Abstract: An automatic lens focusing system according to the present invention includes an adjustable focus lens having a driver for focusing the lens on a photographic subject, a lens position detecting device to detect a focus position of the lens, a distance detecting device to detect a subject distance from the lens and generate a range signal representation of the range to the photographic subject, automatic actuating device responsive to the range signal for activating the driver to adjust the position of the lens to focus on the photographic subject, an indicating device responsive to the range signal for activating a first indicator indicative of the focal point of the subject and responsive to the lens setting for activating a second indicator indicative of the range setting of the lens, a manual actuator responsive to a manual input to for activating the driver to focus the lens, and a switching device to switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode.

Abstract: A focusing system for a variable focus lens of a motion picture camera includes a pulse modulator and a microwave transmitter mounted on a camera frame for generating a high frequency pulsed signal which is transmitted to a selected target which carries a reactive signal generator that is responsive to the first signal for coding and retransmitting the coded signal back to a receiver mounted on the camera frame, and a signal processor for determining the interval of travel of the signal and translating the interval into a distance-analog signal that is transmitted to a focusing motor for driving the focusing mechanism of the lens for focusing the lens at the distance determined by the signal. One alternate embodiment includes multiple reactive signal generators having distinctive signal responsive controls and portable remote transmitters for selectively switching to the selected ones of said reactive generators.

Abstract: A focusing system for a variable focus lens of a motion picture camera includes a pulse modulator and a microwave transmitter mounted on a camera frame for generating a high frequency pulsed signal which is transmitted to a selected target which carries a reactive signal generator that is responsive to the first signal for coding and retransmitting the coded signal back to a receiver mounted on the camera frame, and a signal processor for determining the interval of travel of the signal and translating the interval into a distance-analog signal that is transmitted to a focusing motor for driving the focusing mechanism of the lens for focusing the lens at the distance determined by the signal. One alternate embodiment includes multiple reactive signal generators having distinctive signal responsive controls and portable remote transmitters for selectively switching to the selected ones of said reactive generators.