Abstract: A pseudo zoom camera, which utilizes a film cartridge provided with an information storing device, comprises a taking lens optical system for projecting an object image onto a portion of photographic film, which portion has been pulled out of the film cartridge. The camera also comprises a finder optical system capable of displaying an image of a field angle, which is different from the field angle of the object image formed by the taking lens optical system, in a predetermined region representing an image-recording range. A writing device writes information representing an image range ratio of the image, which is displayed in the predetermined region by the finder optical system, to the object image, the information being written on the information storing device of the film cartridge.

Abstract: A pseudo zoom camera, which utilizes a film cartridge provided with an information storing device, comprises a taking lens optical system for projecting an object image onto a portion of photographic film, which portion has been pulled out of the film cartridge. The camera also comprises a finder optical system capable of displaying an image of a field angle, which is different from the field angle of the object image formed by the taking lens optical system, in a predetermined region representing an image-recording range. A writing device writes information representing an image range ratio of the image, which is displayed in the predetermined region by the finder optical system, to the object image, the information being written on the information storing device of the film cartridge.

Abstract: A self-photographing method for an autofocus camera, wherein, upon depression of a shutter release button, the subject distance data are detected a plurality of times at periodic intervals, and a predetermined exposure operation, that is, an actual shutter release operation is automatically executed using the autofocus system when the detected subject distance data have changed from each other. The distance data are repeatedly detected and compared with each other until these distance data differ from each other. If the distance data have been equal for a predetermined time interval from the shutter release button depression, then the actual shutter release operation is executed, or is called off and the self-photographing is terminated. It is preferred that the detected change of distance be a decrease of distance, indicating that the photographer has stepped into the picture, whereupon the measured distance becomes his distance in place of the background distance.

Abstract: A variable focal length camera having at least one auxiliary lens system which is inserted into or withdrawn from the optical axis of a main lens system. A lens holder holding the auxiliary lens system is swingably mounted on a shaft extending in the direction of the optical axis, and moves forward and rearward along the shaft for focus adjustment. In order to cancel the component of a force in the direction of the optical axis exerted by a tool by which a focus adjusting device is operated, the shaft is arranged to be motionless in the direction of the optical axis. According to a preferred embodiment, on the intermediate portion of the shaft, there is formed a thread meshing with a base portion of the lens holder so that the position of the lens holder is adjusted through rotation of the shaft, and after this lens position adjustment the base portion is fixed to the shaft.

Abstract: A zoom lens system shifts the position of front and rear lens groups relative to each other in the direction of the optical axis to change its focal length, by moving a lens barrel back and forth in the axial direction. The lens barrel is formed with cutouts in its rear portion for receiving therein parts and elements projecting forwardly from the plane in which an exposure aperture is located when the lens barrel is retracted, so as to reduce the thickness of the camera with the retracted zoom lens. A focal length changing mechanism comprises a fixed cam and a lever attached to the lens barrel which is turned by the cam when the lens barrel moves back and forth to shift one lens group, thereby changing the focal length of the zoom lens to desired focal lengths. To correct the changes in focus of the zoom lens caused by the change of focal length, an adjusting member is provided in the focal length changing mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic focusing camera which is equipped with a taking lens system changeable in focal length between at least two different focal lengths: a relatively short focal length suitable for wide-angle photography, and a relatively long focal length suitable for telephotography. When the taking lens system is changed to have the relatively short focal length, the taking lens is further changed to be able to take close-up photographs and the automatic focusing is simultaneously changed to cover a short subject distance range between, for example 0.1 and 1.0 m.

Abstract: In a drop-in loaded camera, a back lid is opened to its predetermined open position by magnetic repulsion produced by magnetic members disposed on the back lid and the camera body when releasing a back lid latch that keeps the back lid closed. The back lid thus opened is held in that open position by magnetic attraction, in which a film supply chamber is exposed at the bottom of the camera for the insertion of a patrone with a leader previously withdrawn therefrom. In that open position there is also provided a slot for the threading of the leader in an exposure position. The back lid is free to move farther open, beyond that predetermined open position, but against that magnetic attraction. In this way, the lid when released automatically seeks that partially open positon for film loading and unloading, but is more fully openable merely by pulling it farther open against the same magnetic force that tends to maintain it in the partially open position.

Abstract: In a folding type camera, a taking lens is supported by a lens supporting member. The lens supporting member is swung about an axis disposed adjacent to an upper edge of a housing provided in the front face of a camera body and is swingable between a forwardly projected position and a folded position retained in the housing. When the lens supporting member is in the folded position, there is formed a space between the lower end of the lens supporting member and the lower inside edge of the housing . The space is closed by an auxiliary closure member swingable about an axis adjacent to the lower edge of the housing. The auxiliary closure member is swung inwardly and outwardly pushed by the free end of the lens supporting member when it is swung back and forth, and returns to its original position when the free end of the lens supporting member clears the upper end of the auxiliary closure member.

Abstract: A zoom lens system has a zoom lens holder which varies its length as the focal length is varied. The zoom lens holder includes a fixed ring, an axially movable ring disposed within the fixed ring to which a front lens holder is screwed, and a rotatable cam ring disposed around the fixed ring. The axially movable ring is engaged with the rotatable cam ring by means of a pin fixed to the outer face of the movable ring and slidably engaged with a helical cam groove of the cam ring. The pin radially extends through an axially extending key slot provided in the fixed ring and thereby prevents the movable ring from rotating about the optical axis of the zoom lens system. As the movable ring axially moves, the cam ring is rotated. A rear lens holder is axially movable within the movable ring and is engaged with the cam ring by means of an engaging pin fixed to the rear lens holder and a helical cam groove provided in the cam ring.