Abstract: A camera includes a lens holding member for detachably holding a lens device, an image taking device for taking an image formed by the lens device, a front main body member forming a front portion of the main body of the camera, a rear main body member which forms a rear portion of the main body of the camera and is coupled to the front main body member, and a central main body member on which the lens holding member and the image taking device are mounted and which is coupled to at least one of the front and rear main body members.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus is provided with an image taking lens, a mirror which is capable of pivotally changing a position thereof between a first position where the mirror is disposed on an optical path of the image taking lens and a second position where the mirror is disposed off the optical path, and an image pick-up unit for picking up an optical image from the image taking lens. In accordance with the pivotal movement of the mirror, a driver moves the image pick-up unit along the optical direction of the image taking lens.

Abstract: In a digital camera having a half mirror retractable out of the optical path and an optical viewfinder receiving light reflected from the half mirror, the sensitivity of an image-sensing device is set as specified by the user. When a relatively high sensitivity is specified, an image to be recorded is shot with the half mirror operated as a quick-return mirror, and, when a relatively low sensitivity is specified, an image to be recorded is shot with the half mirror kept in the optical path. A sensitivity that cannot be coped with simply by changing the position of the half mirror is set by adjusting, in conjunction therewith, the output gain of the image-sensing device.

Abstract: There is provided a camera which is compact in size and inexpensive even with the use of two motors, which allows relevant mechanisms to be laid out freely to thereby simplify motor controlling sequences, and which allows the user to quickly perform preliminary winding of a newly loaded film after film rewinding to thereby minimize the effects of film replacement during photographing. A first motor is used to drive a film winding driving system and a film rewinding driving system. A switching mechanism selectively switches between a winding state in which a driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film winding driving system, and a rewinding state in which the driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film rewinding driving system. A second motor is used to drive the switching mechanism for selective switching between the winding state and the rewinding state.

Abstract: There is provided a camera which is compact in size and inexpensive even with the use of two motors, which allows relevant mechanisms to be laid out freely to thereby simplify motor controlling sequences, and which allows the user to quickly perform preliminary winding of a newly loaded film after film rewinding to thereby minimize the effects of film replacement during photographing. A first motor is used to drive a film winding driving system and a film rewinding driving system. A switching mechanism selectively switches between a winding state in which a driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film winding driving system, and a rewinding state in which the driving force of the first motor can be transmitted to the film rewinding driving system. A second motor is used to drive the switching mechanism for selective switching between the winding state and the rewinding state.

Abstract: There are provided a driving device and a camera which are compact in size and inexpensive even with the use of two motors, which allow relevant mechanisms to be laid out freely to thereby simplify motor controlling sequences, and which ensure positive power transmission operations even upon abnormal load change during film rewinding. First and second planetary mechanisms are responsive to rotation of a first motor in a desired direction, for revolving in a direction corresponding to the desired direction to transmit a driving force of the first motor. A first driving system is disposed to have the driving force of the first motor transmitted thereto via the first planetary mechanism when the first motor rotates in a first direction. A second driving system is disposed to have the driving force of the first motor transmitted thereto via the first planetary mechanism when the first motor rotates in a second direction.

Abstract: A single-lens-reflex camera includes means for virtually eliminating vibration, noise, and motion caused by mirror movement, resulting in a higher resolution image being recorded on a light-sensitive surface at the rear of the camera. A pair of bi-parting mirrors are smoothly and noiselessly slid from a position adjacent each other, reflecting an image upward to a viewing screen for focusing and viewing, to a separated position. When mirrors are separated they are clear of the image, so the image can then fall upon the shutter and light-sensitive surface at the rear of the camera. After the image is recorded on the light-sensitive surface, the mirrors return to their original adjacent position. The mirrors are symmetrically arranged, so their inertial masses oppose and cancel each other during mirror movement, thereby eliminating camera movement from this source. This allows larger and heavier mirrors to be used in large format cameras.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens holding member for detachably holding a lens device, an image taking device for taking an image formed by the lens device, a front main body member forming a front portion of the main body of the camera, a rear main body member which forms a rear portion of the main body of the camera and is coupled to the front main body member, and a central main body member on which the lens holding member and the image taking device are mounted and which is coupled to at least one of the front and rear main body members.

Abstract: A mirror-reflex camera is provided having a viewfinder mirror which can be displaced between a viewing position and a taking position, and an electromagnetic drive for adjusting the viewfinder mirror. The viewfinder mirror can be displaced linearly between the viewing position and the taking position to ensure the quick and reliable adjustment of the viewfinder mirror between the viewing position and taking position, with a relatively low outlay and little expenditure of energy. The electromagnetic drive has a permanent magnet arrangement and a linearly displaceable plunger coil arrangement. The viewfinder mirror is displaceable, in particular, via a driver with the plunger coil arrangement.

Abstract: A camera has an objective lens for forming an image of a subject by focusing rays of light on a film plane, and a mirror for a viewfinder which is movable in the way of the light rays between the objective lens and the film plane to reflect the light rays to a viewing screen in the viewfinder and is movable out of the way of the light rays to allow the lens to focus the light rays on the film plane. The movable mirror is an electrostatic light valve that includes a transparent flat stationary electrode between the objective lens and the film plane, and a coilable mirrored resilient electrode having one end fixed with respect to the stationary electrode and a free end. The coilable electrode is biased to curl into a coil on the stationary electrode, beginning at the free end, to move out of the way of the light rays, and is electrostatically actuatable to uncurl from the coil along the stationary electrode to be in the way of the light rays to reflect them to the viewing screen.

Abstract: A focus detecting optical system includes a reduction lens having a positive refractive power that is located between an objective lens and an image taking plane on which a primary image of a subject is formed by the objective lens, a separation plane mirror for separating a light passed through the reduction lens from an optical path toward the image taking plane, a pair of separator lenses for re-forming an image formed through the reduction lens and the separation plane mirror into a pair of secondary images, and a pair of image sensors for capturing the secondary images. The optical axis of the reduction lens is coaxial with the optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A mirror-reflex camera, having a mirror support which supports a viewfinder mirror and can be adjusted between two end positions, a viewing position and a taking position. Latches are provided with the mirror support for latching in the end positions. Adjustable engaging levers are provided which engage in the latches in an engaging position and release the latches in a release position. A holding device (such as a plate) is provided for holding a driver. The driver can be adjusted along a driver track by a drive and can be moved in the holding device along its driver track within a distance which is limited by two bearing positions in the holding device. The mirror support can be adjusted above the holding device by the driver in these bearing positions. The engaging means, which can, in particular, be pivotable latching levers, can be adjusted from the engaging position into the release position by the driver.

Abstract: An electromotive drive for swiveling the viewfinder mirror in a single-lens mirror reflex camera between its viewfinder position and its picture taking position. A balanced mirror drive includes a drive arm. The drive arm forms an integral component of the electromotive drive. The drive arm can be electromotively swiveled in about a fixed pivot axis lying parallel to the viewfinder-mirror swivel axis. The drive arm is kinematically coupled with the viewfinder mirror in such a way that the swiveling of the drive arm induces a swiveling in the opposite direction of the viewfinder mirror.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a quick-return mirror pivoted by a drive shaft. The mirror is selectively movable between a luminous flux reflective position in which an image-forming luminous flux from an imaging optical system is reflected toward a view finder optical system and a luminous flux transmissive position in which the image-forming luminous flux is transmitted toward an image pickup device. A transflector is arranged on the quick-return mirror. A shielding member moves to an open position when the quick-return mirror takes the luminous flux reflective position, and moves to an external light shielding position when the quick-return mirror takes the luminous flux transmissive position. An interlocking mechanism has a toggle spring for moving the shielding member in interlock with the quick-return mirror. The electronic camera is thus free from the splitting of the image forming luminous flux reaching the image pickup device, and performs AF, AE, and AWB operations any time.

Abstract: A mirror control apparatus 100; 200 for controlling a mirror 20 in a single lens reflex camera 10. The mirror 20 is supported for reciprocal rotation between a first position in a photographing light path POP and a second position out of the photographing light path POP. The mirror control apparatus 100; 200 comprises a drive mechanism 102; 202 and a brake mechanism 104; 204. The drive mechanism 102; 202 is operatively connected to the mirror 20 for applying drive power to the mirror 20 for rotation between the first and second positions. The brake mechanism 104; 204 is operatively connected to the mirror 20 for producing brake power which varies depending on at least one of factors affecting rotation of the mirror, the brake power serving as resistance against rotation of the mirror 20. Such factors include temperature in the camera 10 and orientation of the camera 10 relative to the gravity.

Abstract: A mirror device for a camera. The mirror device includes a main mirror that directs luminous flux entering the photographic optical path of the camera to a position outside of the photographic optical path. A sub-mirror directs luminous flux passing through a half-mirror forming part of the main mirror to a rangefinding optical unit. The main mirror and the sub-mirror are retractable to outside the photographic optical path. A sub-mirror holder holds the sub-mirror, and is supported by a body of the mirror device so as to be retractable.

Abstract: A camera has a first charge mechanism for charging a mirror, a second charge mechanism for charging an aperture diaphragm, a third charge mechanism for charging a shutter, an exposure preparation mechanism for performing an exposure preparation operation in response to a releasing operation, a selector for distinguishing between single-shot photographing and continuous photographing, a first detector for detecting completion of charging of the mirror, a second detector for detecting completion of charging of the aperture diaphragm, a third detector for detecting completion of charging of the shutter, and a controller for executing a flow of control such that, when the selector detects continuous photographing being performed and in addition the first and second detectors detect completion of charging of the mirror and the aperture diaphragm, the exposure preparation operation is started irrespective of the result of detection by the third detector.

Abstract: A motor-driven single-lens reflex camera which controls and executes, through forward and reverse rotation of a single motor, a mirror up/down operation and a shutter charge operation by a mirror/shutter driving system, and also a film winding/rewinding operation by a film feeding system. The mirror up and the shutter charge release operations are executed through forward rotation of the motor, and the mirror down, the shutter charge and the film winding/rewinding operations are executed through reverse rotation of the motor. Thus the speedy film feeding after exposure can be made without stopping or reversing drive of the motor.

Abstract: A single lens reflex camera provided with a focus detection unit 58 arranged so as to have a photoreceptive surface disposed adjacent to an aperture 53a provided in the bottom wall 53 of a mirror box, and further provided with a cover 60 for effectively closing the aperture 53a during exposure.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for cyclic displacement of a camera shutter mechanism or the like between first and second end positions comprising an electromagnet displacing the shutter mechanism, the electromagnet comprising a pivotable armature pivotable between first and second positions, a plurality of blades, a rocker arm connected to the armature, a linkage connecting the rocker arm to the blades whereby pivoting of the armature can be translated into rotary movement of the blades, a biasing spring for biasing the armature towards a neutral position between the first and second end positions, a driver for ensuring that the armature reaches the first and second end positions, the driver comprising a permanent magnet for holding the armature in either of the first and second end positions and counteracting the biasing spring, and at least one coil for exerting a force on the armature upon activation of the coil, the force being sufficient to overcome the permanent magnet and the biasing spring.

Abstract: A mirror recoil preventing device suitable for a camera has a mirror and a mirror support frame. The mirror support frame movably supports the mirror in movement from a first position to a second position. In a camera having a photographic lens and a range finding element, the mirror guides light from the photographic lens to the range finding element when positioned at the second position. As a first alternative, the mirror support frame has a U-shaped groove at one end thereof. A regulating member is located in the vicinity of the second position to engage with the U-shaped groove when the mirror support frame is at the second position. As a second alternative, the mirror support frame has a leading edge and a trailing edge such that in movement from the first position to the second position, the trailing edge trails the leading edge. A first regulating member is located to be immediately adjacent to the leading edge of the mirror support frame when the mirror support frame is at the second position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a preview apparatus which is actuated by a preview switch which can be actuated externally, in an AF single lens reflex camera, wherein when the preview switch is turned ON, the AF operation is carried out before a stop-down operation to move a diaphragm from a full-open position to a set diaphragm position begins.

Abstract: A preview apparatus in a single lens reflex camera is provided in which a mirror drive mechanism, a diaphragm drive mechanism, and a shutter are driven in association with the rotation of a single-revolution cam gear which is driven by a motor. When the release switch is turned ON, the one-turn cam gear is rotated by single-revolution in the forward direction, and when an external preview switch is turned ON, the preview operation is carried out by the reverse rotation of the single-revolution cam gear within a predetermined angle range in which the stop-down operation takes place without causing an upward movement of the mirror.

Abstract: A method for controlling a single lens reflex camera having a preview function is provided in which a mirror drive mechanism, a diaphragm drive mechanism, and a shutter are driven in association with the rotation of a single-revolution cam gear which is driven by a motor. When the release switch is turned ON, the single-revolution cam gear is rotated by a single revolution in the forward direction, and when an external preview switch is turned ON, the preview operation is carried out by the reverse rotation of the single-revolution cam gear within a predetermined angle range in which the stop-down operation takes place without causing an upward movement of the mirror. When the release switch is turned ON during the preview operation, the motor is rotated in the forward direction until the single revolution cam gear is returned to the initial position, so that the photometering operation is carried out at the full-open aperture position.

Abstract: Device for preventing entrance of backlight into an optical view finder for preventing degradation of an image, including a zoom lens part for adjusting a size and angle of an image signal of an objective in planning a picture frame, a mirror shutter part capable of opening and closing for sending the image signal processed in, and received from the zoom lens part to a first optical axis and a second optical axis, an image forming CCD part disposed at an image forming plane of the image signal of the zoom lens part on the first optical axis for converting the image formed on the first optical axis into an electric signal for applying the electric signal to a display or a recording medium, and an optical view finder part disposed on the second optical axis for adjusting a magnification of the image signal on the second optical axis by means of an internal optical system for being observed by an observer's eye.

Abstract: A mirror operating device for speeding up a photographic operation cycle in a camera having a reflecting mirror for viewfinder observation. The reflecting mirror is movable between a first position blocking a photographic optical path and a second position aside from the photographic optical path. An electromotive drive source moves the reflecting mirror to the first position from the second position after an exposure to view a subject in a viewfinder. The time required for performing a mirror lowering operation is improved by controlling operation of a shutter mechanism and the electromotive drive source to move the reflecting mirror according to specific timing operations. The opening of the shutter mechanism is controlled according to a signal from a first delay device, and the start of the electromotive drive source to drive the mirror is started in response to a signal from a second delay device.

Abstract: A shock absorber of a mirror in a single lens reflex camera having a mirror which rotates about a shaft to move between a viewing position and a retracted position includes a rotating member which rotates together with the mirror when the mirror rotates, a brake member which is rotatable about a shaft, a friction member which resists the rotation of the brake member, and an association member which is provided on the rotating member to rotate the brake member together with the rotating member in the same direction when the rotating member rotates in the forward or reverse direction, at the termination of the upward movement of the mirror from the viewing position to the retracted position or at the termination of the downward movement from the retracted position to the viewing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing mirror bounce in a camera includes a mirror member rotatable in reciprocation between a viewing position and a photographing position. A mirror receiving member receives a kinetic energy of the mirror member by making a predetermined motion when a collision of the mirror member takes place and, at the same time, position-regulates the mirror member in the viewing position. A moment of inertia of the mirror receiving member and/or the mirror member is set so that a bounce time after the collision of the mirror member is shorter by 15% or above than a bounce time when fixing the mirror receiving member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for pivoting a viewfinder mirror (1) in a single-lens reflex camera between its finding and its taking positions. An improvement in this drive is characterized according to the invention by a separate electrical drive (4, 5, 13), which, mechanically decoupled, can be controlled directly through an external interface (12).

Abstract: A single lens reflex camera which has improved high-speed photography operation. The mirror in the single lens reflex camera is controlled to reduce the time delay between a first time when the rear shutter blind closes the photo field and a second time when the mirror reaches the down position. The time delay is reduced by initiating the mirror down movement at least before the rear shutter blind closes the photo field and possibly before the front shutter blind even opens the photo field, depending on the exposure conditions.

Abstract: A single lens reflex camera including a mirror-slit unit provided between a photographing lens and a recording medium and being provided with a pair of mirrors which can be selectively moved onto an optical axis of the photographing lens, and a slit provided between the mirrors; a reciprocally sliding mechanism which reciprocally moves the mirror-slit unit with respect to the recording medium, so that the slit gives the light to a picture area of the recording medium; and a photographing control mechanism which controls the reciprocally sliding mechanism, so that upon viewing, the mirrors of the mirror-slit unit are selectively moved onto the optical axis of the photographing lens so as to make the light incident upon a finder optical system, and upon photographing, the slit moves with respect to the picture area of the recording medium to make light, of an object to be photographed, incident upon the recording medium. The invention is also directed to an exposure method in the single lens reflex camera.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a camera, etc. incorporates at least first and second ultrasonic wave actuators driven at predetermined frequencies for driving the apparatus. The first and second ultrasonic wave actuators are drive-controlled at different frequencies by first and second actuator drive portions controlled by an apparatus control portion. The first and second ultrasonic wave actuators are constructed to satisfy a relationship such as .vertline.f1-f2.vertline.>4000, where f1 (Hz) is the drive frequency of the first ultrasonic wave actuator, and f2 (Hz) is the drive frequency of the second ultrasonic wave actuator. Prevented thus are drawbacks caused when simultaneously driving the plurality of ultrasonic wave actuators for driving the apparatus, i.e., a resonance in an apparatus structural body and a resultant "beat" phenomenon.

Abstract: A camera body adapted for use in a single lens reflex (SLR) camera which has a mirror box associated therewith and a mount to removably mount and slidably adjust the placement of the mirror box. The mount allows the mirror box to be slid in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of a photographic lens and the light received thereby. Additionally, a camera body includes a front portion having a mount to affix a photographic lens, and a rear portion having a rail system for allowing a photosensitive film to travel within the rail system. The front portion and the rear portion are integrally formed. Finally, a camera body includes an aperture and related shutter insertion and removal mechanism for allowing easy access to a shutter mechanism of a camera without having to disassemble the camera.

Abstract: In the blur prevention mode, which prevents photographic blurring caused by the vibration of the camera body which occurs when the mirrors are elevated, an anticipated drive quantity required for focusing the taking lens on a moving photographic subject at the time of exposure is calculated based on the results of distance measurement and a drive quantity equivalent to the distance traveled by the image surface of the moving photographic subject during the time T by which the exposure operation is delayed after mirror elevation is also calculated based on the results of distance measurement to be added to the anticipated drive quantity. The taking lens is driven in the amount of the total drive quantity that is the result of this addition. At the same time, the mirrors are elevated and then exposure is performed when the delay time T has elapsed after the mirrors are fully elevated.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for a mirror in a single lens reflex camera includes a mirror drive mechanism which moves the mirror, normally located within a photographing optical path, out of the photographing optical path immediately before the photographing operation. A damper damps shock caused when the mirror is moved by the mirror drive mechanism. The damper includes a cylinder, a piston which is moved in the cylinder and which is connected to the mirror, a valve mechanism which opens and closes a flow passage in accordance with the movement of the piston, and an adjusting device which adjusts a surface area of the flow passage.

Abstract: A camera is provided with means for effecting cyclic displacement of a mechanical system, such as a mirror mechanism (1) or shutter mechanism, between two end positions. The means include spring means (3) for biasing the system towards a neutral position or zone between the two end positions and drive means (5) for ensuring that the system sequentially reaches said end positions.

Abstract: In order to reduce the width of an electric camera to the largest extent possible, and to improve operations in the camera, the driving motor that drives the shutter activating mechanism is a flat motor situated either above or below the spool chamber or the cartridge chamber. Additionally, to provide a camera that can be miniaturized, and with which noise and vibration are minimized, a motor device that drives at least one of a mirror device that drives a mirror at the time of exposure of the film and a shutter device that regulates the exposure time interval of the film, is arranged relative to the film cartridge chamber so that the spindle of the cartridge chamber and the shaft of the motor are substantially coaxial.

Abstract: A diaphragm control device for a camera capable of controlling a diaphragm member with a high level of precision is disclosed. The camera and diaphragm control device are equipped with a mirror member that moves from the down position to the up position during shooting of a subject, a mirror driving device to drive the mirror member, a diaphragm mechanism connected with the mirror member to control light rays from the subject, a diaphragm driving device to drive the diaphragm mechanism, a stopping device to stop the diaphragm driving device, and a control device to control the diaphragm driving device and the stopping device to stop the diaphragm mechanism at about a predetermined position. A correction device correct changes in the stopping characteristics of the stopping device to precisely stop the diaphragm mechanism at the predetermined position.