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

Abstract: A camera is provided with a lens barrier moving between a closed position and an open position. The lens barrier is urged toward the open position by an urging mechanism, and is kept in the closed position by a locking mechanism. The urging mechanism urges the lens barrier with a compression spring. When the lens barrier is moved from the open position to the closed position, a movement amount thereof is reduced by a minimum length of the compression spring compressed in accordance with the movement of the lens barrier. In order to compensate the amount corresponding to the minimum length of the compression spring, a slider is provided. The slider is movable within a predetermined range together with the lens barrier when moving the lens barrier beyond the closed position.

Abstract: A barrier opening and closing mechanism includes a refractive optical system having a plurality of lens elements and disposed so as to refract light substantially at right angles; a lens barrel holding the refractive optical system; a rotary cam ring disposed concentrically with the lens barrel, having a first cam groove, and rotating on an optical axis of subject light having been refracted; a lens driving mechanism driving, in a direction of the optical axis, at least one lens element included in the refractive optical system engaged with the first cam groove; and a barrier member protecting a most subject side lens element of the refractive optical system.

Abstract: Detection electrodes formed from a thin metal plate are attached to rear faces of a lens barrier, a lens barrel and a decorative sheet. The detection electrodes are respectively connected to phase-difference detection circuits used for the lens barrier and the lens barrel. High-frequency pulse signals of a detection side and a reference side are inputted into the phase-difference detection circuits. When a finger touches the lens barrier or the lens barrel, a phase of the detection-side pulse signal is delayed relative to a phase of the reference-side pulse signal by influence of capacitance applied to the detection electrodes. The phase-difference detection circuit detects the overlap of a finger from the delay of the detection-side pulse signal.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided with a fixed cylinder, a movable cylinder supported in the fixed cylinder, and a helicoid mechanism for moving the movable cylinder along the optical axis direction through engagement of an internal helicoid of the fixed cylinder and an external helicoid of the movable cylinder. The helicoid mechanism is provided with an unengaged region, in which the internal helicoid and the external helicoid are in an unengaged state, within a rotation region between a collapsed state of the movable cylinder and a wide end of the movable cylinder. An opening or closing operation of a lens barrier is performed by the rotation of the movable cylinder in the unengaged region of the helicoid mechanism.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus such as digital still camera and video camera having a protection cover for protecting an image sensing optical system. The cover is openable and closable The image sensing apparatus comprises a cover driver for driving the protection cover; and a control circuit which determines whether the apparatus is set in a image sensing mode, or in an external control mode in which the apparatus is controlled by an external controller unit. The circuit determines an operation of the cover driver in accordance with a determination result.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens support frame which supports a photographing lens group; an outer lens barrel which is provided on the front end thereof with a photographing aperture through which the lens support frame is moved; a lens barrier mechanism which opens and closes the photographing aperture of the outer lens barrel; a lens drive mechanism which moves the lens support frame in the outer lens barrel between a forward movement extremity in which the front end of the lens support frame is located in front of the photographing opening in an optical axis direction, and a rearward movement extremity in which the front end of the lens support frame is located behind the photographing aperture; and a barrier detection device for detecting the opening state of the lens barrier mechanism, based on an amount of movement of the lens support frame in the optical axis direction via the lens drive mechanism.

Abstract: A barrier-attached camera of the present invention has a barrier movable to the open position and to the closed position, respectively, at which it opens and closes the front face of the lens barrel capable of moving forward and backward. When the barrier is moved to the closing direction, the lens barrel is contracted into the storage direction, at the time, the movement of the barrier to the closing direction is locked by the lock axis which is a lock member in the projected position. Even if in that state the lock axis is retained in the projected position, the lens barrel is smoothly contracted by the energizing spring developing the deflection. Once the operational force of the barrier is released, the lock axis is also drawn backward, and the barrier is capable of being driven and slid to the closed position. According to this barrier-attached camera, although the barrier is pressed and operated to the closing direction, the contracting motion of the lens barrel is not hindered.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a barrier member disposed in front of a lens and arranged to be openable and closable, an urging member arranged to exert an urging force on the barrier member, and an abutting member arranged to be capable of abutting on the urging member, wherein, when the abutting member abuts on the urging member, the urging member exerts on the barrier member an urging force acting in a direction of closing the barrier member, and, when the abutting member does not abut on the urging member, the urging member exerts on the barrier member an urging force acting in a direction of opening the barrier member.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a leakage of light in a zoom lens barrel includes a pair of cylindrical members which are relatively rotatable and relatively movable in an optical axis direction; a drive mechanism which reciprocally moves one of the cylindrical members in the optical axis direction relative to the other cylindrical member of the pair of cylindrical members when the other cylindrical member is rotated; and helical light interception projections that are provided on opposed peripheral surfaces of the pair of cylindrical members so as not to screw-engage with each other. The helical light interception projections are adapted to prevent light from entering a space between the pair of cylindrical members while permitting the pair of cylindrical members to relatively rotate and relatively move in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a camera with a cover sliding between a cartridge exchange position and a work position for permitting photography. A cam plate having a driving rack is mounted securely on inside the sliding cover. A coupling gear is mounted in a camera body with its teeth protruded out of the camera body. The driving rack is engaged with the teeth of the coupling gear only while the sliding cover moves between the work position and the cartridge exchange position, so the coupling gear is rotated as the sliding cover moves between the work position and the cartridge exchange position. The rotational movement of the coupling gear is transmitted to a pinion through a rack plate. The pinion is formed integrally with a door drive shaft. The door drive shaft is engaged with a door member of a loaded photo film cartridge, for rotating the door member to close or open a film port of the cartridge. The pinion is urged by a spring that functions as a toggle spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom camera with an automatic power-shutoff function, that includes a motor including a zoom motor, a focal-distance-recognizing unit for outputting a signal corresponding to a focal distance, and a controller for positioning a body tube in a wide-angle position in the case when the camera has not operated during a first stop-time period and shuts off power if the camera has not operated during a second stop-time period, wherein it becomes possible to protect the body tube from an external impact by positioning the body tube in the wide-angle position during the first stop-time period and to take a photograph instantly when he sees a subject by eliminating the time required for turning the power on again.

Abstract: A camera comprises a lens tube having a plurality of tube frames of different inner diameters, the plurality of tube frames moving between a collapsed position and a photographing position, and a lens barrier movable between a covered position and an exposed position, in which in a state of the lens tube being housed in the collapsed position, a shape of an outer peripheral surface of a tip portion of a first tube frame positioned closest to an optical axis becomes larger in the diameter as it is closer to a photographer side along the optical axis, and a position of a tip portion of a second tube frame having a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the first tube frame is positioned at the photographer side rather than the maximum diameter portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the first tube frame.

Abstract: A protective cover (13) for a taking lens is provided in the front of a lens-fitted photo film unit. The protective cover cooperates with a shutter locking mechanism which locks a shutter button (4) when the protective cover is in a closed position in front of the taking lens. The protective cover also cooperates with a flash prevention mechanism which turns off a flash charge switch off when the protective cover moves in the closed position, prevents the flash charge switch from being moved to its ON position so long as the protective cover is in the closed position, and allows the flash charge switch to be moved to the ON position when the protective cover is moved away from the taking lens. The protective cover is slidable in a horizontal direction on a front surface portion of the film unit, and the front surface portion is straight in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: In the camera of the present invention, first cam grooves and second cam grooves which are branched from the middle portions of the first cam grooves and have a width narrower than a width of the first cam grooves are provided on a camera body. First cam followers having a diameter which corresponds to the cam width of the first cam grooves and second cam followers having a narrow diameter which corresponds to the cam width of the second cam grooves are provided on a slide barrier. At the time of moving the slide barrier from an opened position where the slide barrier is opened to a closed position where the slide barrier covers a picture taking lens, the first cam followers are prevented from entering or intruding into the second cam grooves having the narrow width and thus carry out the sliding movement along the first cam grooves.

Abstract: A lens cap transmission apparatus with close-up and start-up functions is disclosed. The apparatus is equipped in a camera, the camera including a lens and a lens cap. The lens includes a lens pull rod for adjusting the focal length of the lens. The lens cap is coupled to the camera by a fixed spindle and includes a lens cap pull rod. The apparatus comprises a lens cap frame and a lens frame. The lens cap frame is coupled to the lens cap pull rod and the lens frame is coupled to the lens pull rod. The lens cap transmission apparatus can move back and forth along a coordinate axis. When the apparatus is activated, the lens cap frame and lens frame can respectively open the lens cap and rotate the lens, directly enabling the camera to be in the open mode and the close-up mode, respectively. The apparatus of the invention can provide easy usage and achieve the design of saving inner camera space and reducing material cost.

Abstract: A lens barrier device for a camera includes a main blade member located on a plane approximately perpendicular to an optical axis of a photo-taking lens of the camera and arranged to perform opening and closing actions by moving on the plane approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, an auxiliary blade member located on one and the same plane as the main blade member and arranged to perform opening and closing actions by moving on one and the same plane as the main blade member, and a driving part arranged to drive the main blade member to perform the opening and closing actions, wherein the auxiliary blade member is arranged to perform the opening and closing actions by being pushed by the main blade member.

Abstract: A lens cover assembly for a folding camera includes a main frame assembly and a lens assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame assembly and movable between a closed position in which the lens assembly is disposed at least in part within the main frame assembly and an open position in which the lens assembly upstands from the main frame assembly, the lens assembly having a lens therein. A lens cover member is pivotally mounted on the lens 13 assembly and is movable between a first position in which the lens 14 cover member completely covers the lens, and a second position in 15 which the lens cover member is removed from the lens.

Abstract: The camera of the present invention is a camera having a slide barrier which is movable between a closing position where the slide barrier covers a taking lens and an opening position which is left from the taking lens, wherein a slit is formed in a portion of the slide barrier to form a click spring portion, and a click protruding portion which is engaged with a first click recessed portion and a second click recessed portion provided to a camera body is provided to the click spring portion. By suitably engaging the click protruding portion with the first click recessed portion or the second click recessed portion, the slide barrier can be positioned at the time of closing and fully opening the slide barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a solar cell, such as a camera, includes a body and a cover member to which the solar cell is attached, where the cover member is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the body of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes an air layer providing member which provides an air layer between the cover member and the body of the apparatus when the cover member is in the closed position, thereby reducing transmittance of heat from the solar cell to the body of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lever member integrated with a barrier member is rotatably and tiltably supported about a pin which is equivalent to a rotary shaft of a gear member, and a pin secured to the gear member is loosely attached to the lever member. The movement of the tiltable barrier member is regulated by guide rails in contact with the reverse of the barrier member and guide rails formed at the reverse side of a front cover in such a way as to contact with the obverse of the barrier member. A lens peripheral part has a spherical surface whose center is on a lens optical axis. Each guide rail is formed along the spherical surface. A driving force of a motor is transmitted to the gear member to rotate and move the barrier member on the spherical surface to thereby withdraw the barrier member into a space (open position) beside the taking lens and behind the closed position.

Abstract: A camera body includes a photographing lens. A barrier is supported on the camera body so as to be movable between a cover position covering the photographing lens and a retreat position retreated from the cover position in a first direction substantially parallel to an optical axis of the photographing lens and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A rail mechanism is provided to guide relative movement between the camera body and the barrier in the first and the second directions of the barrier. The rail mechanism comprises a first slide projection, a second slide projection, a first cam portion and a second cam portion. The first slide projection has a predetermined projecting length and guides movement of the barrier. The second slide projection has a projecting length longer than the first slide projection and guides movement of the barrier.

Abstract: A camera system includes a taking lens and a lens cover type of operation card. The operation card incorporates a function of operating the camera system and covers the taking lens when attached to a front of the camera. The operation card may also be attached to another surface of the camera, and may be entirely detached from the camera and used as a remote control device.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as an image pickup apparatus, includes a first optical unit constituting part of an optical system, a first motor which drives the first optical unit, a second optical unit disposed behind the first optical unit and constituting part of the optical system, a second motor which drives the second optical unit, and a control device which controls the first motor and the second motor in such a way as to draw in the second optical unit in response to an instruction for stowing the optical system and draw the first optical unit into a space made vacant by drawing in the second optical unit. Thus, the control device controls the first motor in such a way as to draw the first optical unit into the space after the space is made vacant by drawing in the second optical unit.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a lens barrier for covering and uncovering an opening which is formed in a front face of the camera and is for exposing a taking lens. The lens barrier protects the taking lens when the camera is not used. The lens barrier is driven by a motor. This motor is controlled by a motor control unit relative to its rotational direction (forward and backward direction), its rotational amount and its rotational speed. As the motor, a DC motor is used. Into this DC motor, drive-pulse trains having different duty factor are inputted to control the rotational speed. Owing to this, an operation speed of the lens barrier is controlled so as to be faster when the lens barrier opens the opening, and so as to be slower when the lens barrier closes the opening.

Abstract: A camera includes: a camera main body; a slide cover that makes a sliding movement between a camera non-operating position, at which, at least, a viewfinder objective lens window, a viewfinder eyepiece window, a function selection unit operated to select camera functions at the camera main body are covered, and a camera operating position at which the viewfinder objective lens window, the viewfinder eyepiece window and the function selection unit are exposed; and a loading unit that allows loading and removal of an image recording medium, regardless of whether the slide cover is at the operating position or the non-operating position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a camera in which two lens covers are enabled by a spring force of an open and close spring in a direction that the two lens covers are closed.

Abstract: A camera body has a photographing lens. A barrier member is mounted on the camera body to be movable between a position at which the photographing lens is exposed and a position at which the photographing lens is covered. At least two pairs of support portions are placed in pairs at opposing positions on the two sides of the photographing lens and contribute to support the barrier member. At least four rail portions separately engage with at least the two pairs of support portions on the two sides of the photographing lens.

Abstract: A small camera having a barrier is provided with holding mechanism of a barrier position that requires little space. The holding mechanism includes an elastic member (click spring) having a U-shaped engaged portion (claw) urged toward, for example, a front cover of the camera body. The elastic member is fixed to a back surface of a barrier. A concave engaging portion (click spring insertion hole) engaged with the engaged portion of the elastic member is formed in the front cover of the camera body. The barrier is movable between a closing position covering a photographing lens and an opening position retreated from the closing position. When the barrier has been moved to reach the closing position or the opening position, the barrier is firmly held stationary by the force imparted to the elastic member.

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: A lens barrier opening/closing device of a movable lens barrel includes a barrier blade which is driven to open and close a photographic aperture; a barrier drive ring driven to rotate about an optical axis; a first biasing device which biases the barrier drive ring in a rotational direction; a rotational barrel which rotates about the optical axis; a receiving surface formed on the barrier drive ring to extend parallel to the optical axis; and a transmission surface, formed on the rotational barrel, extending parallel to the optical axis. The receiving surface and the transmission surface are engaged with each other to rotate the barrier drive ring together with the rotational barrel about the optical axis in a direction against a biasing force of the first biasing device when the movable lens barrel moves from either the photographing position to the accommodation position or vise versa.

Abstract: A shake-proof camera comprises a shake-correcting lens portion for correcting a shake by changing an optical axis of a photographic optical system and a moving lens portion disposed in the vicinity of the shake-correcting lens portion and arranged as movable in a direction of the optical axis, and further is provided with a shake-correcting lens lock apparatus for locking the shake-correcting lens portion by bringing the moving lens portion into contact with the shake-correcting lens portion.

Abstract: A photographic optical system for forming an image on a rectangular effective photographing area includes a photographic lens, and an optical member disposed on an object side of the photographic lens, both surfaces on the object side and an image side of the optical member having curvature in the same direction, wherein the following conditions are satisfied: 2.5<|r/f|<100 f/L>4 where r is a smaller one of radii of curvature of the surfaces on the object side and the image side of the optical member, f is a focal length of the photographic optical system, and L is a diagonal length of the effective photographing area.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as an image pickup apparatus, includes an optical unit, and an operating device which brings the optical unit to a usage start position by drawing in the optical unit after drawing out the optical unit from a stowage position. The operating device causes a focal-length varying operation to be performed by further drawing in the optical unit from the usage start position.

Abstract: A camera includes: a camera main body having a lens barrel; and a slide cover that moves relative to the camera main body between a camera non-use position at which the lens barrel, at least, is covered and a camera use position at which the lens barrel is exposed. And a sealed space is formed at the slide cover and a camera component is provided in the sealed space.

Abstract: A barrier opening and closing mechanism for a camera, for opening and closing a lens barrier 22 by rotatably driving a drive ring 24 of a lens barrier 22 provided at the front end of a lens barrel 1 using rotation of a rear lens group 7, comprising first coupling means for coupling the rear lens group 7 to a rotating barrel 6 in such a manner that the rear lens group 7 is caused to rotate about the optical axis in the vicinity of a retracted position of the lens barrel 1 and second coupling means for coupling a barrier drive ring 24 to the rear lens group 7 in such a manner that the barrier opening and closing drive member 23 rotates in accompaniment with rotation of the rear lens group 24.

Abstract: A camera has a taking lens, a cover for covering a body of the camera, a barrier, and a holding mechanism for holding the barrier on the cover in such a way that the barrier is slidable between a position in which it keeps the taking lens covered and a position in which it leaves the taking lens uncovered. The cover has an opening. The holding mechanism has a rail provided on the barrier and inserted through the opening of the cover into the body of the camera in such a way that the cover is sandwiched between the rail and the barrier, and a guide member provided inside the body of the camera so as to guide the rail.

Abstract: A pivot of a lens cover provided between a camera body and a casing is arranged in a space enclosed by a film cartridge chamber, a fixed cylinder of a lens barrel and a finder in the camera body. The front of the film cartridge chamber is thus utilized as a recessed space for the lens cover. Projecting parts are formed on the peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder, and chips are formed at the inner circumference of a drive ring, which is rotatably arranged on the peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder and transmits a rotational force of the motor to the lens cover. The drive ring is mounted on the fixed cylinder with the chips being joined with the projecting parts, and is rotated by a predetermined amount so that the projecting parts can prevent the drive ring from coming off. This eliminates the necessity of adding a member for preventing the drive ring from coming off.

Abstract: A lens protecting cover-attached camera includes a moving mechanism. Thus, a simple mechanism is used to turn on or off a main power switch and for opening or closing a lens protecting cover responsively to manipulations performed on a single manipulating member. A supporting shaft for supporting the lens protecting cover is placed so as to be parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of a photographic lens. When the supporting shaft is moved along the optical axis of the photographic lens, the moving mechanism causes the lens protecting cover to rotate around the supporting shaft at the center from a closed position to an open position. At the closed position, the lens protecting cover shields the face of the photographic lens. At the open position, the lens protecting cover exposes the face of the lens. Moreover, the moving mechanism turns on or off the power switch in response to a movement made along the optical axis of the photographic lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for opening and closing a barrier in a zoom camera. The device includes a connection lever fixed to a lens barrel of a focus lens group and rotated by the transmission of a rotational power of a focusing motor; and a barrier driving unit including a barrier driving lever contacting the connection lever to receive rotational force of the connection lever and a ring portion for pushing sector pins of barrier sectors in a direction to close the barrier sectors.

Abstract: A camera comprises a fixed lens barrel including a moving lens barrel movable to a collapsed position for non-photography and to a thrust position for photography, and a lens cover capable of pivoting with support shafts, which lie parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of a photography lens, as a center so as to move to a closed position at which at least part of the face of the photography lens is shielded and to an open position at which the face of the photography lens is exposed. When the lens cover is open, if an external force is applied in a direction in which the lens cover is further opened, the lens cover comes off from the support shafts. The support shafts are formed with two shaft members whose distal portions are formed with tapered surfaces and which are constrained to move in directions in which they are separated from each other. The support shafts are mounted on a member which allows the support shafts to move along the optical axis of the photography lens.

Abstract: A barrier mechanism for a zoom lens camera, is provided with a zooming mechanism; a barrier opening/closing mechanism; a motor; a first gear train connected to the motor; a second gear train connected to the zooming mechanism; and a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear, a first arm rotatable about the rotation axis of the sun gear, a planetary gear rotatably supported by the first arm, the planetary gear engaging the sun gear, a barrier drive gear fixed to the first arm, rotation axis of the barrier drive gear coincides of the rotation axis of the first arm.

Abstract: A camera has a barrier assembly that comprises an integrated lens cover/light hood, and a rotatable door. The assembly is movable between an open and a closed position. The assembly functions as a protective barrier for the camera's picture-taking lens when disposed in the closed position. The door is located within an aperture defined by the lens cover/light hood when the assembly is closed. The door rotates away from the aperture as the assembly translates to the open position. The aperture is substantially aligned with the optical axis of the picture-taking lens as the assembly reaches its open position, thereby allowing ambient light to reach the picture-taking lens. The lens cover/light hood isolates the lens from ambient light outside the field of view of the lens when the assembly is in its open position.

Abstract: A camera having a lens barrier unit that opens without encountering obstructions in response to the operation of an operating member and without increasing the size of the lens barrel of the camera. The lens barrier unit covers the front surface of a photographic lens in a closed position, and moves clear of the front surface of the photographic lens in an open position. A sliding member, which is a separate member from the operating member, mechanically drives the lens barrier unit to an open position in response to the movement of an operating member by means of the operation for photographic preparation (e.g., when the camera is switched ON), and drives the lens barrier unit to a closed position, by coupling to the movement of the photographic lens unit while moving from the extended position to the retracted position (e.g., when the camera is switched OFF).

Abstract: A lens barrier apparatus includes a lens barrier having opened and closed positions, The lens barrier is positioned on the front face of a lens barrel and protects a camera lens. A motor which drives the opening/closing of the lens barrier and an encoder outputs a predetermined signal together with the rotation of the motor. A drive control when a battery is loaded in the camera, drives the motor in a direction in which the lens barrier is closed and, when the predetermined signal is not output from the encoder during the driving process, drives the motor in a direction in which the lens barrier is opened and then drives the motor in the direction in which the lens barrier is closed again.

Abstract: A protective cover has an arm extending toward a flash switch operation member, and a cam follower pin is formed on a free end of the arm. A flash switch knob, a shifting cam groove and a locking cam groove are formed integrally on a switch plate. When the protective cover is opened, the cam follower pin slides along the shifting cam groove, causing the flash switch knob to move to an ON position, turning on a flash switch of a flash device. In the open position of the protective cover, the cam follower pin is disengaged from the shifting cam groove, allowing the flash switch knob to move to an OFF position. When the protective cover is closed while the flash operation member is in the ON position, the cam follower pin slides along the shifting cam groove into a locking cam groove, causing the flash switch knob to move to the OFF position. While the cam follower pin is in the locking cam groove, the flash switch knob is locked in the OFF position.

Abstract: A camera having a slide cover is disclosed. The camera is provided with the lens cover moving to a covering position where a photographing lens is covered, and to an opening position where the lens cover is opened from the front face of the photographing lens, and a guide member which guides the lens cover, the guide member having a step in an optical axis direction of the photographing lens between the covering position and the opening 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 camera comprises a fixed lens barrel including a moving lens barrel moveable to a collapsed position for non-photography and to a thrust position for photography, and a lens cover capable of pivoting with support shafts, which lie parallel to a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of a photography lens, as a center so as to move to a closed position at which at least part of the face of the photography lens is shielded and to an open position at which the face of the photography lens is exposed. When the lens cover is open, if an external force is applied in a direction in which the lens cover is further opened, the lens cover separates from the support shafts. The support shafts are formed with two shaft members whose distal portions are formed with tapered surfaces and which are constrained to move in directions in which they are separated from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for opening and closing a barrier in a zoom camera. The device includes a connection lever fixed to a lens barrel of a focus lens group and rotated by the transmission of a rotational power of a focusing motor; and a barrier driving unit including a barrier driving lever contacting the connection lever to receive rotational force of the connection lever and a ring portion for pushing sector pins of barrier sectors in a direction to close the barrier sectors.