass” elements. The “smart glass” elements switch between transparent and non-transparent states in response to applied electrical voltage, allowing for silent, solid-state control of the optical light path from an external scene image. The optical transmittances of the “smart glass” elements are electronically regulated to provide the operator with a representation of the scene image through the optical viewfinder during the inactive observation period, and to alternately allow the external light to reach the image-sensing device during a photographic exposure.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a cam-incorporated gear including a constant-radius cam-portion and a small-radius relief cam-portion connected via a non-constant-radius cam-portion; and first and second swingable members each including a follower which comes in contact with the constant-radius cam-portion and is positioned in an immediate vicinity of the relief cam-portion at respective first and second swing limits. The cam-incorporated gear includes two neutral positions in which one and the other of the swingable members is held at cam-axis separated and vicinity positions, respectively, wherein upon rotating the swingable members from one to the other of the neutral positions, the commencement and termination of rotation of the swingable member that moves from the cam-axis separated to vicinity positions respectively occurs at earlier and later timings. The non-constant-radius cam-portion makes a load torque greater than a surplus torque which act on the cam-incorporated gear when it rotates.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for reflex cameras, consisting of a main mirror (2), which can pivot in a housing (4), and a pivotable secondary mirror (6), wherein the main mirror (2) is partially transmissive in a central region (5) and the secondary mirror (6) is arranged downstream of this partially transmissive region (5) in the direction of the light and is matched to this region (5) in terms of its size, and wherein, in an upper position, both mirrors (2, 6) are situated in one plane and, in a lower position, the main mirror (2) is aligned at 45° with respect to the upper position and the secondary mirror (6) is aligned such that it is tilted with respect to the main mirror (2), is characterized in that the main mirror (2) is connected in an articulated manner to a steering lever (19), which is rotatable about a rotary spindle (20), such that the main mirror (2) is pivoted and lowered during transition into the lower position, the secondary mirror (6) is connected to a pivot arm (22), which is arranged pivotably

Abstract: A mirror drive apparatus incorporating a brake mechanism of an SLR camera includes a mirror pivoted about a mirror rotational shaft and swingable between a viewing position and a retracted position, wherein the mirror is biased to swing from the viewing position to the retracted position; a brake drum which rotates in association with a swing movement of the mirror; a mirror brake member including a brake shoe which is brought into contact with and disengaged from the brake drum; a mirror control cam driven by a motor to return the mirror, which is biased to swing from the viewing position to the retracted position, to the viewing position from the retracted position; and a brake lever control mechanism which makes the brake shoe contact the brake drum and moves the brake shoe off the brake drum by a rotating operation of the mirror control cam.

Abstract: A mirror brake mechanism of an SLR camera for applying a brake to a mirror pivoted about a mirror rotational shaft to be swingable between a viewing position and a retracted position. The mirror brake mechanism includes a brake shaft which is independent of the mirror rotational shaft and positionally aligned along an extension line of the mirror rotational shaft; an interlocking rotating member disposed on one of laterally opposite sides of the mirror and rotatable about the brake shaft; a mirror drive shaft which connects a mirror seat, on which the mirror is mounted, and the interlocking rotating member to each other in a rotational direction about the mirror drive shaft; a brake drum which rotates in association with the interlocking rotating member; and a mirror brake member which is brought into contact with and disengaged from the brake drum.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus capable of directing an increase amount of light toward an auto focus module and of performing a fast auto focusing is disclosed. The image pick-up apparatus includes a photographing lens to focus light received from a subject, a main mirror to pass a portion of the light passing through the photographing lens and reflect remaining light, an auto focus module to detect a focus state of the photographing lens and a sub-mirror operable independently from the main mirror to guide the light passing through the photographing lens toward the auto focus module.

Abstract: A mirror retention structure to reduce rebounding of a sub-mirror and to prevent shifting of the mirror-down position. The mirror retention structure includes, a main mirror retention frame that retains a main mirror, a sub-mirror retention frame that retains a sub-mirror and is axially supported at the main mirror retention frame, and a receiving pin that abuts against the sub-mirror retention frame and sets an angle of the sub-mirror at a mirror-down position, wherein the sub-mirror retention frame is provided with a first abutting portion that touches against the receiving pin at the mirror-down position, and a second abutting portion, at a different position from the first abutting portion, that touches against the receiving pin at a position prior to the mirror-down position in a transition from a mirror-up position to the mirror-down position.

Abstract: A single-lens reflex camera including a mirror driving device comprises: a mirror; a first biasing spring that biases the mirror downward; a drive lever for performing charge drive and a mirror drive; a second biasing spring that biases the drive lever in a mirror up direction; a locking lever that swings around a pivoting shaft on the drive lever; a mirror up and down lever engaged with the locking lever, the mirror up and down lever pivoting with the drive lever to raise the mirror by the second biasing spring against the first biasing spring, the mirror up and down lever releasing the engagement with the locking lever, and the mirror up and down lever pivoting in a direction opposite the direction during the mirror up by the first biasing spring to thereby lower the mirror; a locking spring that engages and biases the locking lever to the mirror up and down lever; and a charge gear that includes a charge abutment that pivots the drive lever in a charge direction against the second biasing spring and a rele

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a shutter spring which urges a shutter drive member for driving shutter blades, a shutter charge unit which is used to charge the shutter spring, and is switched between a fixed state in which a charge operation of the shutter spring is complete, and the shutter drive member is fixed and a released state, and a drive unit which drives the shutter charge unit. When a second determination unit determines that a switching ready state of a mirror from a mirror-down state to a mirror-up state is set when a first determination unit determines that a charge operation of the shutter spring is complete, the drive unit is controlled to drive the shutter charge unit to the released state without latch the shutter charge unit in the fixed state after the charge operation of the shutter spring is complete.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus comprises: a mirror which reflects light coming from a photographing optical system at a mirror down position; a mirror support member which rotatably supports the mirror; a contacting member against which the mirror support member contacts at the mirror down position; a rotatable first lever member; and a second lever member to which the contacting member is secured, and which is rotatably held by the first lever member, wherein when the mirror moves to the mirror down position, the mirror support member contacts against the contacting member, the second lever member then rotates relative to the first lever member and contacts against the first lever member, and by rotating the first lever member, the first and second lever members rotate without changing a relative positional relationship, so as to adjust a position of the contacting member with respect to the mirror support member.

Abstract: A camera capable of displaying a live view is disclosed, which has a movable reflecting mirror movable between a viewing position for reflecting a light beam from a photographing lens to guide the light beam to a finder optical system, and a position retracted from an area through which the light beam from the photographing lens passes, and which is configured such that, upon focusing the photographing lens from the state of the live view display, the movable reflecting mirror is driven without charging a shutter.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided, including a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material including a hollow cylindrical portion and disk flanges; a coil formed between the disk flanges; a power supply which supplies a current to the coil; a movable member pivoted on the hollow cylindrical portion; and a stationary member made of a permanent magnet and fixed to a disk flange. The movable member is a magnetic material and includes a shaft portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion is fixed to the shaft portion, lies on the disk flange, and extends in a radial direction of the shaft portion. When the power supply supplies the current to the coil in a predetermined direction, the rotating portion is magnetized to a predetermined polarity and rotates. The stationary member includes a stopper for stopping rotation of the movable member at a predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a cam-incorporated gear which rotates in one rotational direction by a driving force transmitted from a drive source via a planet gear when engaged with the planet gear, wherein the cam-incorporated gear stops rotating when disengaged from the planet gear; a driven member which includes a follower which contacts at least one surface cam formed on the cam-incorporated gear, the driven member being driven in accordance with the rotation of the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction, and exerting a surplus torque on the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction thereof so as to increase the rotation of the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction, the surplus torque being independent of a torque exerted on the cam-incorporated gear by the drive source; and a damping mechanism which continuously exerts a load torque on the cam-incorporated gear in a rotational direction opposite to the one rotational direction of the cam-incorporated

Abstract: An image taking apparatus which can perform a focusing operation quickly is described. The image taking apparatus comprises a light splitting unit which splits a light flux from the image-taking lens into a plurality of light fluxes, a view finder optical system for observing an object image formed by the light flux from the image-taking lens, an image pickup element which photoelectrically converts the object image to an electric signal and a focus detection unit for detecting the focusing state of the image-taking lens according to a phase difference detection system. Here, the light splitting unit changes between a first state in which the light flux is directed to the view finder optical system and the focus detection unit and a second state in which the light flux is directed to the image pickup element and the focus detection unit.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a cam-incorporated gear including a constant-radius cam-portion and a small-radius relief cam-portion connected via a non-constant-radius cam-portion; and first and second swingable members each including a follower which comes in contact with the constant-radius cam-portion and is positioned in an immediate vicinity of the relief cam-portion at respective first and second swing limits. The cam-incorporated gear includes two neutral positions in which one and the other of the swingable members is held at cam-axis separated and vicinity positions, respectively, wherein upon rotating the swingable members from one to the other of the neutral positions, the commencement and termination of rotation of the swingable member that moves from the cam-axis separated to vicinity positions respectively occurs at earlier and later timings. The non-constant-radius cam-portion makes a load torque greater than a surplus torque which act on the cam-incorporated gear when it rotates.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided, including a mirror movable between a viewing position and a retracted position; a shutter which prevents the light that is passed through the imaging optical system from being incident on the image sensor and allows the light that is passed through the imaging optical system to be incident on the image sensor when open and shut, respectively; a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; a second operating mechanism which carries out the shutter charge operation without moving the mirror when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; and a driving force transmission switcher for transmitting driving forces of the reversible motor in first and second rotational directions thereof to the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: The mirror device of a single-lens reflex camera according to the present invention includes a main mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface that moves to a first position for reflecting an object beam to an observation optical system and to a second position retracted from the object beam, a sub-mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface located, in conjunction with movement of the main mirror section, at a position apart from the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the first position and at a position retracted from the object beam together with the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the second position, and a cushioning section interposed between the sub-mirror section and the main mirror section when the main mirror section moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a mirror moving into and out of an optical path, a shutter mechanism including shutter blades and a shutter-driving spring driving the shutter blades in an open direction, a charge-holding member holding the shutter mechanism with the shutter-driving spring charged, and a hold-releasing member releasing the holding of the shutter mechanism by the charge-holding member. The shutter blades and the charge-holding member are moved in a plane parallel to a light-receiving surface of an image-pickup element. The hold-releasing member is moved in a plane orthogonal to the light-receiving surface of the image-pickup element and drives the mirror in a moving-out direction when releasing the holding of the shutter mechanism. The apparatus has a small configuration associated with driving the shutter mechanism and is appropriate for providing a cleaning mechanism of the image-pickup element by using a movable member different from the shutter blades.

Abstract: An apparatus has an image sensing device, and a signal processing device for performing a first image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in an exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and a second image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in a non-exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and processing the sensed image signal obtained by the first image sensing operation by the sensed image signal obtained by the second image sensing operation. The signal processing device determines in accordance with the image sensing time of the first image sensing operation whether or not the second image sensing operation is performed.

Abstract: A mirror adjustment mechanism including a first reflection mirror rotatable around a rotation shaft, and a second reflection mirror rotatably provided on the first reflection mirror. One of the ends of the rotation shaft of the first mirror is allowed to move in the direction of the surface of the first mirror. By this movement, it is possible to adjust the direction of the reflecting light on the second mirror without substantially affecting the direction of the reflecting light on the first mirror. For example, the present invention can be applied to the adjustment of a sub-mirror rotatably mounted on a main mirror of a single-lens reflex camera.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which comprises an image-pickup device, an image processing unit, a display unit, a focus detection unit which detects a focus state of the image-taking lens, and an optical path splitting unit which is switchable between a first state in which it is disposed in an optical path from the image-taking lens and a second state in which it is retracted from the optical path. The optical path splitting unit transmits part of the light from the image-taking lens toward the image-pickup device and reflects the remaining part of the light toward the focus detection unit in the first state. A control unit performs focus control based on the detection result of the focus detection unit. The control unit performs the focus control in the first state such that an image-forming position matches a light-receiving surface of the image-pickup device in the second state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror drive for a camera, particularly a medium-size camera, in which both a mirror and an auxiliary shutter have to be swiveled. In order to use a small number of parts for producing said mirror drive and keep the design of the mirror drive uncomplicated, a motor is used which comprises a coil (11) and a magnet system (12) and in which the auxiliary shutter is directly coupled to the coil (11) and the mirror (40) is directly coupled to the magnet system (12). Preferably, the magnet system (12) and the coil (11) are mounted so as to be pivotable about the same pivot (14).

Abstract: A silicon-like resilient member is utilized for at least one of a mirror cushion and a light seal. This new member is believed to resist flaking and other problems associated with traditional foam members.

Abstract: The observation device includes: an optical unit on which an intermediate image of an object to be observed is formed; a display unit that displays an image of a subject to be photographed; and a display unit moving unit that causes the display unit to be inserted in and removed from an optical light path for observing the object without moving the optical unit. Also, the camera includes: a finder optical system and an image-capturing unit that captures an image of a subject. The finder optical system includes an eyepiece unit; a focal plane plate on which an intermediate image of an image of a photographic subject is formed; a display unit that emits light; and a display unit moving unit that causes the display unit to be inserted in and removed from a light path in a position closer to the eyepiece unit than the focal plane plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a single-lens reflex camera which does not drive a movable reflecting mirror when it enters a shooting operation while a live view is being displayed. For example, the rotation direction of a motor controlling the driving of shutter charge and a movable reflecting mirror can differ between a live view state and the other states. Then, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the motor to the movable mirror is configured to release its engagement between the motor and the movable mirror when the motor rotates in a direction for the live view state.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an optical member that bends and changes the optical path of the incident light; a first lens group, that is driven to retract at least partially inside the image sensing apparatus when a picture is not to be taken and to be projected outside the image sensing apparatus and toward the subject when a picture is to be taken; and a second lens group, as well as a lens barrier for protecting the first lens group when said first lens group is retracted inside the image sensing apparatus. The optical member moves to a position where the optical path of the optical image of the subject, which is incident via the first lens group, is changed to the direction of the second lens group when a picture is to be taken, and moves to a position where it is withdrawn from this area when a picture is not to be taken.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: A mirror moving device has a mirror configured to change an optical path of an imaging apparatus. The device includes a movable unit having the mirror, a moving mechanism capable of changing an orientation of the mirror between a first position and a second position, and a positioning member configured to be in contact with a predetermined region of the movable unit when the mirror is made to be in the first position, whereby the mirror is positioned in the first position. The predetermined region and the positioning member are magnetic bodies, at least one thereof being magnetized as a permanent magnet. A magnetic attraction acting between the predetermined region and the positioning member when the mirror is in the first position is smaller than a motive force acting on the predetermined region when the mirror in the first position is moved so as to be in the second position.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to reduce rebounding of a sub-mirror and to prevent shifting of the mirror-down position. The present invention provides a mirror retention structure comprising, a main mirror retention frame that retains a main mirror, a sub-mirror retention frame that retains a sub-mirror and is axially supported at the main mirror retention frame, and a receiving pin that abuts against the sub-mirror retention frame and sets an angle of the sub-mirror at a mirror-down position, wherein the sub-mirror retention frame is provided with, a first abutting portion that touches against the receiving pin at the mirror-down position; and a second abutting portion, at a different position from the first abutting portion, that touches against the receiving pin at a position prior to the mirror-down position in a transition from a mirror-up position to the mirror-down position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is provided, including a bobbin made of a non-magnetic material including a hollow cylindrical portion and disk flanges; a coil formed between the disk flanges; a power supply which supplies a current to the coil; a movable member pivoted on the hollow cylindrical portion; and a stationary member made of a permanent magnet and fixed to a disk flange. The movable member is a magnetic material and includes a shaft portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion is fixed to the shaft portion, lies on the disk flange, and extends in a radial direction of the shaft portion. When the power supply supplies the current to the coil in a predetermined direction, the rotating portion is magnetized to a predetermined polarity and rotates. The stationary member includes a stopper for stopping rotation of the movable member at a predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A single-lens reflex camera including a mirror driving device comprises: a mirror; a first biasing spring that biases the mirror downward; a drive lever for performing charge drive and a mirror drive; a second biasing spring that biases the drive lever in a mirror up direction; a locking lever that swings around a pivoting shaft on the drive lever; a mirror up and down lever engaged with the locking lever, the mirror up and down lever pivoting with the drive lever to raise the mirror by the second biasing spring against the first biasing spring, the mirror up and down lever releasing the engagement with the locking lever, and the mirror up and down lever pivoting in a direction opposite the direction during the mirror up by the first biasing spring to thereby lower the mirror; a locking spring that engages and biases the locking lever to the mirror up and down lever; and a charge gear that includes a charge abutment that pivots the drive lever in a charge direction against the second biasing spring and a rele

Abstract: The mirror device of a single-lens reflex camera according to the present invention includes a main mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface that moves to a first position for reflecting an object beam to an observation optical system and to a second position retracted from the object beam, a sub-mirror section having a reflecting mirror surface located, in conjunction with movement of the main mirror section, at a position apart from the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the first position and at a position retracted from the object beam together with the main mirror section when the main mirror section is located at the second position, and a cushioning section interposed between the sub-mirror section and the main mirror section when the main mirror section moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An imaging optical system is configured with a first lens group disposed on a first optical axis and capturing a luminous flux from a subject along the first optical axis, a prism that folds the luminous flux passed through the first lens group toward a direction along a second optical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first optical axis and second to fifth lens groups disposed on the second optical axis. At the end of the operation, while the first lens group is driven in a direction of the prism along the first optical axis, the second to the fourth lens groups are driven to an initial angle of view position where these lens groups are to be present at the start of the operation. Thereby, an imaging apparatus whose chassis is very thin and that can realize a high pixel counter and a large magnification, while enabling the speeding-up of the starting operation and the ending operation, can be provided.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a digital single lens reflex camera which includes a motor on a side of a mirror box above a battery storage unit for a detachable battery, such that the motor's output shaft can be substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, which facilitates reduction of the size of the entire camera.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which has a mirror drive mechanism with a small number of constituent parts, easy assembly. The image-taking apparatus has a mirror movable to a first position in an optical path and to a second position outside the optical path, a first biasing member biasing the mirror from the second position to the first position, a second biasing member biasing the mirror from the first position to the second position, a holding member holding the first biasing member in a charged state, a first cam having a charge portion for charging the second biasing member and a release portion for releasing the charge of the second biasing member, a second cam releasing the holding by the holding member, and a motor driving both of the first and second cams only in one direction.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus performs a focusing operation quickly and includes a light splitting unit which splits a light flux from an image-taking lens into a plurality of light fluxes, a view finder optical system observing an object image formed by the light flux from the lens, an image pickup element which photoelectrically converts the object image to an electrical signal and a focus detector detecting the focusing state of the lens according to a phase difference detector. Here, the light splitting unit changes between a first state for directing the light flux to the view finder optical system and the focus detector, a second state for directing the light flux to the image pickup element and the focus detector, and a third state in which the light flux is directed only to the image pickup element.

Abstract: According to the present invention, light from a taking lens is reflected by a quick return mirror in a lateral direction of a body unit. Then, after passing through a screen, the light is reflected toward an upper side of the body unit by a second mirror except part of the light. The light reflected by the second mirror is reflected by a third mirror in a direction opposite to a direction in which the light is reflected by the quick return mirror, and is further reflected by a fourth mirror toward an eyepiece located on a back side of the body unit. Part of the light which passing though the screen is taken by an AF sensor unit provided in rear of the second mirror, and an image formation position of an optical image is detected.

Abstract: Image sensing apparatus having an image sensing element for sensing an object of shooting is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, when a cleaning mode is designated and executed to remove a foreign substance in the neighborhood of and on the image sensing element, the remaining amount of a battery which supplies electric power to the image sensing apparatus is detected by a voltage detector. If the remaining amount of the battery declines to a first predetermined value or less, a warning is issued by a lamp or a sound production unit. Moreover, if the remaining amount of the battery is the first predetermined value or less, a shift to the cleaning mode is prohibited. Furthermore, if the remaining amount of the battery declines to a second predetermined value or less, which is a lower value than the first predetermined value, mirror-down processing is performed so that cleaning operation cannot be executed.

Abstract: As a shutter release button is pressed down, a front end portion of a sequence drive lever moves toward the rear side and, as a result, a mirror-up lever is caused to rotate to the right by the force applied from a mirror up spring. In this state, a mirror drive end presses a mirror drive pin upward to raise a main mirror. In addition, a shutter drive end comes in contact with a shutter drive boss at a switching lever to push the shutter drive boss upward, thereby pulling the shutter blades downward. During a reset operation, the front end portion moves to the front side causing the mirror-up lever to rotate to the left. The main mirror is thus lowered. Since the switching lever is caused to rotate to the right with the force applied from a switching lever reset spring, the shutter blades are pulled upward to shield an opening.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which has a mirror drive mechanism with a small number of constituent parts, easy assembly. The image-taking apparatus has a mirror movable to a first position in an optical path and to a second position outside the optical path, a first biasing member biasing the mirror from the second position to the first position, a second biasing member biasing the mirror from the first position to the second position, a holding member holding the first biasing member in a charged state, a first cam having a charge portion for charging the second biasing member and a release portion for releasing the charge of the second biasing member, a second cam releasing the holding by the holding member, and a motor driving both of the first and second cams only in one direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single-lens reflex camera configured such that, upon viewing a subject image through a finder optical system, a movable reflecting mirror reflects the optical axis of a light beam from a shooting optical system at an obtuse angle to guide the light beam to an optical element such as a pentamirror or a pentaprism. According to the present invention, since the light beam from the shooting optical system is reflected at the obtuse angle by the movable reflecting mirror, the overall pentagonal section as a reflective member, for example, for guiding a viewing image to an eyepiece optical system is arranged on a more rear side than that in such a structure that the light beam is reflected at right angles. This configuration of the invention can result in a reduction in camera size in the direction of the shooting optical path.

Abstract: There is disclosed a single-lens reflex camera which does not drive a movable reflecting mirror when it enters a shooting operation while a live view is being displayed. For example, the rotation direction of a motor controlling the driving of shutter charge and a movable reflecting mirror can differ between a live view state and the other states. Then, a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the motor to the movable mirror is configured to release its engagement between the motor and the movable mirror when the motor rotates in a direction for the live view state.

Abstract: A mirror apparatus has a reflecting surface to reflect an incident luminous flux. A fixed member has a plurality of driving electrodes on a surface of the fixed member. A movable member is formed with the reflecting surface on one side, and capable of escaping out of the optical path of the incident luminous flux along the fixed member. A driving circuit is capable of applying a voltage to the driving electrodes to generate an electrostatic force between the driving electrodes and movable members. A control circuit supplies a control signal to the driving circuit to change the electrostatic force acted on the movable member.

Abstract: A camera includes a mirror box to which a photographing lens is mounted, an object image being formed on one of an image pick-up device and sensitive film via the photographing lens; a main frame, the mirror box being provided on the main frame; and a shock absorbing device. The one of the image pick-up device and the sensitive film is supported by the mirror box, and the mirror box is supported by the main frame via the shock absorbing device.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing device that stores a signal electrical charge achieved by performing photoelectric conversion on a subject image projected on a photosensitive surface and reads out the signal electrical charge to generate an image signal; and a photographing preparation device that executes photographing preparations for photoelectric conversion performed at the image-capturing device. And the photographic preparation device executes at least some of the photographing preparations for photographing a next frame during an electrical charge read period at the image-capturing device.

Abstract: A pinion gear is fixed on a rotating shaft of a motor for supplying a driving force of a plurality of driving mechanisms. A speed reducing gear is engaged with the pinion gear, and a sun gear is engaged with a speed reducing gear. A planet worm includes a spur gear portion and a worm gear portion. The spur gear portion is engaged with the sun gear. The planet worm is supported so as to be rotatable around the shaft of the sun gear. When the planet worm is rotated to be positioned adjacent to the cartridge room, the worm gear portion is engaged with a rewind spur gear of a gear train. The rotational force of the motor is transmitted to a rewinding fork through the gear train, and then the rewind fork is rotated.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing an autofocus module to a mirror box of an SLR camera having a quick-return mirror accommodated in the mirror box, wherein the quick-return mirror has a half mirror portion so that a light bundle of an object which is passed through the half mirror portion is reflected by a sub-mirror to be incident on the autofocus module. The fixing device includes an adjustment bracket which is provided separately from the mirror box, the adjustment bracket is fixed to an underside of the mirror box, and the auto focus module is fixed to the adjustment bracket.