Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: A mirror driving device includes a positioner in the imaging apparatus; a mirror holder configured to hold the movable mirror and move to the first position and the second position of the movable mirror; a positioning surface at the mirror holder and configured to come into contact with the positioner to determine the first position of the movable mirror; and a shock dispersion surface provided at the mirror holder. When moving from the second position toward the first position, the movable mirror is configured to contact the positioner before the positioning surface comes into contact with the positioner to reduce a shock. The shock dispersion surface has a smaller inclination with respect to a travel-direction tangent line than an inclination of the positioning surface with respect to the tangent line. The shock dispersion surface is located forward of the positioning surface in the travel direction toward the first position.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: A mirror drive device capable of achieving lower torque and higher speed in mirror driving without necessitating reversing of an urging direction of an urging member during the mirror driving and improve durability thereof at the same time. A main mirror holder holding a main mirror is movable between a mirror-down position is a photographing optical path and a mirror-up position retracted from the photographing optical path. A sub mirror holder holding a sub mirror and rotatably attached to the main mirror bolder is movable between a mirror-down position and a mirror-up position. The sub mirror holder is moved by a driving member from the mirror-down position to the mirror-up position, whereby the main mirror holder is moved from the mirror-down position to the mirror-up position.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: A mirror drive device in which the speed of forward and backward movement of a mirror is increased while reducing a power amount required therefor without affecting a finder image and a focus distance of an image viewed through a finder. A mirror-down cam is cam-engaged with a drive shaft provided in a mirror holder, and causes the mirror holder to enter a finder observation position of a photographing optical path. A mirror-up cam is cam-engaged with the drive shaft, and causes the mirror holder to retract from the photographing optical path. A down spring urges the mirror holder toward the finder observation position with low necessary and sufficient pressure. A motor transmits rotation to the mirror-down cam and the mirror-up cam via a shift gear train. The rotation axes of the mirror-down cam and the mirror-up cam are arranged in positions different from each other.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: A movable-mirror drive mechanism of a camera includes a main mirror held by a main-mirror holding frame rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position; a sub-mirror held by a sub-mirror holding frame that is rotatably supported by the main-mirror holding frame, wherein the sub-mirror holding frame is positioned in a jutting-out position when the main mirror is in the viewfinder light-guiding position, and the sub-mirror holding frame is retracted with the main mirror when the main mirror is in the retracted position; and a vibration control member which rotates in association with rotation of the main-mirror holding frame and holds the sub-mirror holding frame in the jutting-out position to prevent the sub-mirror holding frame from rotating toward the sub-mirror retracted position when the main mirror rotates to the viewfinder light-guiding position.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an image sensor and a zoom lens assembly including a plurality of movable lens elements arranged to be moved independent of one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable lens elements share an optical axis. Some embodiments include a lens and mirror assembly for admitting light to the miniature camera. The lens and mirror assembly includes a folded optics arrangement such that light enters the lens and mirror assembly through a first lens with an optical axis of the first lens orthogonal to the plurality of moveable lens elements. The lens and mirror assembly includes a mirror for folding the path of light from the optical axis of the first lens to the optical axis of the plurality of movable lens elements, and the lens and mirror assembly further includes an actuator for tilting the mirror.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus includes a blade member, a blade moving member, a locking member, a cam member, and a restriction member. The cam member moves the locking member from the locking position to the non-locking position so that the blade moving member moves from the closing position to the opening position. The restriction member moves from the non-restriction position to the restriction position after the blade moving member moves from the closing position to the opening position. The cam member moves the locking member in a direction opposite to a direction from the non-locking position to the locking position so that the locking member moves the restriction member from the restriction position to the non-restriction position.

Abstract: A camera includes a positioning member arranged to determine a mirror-down position of a mirror holder, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the positioning member, and an urging member arranged to urge the rotating member. The mirror holder includes a cam portion. The rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A mirror holder includes a cam portion, and a rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with an edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A mirror holder includes a cam portion, and a rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with an edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A camera movable-mirror drive mechanism includes a first shock-absorbing member, pushed by a main-mirror support member to absorb shock when the main-mirror support member rotates to a viewfinder light-guiding position; a second shock-absorbing member, pushed by the main-mirror support member when the main-mirror support member rotates to the retracted position; and a third shock-absorbing member, pushed by a sub-mirror support member to absorb shock when the sub-mirror support member rotates to a jutting position with rotation of the main-mirror support member to the viewfinder light-guiding position.

Abstract: A camera having a mirror drive mechanism, for rotating a movable mirror, includes a slider supported on a side of the movable mirror to be linearly movable in a vertical direction corresponding to an up-and-down rotation of the movable mirror, the slider including a cam follower; an end-face cam member positioned above a mirror up-and-down pivot, about which the movable mirror pivots, to be rotatable about a vertical rotational shaft, a cam follower provided on the slider is in contact with the end-face cam member so that the end-face cam member changes a vertical position of the slider via an end-face cam and the cam follower by rotating; and an end-face cam driver. A control apparatus for a cam drive mechanism and a method of controlling a cam drive mechanism are also provided.

Abstract: A movable-mirror drive mechanism of a camera includes a main mirror held by a main-mirror holding frame rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position; a sub-mirror held by a sub-mirror holding frame that is rotatably supported by the main-mirror holding frame, wherein the sub-mirror holding frame is positioned in a jutting-out position when the main mirror is in the viewfinder light-guiding position, and the sub-mirror holding frame is retracted with the main mirror when the main mirror is in the retracted position; and a vibration control member which rotates in association with rotation of the main-mirror holding frame and holds the sub-mirror holding frame in the jutting-out position to prevent the sub-mirror holding frame from rotating toward the sub-mirror retracted position when the main mirror rotates to the viewfinder light-guiding position.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera includes a movable mirror which is rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a pressing portion which moves with the rotation of the movable mirror, a first shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the retracted position to the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a second shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the viewfinder light-guiding position to the retracted position. The first and second shock-absorbing members are mutually identical in specifications.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera includes a movable mirror which is rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a pressing portion which moves with the rotation of the movable mirror, a first shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the retracted position to the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a second shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the viewfinder light-guiding position to the retracted position. The first and second shock-absorbing members are mutually identical in specifications.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera is provided and includes a movable mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a first shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates between the retracted position and the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a second shock-absorbing member which supports the first shock-absorbing member in a manner to allow the first shock-absorbing member to move relative to the second shock-absorbing member, and when the movable mirror rotates, firstly the second shock-absorbing member moves the first shock-absorbing member solely in a pressing-moving direction in which the first shock-absorbing member is pressed and moved by the movable mirror, and subsequently the second shock-absorbing member is moved with the first shock-absorbing member in the pressing-moving direction.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera is provided and includes a movable mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a first shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates between the viewfinder light-guiding position and the retracted position, and a second shock-absorbing member to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates in the opposite.

Abstract: When a mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, a follower portion traces a first region of a cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with one edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is bounced near the mirror-down position or near the mirror-up position, the contact portion is contacted with an opposite edge of the hole against the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for reflex cameras is provided. A main mirror is pivotably connected to a steering lever, which is rotatable about a rotary spindle, such that the main mirror is pivoted and lowered during transition into the lower position. A secondary mirror is rotatably mounted to a housing via a pivot arm that is arranged pivotably about a rotary spindle that is fixed to the housing. The rotary spindle of the pivot arm is parallel to the rotary spindle of the steering lever. The mirror arrangement further comprises an actuating lever, which is connected to the main mirror and the pivot arm of the secondary mirror. The actuating lever is configured to provide simultaneous movement of the main mirror and of the secondary mirror from the upper position into the lower position and vice versa.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a lead screw, a moving member, an image-pickup element, a mirror member that is capable of rotating between a first state and a second state, an urging member, and a first abutment member configured to abut against the mirror member when the mirror member is in the first state. An engagement portion parallel to a rotational axis of the mirror member is protruded from the mirror member. The engagement portion is held by both ends of the urging member when the mirror member rotates between the first state and the second state. A first end of the urging member elastically deforms so as to be apart from the engagement portion when the mirror member abuts against the first abutment member.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera is provided and includes a movable mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a first shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates between the retracted position and the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a second shock-absorbing member which supports the first shock-absorbing member in a manner to allow the first shock-absorbing member to move relative to the second shock-absorbing member, and when the movable mirror rotates, firstly the second shock-absorbing member moves the first shock-absorbing member solely in a pressing-moving direction in which the first shock-absorbing member is pressed and moved by the movable mirror, and subsequently the second shock-absorbing member is moved with the first shock-absorbing member in the pressing-moving direction.

Abstract: A mirror contact member includes a first eccentric portion that is eccentric with respect to a rotation center of the mirror contact member, and a second eccentric portion that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the mirror contact member substantially at the same eccentricity as that of the first eccentric portion. When a mirror is displaced to a mirror-down state, the mirror is contacted with the first eccentric portion. A bounce regulation member is disposed to be rotatable about the second eccentric portion.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of reducing variations in the time it takes for mirror bounce to end caused by adjustments made to the angle of a mirror, making assembly of the image pickup apparatus more efficient, and making the image pickup apparatus more compact. A mirror unit comes into contact with a positioning pin so as to be positioned in the shooting optical path. Rotating an adjustment member, on which a lock lever is rotatably fitted and to which the positioning pin is fixed, causes the mirror unit to move following the adjustment member. The lock lever and the positioning pin eccentrically move according to the rotation of the adjustment member and move in the same direction by the same amount. A gap between the mirror unit and a lock pin of the lock lever is constant.

Abstract: A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera, includes a movable mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a mirror-advancing shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the retracted position to the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a mirror-retracting shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the viewfinder light-guiding position to the retracted position. The mirror-advancing shock-absorbing member is held in a position so as not to contact with the movable mirror by the mirror-retracting shock-absorbing member when the movable mirror is in the viewfinder light-guiding position.

Abstract: A camera includes a first mirror contact member contactable with one side of a mirror, a first rotation member rotated about a first rotation shaft when the first mirror contact member is contacted with one side of the mirror, a second mirror contact member contactable with the other side of the mirror, and a second rotation member rotated about a second rotation shaft when the second mirror contact member is contacted with the other side of the mirror. The first rotation shaft is formed at a position different from a position of the first rotation member where the first mirror contact member is provided. The second rotation shaft is formed at a position different from a position of the second rotation member where the second mirror contact member is provided. The first and second rotation members are arranged such that the first and second rotation shafts are coaxially positioned.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a lead screw, a moving member, an image-pickup element, a mirror member that is capable of rotating between a first state and a second state, an urging member, and a first abutment member configured to abut against the mirror member when the mirror member is in the first state. An engagement portion parallel to a rotational axis of the mirror member is protruded from the mirror member. The engagement portion is held by both ends of the urging member when the mirror member rotates between the first state and the second state. A first end of the urging member elastically deforms so as to be apart from the engagement portion when the mirror member abuts against the first abutment member.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a first timer configured to start measuring a first time period when a mirror located at a mirror-up position is moved to a mirror-down position, a second timer configured to start measuring a second time period when the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, and a controller configured to enable processing when the first timer finishes measuring the first period and the second timer finishes measuring the second period. The first period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror located at the mirror-up position starts moving to the mirror-down position, when a high power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus, and the second period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, when a low power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus.

Abstract: A camera including a drive source, where the drive source is driven so that a charge member enters a moving locus of a mirror drive member when driving a mirror from a mirror down position to a mirror up position. After the charge member has entered the moving locus of the mirror drive member, the mirror drive member is moved from the mirror down position to the mirror up position by an urging force of the mirror drive spring.

Abstract: When a mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, a follower portion traces a first region of a cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with one edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is bounced near the mirror-down position or near the mirror-up position, the contact portion is contacted with an opposite edge of the hole against the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A camera includes a positioning member arranged to determine a mirror-down position of a mirror holder, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the positioning member, and an urging member arranged to urge the rotating member. The mirror holder includes a cam portion. The rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: A mirror holder includes a cam portion, and a rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with an edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member.

Abstract: When a second cam gear and a first cam gear rotate one turn, a shutter device changes to a first state, a second state, and a third state in this order. In the first state, the second cam gear charges a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear holds the blade lever. In the second state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charges the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. In the third state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charging of the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever.

Abstract: A shutter base plate is formed with a first shaft parallel to an optical axis of a photographic light flux, and a drive lever rotates around the first shaft to drive a first blade and a second blade. A mirror lever rotates around a second shaft parallel to the first shaft to drive a main mirror. A second cam gear rotates around a third shaft parallel to the first shaft to charge a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a shutter spring which urges a shutter drive member for driving shutter blades, a shutter charge unit which is used to charge the shutter spring, and is switched between a fixed state in which a charge operation of the shutter spring is complete, and the shutter drive member is fixed and a released state, and a drive unit which drives the shutter charge unit. When a second determination unit determines that a switching ready state of a mirror from a mirror-down state to a mirror-up state is set when a first determination unit determines that a charge operation of the shutter spring is complete, the drive unit is controlled to drive the shutter charge unit to the released state without latch the shutter charge unit in the fixed state after the charge operation of the shutter spring is complete.

Abstract: A camera including a drive source, where the drive source is driven so that a charge member enters a moving locus of a mirror drive member when driving a mirror from a mirror down position to a mirror up position. After the charge member has entered the moving locus of the mirror drive member, the mirror drive member is moved from the mirror down position to the mirror up position by an urging force of the mirror drive spring.

Abstract: A camera includes a first mirror contact member contactable with one side of a mirror, a first rotation member rotated about a first rotation shaft when the first mirror contact member is contacted with one side of the mirror, a second mirror contact member contactable with the other side of the mirror, and a second rotation member rotated about a second rotation shaft when the second mirror contact member is contacted with the other side of the mirror. The first rotation shaft is formed at a position different from a position of the first rotation member where the first mirror contact member is provided. The second rotation shaft is formed at a position different from a position of the second rotation member where the second mirror contact member is provided. The first and second rotation members are arranged such that the first and second rotation shafts are coaxially positioned.

Abstract: A mirror contact member includes a first eccentric portion that is eccentric with respect to a rotation center of the mirror contact member, and a second eccentric portion that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the mirror contact member substantially at the same eccentricity as that of the first eccentric portion. When a mirror is displaced to a mirror-down state, the mirror is contacted with the first eccentric portion. A bounce regulation member is disposed to be rotatable about the second eccentric portion.

Abstract: A mirror brake mechanism of an SLR camera for applying a brake to a mirror pivoted about a mirror rotational shaft to be swingable between a viewing position and a retracted position. The mirror brake mechanism includes a brake shaft which is independent of the mirror rotational shaft and positionally aligned along an extension line of the mirror rotational shaft; an interlocking rotating member disposed on one of laterally opposite sides of the mirror and rotatable about the brake shaft; a mirror drive shaft which connects a mirror seat, on which the mirror is mounted, and the interlocking rotating member to each other in a rotational direction about the mirror drive shaft; a brake drum which rotates in association with the interlocking rotating member; and a mirror brake member which is brought into contact with and disengaged from the brake drum.

Abstract: A mirror drive apparatus incorporating a brake mechanism of an SLR camera includes a mirror pivoted about a mirror rotational shaft and swingable between a viewing position and a retracted position, wherein the mirror is biased to swing from the viewing position to the retracted position; a brake drum which rotates in association with a swing movement of the mirror; a mirror brake member including a brake shoe which is brought into contact with and disengaged from the brake drum; a mirror control cam driven by a motor to return the mirror, which is biased to swing from the viewing position to the retracted position, to the viewing position from the retracted position; and a brake lever control mechanism which makes the brake shoe contact the brake drum and moves the brake shoe off the brake drum by a rotating operation of the mirror control cam.

Abstract: A mirror retention structure to reduce rebounding of a sub-mirror and to prevent shifting of the mirror-down position. The mirror retention structure includes, a main mirror retention frame that retains a main mirror, a sub-mirror retention frame that retains a sub-mirror and is axially supported at the main mirror retention frame, and a receiving pin that abuts against the sub-mirror retention frame and sets an angle of the sub-mirror at a mirror-down position, wherein the sub-mirror retention frame is provided with a first abutting portion that touches against the receiving pin at the mirror-down position, and a second abutting portion, at a different position from the first abutting portion, that touches against the receiving pin at a position prior to the mirror-down position in a transition from a mirror-up position to the mirror-down position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a shaken image by using auto focusing. The method includes calculating a maximum AF value of a preview image and a maximum AF value of a captured image that is down-sampled according to the preview image and comparing the maximum AF value of the preview with the maximum AF value of the captured image to determine whether the captured image is shaken or not.

Abstract: A mirror unit that can decrease the wait time before distance measurement.

Abstract: A shutter base plate is formed with a first shaft parallel to an optical axis of a photographic light flux, and a drive lever rotates around the first shaft to drive a first blade and a second blade. A mirror lever rotates around a second shaft parallel to the first shaft to drive a main mirror. A second cam gear rotates around a third shaft parallel to the first shaft to charge a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring.

Abstract: When a second cam gear and a first cam gear rotate one turn, a shutter device changes to a first state, a second state, and a third state in this order. In the first state, the second cam gear charges a mirror lever drive spring and a blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear holds the blade lever. In the second state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charges the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever. In the third state, the second cam gear releases charging of the mirror lever drive spring and charging of the blade drive spring, so that the first cam gear releases holding of the blade lever.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism includes a cam-incorporated gear which rotates in one rotational direction by a driving force transmitted from a drive source via a planet gear when engaged with the planet gear, wherein the cam-incorporated gear stops rotating when disengaged from the planet gear; a driven member which includes a follower which contacts at least one surface cam formed on the cam-incorporated gear, the driven member being driven in accordance with the rotation of the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction, and exerting a surplus torque on the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction thereof so as to increase the rotation of the cam-incorporated gear in the one rotational direction, the surplus torque being independent of a torque exerted on the cam-incorporated gear by the drive source; and a damping mechanism which continuously exerts a load torque on the cam-incorporated gear in a rotational direction opposite to the one rotational direction of the cam-incorporated

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided, including a mirror movable between a viewing position and a retracted position; a shutter which prevents the light that is passed through the imaging optical system from being incident on the image sensor and allows the light that is passed through the imaging optical system to be incident on the image sensor when open and shut, respectively; a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; a second operating mechanism which carries out the shutter charge operation without moving the mirror when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; and a driving force transmission switcher for transmitting driving forces of the reversible motor in first and second rotational directions thereof to the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus has an image sensing device, and a signal processing device for performing a first image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in an exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and a second image sensing operation for making the image sensing device perform an image sensing operation in a non-exposure state to obtain a sensed image signal, and processing the sensed image signal obtained by the first image sensing operation by the sensed image signal obtained by the second image sensing operation. The signal processing device determines in accordance with the image sensing time of the first image sensing operation whether or not the second image sensing operation is performed.