Abstract: In an imaging apparatus for driving a lens system mounted a housing by way of a linear motor, a detection is made of a component of force along an optical axis direction, among external force applied to the lens system based upon a drive current outputted from the lens driving means under control of the control means during the stationary servo mode. As a result, the component force given to the lens system along the optical axis direction can be detected. Thus, a so-called "ground imaging operation" in which the camera is inadvertently left on and pointed at the ground can be prevented without providing any sensor of the optical axis.