Abstract: Provided is an optical apparatus including: a first optical element configured to be movable in an optical axis direction; a second optical element configured to be movable in the optical axis direction; a first elastic member configured to bias the first optical element in the optical axis direction; and a second elastic member configured to bias the first optical element and the second optical element in the optical axis direction due to reduction in distance between the first optical element and the second optical element, wherein the second elastic member is configured to bias the first optical element, due to the reduction, in a direction in which the first elastic member biases the first optical element.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an apparatus for allowing close-focus of a camera on a portable electronic device while sliding the device on a surface. A macro lens is selectively placed by a user adjacent to a lens of the camera. Support points maintain the macro lens at a predetermined distance from the surface while the device is slid on the surface.

Abstract: A close-distance correcting lens system includes a positive first lens group and a negative second lens group, wherein traveling distances of the first lens group and the second lens group toward the object side differ from each other when carrying out a focusing operation on an object at infinity to an object at a close distance. The first lens group includes a positive first sub lens group, a negative second sub lens group, a diaphragm, and a positive third sub lens group, in that order from the object side. The second sub lens group includes an image-stabilizing lens group which is arranged to move in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis to change an imaging position of the object image to thereby correct any image shake of the object image.

Abstract: The lens apparatus includes a first lens barrel and a second lens barrel disposed on an image side further than an object side end portion of the first lens barrel so as to allow a movement of the first lens barrel in an optical axis direction, a positioning member attached to one lens barrel of the first and second lens barrels, and an elastic member disposed between the first and second lens barrels to bias the first lens barrel toward an object side. Another lens barrel of the first and second lens barrels is brought in contact with the positioning member with a biasing force from the biasing member, and thereby the first lens barrel is positioned with respect to the second lens barrel in a state where a movement of the first lens barrel on the image side due to an external force is allowed.

Abstract: A remote communication apparatus for receiving the image of a remote user captured by an imaging device to show the image to another user includes a zoom controller for controlling a zoom ratio defining the angle of view of the imaging device, and an estimator for estimating a distance between the imaging device and the remote user on the basis of the zoom ratio of the imaging device.

Abstract: A remote communication apparatus for receiving the image of a remote user captured by an imaging device to show the image to another user includes a zoom controller for controlling a zoom ratio defining the angle of view of the imaging device, and an estimator for estimating a distance between the imaging device and the remote user on the basis of the zoom ratio of the imaging device.

Abstract: A camera unit is provided, including a camera lens and a macro lens coupled with the camera lens module along an optical axis. The macro lens comprises a plane substrate and a plano-convex lens structure formed on the plane substrate by wafer level processing, wherein the effective focal length of the macro lens is between 80-150 mm.

Abstract: A lens driver having a manually operated ring, rotation detection means for detecting rotation direction and rotating speed of the manually operated ring on the basis of rotation the manually operated ring, a switching means for switching a control mode, on the basis of detection result of the rotation detection means, between a normal control mode in which a lens is driven at normal driving speed depending on rotating speed of the manually operated ring and a high-speed control mode in which the lens is driven at high driving speed which is faster than the normal driving speed, and a driving control means for controlling a driving means so that the lens is driven at the normal driving speed when the normal control mode is set and controlling the driving means so that the lens is driven at the high driving speed when the high-speed control mode is set.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly and zoom lens module are provided, including a first lens, a second lens, a plurality of guiding blocks, a sheathing tube, a plurality of linking members and an adjusting tube. The first lens includes a plurality of curved surfaces disposed on a second lens surface toward a first lens surface. The second lens includes a plurality of driving rods disposed on a third lens surface and abutting the curved surfaces. The guiding blocks are respectively fixed on the first lens. The sheathing tube sheathes the first lens and the second lens and comprises a plurality of guiding notches to receive the guiding blocks, and a plurality of slits. The linking members pass through the slits and are fixed on the second lens. The adjusting tube sheathes the sheathing tube and comprises a plurality of driving notches to receive the linking members.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an image taking optical system that includes a first lens unit arranged on a most object side and a second lens unit movable in an optical axis direction further on an image surface side than the first lens unit, a first lens barrel that holds the first lens unit, a second lens barrel that is combined with the first lens barrel and houses the second lens unit so that the unit is movable, and a control unit that is arranged around an outer periphery of the second lens barrel and includes an operation member, which is operated in order to instruct driving of the second lens unit, and an electric component for controlling the driving of the second lens unit according to the operation of the operation member, in which a maximum outer diameter of the first lens unit is larger than a minimum inner diameter of the control unit.

Abstract: When focus is to be achieved in manual focus, accurate and quick focus is attained when switched from a telemacro mode to a normal mode. An image pickup apparatus includes: a shooting mode determining module; a zoom lens drive module; a focus lens drive module; a storing module; and a control module wherein a combination point of a position of a focus lens with a position of a zoom lens is moved along a path of a combination point of a position of the focus lens with a position of the zoom lens that is focused at the shooting distance stored by the storing module in response to manipulation to change a focal length by a user, when it is determined that the shooting mode determining module has switched from the telemacro mode to the normal mode.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a focus unit, a zoom unit, an aperture stop, and an imaging unit having a splitting element that are arranged in that order from an object side to an image side. The splitting element includes an incident surface for a light beam, a half mirror surface for splitting the light beam into reflected light and transmitted light, a splitting exit surface from which the reflected light is emitted, and an exit surface from which the transmitted light is emitted. The incident surface and the exit surface are perpendicular to an optical axis of the zoom lens. The ratio of the distance from the aperture stop to the exit surface and the equivalent air length from the aperture stop to an image plane of the zoom lens and the ratio of the effective diameters of the exit surface and the splitting exit surface are set properly.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly includes an optical system forming an optical axis and having at least one lens group, a base member (1), a macro ring member (2) rotatably engaged with the base member for accomplishing both zooming and focusing operations, a lens holder (3) received in the macro ring member and having the at least one lens group received therein, a resilient member (4) compressively engaged with the lens holder, and an interengaging means (13, 21; 16, 25) provided between the macro ring member and the base member. The macro ring member has a driving member (22, 27) disposed thereon for manual manipulating. When the driving member is manipulated, the macro ring member is rotated and moved along the optical axis relative to the base member by the action of the interengaging means, and thus the focal length of the optical system is varied for effecting both normal photography and macro photography.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of keeping the engagement of a protruding portion of a first member and a cam groove portion of a second member even if an external force acts on the apparatus. The lens apparatus comprises: a first member including first and second protruding portions; and a second member including a first groove portion with which the first protruding portion engages, and a second groove portion into which the second protruding portion is inserted. The second protruding portion and the second groove portion are away from each other in a case where the first and second members are located in a specified positional relationship, and come into contact with each other in a case where the first and second members are located in another positional relationship.

Abstract: A device for focusing a laser beam includes a first telescopic configuration and a second telescopic configuration. The first telescopic configuration includes a collimating optical element for collimating the laser beam and a downstream focusing optical element for focusing the laser beam onto a focal point. The second telescopic configuration includes a first lens and a downstream second lens disposed in the divergent beam path upstream of the first telescopic configuration. The first and second lenses of the second telescopic configuration are moveable relative to each other in the beam direction.

Abstract: A macro lens comprised of a front lens group of a retrofocus type and a rear lens group of which component lenses are aligned in the order from the closest to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lens assembly comprising an enclosure, annular rotating means, gear assembly, spring, leaf spring, cap, and lens. The enclosure has a housing and haft. The housing has a lower hole for supporting the image capture apparatus, and an upper hole, which is consisted of three slope sets. Each slope set has a sub-slope and a main slope, the main slopes of the slope sets having a same gradient and being in a same height at highest points or lowest points of the main slopes. The annular rotating means having three extrusive portions is connected to the slope sets of enclosure. The gear assembly, which is supported by the haft of enclosure and connected with the annular rotating means, is applied for driving the annular rotating means. The spring is mounted on the first inner rim of the upper surface of the annular rotating means. The leaf spring is placed on the second inner rim of the upper surface of the annular rotating means.

Abstract: A zoom lens mechanism includes a switching lens group frame which supports a first sub-lens group frame and a second sub-lens group frame; a shift cam mechanism provided on opposed surfaces of the first and second sub-lens group frames, respectively, the shift cam mechanism causing the first and second sub-lens group frames to move to a mutually close position or mutually distant position; an actuator ring for providing relative rotation between the first and second sub-lens group frames; a receiving surface provided on the switching lens group frame wherein a rear end surface of the actuator ring abuts against the receiving surface; and a biasing device for biasing the first sub-lens group frame toward the actuator ring to force the first and second sub-lens group frames, and the actuator ring against the receiving surface, so that the shift cam mechanism come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A portable telephone 1 is provided with a body 2 and a camera unit 3. In the camera unit 3, photography is switched to macro photography by pressing a macro button 22 on the body 2. In this way, the convenience of the portable telephone 1 is improved because an object in the very near distance can be photographed. The camera unit 3 is constructed so as to be freely rotatable in a direction Rc on a shaft of a connector C. Accordingly, a user can freely modify the photography direction of the camera unit 3, thereby increasing the freedom of photography and providing greater improvement in the convenience of the portable terminal.

Abstract: A zoom lens device includes a zoom optical system, in which front, middle and rear lens groups are set at one focal length between a wide-angle end where a focal length is short and a telephoto end where the focal length is long. Lens barrels move in first and second regions to move the front, middle and rear lens groups along an optical axis. The lens barrels, when in the first region, focus the zoom optical system with a predetermined focal length kept by maintaining an interval between the front and middle lens groups, and when in the second region, change the focal length of the zoom optical system. A combination of a cam follower pin and a cam groove effects focusing by moving the middle lens group relative to the front lens group along the optical axis when the lens barrels are in the second region.

Abstract: A lens barrel of the present invention includes a first zoom frame and a second zoom frame which are moved frontward and rearward by a cam frame. The first zoom frame holds a first lens group, and the second zoom frame contacts and presses a second-group frame. Four guide shafts are fixed to the first zoom frame, and directly and slidably support the second-group frame which holds a second lens group or a third-group frame which holds a third lens group. Therefore, the deviation between the optical axes of the second lens group and the third lens group from the first lens group is reduced. In the lens barrel, the supporting structure of the frame members is simplified, the supporting accuracy of the frame members is increased, and the misalignment of the optical axes of the lens groups is prevented.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a front lens frame supporting a front lens group; a rear lens frame supporting a rear lens group; a cam ring including first and second cam grooves which receive first and second cam followers of the front and rear lens frames; the first and second cam grooves include first and second moving sections and first and second accommodation sections, respectively; and a guiding mechanism allowing the rear lens frame to relatively rotate when the second cam follower engages in a vicinity an accommodation position of the second accommodation section, and prohibiting the rear lens frame from relatively rotating while allowing the rear lens frame to only relatively move in the optical axis direction when the second cam follower engages in a section of the second cam groove which includes the second moving section and excludes this vicinity.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a stationary barrel, an outer ring, an inner ring, a cam ring and a movable lens frame, arranged in that order from outermost side, wherein the axes thereof coincide with a common optical axis, the outer ring being guided linearly in the optical axis direction by the stationary barrel, the inner ring being linearly guided in the optical axis direction by the outer ring, and the cam ring being rotatable to move the movable lens frame in the optical axis direction; and a lens barrier mechanism having an aperture positioned in front of the movable lens frame, the lens barrier mechanism being provided on a front opening of the inner ring, for opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a cam ring which rotates about an optical axis while moving in the optical axis direction and has a cam groove formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof; a movable lens frame provided inside the cam ring so as to be movable in the optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis; a cam mechanism for moving the movable lens frame in the optical axis direction by an amount of movement greater than that of the cam ring via rotation of the cam ring in accordance with a profile of the cam groove; and an outer ring which is provided around the cam ring and is engaged therewith so that the cam ring is rotatable about the optical axis relative to the outer ring and so that outer ring moves together with the cam ring in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes first and second lens groups guided in an optical axis direction without rotating about the optical axis, first and second support frames which support the first and second lens groups and include first and second cam followers, respectively; and a cam ring which is rotatable about the optical axis and includes a cam groove. The cam groove is formed as a continuous groove and includes first and second groove portions via which the first and second cam followers are guided to move the first and second lens groups, respectively. One of the first cam follower and the second cam follower enters one of the first groove portion and the second groove portion after passing through the other of the first groove portion and the second groove portion in a preparation stage of the lens barrel.

Abstract: In a zoom lens device, the mechanism for guiding lens groups for achieving a composite focal length for the zoom lens function is used also for positioning the lens groups for the macro lens function. In particular, the position for the macro lens function is defined in a region near the wide end of the zoom lens function so that the interference with the convenience of the zoom lens function may be minimized. The mechanism for the zoom lens function can be thereby used additionally for the macro lens function so that the mechanism for achieving the two functions can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be minimized. This device is suitable for use in compact cameras.

Abstract: A lens barrel according to the present invention includes a first lens group; a second lens group; a third lens group; a first actuator for driving the first lens group; a second actuator for driving the second lens group; and third and fourth actuators for driving the third lens group. At least one of the first through fourth actuators is provided at a position such that magnetic flux leakage from at least one of the first through fourth actuators is canceled.

Abstract: A lens position control apparatus is disclosed which comprises a variable power lens unit that moves along the optical axis; a focussing lens unit; a drive unit for driving the variable power lens unit along the optical axis; a member defining the reference position to be used prior to execution of a focussing operation of the focussing lens unit, the member being movable along the optical axis in accordance with the movement of the variable lens unit; and calculating means for calculating the driven amount of the focussing lens unit from the reference position in association with the focussing operation thereof, wherein the focus lens is moved to the reference position first, and then driven again based on the distance moved.

Abstract: An eccentricity-prevention mechanism includes a pair of lens-supporting rings for supporting a pair of lens groups, respectively; and a pair of positioning recesses and a follower projection formed on one and the other of opposed surfaces of the pair of lens-supporting rings, such that the follower projection engages with one of the pair of positioning recess to define a relative position of the pair of lens-supporting rings with respect to the optical axis, at a mutually close position and at a mutually distant position. At least three pairs of the positioning recesses and at least three follower projections are provided at different positions in a circumferential direction, so that eccentricity between the pair of lens-supporting rings is eliminated when all of the follower projections are concurrently brought into engagement with corresponding positioning recesses.

Abstract: In a collapsing mechanism of the projecting lens apparatus, when a focus ring is moved to the back over a moving range for adjusting the focus, the focus ring is connected to a zoom ring. Then, the zoom ring rotates by following the focus ring which moves to the back, and a first and a second zoom lenses are moved to the back over a moving range for adjusting the zoom. Therefore, the focus ring completely collapses into a body of a projector.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes front and rear sub-lens groups; front and rear sub-lens group frames for supporting the front and rear sub-lens groups, respectively; a lens frame shift mechanism for causing the front sub-lens group frame and the rear sub-lens group frame to move relative to each other to obtain the mutually close position and the mutually distant position; a first lens group positioning surface provided on the front sub-lens group frame for positioning the front sub-lens group by contacting with a portion of a rear surface of the front sub-lens group; and a second lens group positioning surface provided on the rear sub-lens group frame for positioning the front sub-lens group by contacting with a portion of a front surface of the rear sub-lens group.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a lens frame for supporting a photographing lens group, the lens frame including a guide bore which extends in a direction parallel to the optical axis; a support barrel, wherein the lens frame can be inserted into and removed from a front opening of the support barrel; a rod receiving portion formed inside the support barrel; a bracket detachably attached to a front end of the support barrel; and a guide rod provided on the bracket for guiding the lens frame to move relative to the support barrel in the optical axis direction, the guide rod engaging with the rod receiving portion when the bracket is attached to the support barrel. The lens group frame can be taken out of the support barrel through the front opening when the bracket having the guide rods is removed from the support barrel.

Abstract: A lens barrel having a zoom lens system including variable power lens groups, at least one of which includes a switching lens group having two sub-lens groups, the lens barrel includes a first sub-lens group frame for supporting one of the sub-lens groups; a second sub-lens group frame for supporting the other sub-lens group; a switching lens group frame for supporting the first and second sub-lens group frames; a lens shutter mechanism secured to the switching lens group frame on the image side of the second sub-lens group frame; and a focusing mechanism for making the second sub-lens group frame advance or retreat, with respect to a reference position provided by the lens shutter mechanism secured to the switching lens group frame. The first and second sub-lens group frames are integrally moved along in the optical axis direction via the focusing mechanism.

Abstract: A lens barrel having a zoom lens system including a plurality of variable power lens groups which includes a switching lens group having two sub-lens groups which are optically operable in mutually close and distant positions, the lens barrel includes a first sub-lens group frame for supporting one sub-lens group; a second sub-lens group frame for supporting the other sub-lens group; a switching lens group frame for supporting the first and second sub-lens group frames; a shift mechanism for selectively moving the first and second sub-lens group frames in the switching lens group frame to the mutually close and distant positions; and a switching lens group frame moving mechanism for moving the switching lens group frame with the other variable power lens group(s) along a predetermined path to vary the focal length; wherein combined movement of the shift mechanism and the switching lens group frame moving mechanism provides a zoom path for the sub-lens groups.

Abstract: A lens drive mechanism includes first and second sub-lens group frames for supporting first and second sub-lens groups; a support frame for supporting the first and second sub-lens group frames; a first linear guide mechanism which linearly guides the first sub-lens group frame and prevents rotation thereof; a second linear guide mechanism which linearly guides the second sub-lens group frame, while limiting rotation thereof, at two extremities of rotation thereof; a lens frame shift mechanism for causing the first and second sub-lens group frames to move to the mutually close or distant position; and a linear displacement mechanism which integrally moves the first and second sub-lens group frames in the optical axis direction, in the mutually close or distant position. A linear guide clearance of the first linear guide mechanism is larger than a linear guide clearance of the second linear guide mechanism.

Abstract: A zoom lens mechanism includes a switching lens group frame supporting a first sub-lens group frame and a second sub-lens group frame which support first and second sub-sub-lens groups, respectively; a lens group shift mechanism for causing the first and second sub-lens group frames to linearly move to a mutually close position or a mutually distant position, with respect to the optical axis direction, in accordance with relative rotation between the first sub-lens group frame and the second sub-lens group frame; and a focusing mechanism which integrally moves the first sub-lens group frame and the second sub-lens group frame in the optical axis direction while maintaining a distance therebetween after the first and the second sub-lens group frames are moved to one of the mutually close position and the mutually distant position by the lens group shift mechanism.

Abstract: A zoom lens mechanism includes a switching lens group frame which supports a first sub-lens group frame and a second sub-lens group frame; a shift cam mechanism provided on opposed surfaces of the first and second sub-lens group frames, respectively, the shift cam mechanism causing the first and second sub-lens group frames to move to a mutually close position or mutually distant position; an actuator ring for providing relative rotation between the first and second sub-lens group frames; a receiving surface provided on the switching lens group frame wherein a rear end surface of the actuator ring abuts against the receiving surface; and a biasing device for biasing the first sub-lens group frame toward the actuator ring to force the first and second sub-lens group frames, and the actuator ring against the receiving surface, so that the shift cam mechanism come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A zoom viewfinder includes an objective optical system having a frontmost lens group and a movable lens group positioned behind the frontmost lens group, and a guide shaft which extends parallel to an optical axis of the objective optical system to guide the movable lens group in the optical axis direction. The frontmost end of the guide shaft is positioned behind the frontmost lens group of the objective optical system.

Abstract: A step zoom lens camera having a zoom lens and a cam ring provided with a cam groove having step portions. The zoom lens camera includes a focusing lens group which serves also as a variable power lens group of the zoom lens; and an adjusting lens group, serving also as another variable power lens group of the zoom lens, which is guided by the cam groove and is moved in the optical axis direction in a non-linear relationship with respect to the rotation angle of the cam ring in each focal length step. The step portions of the cam groove are each provided with a path which enables the adjusting lens group to move so as to provide a linear relationship between the rotation angle of the cam ring and amount of movement of the focal position of an infinite distance object.

Abstract: In a zoom lens device of the present invention, an aperture at a predetermined zooming step that is other than a telephoto end and a wide-angle end is smaller than apertures at the other zooming steps, and the predetermined zooming step is used only when a macro shooting mode is chosen. In the present invention, the predetermined zooming step between the telephoto end and the wide-angle end is set only for the macro shooting mode, and the aperture in the macro shooting mode is small enough to make the field depth large. Therefore, the simple and inexpensive lens device can perform the macro shooting.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises an optical system provided within a main body of the barrel, an operation ring used for a photographer to operate the optical system, driving means, used for an electric drive, for generating a driving force transferred to the operation ring via a driving force transfer member, and a rotation restricting stopper for restricting a range of rotation of the operation ring. The rotation restricting stopper is movable between a position for restricting the range of the rotation of the operation ring and a position where the range of the rotation is not restricted, and substantially simultaneously restricts a range of rotation of the driving force transfer member in the position for restricting the range of the rotation of the operation ring.

Abstract: A body of a lens frame, which is a lens barrel of the present invention, consists of an inner frame for holding a lens, an intermediate frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed, and an outer frame in which an adjusting screw is screwed. The frames are connected to one another by parallel springs. In the case of this lens frame, the inner frame is displaced in the direction of X-axis or a horizontal axis by screwing the adjusting screw thereinto in the direction of the horizontal axis and screwing another adjusting screw thereinto by the direction of a vertical axis. Thus, the inner frame is displaced in Y-direction through the intermediate frames. Consequently, the translation of the position of the optical axis of the lens is performed without inclination of the intermediate frame. Hence, the adjustment of the position of the optical axis is easily achieved. Moreover, this lens frame achieves a reduction in the cost of components thereof.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprises first and second tubes, a base, a single motor, and a drive gear for transmitting a drive force of the motor to the first and second tubes. The drive gear comprises a cylindrical gear and a shaft gear having a shaft inserted in the cylindrical gear. The cylindrical gear and the shaft gear rotating about a common rotation axis. The cylindrical gear is interposed between a first feed screw and the motor, and the shaft gear is interposed between a second feed screw and the motor. Accordingly, zooming and focusing can be made by one motor, increasing density and integration and providing excellent space efficiency.

Abstract: A TV camera lens device includes a flange back length control signal for moving a master lens group to a position of the proper flange back length in accordance with the operation of a flange back length control. It further includes a macro control signal generating device for outputting a macro control signal for moving the master lens group to a preset macro position where the master lens group is to be positioned during the macro-shooting. Then, either one of the flange back length control signal and the macro control signal is made to take preference in accordance with the operation of a selector switch, and the selected control signal is input to a control circuit. Incidentally, the macro position may be relatively defined as referenced from the position of the proper flange back length.

Abstract: A thermal compensation system for an optical lens that has a focus adjustment with visible focus distance numerals and a juxtaposed index line for identifying the focus distance. The index line is provided on an internal ring slidably mounted to rotate circumferentially with respect to a barrel portion of the optical lens that includes the focus distance numerals. An actuator mounted within the optical lens includes a wax motor that is responsive to temperature changes and mechanical lever that engages both the wax motor and the ring for causing circumferential movement of a ring in response to actuation movement of the wax motor as caused by temperature changes. Further, an adjustment cam is provided for adjusting the relative positions of the wax motor and lever for calibrating the temperature responsive movements of the ring bearing the index line.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a shaft receiving at least a pair of the lens groups movable jointly to provide focusing of an image upon actuation of an adjusting wheel and adapted to be disengaged to have displacement of one of the pair of lens groups relative to the other lens group for adjusting a magnification of the image.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel is provided in which the amount of forward movement made by a focus lens is altered in accordance with a change in a focal length caused by a zooming operation. The zoom lens barrel includes a moving mechanism for rotating a cam member around an optical axis and for moving this cam member in the direction of the optical axis in response to the zooming operation; a first cam for moving a zoom lens in the direction of the optical axis on the basis of the rotation around the optical axis and the movement in the direction of the optical axis; and a second cam for moving the focus lens, which focus lens is used for zooming and focusing, in the direction of the optical axis. The first and second cams are provided for the cam member.

Abstract: A lens barrel capable of shortening its full length includes a photo-taking optical system with a rear unit lens and a front unit lens, a rear unit lens holding cylinder holding the rear unit lens, a front unit lens holding cylinder holding the front unit lens and movable in the direction of an optical axis relative to the rear unit lens between a photographing position for making the photo-taking optical system capable of photographing with the rear unit lens and a full length shortening position for shortening the full length of the lens barrel in the direction of the optical axis and a fixing member for fixing the front unit lens holding cylinder in one of the aforementioned positions relative to the rear unit lens holding cylinder.

Abstract: A macro-photographing system in a zoom lens camera includes a lens system having at least a movable front lens group on the object side and a movable rear lens group on the image surface side, a whole-unit driving device which moves the front lens group and the rear lens group together, a relative drive device which relatively moves the front lens group or the rear lens group to vary the distance between the front and rear lens groups, a zoom operation device which sets the focal length by the lens system, and a macro-photographing setting device which sets at least one close object distance. The camera position is fixed when the camera is focused on the object at the close object distance set by the macro-photographing setting device. When the zoom operation means is actuated, at least one of the whole-unit driving device and the relative drive device are actuated to keep the focused state for the close object distance.

Abstract: A TV camera lens of the present invention is provided with a position-control signal generating means for outputting a position-control signal representing a position where a master lens group should be positioned, and a rate-control signal generating means for outputting a rate-control signal representing a rate at which the master lens group should be moved. A position/rate control changeover means validates one of the position-control signal generating means and the rate-control signal generating means. A control circuit drives a motor to move the master lens group according to the rate-control signal or the position-control signal which is validated by the position/rate control changeover means. The TV camera lens is also provided with a limit circuit. A limit position, at which the master lens group stops when the master lens group moves under the rate control, is set to a proper flange back length position, which is adjusted under the position control.