Abstract: A camera viewfinder which includes a device for displaying data, such as shutter speed and aperture value. A liquid crystal display and associated illuminating systems are provided for the display device. The illuminating system includes an illuminating lamp and a diffusion plate for diffusing light from the lamp. The diffusion plate has a groove or hole at its center for accommodating the lamp and a flat surface facing the liquid crystal display. The surface of the diffusion plate opposite the flat surface has sloping sides which slope downward from the center of the diffusion plate.

Abstract: A stop control apparatus for an electronic camera capable of performing both still picture photographing and motion picture (video) photographing operations. A video exposure control circuit and a still exposure control circuit produce first and second operating signals during motion picture and still picture photographing operations, respectively. A selected one of the signals is applied to operate an electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism composed of an electronic drive device mechanically coupled to operate the aperture blades of the camera. An aperture opening regulator determines the aperture opening amount in accordance with a selected aperture value, with the regulating means operating by producing a force which acts against the force produced by the electromagnetic drive device.

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 mechanism for charging a mirror and a shutter in a video still camera having a charging motor, including a driving pin mounted eccentrically on a final speed reducing gear drivable by the charging motor, a mirror charging lever actuatable by the driving pin for charging the mirror during an initial period of a single revolution of the final speed reducing gear, and a shutter charging lever actuatable by the driving pin for charging the shutter while the mirror is being charged by the mirror charging lever. The mirror is completely charged prior to completion of the charging of the shutter.

Abstract: A camera mechanism for counting film frames in a camera capable of operating in both normal and multiple exposure modes. A shutter charging mechanism is coupled to a winding lever mechanism so as to be charged for each operation of the winding lever. A film winding mechanism is coupled through a gear structure which includes a ratchet and pawl arrangement wherein the film winding mechanism is engaged with the winding lever mechanism for a multiple exposure position of a multiple exposure operating member and disengaged therefrom for a normal position of the multiple exposure operating member. A first switch is actuated for each operation of the winding lever while a second switch is operatively coupled to the multiple exposure operating member. A counting circuit counts the number of times the first switch is operated except when inhibited by the second switch when the multiple exposure operating member is in the multiple exposure position.

Abstract: A self-timer device for a camera in which the set lever of an electronic self-timer device may be automatically restored and in which, even if the self-timer device has been set, it can be reset so that it is possible to perform an ordinary photographing operation. The device includes a self-timer set lever and a first cam rigidly coupled thereto with a bent portion standing away from the set lever and abutting a cam surface of a second cam member. The second cam member, upon being released by activation of a release button, is rotatable by the self-timer set lever through the bent portion of the first cam member rotating until it is locked in position by a locking lever. An operating member is provided which is activatable by a release lever which upon activation releases the second cam member. The bent portion of the first cam member also abuts a control switch of the electronic control circuit including an electrical delay circuit for providing a preferred delay time.

Abstract: A release button device for controlling the release of a shutter in an electromagnetic release type camera in which commercially available cable release units and electrical remote release units can be both used. An electrically conductive release button which is adapted for receiving the cable release unit is coupled to an electrically insulative central core frame. The plunger of the cable release unit can pass through an aperture formed in the release button and central core frame. An electrically conductive central core frame is slidably disposed in the aperture in the core frame. A protrusion which forms a first contact of a release switch is positioned below a lower end of the central core and a dome-shaped contact piece forming the second contact is disposed therebetween. Upon depression of the release button or a plunger of a cable release unit, the contact piece is pushed into contact with the protrusion thus closing the release switch.

Abstract: A camera having an automatic exposure control mechanism wherein aperture priority, shutter speed priority and manual modes of operation can be set without the possibility of the switching mechanism being set to inoperable positions. The aperture ring of the camera lens is provided with a protrusion which interlocks with a corresponding protrusion on a ring of the camera body through which aperture information is transmitted. The shutter dial of the camera is provided on its reverse side with plural semicircular conductive pads which selectively engage with contact brushes as the dial is rotated to set the various modes of operation. A variable resistance contact portion is also provided on the dial for manually setting the shutter speed.