Abstract: The optical option attachment ring of the present invention includes a rotator having an abutting surface that projects inward from the inner circumferential surface of the ring body and abuts the front end of the lens barrel as well as an arcuate portion that follows the upper end of the abutting surface. The optical option attachment ring further includes a resilient member that applies an urging force to the rotator to rotate in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned rotation direction and a stopper that abuts at least one of the one end and the other end so as to restrict the rotation caused by the urging force of the resilient member.

Abstract: An image-taking lens apparatus has an image sensor for converting an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal and an image-taking lens system for forming the optical image on the image sensor. The image-taking lens system includes a prism for bending the optical path, and the refractive index of the prism fulfills a prescribed conditional formula.

Abstract: A camera lens attachment (5) having an attaching member (90), additional lens (49), a lens cover (10) doubling as a sunshade, and additional shading components (12) all in an integral combination which is easily attachable or removable from a camera.

Abstract: A camera attachment is configured, adapted and/or operative to compress a pliant object or subject for allowing photographing of the object therethrough by the camera to which the camera attachment is coupled. The camera attachment allows the user to apply a variable compressive force to an object to be photographed through application of a compressive force on the camera. The variable compressive force applied by the user on the camera is translated to a compression portion of the camera attachment and onto the object. The compression portion includes a compression plate that is composed of a material suitable for the functions and/or features described herein and particularly of a material having light characteristics that range from minimally opaque to entirely translucent for photographing the object it is compressing.

Abstract: In a photography method, a film image is scanned and digitized to provide a digital image. An identifier associated with the film image is read. The identifier points to a group of filter effects. Each filter effect has a preassigned digital modification. The modifications are not remedial for the respective filter effects. One of the filter effects is detected in the digital image. Responsive to the detecting of that filter effect, the preassigned digital modification is applied to the digital image.

Abstract: A lens hood with lens covers that need not be attached to and detached from a lens unit and are easily openable and closable relative to each other. The lens hood includes a hood body attached to the front of a lens to prevent unnecessary light from being incident upon the lens, a pair of lens covers installed inside the hood body to be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens and movable between a closed position where they will cover the lens and an opened position where they will be outside the field of view of the lens, and a cover operating mechanism that operates in conjunction with the sliding of an operator installed slidably to the hood body to pivot the lens covers in opposite directions, respectively, and to pivot the pair of lens covers between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pan and tilt capability to a stationary imaging device comprises a first achromatic prism doublet positioned on a first axis, a second achromatic prism doublet positioned on the first axis, and at least one motor for rotating the first and second achromatic prism doublets about the first axis whereby polychromatic electromagnetic radiation from a portion of an area of interest is directed toward an imaging device. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An optical adapter comprises an adapter body and a lens member. The lens member is a cylindrical lens having one or more curved surfaces, and has a function to extend an optical image in a horizontal direction. A taking lens and a viewfinder are arranged vertically, and the optical axes of the taking lens and the viewfinder coincide with each other in the horizontal direction. When the adapter body is attached to the front side of the lens-fitted photo film unit, the front surfaces of the taking lens and the viewfinder are covered with the lens member. The center of the lens member in the horizontal direction coincides with centers of the taking lens and the viewfinder in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A detachable zoom lens assembly includes a holder base, which has an insertion slot in the periphery and a light path through the two ends, a coupling structure for coupling the holder base to a photographic apparatus, a special effect unit detachably inserted into the insertion slot to hold a special effect lens in the light path, and a zoomer coupled to the front end of the holder base to hold a zoom lens for changing the focus of incident light.

Abstract: A timer mechanism including a base piece, a top piece, a rod, and a spiral spring. The base piece includes an inner hub forming a threaded surface and a central passage. The top piece includes an inner post that a central passage and a threaded surface for engaging the inner hub. The rod is slidably disposed within the central passages and is selectively coupled to the top piece. The spiral spring is coaxially wrapped about the inner hub and terminates in a leading end connected to the top piece. The top piece is rotatable relative to the bottom piece to a raised position in which energy is stored by the spiral spring. The spiral spring rotates the top piece in an opposite direction, causing the top piece to wind relative to the bottom piece, forcing the rod downwardly for depressing a camera shutter release button.

Abstract: An optical viewing system includes first, second and third image modifying devices together with an adaptor assembly for connecting the image modifying devices together. The adaptor assembly has first and second clamping portions. The first clamping portion is connected to the first and second image modifying devices and the second clamping portion is connected to the first clamping portion and to the first and third image modifying device so that the first image modifying device is clamped between the second and third image modifying devices. At least one of the first and second clamping portions are removably connected to the first image modifying device so that the first image modifying device can be removed from the adaptor assembly and operate as a further independent optical viewing system. Different combinations of image modifying devices can be arranged with one or more of the clamping portions.

Abstract: A portable lighting system for performing photography in poor light situations. The lighting system is composed of a rigid frame consisting of a base portion (124A) for mounting a camera (36) and a raised portion (124B) that uses a ball-joint (79) and a rigid arm (120) to support a spotlight (121) and a flash unit (122). A controlling device (31) for the spotlight is positioned above a pistol grip (91) on the raised portion (124B). The controlling device is activated by a trigger (20) and can be adjusted to synchronize the lighting system with the camera shutter so that the lighting system can not interfere or adversely effect the photographic results.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a camera device having a posterior filter which is of compact design and facilitates attachment and detachment of optical elements such as a posterior filter.

Abstract: In a camera system according to the invention, a camera body and an interchangeable lens have respective identification data tables that are congruous with each other. As an appropriate data address is indicated to the interchangeable lens by the camera body, an identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the indicated address is transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body. The identification data judging section of the camera body compares the identification data transmitted back from the interchangeable lens and the identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the address. As a result, it is determined if the dedicated accessory device is mounted on the camera body or not.

Abstract: A lock device is provided for locking an accessory-grip to a camera body. A lock lever is movably supported by a housing. The lock lever is moved and can be stopped at a lock position, a partial release position, and a complete release position. First and second connecting members are movably supported by the housing, and can be displaced in association with the lock lever. When the lock lever is positioned at the lock position, the first and second connecting members are engaged with the camera body. When the lock lever is positioned at the partial release position, the first connecting member is released from the camera body and the second connecting member maintains the engaged state.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a main body pre-loaded with photo film. A taking lens is incorporated in the main body. A front cover covers a front of the main body, has a lens opening where the taking lens is disposed. An optical adapter is secured to the front cover and used for a specific photographing mode. The optical adapter includes a cylindrical lens for passing object light to become incident on the taking lens. A rotatable lens holder connects the cylindrical lens with the front cover. The lens holder is shiftable between a standard position and a specific position, and when in the standard position, offsets the cylindrical lens from the taking lens, and when in the specific position, sets the cylindrical lens in front of the taking lens.

Abstract: A sterile, disposable camera system which is always sterilized for use and avoids the need to sterilize the camera or camera mounting system for re-usage includes a sterile camera unit which is easily, removably mounted on a sterile mounting apparatus which is constructed to be collapsible. The camera mounting system is disposable such that after the camera system has been used, the sterile camera unit is easily removed from the sterile mounting apparatus and the mounting apparatus can be discarded as waste. The mounting apparatus is arranged to support the sterile camera unit relative to a subject to be photographed such that the camera quickly obtains in-focus close-up photographs of subjects of interest. The system includes a mini-crowbar like tool for safe removal of the film cartridge after camera use.

Abstract: A nose pad for a camera includes a flat sheet portion and at least one projecting portion projecting from a front surface of the flat sheet portion. The projecting portion has an inclined surface at one side thereof so that when the nose pad is attached to the camera, a nose of a user can be put on the inclined surface to immovably hold the camera supported with hands. When a shutter switch is pushed, the camera can be held properly without moving the camera.

Abstract: In a camera system according to the invention, a camera body and an interchangeable lens have respective identification data tables that are congruous with each other. As an appropriate data address is indicated to the interchangeable lens by the camera body, an identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the indicated address is transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body. The identification data judging section of the camera body compares the identification data transmitted back from the interchangeable lens and the identification data that is stored in the identification data storage section and corresponds to the address. As a result, it is determined if the dedicated accessory device is mounted on the camera body or not.

Abstract: The lens information display apparatus is provided that allows the cameraman to check required lens information while looking at a viewfinder. A transmissive LCD panel is mounted in front of a screen of the viewfinder, and a control unit for controlling the image displayed on the LCD panel is attached to the bottom surface of the viewfinder. The control unit obtains lens information from a lens apparatus of a television camera system and causes the LCD panel to display images (characters and/or graphics) representing the lens information so that the lens information is displayed as superimposed on the image on the viewfinder.

Abstract: A camera has a body having an exposure frame surrounding an exposure opening. The exposure frame has a window. A mask core is mounted in the body. The mask core has an axis of rotation extending transverse to the exposure frame. The mask core has a plurality of sectors arranged about the axis of rotation. Each sector has an active position adjoining the window. Each sector shades the window differently in the respective active position. A drive is coupled to the mask core. The drive selectively rotates the mask core between the active positions of each of the sectors.

Abstract: A lens protecting mechanism (104), comprising: a transparent disc (122) having a rim (118); a plurality of wheels that engage and support the rim; and at least one motor, coupled to at least one of said wheels to apply rotational force to said disc (122).

Abstract: A portable lighting system for performing photography in poor light situations. The lighting system is composed of a rigid frame consisting of a base portion (124A) for mounting a camera (36) and a raised portion (124B) that uses a ball-joint (79) and a rigid arm (120) to support a spotlight (121) and a flash unit (122). A controlling device (31) for the spotlight is positioned above a pistol grip (91) on the raised portion (124B). The controlling device is activated by a trigger (20) and can be adjusted to synchronize the lighting system with the camera shutter so that the lighting system can not interfere or adversely effect the photographic results.

Abstract: Sunlight is reflected from the white surfaces of a diffuser chamber through a photographic slide in order to permit its being copied by a camera. The quality of color rendition is excellent, and the device is simpler and less expensive than alternative methods of reproduction. The device is supplied in kit form with parts that are assembled in a range of spacings to match lens heights of most cameras.

Abstract: A telescopically extendible focusing hood which improves the viewing of the LCD screen of a digital camera in bright surrounding light. The focusing hood can be fixed to the rear wall of the camera, surrounding the LCD screen. The focusing hood preferably has an anti-reflection-coated enlarging lens or glass disk which covers the entire cross-section of the focusing hood in parallel to the fixing plane. In its extended state, the focusing hood can be used with a single lens in the manner of a 35 mm camera finder. When the enlarging lens is pushed in, the focusing hood can be used with two lenses for assessing the image.

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: Ranges of objects are determined using a camera equipped with a rotating optical axis displacement unit (ODU). The ODU receives light about an offset line of sight, and displaces it to a substantially parallel camera line of sight. The displaced light is focussed onto an image sensor. Images of a scene are captures as the ODU rotates. Range information is calculated from the apparent motion of objects in the captured images.

Abstract: A dimming plate for dimming light from an internal flash device of a camera, is disposed on the external flash device of the present invention which is mounted for use on a mounting seat of the camera. A two-lamp-lighting photographing is carried out in a state where the light from the internal flash device of the camera is dimmed by covering a luminescent unit of the internal flash device with the dimming plate of the external flash device. Thereby the two-lamp-lighting photographing can be carried out easily and reliably, where the light emission of the external flash device is used as a main light source, and the light emission of the internal flash device of the camera as a supplementary light source. The external flash device becomes inexpensive because the two-lamp-lighting photographing can be carried out only by incorporating the dimming plate therein without a special sub-luminescent unit disposed.

Abstract: A lens hood based on modular structure having at least one adapter module and at least one hood module, where each of the adapter modules is continuously fastened to each of lenses, each of the hood modules has double layer structure for the hood length extension, and any of the hood modules is detachably attachable to any of the adapter modules with an single identical attachment interface in an operation state, and is foldable in a store state.

Abstract: A mask for preventing undesired light from entering the lens of the camera. The mask includes a transparent plate and a membrane for blocking undesired light. The membrane is disposed on the periphery of the transparent plate and the aperture is formed on the center of the membrane. The mask is attached onto the camera housing to make the aperture properly located in front of the lens or the viewfinder of the camera.

Abstract: A sound recording system is used in conjunction with a conventional camera (C) that by itself cannot record sounds. A sound recorder (100) has a mounting device (120, 190), a microphone (110), and a sound record switch (130) that is placed adjacent the shutter button when the recorder is mounted on the camera. A removable “Sound Stick” (200) is inserted into the sound recorder (100) through an opening (170). The “Sound Stick” contains memories (230) that record sound segments. A playback device, which may be separate or combined with the recorder is provided, into which the “Sound Stick” plugs into for downloading and playback of the sound segments. The “Sound Stick” includes a reading head (270) that can scan a bar code that correlates the sound segments with the pictures.

Abstract: A camera is provided with an object lens, an aperture and a guiding device for an image-recording medium. The camera includes a device for providing generally scattered or white light to be incident on a first portion of the image-recording medium and a light adjusting device for varying the dissipation of the white or scatted light across the aperture of the camera in relation to the exposure time across the aperture. The camera also includes a lens system with an object lens and an additional focusing device with a focal length in a first area being infinite and in a second area being a relatively short focusing light on the image close to the lens system, for example, on the plate held in front of the lens system. A light enhancement device is also provided for increasing the light on the first portion of the image-recording medium.

Abstract: An adapter has a plug, a jack, and a flexible cable, which connects the plug and the jack. The plug is connected to a socket provided in a camera body. The jack is connected to a camera accessory, which is a release switch device, for example. The jack is provided with a clip which is fixed to a strap attaching ring provided on the camera body or a strap attached to the strap attaching ring.

Abstract: In a film back adapted to be interchangeably mounted on a camera body, a light-shielding curtain member is installed to cover an aperture. The curtain member is moved by an operating member between first and second positions. At the first position, the aperture is fully covered by the curtain member, while at the second position, the aperture is uncovered. When the film back is mounted on the camera body, a safety lock member prevents detachment of the film back from the camera body in case the curtain member is at the second position, i.e., in case the aperture is uncovered.

Abstract: An improved process of matching the color of a paint to the pre-existing color of a vehicle is provided. The process includes the steps of exposing a photo-reactive film to the surface of the vehicle whose paint color is to be matched. Once exposed, pigments in the film are activated to mimic precisely the color of the vehicle. The pigments are then extracted, isolated and mixed with a neutral base paint solution, which is tinted by the pigments to match the color of the vehicle. The tinted and matched solution is used for painting or touch-up work on the vehicle.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an outer barrel including a lens-hood mount portion at the front end of the outer barrel, a lens hood being detachably attached to the lens-hood mount portion; an inner barrel including a filter mount portion at the front end of the inner barrel and positioned inside the outer barrel to be rotatable about an optical axis relative to the outer barrel; and a manually rotatable structure adopted to rotate the inner barrel from the outside of the outer barrel.

Abstract: A camera for composite photography for easily composing an object image of a picture on a pre-developed background image by using a composite film having an exposed portion of a pre-developed background image and an unexposed portion for taking a picture. The camera for composite photography comprises a main body including a case and a back cover, a lens, a front finder window on a front face of the main body for composition, a rear finder window on a rear face of the main body for composition, a non-adjustable iris diaphragm and a compartment inside of the main body for loading a composite film. The camera for composite photography is equipped with first and second location designators. The first location designator is inserted in front of the lens for locating an object of a picture on the composite film through the lens. The first location designator has a location designating hole.

Abstract: An optical probe apparatus for determining a position of an image sensor in a digital camera relative to a reference surface on the digital camera. The optical probe assembly includes a probe mounting surface adapted to be removably mountable to the digital camera and lockable in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference surface of the digital camera; an angle cleaved optical fiber emitting a beam of light; a lens disposed in the path of the beam of light and directing the beam of light along an axis normal to a plane of the lens toward the object; and a mounting member supporting the optical fiber such that the beam of light is directed along an axis normal to the plane of the lens and directed to the center of the lens. An optically transparent material (such as a pellicle or glass plate) is disposed intermediate the probe mounting surface and image sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a single-exposure synthesized image on film is provided where an instantaneous image is combined with an image from a prepared picture on film. The preparation picture is reflected by a reflective mirror, and then is refracted by the objective lens of the camera to form a prepared image. The reflective mirror has a central hole that is located in front of the objective lens. The prepared picture also has a central hole, or a central transparent portion, and is located in a space between the objective lens and the reflective mirror, so that the reflecting surface of the reflective mirror faces the picture and the objective lens. Light rays from the prepared picture are reflected by the reflective mirror, pass through the central hole or the central transparent portion of the picture and through the objective lens to image the prepared picture image on the circumferential portion of the film.

Abstract: A stereoscopic photography system utilizes digital camera technology to create stereoscopic content. The camera has a photosensitive material optically aligned with a lens for capturing images, a viewfinder screen for viewing the images captured on the photosensitive material, and a zoom control for adjusting the focal length of the lens. An optical attachment is securely coupled to the camera lens in a manner that permits adjustment. The optical attachment causes a stereo pair of images to be focused through the lens onto the photosensitive material The camera is coupled to a processor having a first program for digitizing the stereo pair of images and a second program for transforming the digitized stereo pair of images into a predefined format. The transformed images are displayed on a monitor and observed through either a modulating overlay screen or modulating eyewear.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a rotatable disc 12 which is pivotally 54 mounted onto the front of a disposable camera housing 52 having a plurality of user selectable rotatable lens 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, each having a plurality of facets. Each lens also has a visual symbol 18, 22, 26, 30, 34 associated therewith for easy recognition by the user. Rotation of the disc 12 about its central pivot 54 and rotation of each lens creates numerous artistic accentuations to the photographs of the user.

Abstract: A camera (1) is provided with an object lens, an aperture and guiding means for an image recording medium. The camera includes a means for providing generally scattered or white light to be incident on a first portion of the image recording medium and a light adjusting means for varying the dissipation of the white or scattered light across the aperture of the camera in relation to the exposure time across the aperture. The camera also includes a lens system with an object lens and an additional focusing means with a focal length in a first area being infinite and in a second area being relatively short focusing light on the image close to the lens system, for example on the plate (10) held in front of the lens system. Light enhancement means are also provided for increasing the light on the first portion of the image recording medium.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings or may produce a controlled grainy appearance to an image recorded on film. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.

Abstract: A camera has a body and a label adhered to the body. The body has a lens assembly including a taking lens. The taking lens defines an optical axis. The taking lens has at least one optical element. The optical element has a central part and a peripheral part. The lens assembly has a label receiving surface. The label receiving surface has an outer perimeter. The label receiving surface is free of obstructions to label-placement. The label is adhered to the label receiving surface in spaced relation to the outer perimeter. The label has a hole disposed substantially concentric with the optical axis. The label includes an opaque blocking portion surrounding the hole and overlapping the peripheral part.

Abstract: A lid (40) with which an opening (35) in a lens hood (30) is made open or closed is rotatably supported by a hinge pin (47) that is supported at both ends on pin support portions (37) of the lens hood (30) and which is passed through pin insertion holes (44). When the lid (40) closes the opening (35), retainer lugs (42) of the lid (40) retain stoppers (36) of the lens hood (30) to keep the opening (35) closed. If the stoppers (36) are removed from the constraint by the retainer lugs (42) and the lid (40) is turned about the hinge pin (47) under the urging force exerted by the spring (48), the lid (40) is brought to a state where it makes the opening 35 open.

Abstract: A camera comprising a housing, and a carry strap attached to the housing to permit the carry strap to be longitudinally extended from the housing as a closed loop to receive one's hand in the closed loop and being elastic to be stretched around the housing to be stored on the housing, is characterized in that the carry strap has an ornamental figure which is arranged to be upstanding from the housing when the carry strap is stretched around the housing to be stored on the housing. Preferably, the carry strap has an integral platform that is wider than the remainder of the carry strap to serve as a support base for the ornamental figure. The platform is positioned on a top face of the housing, and the ornamental figure is upstanding on the platform, when the carry strap is stretched around the housing to be stored on the housing.

Abstract: A camera includes a casing having an optical device disposed in the front portion and a film disposed in the rear portion. One or more image sheets are detachably securing to the middle portion of the casing and between the film and the optical device by magnetic members. The magnetic members of the casing or the magnetic members of the image sheets are different from each other for checking the image sheets at the correct position. The casing includes a window having an additional image sheet for checking whether the image sheets are at the correct position.

Abstract: A nearby photography adapter includes a photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame, a flashlight correcting auxiliary plate, and a distance knob interfering projection. The photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame is a member mounted on a base plate and collapsed from being erect and usable. The distance knob interfering projection is formed as an integral part of the base plate. When a distance knob on a photographic lens frame is set to a nearby photographic position and the photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame and auxiliary plate are standing erect, the photography adapter can be attached to a camera and nearby photography can be carried out. Advantageously, with the nearby photography adapter, the photographic range and the camera-to-subject distance can be indicated reliably. Furthermore, the nearby photography adapter can be put away neatly with the components stowed during normal photography.

Abstract: A movable filter device comprises a rotary plate for holding an optical filter, a holding plate for holding the rotary plate rotatably at a pivot point, stopper pins, and a torsion coil spring. The torsion coil spring has one end coupled to the holding plate and the other end coupled to the rotary plate, and generates a force for extending both ends thereof. The force generated by the torsion coil spring prevents the rotary plate from stopping at positions other than those defined by the stopper pins. The rotary plate has slender portions of low rigidity for absorbing the impact of collision between the rotary plate and stopper pins.

Abstract: A blur preventing device of a camera includes a base portion having a depressed portion on one side thereof to allow a nose of a user to be inserted therein; a sebaceous matter absorbing layer disposed on a surface of the base portion including the depressed portion; and an adhesive layer disposed on a back surface of the base portion to be detachably attached to a back side of the camera. Since a user can hold the camera by pressing the nose against the back side of the camera through the blur preventing device, a picture without blur can be taken. Moreover, there is no risk of staining the back of the camera with the sebaceous matter since the blur preventing device is provided with the sebaceous matter absorbing layer.