Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging apparatus which is provided with an imaging device and a mount adaptor which adjusts a flange focal length between the imaging apparatus and an interchangeable lens, wherein the mount adaptor is provided with a phase difference focus detection section which performs focus detection from a phase difference and an optical device which splits incident light from the interchangeable lens into incident light of the imaging device and incident light of the phase difference focus detection section, and the imaging apparatus is provided with a contrast focus detection section which performs focus detection from contrast using the imaging device, an adjustment section which adjusts the focus position of the phase difference focus detection section, and an adjustment control section which activates adjustment control of the focus position using detection of the mounting of the mount adaptor and the interchangeable lens.

Abstract: A camera lens assembly includes a focusing mount having a receiving lug and optical elements, which are arranged in the focusing mount, and define an optical axis. An adapter ring has a first planar surface and a second planar surface which are parallel to each other. The first planar surface is in contact engagement against a camera-side contact surface of the focus mount and the second planar surface is in contact with a lens-side contact surface of a lens mount. The lens mount has a tubular-shaped lens mount socket and lens mount attachment elements which are configured to coact with the camera mount attachment elements of a camera.

Abstract: A lens adaptor includes a first mount formed at one side of the lens adaptor and coupled to a body mount of a lens changeable photographing apparatus, a second mount formed at the other side of the lens adaptor, to which a lens mount of a lens is coupled, an aperture lever arranged to contact an aperture pin of the lens when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount, and an aperture ring capable of moving the aperture pin of the lens via the aperture lever, due to rotation, when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount.

Abstract: An intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other through an information processor configured to provide predetermined processing for information received from one of the camera and the exchange lens, and to transmit information that has undergone the predetermined processing, to the other of the camera and the exchange lens, while the camera and the exchange lens are being attached. The intermediate accessory obtains lens identification information from the exchange lens, which is used to identify the exchange lens. The intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other without intervening the information processor and transfers to an operation restricting mode used to restrict at least part of an operation the intermediate accessory, when the lens identification information indicates a specific exchange lens that does not require the predetermined processing.

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an accessory to be mounted between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, wherein the accessory includes a signal processing unit configured to process a signal input into the accessory, a storage unit configured to store information used for performing the signal processing, and a blocking unit configured to prevent direct communication from the camera body to the interchangeable lens when the information stored in the storage unit is rewritten via the camera body.

Abstract: An intermediate adapter includes: a first mount unit having a first mount center point, at which a camera body, with twelve body connector terminals disposed near a camera body mount unit at the camera body, is mounted; a body-side connector terminal holding portion where twelve body-side connector terminals, each connected to one of the twelve body connector terminals and each including a contact area to come into contact with one of the body connector terminals, are disposed; a second mount unit having a second mount center point, at which a camera accessory is to be detachably mounted.

Abstract: An adapter includes: a first mount section that is detachably attached to a camera body; a second mount section that is provided separately from the first mount section and is detachably attached to an interchangeable lens; and a power supply section that generates supply voltages of a third power supply system and a fourth power supply system, which are to be fed to the interchangeable lens mounted on the second mount section, from a second power supply system between a first power supply system of the camera body, which is mounted on the first mount section, and the second power supply system which is different from the first power supply system.

Abstract: There is provided an accessory that is attachable to or detachable from an apparatus body having a plurality of contact terminals, the accessory including a plurality of connection terminals that are connected to the plurality of contact terminals, respectively, and exchange a signal with the apparatus body, when the plurality of connection terminals are attached to the apparatus body, a lock lever that is operated between a lock position and a non-lock position and performs locking with respect to the apparatus body, when the lock lever is operated to the lock position, and a detection activation section that starts a detection operation of a connection state of the plurality of contact terminals and the plurality of connection terminals, when the lock lever is operated to the lock position.

Abstract: A camera system including a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an accessory mounted between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, wherein the accessory has a signal processing unit configured to process a signal input into the accessory and a storage unit configured to store information to be used when performing the signal processing, the camera system further including a pseudo interchangeable lens which can be mounted on the accessory instead of the interchangeable lens and which is configured to supply power from the camera body to the accessory when mounted on the camera body via the accessory, and a control unit configured to, while the camera body, the accessory, and the pseudo interchangeable lens are connected, when the accessory receives within a predetermined duration predetermined information, enable communication between the camera body and the accessory even after the predetermined duration has elapsed, and rewrite the information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A camera system includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body to which the interchangeable lens can be mounted, either directly or via an adapter. A lens microcomputer of the interchangeable lens is configured to hold lens information including information related to a focal point detection method. A body microcomputer of the camera body is configured to select a focal point detection method on the basis of lens information. The body microcomputer is configured to select a contrast detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is compatible with a contrast detection method. The body microcomputer is configured to select a phase difference detection method as the focal point detection method if the interchangeable lens is not compatible with a contrast detection method, and the adapter is compatible with a phase difference detection method.

Abstract: An adapter includes: a first mount section that is detachably attached to a camera body; a second mount section that is provided separately from the first mount section and is detachably attached to an interchangeable lens; and an adapter control section that is capable of communicating between the camera body mounted on the first mount section and the interchangeable lens mounted on the second mount section. The adapter control section provides body transmission lens information for transmission to the camera body, on the basis of lens information requested from the camera body and lens information received from the interchangeable lens, through mutually different methods according to types of the lens information.

Abstract: An adapter includes: a first mount section that is detachably attached to a camera body; a second mount section that is provided separately from the first mount section and is detachably attached to any one of a plurality of types of interchangeable lenses which are different from each other in a method of controlling a diaphragm; and an accessory control section that controls the diaphragm of the interchangeable lens in response to a common control command which is received from the camera body regardless of the type of the interchangeable lens mounted on the second mount section.

Abstract: An adapter includes a first housing member that includes a first mount portion to which a camera body can be attached and detached and a second mount portion to which an interchangeable lens can be attached and detached, a second housing member that is integrally formed with the first housing member and includes a screw-receiving part, which can be attached to and detached from a tripod, in a side opposite to the first housing member, a driven member, and an actuator of a drive system for driving the driven member. The screw-receiving part is arranged in the vicinity of a center of an end of the second housing member, and at least a portion of the actuator is arranged in the periphery of the screw-receiving part in the second housing member.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: An intermediate adapter includes a first terminal operable to be electrically connected to a lens detecting terminal provided on the camera body when the intermediate adapter is attached to the camera body, a second terminal operable to be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the interchangeable lens for providing a ground potential when the interchangeable lens is attached to the intermediate adapter, and a first switch interposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first switch is operable to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is on, and disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is off. While the intermediate adapter is being attached to the interchangeable lens, the first switch is off to disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: An adjustable connecting mechanism for a camera device includes a frame, a tubular fixing member and a locking screw The frame forms a mounting portion; the mounting portion defines a through hole. The fixing member defines a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion spaced a predetermined distance from the first engaging portion along an axis of the fixing member. The locking screw is able to pass through the through hole and selectively engage in the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion, to adjust a height of the fixing member relative to the frame.

Abstract: A device for connecting a camera lens to a movie camera has a camera housing with a lens mount and a device for acquiring data relating to the camera lens connected to the lens mount. Said device further comprising a miniaturized electronic system with data memory for storing data relating to the camera lens such as lens type, serial number, conversion tables and the like, and with a contact region that is arranged on a data interface between the lens mount of the movie camera and the lens fastening means of the camera lens and which is aligned with the contact region arranged in the lens mount of the movie camera is integrated in the lens fastening means of the camera lens or in a modified lens fastening means connected to the lens fastening means of the camera lens or replacing the latter.

Abstract: The camera lens assembly (1) of the invention includes: (1) a focusing mount (2) having: (a) a defined distance from the camera-side contact surface (3) of the focusing mount (2) to the camera image plane (BE) of XAF-BE?57.

Abstract: A adjustable connecting mechanism for a camera device includes a frame, a tubular fixing member and a locking screw The frame forms a mounting portion; the mounting portion defines a through hole. The fixing member defines a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion spaced a predetermined distance from the first engaging portion along an axis of the fixing member. The locking screw is able to pass through the though hole and selectively engage in the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion, to adjust a height of the fixing member relative to the frame.

Abstract: A lens barrel comprising bayonet type mount projections to detachably attach to a lens-fitting unit of a camera body having a photographic region, wherein mount projections are formed to avoid cross-section of light path area where object light is introduced in the camera body.

Abstract: A lens apparatus comprises a barrel 100 which houses an imaging optical system including magnification-varying lens units 26 and 27, a focus lens unit 25, and a beam separation element 29 which separates a part of a light beam from an object out of a light beam directed to an imaging surface, operating members 1, 2, and 3 disposed on an outer circumference of the barrel and configured to be manually operated, a drive unit 200 disposed outside the barrel and including actuators 45 and 50 which drives each of the magnification-varying lens unit and the focus lens unit, and a controller 60 which controls the actuator, and a focus detector 31 disposed outside the barrel and configured to detect a focus state of the imaging optical system using the light beam separated by the beam separation element. The focus detector is embedded in the drive unit.

Abstract: A camera body includes a housing, an imaging element and a body mount. The body mount is fixed to the housing, and has a portion to which an adapter can be mounted. The body mount is disposed at a position away from the light receiving face of the imaging element by the amount of a flange back. A lens back of an interchangeable lens unit is longer than the flange back. The flange back is shorter than the length obtained by subtracting the adapter length, which is the length of the adapter in the optical axis direction, from the lens back.

Abstract: An intermediate adapter includes a first terminal operable to be electrically connected to a lens detecting terminal provided on the camera body when the intermediate adapter is attached to the camera body, a second terminal operable to be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the interchangeable lens for providing a ground potential when the interchangeable lens is attached to the intermediate adapter, and a first switch interposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first switch is operable to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is on, and disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is off. While the intermediate adapter is being attached to the interchangeable lens, the first switch is off to disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: A conversion adapter apparatus is provided that connects a camera body and an interchangeable lens. The conversion adapter apparatus includes a camera body side installation portion to receive a camera body, a lens side installation portion to receive an interchangeable lens, and a first communication contact group provided on the camera body side installation portion and connected to a communication contact group. The conversion adapter apparatus additionally includes a second communication contact group provided on the lens side installation portion and connected to the communication contact group and a conductive member that electrically connects the first communication contact group and the second communication contact group. A position of the first communication contact group around a camera optical axis and a position of the second communication contact group around the camera optical axis are different from each other.

Abstract: An intermediate adapter includes a first terminal operable to be electrically connected to a lens detecting terminal provided on the camera body when the intermediate adapter is attached to the camera body, a second terminal operable to be electrically connected to a terminal provided on the interchangeable lens for providing a ground potential when the interchangeable lens is attached to the intermediate adapter, and a first switch interposed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first switch is operable to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is on, and disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when the first switch is off. While the intermediate adapter is being attached to the interchangeable lens, the first switch is off to disconnect the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A lens adaptor includes a first mount formed at one side of the lens adaptor and coupled to a body mount of a lens changeable photographing apparatus, a second mount formed at the other side of the lens adaptor, to which a lens mount of a lens is coupled, an aperture lever arranged to contact an aperture pin of the lens when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount, and an aperture ring capable of moving the aperture pin of the lens via the aperture lever, due to rotation, when the lens mount of the lens is coupled to the second mount.

Abstract: An autofocus adapter is provided and includes an imaging adapter optical system placed on an optical axis of an imaging lens when the autofocus adapter is attached, and a focus state detection adapter optical system placed on an optical axis different from the optical axis of the imaging lens when the autofocus adapter is attached. The imaging adapter optical system has a light split prism for splitting subject light passing through the imaging lens into imaging subject light and the focus state detection subject light, a first lens group having a negative power as a whole and placed on the object side with respect to the light split prism, and a second lens group having a positive power as a whole and placed on the image side with respect to the light split prism. The focus state detection adapter optical system has a positive lens group having the same lens configuration as the second lens group in the imaging adapter optical system.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: A camera holder (3) is provided for fixing a camera (11) or a camcorder to an optical observation device. The holder (3) has a variable-length sleeve (13) with a first end configured to receive the camera objective and a second end configured to secure the sleeve (13) relative to the optical observation device. The holder (3) also has an adjusting device (19) fixed to the sleeve (13). The adjusting device (19) has a pin for connection with a stand mating thread of a camera (11) and is configured to compensate for an offset between the stand mating thread and the camera objective. The adjusting device (19) enables the camera (11) to be positioned with respect to the sleeve and the optical observation device.

Abstract: In a digital camera system, a lens barrel adapted to a first camera body can be attached to a second camera body having a flange focal length which is shorter than that of the first camera body via an intermediate adapter, and the intermediate adapter is interposed to thereby set the flange focal length to be equal. Moreover, a compensating optical device is incorporated in the intermediate adapter to thereby match an optical distance from a mount surface to an image capture surface of the first camera body with an optical distance from a mount surface of the intermediate adapter to an image capture surface of the second camera body in a state in which the intermediate adapter is attached.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens type digital camera includes a camera main body and an interchangeable lens. The camera main body includes a control section which communicates with an interchangeable lens, and controls focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens by a hill-climbing AF system. A judgment section judges a characteristic of the interchangeable lens on the basis of communication between the interchangeable lens and the control section. The interchangeable lens includes a focus lens for performing focus adjustment. A focus lens drive section drives the focus lens. A lens control section communicates with the control section, and controls the focus lens drive section to perform focus adjustment. The control section changes a previously determined drive enabled range of the focus lens on the basis of a judgment result of the judgment section to perform focus adjustment of the interchangeable lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for capturing a low depth of focus image with a video camera (10) by forming a first image of a scene, with a first image format size, onto a projection area (16), housed inside an adaptor, and forming another image of the scene, with a second smaller image format size onto a semiconductor sensor field (28), housed inside the video camera (10). The invention further relates to configuring the projection area (16) to prevent non-image characteristics of the projection area from being imaged in a disturbing manner onto the semiconductor sensor field (28). The projection area is either movable with respect to the first image or encapsulated by clear filter glass, or both to prevent the non-image characteristics from being imaged in a disturbing manner. The adaptor includes an adaptor housing (30?) for attaching to the video camera (10) and the adaptor housing houses the projection area (16) and a first objective lens (12).

Abstract: A lens adapter is disclosed. The lens adapter includes: an adapter ring having a flexible fitting portion and an installation portion in which an optical component is mounted, the fitting portions being fitted over a fitting engagement portion of a lens ring mounted around a lens portion facing a front surface of an imaging apparatus; and a lock ring fitted over an outer surface of the adapter ring, the lock ring being manipulated so as to be moved between a locked position where the lock ring is opposite to the fitting portions fitted over the fitting engagement portion and flexure of the fitting portions is prevented and an unlocked position where the lock ring is retracted from the locked position.

Abstract: A coiled camera includes a coiling layer, a circuit device layer, active microelectronic circuitry fabricated on the circuit device layer, a semiconductor imaging device electronically coupled to the active microelectronic circuitry and a lens coupled to the semiconductor imaging device.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adapter ring for rotation of a photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being fitted into an outer periphery of the photographing lens barrel, the adapter ring being rotated through engaging with a ratchet wheel having a plurality of pawls which ratchet wheel rotates in conjunction with a dial disposed in a waterproof protector. This adapter ring has: a plurality of first projecting portions arranged in a predetermined angle range around an optical axis in the outer periphery to engage with the pawls of the ratchet wheel; and a plurality of second projecting portions which are the same plurality of projecting portions as the plurality of first projecting portions, the second projecting portions being arranged in a predetermined angle range but out of the predetermined angle range of the plurality of the first projecting portions.

Abstract: A lens tube includes a standard member, a lens, a guide, and a pushing member. The standard member has a standard surface via which the standard member is to be mounted to a camera main body. The lens retainer retains at least one lens and is connected to the standard member movably along an optical axis of the at least one lens. The guide is provided facing the lens retainer in a radial direction of the at least one lens to guide the lens retainer along the optical axis. The pushing member pushes the lens retainer and the guide in opposite directions.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens type camera system in which an intermediate accessory is removably attached between a camera body and a lens barrel includes a first CPU provided in the camera body, a second CPU provided in the intermediate accessory, and a third CPU provided in the lens barrel. The first CPU supplies a reset signal to the second CPU in association with attachment of the intermediate accessory, and the second CPU receives the reset signal supplied from the first CPU and supplies the reset signal to the third CPU.

Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. One adapter's collar includes a gripping mechanism to grip one end of the night vision monocular. The other adapter's collar includes one or two channels to each receive a pin on the other end of the night vision monocular and a locking mechanism to secure one pin in its channel. Attachments members on each adapter include mechanical and electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and to electrically connect the camera with the lens.

Abstract: There is provided a lens adapter easily detachable to and from a case, with an optical component such as a filter, a conversion lens etc. attached without a dedicated member on a camera side for attaching. The lens adapter has an attachment section attached to the case of the camera, and a lens barrel housing section provided at the attachment section for housing a lens barrel. The attachment section has first and second members swingably engaging in a detachable manner and is attached to the case in a state that the first and second members sandwich the case in a direction from front to rear of the case. A metallic ring is embedded on a front end of a cylindrical wall section forming a lens barrel housing section. A female screw for attaching an optical component such as a filter, a conversion lens etc. is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the ring.

Abstract: The present invention makes an objective lens easier to handle during disinfection or sterilization and protects the objective lens during, for example, transport, storage, or handling. The present invention provides an objective-lens protector including a substantially ring-shaped mounting portion surrounding a circumference of an objective lens, the mounting portion detachably mounted on the objective lens such that a threaded mount formed on the objective lens for mounting the objective lens to a microscope main body is exposed; a protecting member fixed to the mounting portion, extending substantially along the entire length of the objective lens mounted on the mounting portion, and arranged at a distance outwardly in a radial direction of the objective lens so as to surround the objective lens; and a locking mechanism provided on the mounting portion to prevent the objective lens from moving relative to the mounting portion in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A lens adapter is disclosed. The lens adapter includes: an adapter ring having a flexible fitting portion and an installation portion in which an optical component is mounted, the fitting portions being fitted over a fitting engagement portion of a lens ring mounted around a lens portion facing a front surface of an imaging apparatus; and a lock ring fitted over an outer surface of the adapter ring, the lock ring being manipulated so as to be moved between a locked position where the lock ring is opposite to the fitting portions fitted over the fitting engagement portion and flexure of the fitting portions is prevented and an unlocked position where the lock ring is retracted from the locked position.

Abstract: A camera holder (3) is provided for fixing a camera (11) or a camcorder to an optical observation device. The holder (3) has a variable-length sleeve (13) with a first end configured to receive the camera objective and a second end configured to secure the sleeve (13) relative to the optical observation device. The holder (3) also has an adjusting device (19) fixed to the sleeve (13). The adjusting device (19) has a pin for connection with a stand mating thread of a camera (11) and is configured to compensate for an offset between the stand mating thread and the camera objective. The adjusting device (19) enables the camera (11) to be positioned with respect to the sleeve and the optical observation device.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens selectively mountable to a first-type camera body and a second-type camera body, the first-type camera body including a first mount ring to which the interchangeable lens is mountable, the second-type camera body including a second mount ring to which the interchangeable lens is mountable, an outer diameter of the second mount ring being smaller than an outer diameter of the first mount ring. The interchangeable lens includes an annular packing made of a resilient material. An inner peripheral surface of the annular packing is positioned radially outside the second mount ring when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the second-type camera body. The inner peripheral surface of the annular packing is positioned radially inside an outer peripheral surface of the first mount ring when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the first-type camera body.

Abstract: When examining a living organism exhibiting dynamic behavior such as pulsing, the dynamic behavior is suppressed and clear images are acquired. The invention provides an objective lens unit including a lens barrel for supporting optical components, wherein an end surface of the lens barrel is disposed farther towards the distal side than an optical component at the extreme distal end, and channel-shaped indented portions extending in the diametrical direction are formed in the end surface of the lens barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video camera having a camera housing (30), a first objective (12), through which light from a scene (14) to be picked up is guidable into the camera housing 30, a semiconductor sensor field (28), on which light from the scene (14) to be picked up is able to be cumulated, wherein it further includes: a projection area (16) disposed with respect to the first objective (12) such that light introduced through the first objective (12) is imaged onto the projection area (16), a second objective (26) disposed with respect to the projection area (16) and to the semiconductor sensor field (28) such that light from the projection area (16) is imaged onto the semiconductor sensor field (28).

Abstract: A mounting device for a camera with automatic exposure mode to an optical system is disclosed. An adapter tube has a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the camera and the second end is attached to the optical system. A mounting element, provided at the first end, provides the mechanical connection to the camera. A plurality of electric contact pins, located at the first end, cooperates with respective electric contacts provided at the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediate adapter capable of being mounted on a first camera on which a first interchangeable lens is mounted and a second camera on which the first interchangeable lens and a second interchangeable lens are mounted. The second interchangeable lens includes a protruding portion protruding toward an image plane from its mount reference surface whose protruding amount is larger than that of the first interchangeable lens and has a flange back equal to that of the first interchangeable lens. The first camera has a first wall portion inside its mount and prevents mounting of the second interchangeable lens by the protruding portion of the second interchangeable lens contacting the first wall portion. The second camera includes a second wall portion provided inside its mount at a position retreated from the protruding portion of the second interchangeable lens.

Abstract: A lens barrel holding apparatus includes a first holding member, a second holding member attached to the first holding member in an openable/closable manner for fastening a lens barrel in cooperation with the first holding member to hold the lens barrel and a fastening mechanism for applying a force for fastening the lens barrel, to the second holding member. The fastening mechanism includes an engagement surface provided on the second holding member and a fastening member provided on the first holding member, adapted to move straightly toward/away from the engagement surface, and having a contact surface that can be in contact with the engagement surface. At least one of the contact surface and the engagement surface is slanted with respect to the movement direction of the fastening member.