Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an open F number in a zoom lens camera including a cam ring which rotates to vary the focal length of a zoom lens, a reflection plate which is secured to the outer periphery of the cam ring and which has light reflecting portions and non-reflecting portions alternately arranged, as viewed along the circumferential direction of the cam ring, a photoreflector which emits light onto the reflection plate and which detects light reflected by the reflection plate, and an arithmetic device which calculates an open F number of the zoom lens using the output of the photoreflector.

Abstract: A camera having a variable focal length lens, a strobe unit and a light receiver which receives light reflected from an object to be photographed is disclosed. An acceptance angle varying apparatus includes an acceptance angle varying device for varying the acceptance angle of the light receiver in accordance with the focal length of the variable focal length lens and a drive for moving the acceptance angle varying device in association with the focal length of the variable focal length lens.

Abstract: A mode changing device for a camera employing a minimum number of actuating members to permit a user to change an operating mode and/or setting of the camera. A mode actuating member and a selector switch, used in conjunction with an LCD panel that indicates the mode and setting that has been selected by the user, permits the user to easily select and/or adjust the features of the cameras, such as a photographing mode, a playback mode, an exposure mode, a white balanxe mode, a copy/monitor mode and a time/date mode. When the mode changing device is applied to a still video camera having a playback function, a change-over switch automatically changes the operating mode of the camera from a record mode to a playback mode when a monitoring adapter is connected to the camera, further reducing the number of actuating members that are needed to control the camera.

Abstract: A position sensing device including a pattern applied on an objected to be moved. The pattern is composed of a pulse or pattern generating portion and a base portion. The pulse generating portion is periodically and alternately provided with a first element corresponding to a first logic level and a second element corresponding to a second logic level. The base portion is provided with the first or second element having a length different from the length of the first or second element in the pulse generating portion.

Abstract: A zoom lens camera enables an object to be photographed at a desired focal length. The camera is operated to set a focal length in a memory. The zoom lens is then driven to the setting that is stored in the memory. The focal length of the zoom lens is detected; and the driving of the zoom lens is controlled in accordance with the result of a comparison made between the value that is stored in the memory and the detected focal length of the zoom lens.

Abstract: A position sensing device including a pattern applied on an object to be moved, and a noncontact type sensor sensing the amount of measuring media formed on the pattern. The amount of the measuring media is gradually varied in a line along which the moving object is moved. Thus, data of the measuring media of the pattern corresponds to a position of the moving object. This data is stored in a memory of the microcomputer, and used for sensing a position at which the object is stopped.

Abstract: A flashing device comprises a rechargeable power supply, a voltage-raising circuit for producing a high voltage from an output voltage of the power supply, a condenser for storing the high voltage, a light-emitting tube for emitting light for a short moment using energy stored in the condenser, an emission control circuit for triggering light emission of the light-emitting tube, a charging circuit including a diode for allowing a current flow from the condenser to the power supply, and a changeover switch for discharging over connection of the power supply to the voltage-raising circuit or to the charging circuit.

Abstract: A range finder for an automatic camera in which the average total power required for driving the ranging light source is significantly reduced. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the intensity of the light emitted by the ranging light source is controlled in accordance with the detected intensity of the reflected light in such a manner that the intensity of light emitted by the light source is reduced to the minimum necessary for carrying out distance calculations. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the number of pulses of light emitted from the ranging light source is controlled in accordance with the detected reflected light intensity so that a minimum number of light pulses is emitted consistent with the minimum necessary for carrying out distance calculations.

Abstract: In an electronic still camera, an electric signal generated by photoelectric conversion of an optical image of an object is recorded on a recording medium. In consideration of a response time for steadily applying power supply to a recording circuit, power is supplied to the recording circuit only between initiation of a shutter releasing operation and completion of a recording operation, to thereby lengthen battery life when a battery is employed as the power source in the camera.

Abstract: A multi-mode electronic camera capable of operating in any of a video camera mode, a one-shot video camera mode, and a still camera mode, and in which the image of the object being photographed can be checked at any time with the use of a color video monitor and recorded on a video tape. The luminance/color-difference signal output of an image pickup signal processing circuit is applied to an encoder circuit which converts it to the form of a compound video signal. The latter is applied to the inputs of the color video monitor and a video tape recorder.

Abstract: An electronic camera having both bright viewfinder image and a minimal effect of dark current on the image output signal. A quick-return mirror, normally positioned in the path of the flux of light from the object image, guides the flux of light into the optical viewfinder system. The quick-return mirror is retractable to allow the flux of light to fall onto an image pickup device. A vertical synchronizing signal generator issues a signal for discharging electric charges stored in the image pickup device after the release switch has been turned on and before the quick-return mirror begins its movement out of the light flux path and issues a signal for reading out electric charges which have been stored in the image pickup device while the shutter is open after an exposure operation has been completed. The frequency of scanning for discharging the electric charges is higher than the frequency for scanning for reading out the electric charges subsequent to the photographing operation.

Abstract: An electronic camera capable of both still picture photographing and motion picture photographing in which one operation can be switched over to the other with ease and in which a bright image of the object is provided in the viewfinder with little attenuation in the video signal level. Upon selection of the motion picture photographing mode, the image reflecting mirror is automatically retracted from the photographing optical path and the focal plane shutter is maintained open. The image reflecting mirror drive mechanism and the focal plane shutter drive mechanism are used for both still picture photographing and motion picture photographing operations. Also, the shutter release switch is used for both operations. In the motion picture photographing mode, the degree of opening of the aperture opening and closing mechanism is changed in accordance with the luminance of the image being photographed, while for still picture photographing, the exposure is controlled with the focal plane shutter.

Abstract: A video camera capable of taking both still pictures and moving pictures yet having a size and weight substantially the same as a conventional video camera. The automatic aperture of the video camera is used as an aperture and shutter for still picture photographing operations. The lens body has a programmed exposure time control circuit for producing an exposure time control signal, while the camera body has a still control circuit for producing a still control signal which marks the start and finish of a still picture photographing operation. The camera body and lens body are provided with respective first and second signal control circuits for controlling the flow of a bidirectional signal, which is a composite of the exposure time control signal and still control signal. The bidirectional signal is passed between the camera body and the lens body over a single signal line in a time division manner during still picture photographing operations.

Abstract: A device for preventing erroneous shutter release in an electronic release type camera having an automatic aperture control function, a bulb function and a self-timer function. The device includes an automatic aperture controlling switch which is turned on when an automatic aperture control photographing mode is selected, a bulb photographing switch which is turned on when a bulb photographing mode is selected, and a self-timer switch which is turned on when a self-timer photographing mode is selected. An erroneous operation detecting circuit produces a warning signal when the bulb photographing switch and the automatic aperture control switch are turned on simultaneously, or when the bulb photographing switch and the self-timer switch are turned on simultaneously. The warning signal is applied to prevent a release magnet control circuit from energizing an electromagnet which effects release of the shutter of the camera when the warning signal is present.