Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a photo-taking lens system, in which a focus has to be adjusted every time the focal length is changed, including at least a first lens unit for changing the focal length by means of its movement along an optical axis of the photo-taking lens during the zooming operation and a second lens unit for adjusting the focus by means of its movement along the optical axis, and a controller for controlling the speed of the second lens unit during the zooming operation based on the focal length of the photo-taking lens system, the lapse of the time related with focus detection cycles, the reliability of the result of the focus detection and so on.

Abstract: A camera comprises a taking lens having a zoom lens system, zoom lens driver for performing a zooming operation by driving the taking lens, first parameter detector for detecting a subject distance from a photographing scene, second parameter detector detecting light source data from the photographing scene, and controlling circuit for controlling the zoom lens driver so that the taking lens has a focal length automatically obtained on the basis of the subject distance and the light source data. The camera gives a photographer in advantage when, for example, a baby is photographed in the whole image plane at a relatively short distance indoors, or a subject such as the whole body of a child on a ground is photographed in the whole image plane at a relatively long distance outdoors.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an automatic focusing apparatus for use in a photographic camera and, in a particular video-camera. The apparatus includes a defocus amount detecting device such as charged coupled devices (CCD) array for detecting the defocus amount of a photographic lens, a memorizing device for memorizing the focusing zone to carry out the lens-focus-adjustment, a comparing device for comparing between the specific setting value and the detected defocus amount, a selecting device for selecting the focusing zone so as to carry out the lens-focus-adjustment in accordance with a detection of the focusing condition, a focus adjusting mechanism for carrying out the lens-focus-adjustment on the basis of the defocus amount of the focusing zone selected by the selecting device, and a focusing zone alteration device for rememorizing the focusing zone with respect to the change of the focusing zone at which the lens-focus-adjustment is carried out.

Abstract: A focus detection condition display device suitable for use in a camera provided with an electronic viewfinder. The pattern signal corresponding to a focus detection zone on which focus detection is conducted by a focus detecting system is superimposed on the video signal of the object field and said signal is output to an electronic viewfinder. When the focus detection has become impracticable for such reason as lack of contrast of the object field, or focusing has become impracticable because of the object coming too close to the camera, an alarm is issued by the pattern corresponding to a focus detection zone displayed on the electronic viewfinder displaying in a manner different from that ordinarily used.

Abstract: When a teleconverter is attached, the variator is once moved to the tele end regardless of its position. Thereafter, by the input of zoom operation key, the movement of the variator to the wide side, namely zooming, becomes possible with the range of movement automatically limited in a prescribed range in order to prevent shading due to the attachment of the teleconverter. Meanwhile, if a wide converter is attached, the variator is similarly moved to the wide end. Thereafter, the movement of the variator is prohibited regardless of the presence/absence of the input of the zoom operation key. When the teleconverter or the wide converter is detached, the limit of the range of movement or prohibition of the movement of the variator is cancelled and usual zooming operation is retrieved.

Abstract: When a variator lens is driven to effect zooming, focal length information of a zoom lens unit, a zooming direction and a defocus amount are detector. Integration in CCD for focus detection is regulated in a short time during zooming and a cycle of focus detection is set to a predetermined period. A moving speed of a compensator lens is controlled based on detected information. A moving range of the variator lens is divided into zones and a basic moving speed of the compensator lens is set for each zone. When the variator lens is driven and information obtained by focus detection or a zooming condition corresponds to a specified condition, the compensator lens is moved at a basic speed corresponding to the zone where the variator lens exists or at a moving speed of the compensator lens applied till then. Focus detection areas automatically changed dependent on a situation of an object are forbidden to be changed during zooming.

Abstract: A winding apparatus for a deflection yoke capable of attaining winding operation at a high speed. The apparatus includes a rotor arranged in a manner to be inserted through a cylindrical spool of the deflection yoke which has an inner surface formed with longitudinal slots thereon. Reciprocating rotation of the rotor causes a wire to be introduced into any desired one of the longitudinal slots of the cylindrical spool and wound in the slot.

Abstract: A camera has a zoom lens which includes a variator and a compensator. However, in order to simplify the whole external form of the camera, reduce the size thereof, and further to materially eliminate the treatment of appearance of the taking lens, a linear movement means which includes a threaded shaft provided for linearlly moving a variator and a compensator composing a zoom lens and the nuts to be engaged with the threaded shaft and an electrically driving means for driving this linear movement means are covered by a housing of a camera body, a zoom operation key provided on this housing is caused to be operatively related to an electric circuit which drives and controls the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a white balance adjusting device for a color video camera for photographing an object irradiated by light from a blackbody radiation source or a non-blackbody radiation source. When recording operation is being performed, the white balance adjusting device prevents the moving operation of a fluorescent light correction filter and a color temperature conversion filter into an optical path of image pickup means and permits a white balance adjustment operation performed by electrically correcting an output of the image pickup means. When a recording operation is not being performed, the white balance adjusting device permits the moving operation of the fluorescent light correction filter and the color temperature conversion filter into the optical path and permits white balance adjustment operation performed by electrically correcting the output of the image pickup means.

Abstract: A camera such as a vide camera having an automatic focusing function, a power focusing function and a power zooming function which allows most reasonable change-over between the functions of the camera. The camera comprises manually operable mode change-over means for alternatively changing over the camera between a zooming mode and a focusing mode, and manually operable instructing means for instructing a direction of movement of a zooming lens system or a focusing lens system for zooming or focusing. When the zooming mode is selected, first actuating means actuates the zooming lens system for zooming in a direction instructed by the instructing means, but when the focusing mode is selected, second actuating means actuates the focusing lens system for focusing operation in a direction instructed by the instructing means. Several forms of instructing means are disclosed.

Abstract: A focus detection condition display device suitable for use in a camera provided with an electronic viewfinder. The pattern signal corresponding to a focus detection zone on which focus detection is conducted by a focus detecting system is superimposed on the video signal of the object field and said signal is output to an electronic viewfinder. When the focus detection has become impracticable for such reason as lack of contrast of the object field, or focusing has become impracticable because of the object coming too close to the camera, an alarm is issued by the pattern corresponding to a focus detection zone displayed on the electronic viewfinder displaying in a manner different from that ordinarily used.

Abstract: An exposure system for a camera includes a light emitting apparatus for emitting an artificial light toward an object. The light emitting apparatus is capable of selectively emitting a first type of light which flashes instantaneously, and a second type of light which flashes for a prolonged period of time. The intensity is maintained constant during the prolonged period of time. A camera produces a mode signal for switching the light emitting apparatus between a first mode in which the instantaneous flash light is emitted and a second mode in which the prolonged flash light is emitted.

Abstract: An exposure system for use in a camera includes a light emitting apparatus which is capable of selectively projecting a first type of light which flashes instantaneously with a predetermined light quantity and a second type of light which flashes for a prolonged period of time with a predetermined constant light intensity, and a selecting circuit for selecting the first type of light when a target object to be photographed is located a predetermined distance away from the camera, and the second type of light when the target object is located closer to the camera than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: In a photographic system for flash photography, the firing current of an electronic flash tube is selectively restricted in accordance with the detection of whether or not the flash light amount necessary for a flash photograph is below a predetermined level prior to the firing of the flash tube for a photographic exposure. A selection is made between a first mode of flash firing with flash tube current flowing through a switching element and a second mode of flash firing with a flash tube current flowing through an impedance device serially connected with the flash tube. Alternatively, a selection can be made between higher or lower voltage levels to which the main flash firing capacitor is charged. The amount of light required from a flash device can be preparatorily identified and when less than a predetermined light output the flash device is caused to select the second mode of flash firing, or alternatively to select the lower level of the voltage charged by the main capacitor.

Abstract: An objective lens extension device for use with a camera having an interchangeable lens coupling includes front and rear mounts having confronting recesses which form a housing when together, the rear mount having a camera coupling and the front mount having a lens coupling similar to the camera lens coupling and complimenting and rear mount camera coupling. A bellows extends between the mounts coaxial with the mount couplings and a pair of similar longitudinally extending linearly extendable contractable link assemblies, for example of the lazy tongs type, extend between and are connected to the mounts and lie in mutually perpendicular planes. A third link assembly may be provided parallel and similar to one of the others. The link assemblies may be spring biased to a contracted condition, releasably locked in preselected conditions and transversely stressed to frictionally retard their movement.