Abstract: An optical transmission element according to the present invention, includes a light transmitting portion that has a plurality of optical elements that are arranged so as to be separated by air gaps, and the air gaps. And, light that is incident upon the light transmitting portion along a predetermined direction is transmitted through the light transmitting portion while reflecting on reflecting surfaces constituted by boundary surfaces that are defined between the optical elements and the air gaps.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a magnetic recording apparatus is provided which includes a cartridge chamber that is loaded with a film cartridge containing a magnetically recordable film, a takeup spool on which the film is wound, a drive motor that drives the takeup spool to wind up the film, a shield case that contains the drive motor, a motor mount having a fitting portion that fits on a centering member of the drive motor, and a magnetic information reading device that reads the magnetic information recorded on the film. The shield case consists of a cylindrical main body, and a bent portion formed by bending an end portion of the cylindrical main body on the side of the motor output shaft. The motor is fastened to the motor mount with at least two screws, with the bent portion sandwiched between the motor and a motor mounting surface of the motor mount.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus which includes a balancer which generates a moment of rotation around an axis; and a pressure sensing sheet which contacts at one or more contact points with the balancer and outputs a pressure signal corresponding to a force acting on the contact point and depends on the moment of rotation. An attitude detecting apparatus and a detecting apparatus for difference of attitude each of which includes, the detecting apparatus; and an arithmetic circuit which receives a pressure signal at predefined time intervals in order and processes a calculation.

Abstract: A tripod device for holding a camera in a predetermined position has an angle detector for detecting an inclination of a pan head disposed on the tripod device, an angle setting unit for setting a working angle of the pan head, a control unit for outputting a set signal when an angle of the pan head detected by the angle detector becomes the set working angle and a notifying unit to be operated by the set signal from the control unit for notifying a user that the pan head of the tripod device is set at the working angle.

Abstract: A lens cover mechanism which drives a lens cover to cover a from surface of a lens barrel of a camera, wherein the lens cover drive mechanism has a drive source to generate a drive force. The lens cover drive mechanism also includes a transmission member to receive the drive force from the drive source, an urging member to receive the drive force from the transmission member and to urge a buffer member in the direction of the drive force. In a situation where an external force is applied to the lens cover to prevent movement, the buffer member resiliently deforms when the drive force is received from the urging member, thereby preventing the drive force from being transferred to the lens cover. As a result, the lens cover and the lens cover drive mechanism do not get damaged. The axis of rotation of the lens cover, the urging member and the buffer member are all arranged on a single shaft.

Abstract: A camera is provided with several displays illuminated by several illuminators which are controlled to be turned on and off in dependence upon the operation of several illuminator buttons. Further, the brightness of the illuminators, when turned on, may be determined according to the operation of the illuminator buttons and according to the brightness of the object to be photographed.

Abstract: A camera which switches between illuminating an external display and illuminating an internal display based on a specific photographic event, such as the pressing of the release button. The camera includes a first display, a first display illumination device which illuminates the first display, a second display, a second display illumination device which illuminates the second display, a control mechanism for controlling the first display illumination device and the second display illumination device so that the first display illumination device is not illuminating the first display when the second display illumination device is illuminating the second display and so that the second display illumination device is not illuminating the second display when the first display illumination device is illuminating the first display.

Abstract: A camera having an automatic flash prevention mode includes an override mechanism allowing a photographer to override the automatic flash prevention mode. The number of flashes and timing of the flashes can be set arbitrarily by the photographer while the shutter remains open, without requiring any cumbersome or difficult operations on the part of the photographer. The camera is especially suited for night photography or underwater photography, in which the shutter release button is pressed once to open the shutter and once again to close the shutter.