Abstract: An objective that is a concave lens and an ocular that is a convex lens are arranged in a finder housing with a predetermined space between them. The finder housing is molded of a black plastic material. A diaphragm portion is integrally formed inside an inner peripheral portion of the finder housing and between the objective and the ocular. The diaphragm portion is formed to be as large as a lens portion of the ocular. The diaphragm portion serves to block unwanted reflected light.

Abstract: A shutterless digital camera includes an optical viewfinder having a pair of spaced apart mirrors for facilitating in one mode of operation through-the-lens viewing of an object image to be captured and for facilitating in the same one mode of operation through-the-lens display unit viewing of a captured object image. A mirror control system facilitates the moving of at least one of the mirrors to permit the object image to be captured and further facilitates the moving of at least the other one of the mirrors to permit display unit viewing of the captured object image.

Abstract: A light-projecting device comprises an ocular optical system facing an emergent opening of a hollow pentagonal mirror. A superimpose-plate is provided in an incident opening of the hollow pentagonal mirror so that a subject image obtained through a photographing optical system is formed. The superimpose-plate is put on a focusing glass. A mark, indicated in a picture plane of the view finder, is formed on the superimpose-plate. A light source radiates an illumination light beam. A light-projecting prism reflects the illumination light beam toward the emergent opening. The light-projecting prism has a light-projecting plane. The light-projecting plane is located below the optical axis of the ocular optical system.

Abstract: A display device 70 having an organic luminescent element arranged at an object image-forming position of a finder optical system. Frames are formed by parts 31b, 32b, 33b of the negative electrode formed of non-transparent material, an organic electroluminescent material is laminated thereon on the eyepiece side, and a positive electrode formed of transparent material is superimposed thereon on the eyepiece side. Since the non-transparent negative electrodes 31b, 32b, 33b shield the light, the frames are recognized as black frames. When the periphery is dark, a voltage is applied between the electrodes causing the organic electroluminescent material to luminesce, such that the frame itself becomes brighter in display and is readily visible.

Abstract: A camera has a rangefinder device having an optical system constituted by a plurality of optical elements and a diopter adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the observation diopter of the rangefinder device by operation by the user from outside the camera. In addition, there are provided an operating member that operates the diopter adjustment mechanism and an adjustment mechanism that effects adjustment such that the observation diopter of the rangefinder device is at a predetermined value when the operating member is in a prescribed position. By this means, a camera having a diopter adjustment mechanism whereby the relative positional relationship of the operating member and driven member can always be ensured such that the observation diopter gets equal to the predetermined observation diopter that is to be set when the operating member is arranged in the prescribed position. This can be realized by a straightforward construction.

Abstract: A camera including a photographing optical system and a finder optical system, includes an objective optical system and an ocular optical system, the optical axes thereof being parallel with each other; a reflection surface which reflects a light bundle in the vertical direction of the camera; a reflection surface which reflects the light bundle in the horizontal direction of the camera toward an light-emitting optical axis of the ocular optical system; and a reflection surface located on the light-emitting optical axis to make a connecting optical axis coincident with the light-emitting optical axis of the ocular optical system. The connecting optical axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction of the camera so that the optical axes of the objective optical system and the ocular optical system are close to each other with respect to the vertical direction of the camera.

Abstract: A viewfinder eyepiece for a camera having a video signal tap, particularly a professional high definition video camera, for viewing the display screen of a display device, such as a CRT, in the viewfinder. The eyepiece includes a negative powered lens on an optical axis and positioned adjacent the display screen, a first positive powered lens on the optical axis is spaced from the negative powered lens is located at an eye-viewing end of the eyepiece, and a second positive powered lens positioned on the optical axis between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens. The second positive lens is mounted in the eyepiece to be movable along the optical axis in the space between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens for adjusting the focus on the display screen through the eyepiece.

Abstract: In a viewfinder for a camera, a first front finder lens forms an image of a subject including a background area of the subject, a second front finder lens forms an image of the subject including a background area of the subject that is greater than the background area of the subject included in the image of the subject formed by the first front finder lens, and a rear finder lens permits simultaneous viewing of the images of the subject formed by the first and second finder lenses, whereby dual images of the subject including greater and lesser background areas of the subject can be simultaneously viewed when looking through the rear finder lens. When one sees in the viewfinder the difference between the greater and lesser background areas of the subject, he or she is alerted to take care in composing the picture to be taken.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus in which an object image formed by an objective lens system is viewed through an eyepiece system includes a beam splitter which is located closer to an object than a focal plane of the objective lens system in a light path of the objective lens system, a negative lens provided in an optical path of light split by the beam splitter, and a photographing optical system attachment/detachment portion provided on a light emission side of the negative lens.

Abstract: An optical lens arrangement for a rangefinder system in a photographic camera with a fixed viewfinder magnification SK and a fixed measuring base MB is configured to be coupled with a rangefinder eyepiece of the rangefinder system and is designed as an afocal telescope with a minimum 1.1 times and a maximum 1.7 times magnification SL. The magnification SL may be selected so that the product of the viewfinder magnification SK and the magnification SL is at least very nearly equal to 1.

Abstract: A single-lens reflex camera provided with an eyepiece includes a screen on which an image of an object is projected, a plurality of reflecting surfaces for erecting the image projected on the screen, and an eyepiece with positive refracting power for observing the image.

Abstract: A cylindrical covering cap for an eyepiece tube, the eyepiece tube having a conical soft eyecup, includes, in a cylindrical interior of the covering cap: two mutually opposite segment regions having a segment region inside radius that is greater than an inner aperture radius of the covering cap; and at least two mutually opposite segment surfaces, which may be circumferentially spaced so that the locations of the segment surfaces are approximately symmetric about a segment region axis that passes through a center of each of the segment regions. A shortest distance from each segment surface to a cylinder axis may be smaller than the inner aperture radius of the covering cap, and the inner aperture radius of the covering cap may be configured to adapt to a larger outside radius of the conical eyecup. The segment surfaces may be substantially flat or have a substantially cylindrical curvature.

Abstract: An improved camera includes a photographing optical system and a finder optical system, existing independently from each other. In order that a finder observation image will not be obstructed by a camera lens, the camera comprises a driving circuit for respectively driving the photographing optical system and the finder optical system, and an optical system control circuit for controlling the photographing optical system in a manner such that the finder optical system will not be obstructed by the photographing optical system.

Abstract: A camera has a capture unit and a body holding the capture unit. The body has a front cover, a rear cover, and an internal cavity disposed between the covers. The body has a viewfinder box extending from an outer surface of one of the covers to an outer surface of the other cover. A viewfinder lens unit is disposed in the viewfinder box.

Abstract: An image forming optical system especially suitable as a viewfinder system in an electronic or electronic/film (hybrid) camera includes an objective lens system, an electronic imaging channel, and a visual viewfinding imaging channel. The objective lens system is common to both the electronic and visual imaging channels, and provides a zoom function. The objective lens system is substantially afocal. The optical system includes an optical component that provides at least three reflections for the visual viewfinder image forming light.

Abstract: A viewfinder informs the photographer when a camera is tilted relative to a subject to be photographed. The viewfinder includes a pair of front and rear openings optically aligned to view the subject through the two openings, and a translucent element surrounding the front opening to permit a halo of light around the front opening which can be seen through the rear opening. The rear opening is dimensioned sufficiently smaller than the front opening to prevent one from viewing through the rear opening various portions of the halo of light depending on whether the camera is tilted up, down, right or left. Thus, one is alerted when the camera is tilted relative to the subject.

Abstract: A finder device is disclosed in which a finder optical system is provided with an auto-focus function separate from that of a photographic optical system so that the subject image can be observed sharply even when the finder optical system undergoes a change of state due to temperature and other causes. A semitransparent mirror is interposed between an objective lens system and an erecting optical system to branch out a focus detection system optical path from a finder system optical system. A focus detection device is arranged on the focus detection system optical path so that its focus detection plane is situated at the equivalent position to the focal plane of the finder. The state of focus is obtained from the subject image formed on the focus detection plane by using a phase difference detection system or the like. Driving means moves a focus lens system forward/backward along the optical axis so that the subject image focuses on the focus detection plane.

Abstract: An adjustable viewfinder optical system for a shoulder-supported movie or video camera having interchangeable objective lenses. The system includes first and second lens groups aligned on an optical axis for receiving and relaying an image received from the objective lens of the camera to the viewer's eye. The first lens group is in a forwardly extending portion of the viewfinder that is pivotally joined to a rearwardly extending portion of the viewfinder containing the second lens group. The forwardly extending portion has a telescoping portion for varying the eye position of the viewer relative to the camera in the fore-and aft direction. The light is collimated between the first and second lens groups at the telescoping portion, whereby the image viewed in the viewfinder remains in focus and the same magnification throughout the telescoping adjustment movement.

Abstract: A finder optical system for observing an object therethrough, includes a variable-power objective optical system, an eyepiece optical system for guiding light from the object via the objective optical system to an observer, and an adjustor for changing the optical characteristics of an image of the object observed by the observer through the eyepiece optical system based on information about the temperature of the finder optical system, the distance from the finder optical system to the object, and the zoom position of the objective optical system.

Abstract: A viewfinder for a camera with an adjustable diopter includes an objective lens and an eyepiece lens each having an optical axis extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the camera. Light rays from the objective lens are reflected by a mirror and directed in one direction parallel to a transverse axis of the camera onto a focusing screen to form an object image. A first triangular prism receives light rays from the object image and reflects and directs the received light rays in opposite direction parallel to the transverse axis. A second triangular prism receives light rays from the first prism and reflects and directs the received light rays in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and toward the eyepiece lens. The first prism is supported and guided for linear displacement along the transverse axis, while the second prism is fixed to the body frame of the camera.

Abstract: In a finder apparatus, a diopter adjusting knob for driving an eyepiece back and forth is supported by a shaft portion of a main body. A plurality of V-shaped ratcheting grooves are disposed in a direction orthogonal to a parting line caused by molding under the shaft portion of the main body. The diopter adjusting knob is ratchetingly adjusted when a ball supported on a diopter adjusting knob slides in contact with the V-shaped grooves. The main body can be molded using simple dies without slides because the V-shaped grooves are orthogonal to the parting line.

Abstract: The camera view-correction apparatus comprises at least one dividing plate located in the view finder so as to divide the view finder into several regions. Each region has a light source at the far end, so that when all the light sources are successfully observed without being shielded by the dividing plate, it indicates that the optical axis of the view finder is matched with the optical axis of the lens. Alternatively, the camera view-correction apparatus has a plurality of plates located in the view finder. The plates enclose a tunnel free space with a cross shape for the cross-sectional view. Light can pass the tunnel free space and reach the eyes. If the optical axis of the view finder is tilted, some portion of the light is shielded by the plates with respect to the tilted direction.

Abstract: A housing of a finder unit is attached to a camera body and cam follower pins of movable lenses are engaged with grooves of a finder cam provided in the camera body. The housing is moved back and forth in this state along a guide bar attached to the camera body. Thereby, a position of a view frame of a view frame switch unit, which serves as an image forming part of the finder unit, is adjusted with respect to the movable lenses so that the focus of the finder unit is adjusted.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes an opaque main body pre-loaded with photo film. An opaque rear cover covers a rear of the main body. A front cover covers a front of the main body. A viewfinder eyepiece opening is formed through the rear cover. A viewfinder objective opening is formed in the front cover, combined with the viewfinder eyepiece opening, and adapted to observation of a photographic field. The front cover is produced from transparent material. A field frame member is disposed on an edge of the viewfinder objective opening, visible through the viewfinder eyepiece opening, for indicating a photographable region in the photographic field.

Abstract: A camera has a rangefinder device having an optical system constituted by a plurality of optical elements and a diopter adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the observation diopter of the rangefinder device by operation by the user from outside the camera. In addition, there are provided an operating member that operates the diopter adjustment mechanism and an adjustment mechanism that effects adjustment such that the observation diopter of the rangefinder device is at a predetermined value when the operating member is in a prescribed position. By this means, a camera having a diopter adjustment mechanism whereby the relative positional relationship of the operating member and driven member can always be ensured such that the observation diopter gets equal to the predetermined observation diopter that is to be set when the operating member is arranged in the prescribed position. This can be realized by a straightforward construction.

Abstract: A camera, or an underwater camera in particular, includes a photo-taking optical unit for photo-taking an object, and a viewfinder optical unit for observing the object, wherein an antifogging film is applied to an inner side of an optical member which is disposed in an optical path of at least one of the photo-taking optical unit and the viewfinder optical unit and which comes into contact with an external medium relative to the camera.

Abstract: In a film back exchangeable camera provided with a camera body, an exchangeable film back is removably attached to the camera body. A light shielding member is removably attached to the film back so that the light shielding member prevents a film in the film back from being exposed when the light shielding member is attached to the film back, and so that the film is permitted to be exposed when the light shielding member is removed from the film back.

Abstract: The camera of this invention may include a first viewfinder lens disposed in the front of the camera and a second viewfinder lens disposed in the back of the camera. Preferably, these viewfinder lenses are affixed to the camera and are non-moveable. A camera of this invention may further include a flash that is moveable between a stored position and an operable position. The stored position is preferably defined by a viewfinder air space and is defined at least in part by a space between the first and second viewfinder lenses. In its operable position, the flash moves relative to the viewfinder air space so that a camera user can focus on an object whose picture is being taken through the viewfinder lenses. The camera may further include a lens and a lens cover. The lens cover is preferably moveable between a covered position, in which it covers the lens and an uncovered position, in which it does not obstruct the path of light through the lens.

Abstract: In a film back exchangeable camera provided with a camera body, an exchangeable film back is removably attached to the camera body. A light shielding member is removably attached to the film back so that the light shielding member prevents a film in the film back from being exposed when the light shielding member is attached to the film back, and so that the film is permitted to be exposed when the light shielding member is removed from the film back.

Abstract: A real image type finder is provided with an imaging optical system, a focusing glass disposed at a focusing surface of the imaging optical system, an observing optical system for observing an image formed on the focusing glass, a case that accommodates the focusing glass and the observing optical system. The case is formed with an opening that allows only the focusing glass to be inserted in/withdrawn from the case therethrough. The finder is further provided with a covering means that removably covers the opening.

Abstract: At minimum, a member near an image plane that is observed through an eyepiece is made of antistatic resin obtained by giving the resin itself ion conductivity so that its antistatic effect can be of long duration.

Abstract: In a camera having a camera body and a film back that can be attached to and detached from a rear portion of the camera body, a backward protrusion which protrudes backward from a film back attaching surface and covers a top surface of the film back is provided to the camera body, and operation members are provided on this backward protrusion.

Abstract: A camera has a body defining a passage. A label has an attachment portion adhered to the body and an optical component joined to the attachment portion. The optical component is optically aligned with the passage.

Abstract: This finder unit is configured such that an objective optical system for forming a viewing image, an inverting optical system for making the viewing image formed by the objective optical system an erecting normal image, an eyepiece optical system for viewing the viewing image, a first optical component deployed closer to the objective optical system than the viewing image formation position is, and a second optical component deployed closer to the eyepiece optical system than the viewing image formation position is; and satisfies the condition

Abstract: A camera housing comprises an exterior longitudinal edge that is curved widthwise; a single opening through the exterior longitudinal edge that interrupts the exterior longitudinal edge to create a gap in the exterior longitudinal edge; and an insert having a longitudinal edge that is curved widthwise the same as the exterior longitudinal edge and configured to fit in the opening to align the longitudinal edge of the insert with the exterior longitudinal edge in order that the longitudinal edge of the insert is positioned within the gap to appear to be a continuation of the exterior longitudinal edge, and including a viewfinder window with an exterior flat face that is inclined into the longitudinal edge of the insert to at least partially interrupt the longitudinal edge of the insert in order to prevent the occurrence of image distortion when looking though the viewfinder window in the vicinity of the longitudinal edge of the insert.

Abstract: The special effects filter for camera comprises a transparent support sliding on the camera body between at least two positions. The support is fitted with at least one zone capable of covering the lens and the viewfinder of the camera so that practically identical light transmission characteristics are respectively registered with the lens and the viewfinder.

Abstract: A diopter adjustment lens is provided with a follower pin on the edge thereof, and is arranged inside a cylinder provided with a guide groove engaging with the follower pin. A diopter adjustment dial, which is integrated with a diopter adjustment ring, is rotatably fitted on the cylinder. The diopter adjustment ring is provided with a cam face, and the follower pin of the diopter adjustment lens is brought into contact with the cam face through the guide groove in the cylinder. Rotating the diopter adjustment dial moves the diopter adjustment lens forward and backward thereby adjusting the diopter of the finder unit.

Abstract: A visual screen for a camera provided with a viewfinder camera has a fastening device that is complementary to a standard fastening device and a plate-shaped screen part extending in a mounted position transverse to the direction of view of a user. The screen part is arranged in relation to the fastening device in such a way that in the mounted position the screen part is located in front of the eye of the user that is not looking through the viewfinder. The screen part has a contour that is roughly trapezoidal overall. One lateral edge of the trapezoidal contour has at least one step on which the fastening device is arranged. The fastening device corresponds to a standard flash shoe.

Abstract: A view finder device has a Poro prism and a first optical system facing an emergent plane of the Poro prism. The first optical system is positioned beside the Poro prism and opposite to a recording medium passage through which an electro-developing recording medium is moved. A relay optical system is provided behind the recording medium passage, so that the eye point of the view finder is separated from the first optical system. A second optical system is provided behind the relay optical system, so that the image formed by the relay optical system is observed. Since the electro-developing recording medium can be moved between the first optical system and the relay optical system, the finder optical system can be disposed at a lower position.

Abstract: A camera has a slide case for covering a taking lens of the camera. The slide case is slidably attached to a camera body and is set at an unused position, a photographing position, a battery exchange position and a cartridge exchange position. When the slide case is set at the cartridge exchange position, a cartridge lid of a cartridge chamber is openable so that a film cartridge is exchangeable. When the slid case is set at the unused position, the photographing position or the battery exchange position, the slide case covers at least a part of the cartridge lid so that it is impossible to open the cartridge lid. A lock mechanism of the cartridge lid is simplified so that the size of the camera may be reduced. A battery chamber for containing a battery is disposed above an exposure aperture and close thereto so that the height of the camera may be lowered.

Abstract: A one-time-use camera capable of being disassembled and comprising a main body part, a lens secured releasably to the main body part to permit the lens to be released from the main body part during camera disassembly, and a cover part separable from the main body part during camera disassembly, is characterized in that the lens is connected with the cover part to cause the lens to be released from the main body part when the cover part is separated from the main body part during camera disassembly. This facilitates camera disassembly.

Abstract: A finder for single-lens reflex type digital cameras includes a reflecting plane for splitting a light beam from an imaging optical system of a camera into two beams directed toward an image sensor and a finder system, a prism system for erecting an image, and an ocular optical system. The prism system has an entrance surface, a reflecting surface consisting of one plane, a reflecting surface of roof shape, and an exit surface. An optical path between the entrance surface and the reflecting surface consisting of one plane is practically perpendicular to an optical path between the reflecting surface of roof shape and the exit surface in the prism block.

Abstract: A viewfinder optical system for a real-image type viewfinder has a positive objective lens system for obtaining a finder-image, and an erecting optical system for converting the finder-image into an erected image. The erecting system includes a mirror for deflecting an optical axis of the objective lenses, and at least a part of the mirror is formed as a light-transmitting area. The viewfinder optical system further comprises an ocular lens for viewing the finder-image, and an optical system for optically producing an information pattern, such as a viewing-field-frame, to be superimposed on the finder-image. The projecting system includes a projecting lens which focuses and forms the frame-pattern on an image-forming plane, defined by the objective lens system, through the light-transmitting area of the mirror, so that the frame-pattern is superimposed on the finder-image.

Abstract: A focusing plate adjusting mechanism includes a focusing plate which is detachably attached to a camera body and on which an object image is formed, an adjusting frame which is adapted to adjust the axial position of the focusing plate, a biasing spring which presses the focusing plate against the adjusting frame, and at least one holder which is moved in association with the adjusting frame when the focusing plate is not attached and which presses the focusing plate toward the adjusting frame through the biasing spring when the focusing plate is attached to the camera body.

Abstract: A combined frame counter and viewfinder unit comprising a pair of front and rear viewfinder lenses, a support piece having respective spaced slots that support the front and rear viewfinder lenses parallel to one another, and a counter wheel rotatable to provide a visible frame count, is characterized in that a top piece supports the counter wheel to be rotated immediately over the front and rear viewfinder lenses. This allows the counter wheel to hold the front and rear viewfinder lenses in the slots.

Abstract: A real-image type viewfinder comprises a viewfinder optical system including a positive objective lens system for obtaining an inverted finder-image, an erecting optical system for converting the inverted finder-image into an erected finder-image, and an ocular lens system for viewing the erected finder-image through the erecting optical system. A half mirror is provided at a suitable location along a viewfinder optical axis, defined by the viewfinder optical system. A photometry optical system is provided along an extension of an incident optical axis, defined by a principal ray of light rays being incident on the half mirror along an optical axis of the objective lens system. An optical information-pattern-forming system is provided along an extension of a reflective optical axis, defined by a principal ray of light rays reflected by the half mirror toward the ocular lens system.

Abstract: An observation optical system whose eye relief is below 25 mm includes an eyepiece lens having a water absorptive antifogging coating applied on one surface thereof, and a member holding the eyepiece lens. Further, an eyeball-characteristic detecting system includes a light source for illuminating the eyeball of an observer, a light receiving element arranged on detection of the reflected light from the eyeball through the eyepiece to produce a signal, an optical member positioned in the path of the light from the light source to the light receiving element and having an antifogging coating on one surface thereof, and a circuit receptive of the signal for detecting the characteristic of the eyeball.

Abstract: A viewfinder optical system has a relay lens system. The relay lens system focuses a primary image to form a secondary image. The relay lens is provided at an optical conjugate point with respect to a pupil. A surface of the relay lens system has an optical power of diffraction. The surface is positioned between the primary image and the optical conjugate point. The surface also has optical power of refraction.

Abstract: In a viewfinder optical system in a thin-type camera, the following are provided: first to fourth lenses for effecting image-forming operation; a first reflecting mirror for bending a principal optical axis 90 degrees in a heightwise direction of a camera; a second reflecting mirror for bending thin bent optical axis 90 degrees in a widthwise direction of the camera; a third reflecting mirror for bending this bent optical axis 90 degrees in an opposite direction to the heightwise direction of the camera; and a fourth reflecting mirror for bending this bent optical axis 90 degrees in a direction parallel with the principal optical axis. Despite the fact that the camera is made thin, its optical path length can be made long, and it is possible to form a viewfinder optical system having a high magnification of the viewfinder or a viewfinder optical system having a zooming structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a finder system for a camera. The finder system has real-image type first and second optical systems apart by a predetermined base length. Light passed through the first and second objective optical systems are combined and superimposed images are formed which is defined within a finder field. The second objective optical system is provided with a rotatable mirror which varies a direction of an optical axis of the second objective optical system with respect to the optical axis of the first objective optical system to vary degree of coincidence of the superimposed images. A rotation angle of the rotatable mirror is controlled based on information related to an object distance and a position within the finder field.