JP2000195361A - Operation switch and image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an operation switch and an image pickup device provided with the operation switch which prevents careless pushing of a lock member for locking the operation switch, and allowing suppression of an occupying space of the lock member to a minimum. SOLUTION: This video camera has a mode dial 107 installed turnably to a rear face cover 211, an operation switch for switching to an image pick-up mode corresponding to an angular position of the mode dial 107 by stopping the mode dial 107 at the prescribed angular position, and an unlock tab 109 for forbidding turning of the mode dial 107 in a specified angular position. By moving the unlock tab 109 in the normal direction of a turn direction of the mode dial 107, the forbidding of the turn of the mode dial 107 is released.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an operation switch for a photographing mode such as a video camera and a still camera, and an image pickup apparatus provided with the operation switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, the configuration and operation of a mode dial in a conventional video camera will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing a conventional video camera, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a configuration of a mode dial and its vicinity.

In these figures, reference numeral 501 denotes a video camera main body, 502 denotes a zoom switch, and 503 denotes a lens unit. Reference numeral 504 denotes a wrist strap, which is installed so as to hold the back of the hand with a belt.

[0004] Reference numeral 505 denotes a viewfinder, which has a small LCD and a magnifying lens built in, and allows a photographing screen to be checked by approaching the eyes.

Reference numeral 507 denotes a mode dial which turns off the power, VTR, C
It is possible to switch to a total of four modes, AMERA and PHOTO. Here, the PHOTO mode is a mode for recording a still image, and is a mode for recording a still image on a tape, a memory, or the like.

Reference numeral 506 denotes a position lock knob, and reference numeral 510 denotes a lock knob slot provided on the exterior to expose a knob portion of the position lock knob. Further, 508 is a start / stop button for starting and stopping recording, 509 is an unlock button for unlocking the mode dial, 601 and 602 are mode indicators for indicating the position of the mode dial,
Reference numeral 511 denotes a PROGRESSIV SCAN (progressive scan) switch SW.

In the above configuration, the mode dial 50
Reference numeral 7 denotes a configuration in which the rotation is locked only when the power-off mode is entered, so that the power supply of the video camera is not inadvertently turned on. When shifting the mode dial 507 from the OFF mode to another mode, the user rotates the mode dial 507 while pressing the unlock button 509.

Further, the position lock knob 506 is
As shown in FIG. 9, the knob can be moved in the vicinity of the tip of the knob by rotating it, and a finger is put on the protrusion at the tip of the knob protruding from the exterior to move between the two positions L and U. can do. A click mechanism is configured by a leaf spring or the like (not shown) so that the position lock knob 506 is fixed at each of the positions L and U.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, when the position lock knob 506 is set to the position L, the tip of the mode dial 507 is regulated by the projection of the position lock knob 506.
The transition to the OTO mode (photo mode) can be prevented (see the mode dial 507 indicated by the dotted line E). Further, when the position is set to the position U, the projecting portion of the position lock knob 506 is displaced from the rotation locus of the mode dial 507, so that it is possible to shift to all positions. As a result, the position lock knob 506
Is set to the position L, it is possible to restrict the mode dial 507 from inadvertently shifting to the PHOTO mode which is not frequently used.

Also, the PROGRESSIV shown in FIG.
When the SCAN switch SW511 is pressed, the mode is switched to the moving image recording operation by PROGRESSIV SCAN in the camera mode. From the normal camera (moving image) mode, which reads out the image sensor two lines at a time, PROGRES
By switching to the SIV SCAN mode, the image sensor can be read out one line at a time, and each frame in a moving image can be recorded with high image quality. Accordingly, the PROGRESSIV SCAN mode is mainly used when one frame image of a moving image is cut out as a high-quality still image.

Next, a lock mechanism of the mode dial 507 will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration near the mode dial, and corresponds to the FF ′ cross-section shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a mode dial attaching portion of the back cover with the mode dial 507 removed.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the unlock knob.

In these figures, reference numeral 701 denotes a rear cover, 702 a spring spring for urging the unlock button 509 upward, and 703 a start / stop button 5.
Reference numeral 704 denotes a spring spring that urges the upper portion 08 upward, and a connection member that connects the mode dial 507 and the dial bottom cover 708, and is fastened by heat welding or screws.

Reference numeral 705 denotes a flexible board fixed to a main body (not shown), and reference numeral 706 denotes a contact. The contact 706 slides on a predetermined conductor pattern provided on the flexible board to set a predetermined mode. The operation of the switching circuit can be performed. A push switch 707 is pressed by a start / stop button.
Reference numeral 09 denotes a lock claw for locking the mode dial 507, and as shown in FIG.
And are formed integrally. Reference numeral 801 denotes a dial shaft hole into which the rotation shaft of the connection member 704 fits.
01. Reference numeral 802 denotes a dial stopper hole provided on the rear cover 701 for fitting a lock claw.

In the above configuration, when the mode dial 507 is in the OFF mode, the unlock button 509 is urged upward by the spring 702, and the two lock claws 709 are engaged with the dial stopper hole 802. The photographer cannot turn the mode dial 507 because it fits closely on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, when the mode dial 507 is turned while pressing the unlock button 509 downward, the lock tab 70
9 moves below the thickness of the back cover 701, so that the lock is released and the mode dial 507 can be turned.

[0016]

However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.

(1) The operation of releasing the mode dial 507 from the OFF mode is a simple operation of turning while pressing the unlock button 509. Therefore, when the photographer unknowingly presses the unlock button 509. In some cases, the mode dial 507 may be inadvertently turned.

(2) As shown in FIG. 10, the unlock button 509 is urged upward by a spring 702 vertically disposed below the unlock button 509, and has a structure movable in the depth direction. Mode dial 5
A space in the depth direction is required in a range up to the vicinity of the tip of the 07. In addition, this space is required over the entire range where the mode dial 507 rotates.

(3) On the other hand, the position lock knob 50
As shown in FIG. 9, 6 is constituted by a lever that rotates inside the cover, so that a space on the inside of the cover is required for the trajectory of the lever movement.
Therefore, other members cannot be arranged close to each other, which hinders downsizing of the video camera.

(4) When switching to the PROGRESSIV SCAN mode is performed by using the SCAN switch SW 511 provided separately from the mode dial, the photographer operating this switch must first switch to the SCAN switch S.
We need to find the location of W511. Therefore, PR
Operability when using the OGRESSIV SCAN mode was extremely poor.

(5) The switching to the PROGRESSIV SCAN mode is performed by the SCAN switch SW 511 provided separately from the mode dial.
In some cases, the mode was switched to the VSCAN mode.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to prevent a lock member for locking an operation switch from being pressed carelessly, and to occupy an occupied space of the lock member. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation switch which is minimized and an imaging apparatus provided with the operation switch.

[0023]

An operation switch according to the present invention has an operation member rotatably provided with respect to a fixed member, and the operation member is stopped at a predetermined angle position to set the angle position. An operation switch for switching to a mode corresponding to the above, wherein a lock member is provided so as to prohibit rotation of the operation member at a specific angular position, and a schematic normal line in a direction in which the operation member rotates the lock member An unlocking member is provided integrally with the lock member so as to move the operating member in the direction to release the prohibition of the rotation of the operation member. It protrudes from the outer periphery of the operation member.

In one embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, the lock member is fitted into a groove formed in the fixing member, thereby prohibiting the rotation of the operation member.

In one embodiment of the operation switch according to the present invention, the operation switch further includes an angle regulating member rotatably provided with respect to the fixed member, and the angle regulating member is rotated to a predetermined angular position. By contacting the operating member in the above, the range of the angle at which the operating member rotates can be limited.

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes at least an image pickup lens, an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image formed by the image pickup lens, and the operation switch, wherein the operation switch functions as a switch for switching a photographing mode. I do.

An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image pickup lens, an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image formed by the image pickup lens, an outer cover including the image pickup lens or the image pickup device, and an operation for switching a photographing mode. And an operation switch, wherein the operation switch stops an operation member rotatably mounted on the outer cover at a predetermined angular position, thereby obtaining a shooting mode corresponding to the angular position. A lock member is provided so as to prohibit rotation of the operation member at a specific angular position, and the lock member is moved in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which the operation member rotates. An unlocking member is provided integrally with the lock member so as to release the prohibition of the rotation of the operation member, and the rotation of the operation member is prohibited. The Oite said unlocking member is adapted to protrude from the outer periphery of the operation member.

In one embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention,
The lock member is fitted into a groove formed in the exterior cover, thereby prohibiting rotation of the operation member.

In one embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention,
The operating member further includes an angle regulating member rotatably installed with respect to the exterior cover, and the operating member is rotated by rotating the angle regulating member so as to come into contact with the operating member at a predetermined angular position. The range of the angle of rotation is restricted.

In one embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention,
One of the shooting modes is a progressive scan mode.

In one embodiment of the imaging apparatus of the present invention,
The angle restricting member restricts the operation member from rotating to an angular position corresponding to the still photography mode and the progressive scan mode.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external view of a video camera (imaging device) according to the first embodiment, and is a perspective view seen from a grip side for holding the video camera. FIG. 2 is also an external view of the video camera, and is a perspective view from the side of a large LCD unit attached to the side of the video camera.

Here, 101 is a video camera body, 10
2 is a zoom switch and 103 is a lens unit.
Reference numeral 104 denotes a wrist strap, which is installed so as to press the back of the hand holding the camera with the belt.

A viewfinder 105 has a built-in small LCD and a magnifying lens, and allows the photographer to check the photographing screen by approaching his eyes.

Reference numeral 107 denotes a mode dial which constitutes an operation switch for switching a photographing mode. The power switch is turned off, a VTR, a CAMERA, a PHOTO, and a VTR are rotated by rotating a handle portion protruding rightward in FIGS.
It is possible to switch to a total of five modes of PROGRESSIV SCAN. Here, the PHOTO mode is a mode for recording a still image (still image), and is a mode for recording a still image on a tape, a memory, or the like.

Set the mode dial 107 to PROGRESS.
By setting the IV SCAN (progressive scan) mode, it is possible to set the image sensor from the normal camera (moving image) mode for reading two lines at a time to the mode for reading one line at a time, and record each frame in the moving image with high image quality. It is possible to do.
Therefore, the PROGRESSIV SCAN mode is mainly used when one frame image of a moving image is cut out as a high-quality still image.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a position lock knob;
Is a start / stop button for starting and stopping recording, 109 is an unlock knob (unlock member) for unlocking the mode dial, 110 is a mode dial base to which the mode dial 107 is attached, and 111 is video. Large L for confirming on a large screen
It is a CD unit.

Next, the operation of the mode dial 107 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the mode dial 107 viewed from five directions.

FIG. 3A is a front view showing the appearance of the mode dial 107. The large LCD unit 111 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view of the mode dial 107 as viewed from the direction in which is attached. FIG. 3B is a right side view showing the appearance of the mode dial 107, and FIG.
3D is a left side view showing the appearance of FIG.
FIG. 3E is a right side view showing the appearance of the mode dial 107 with the upper lid 201 removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (a half cross-sectional view) showing constituent members near the mode dial 107.
This corresponds to an AA ′ section in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the configuration around the mode dial 107 viewed from the direction of the viewfinder 105 in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the mode dial 107 mounting portion of the rear cover 211 with the mode dial 107 removed. FIG.

In these figures, reference numeral 201 denotes an upper cover of the mode dial. Reference numeral 202 denotes a rotation-side mode index, which is written on the mode dial 107. Also, 20
Reference numeral 3 denotes a fixed mode indicator, which is written on a mode dial base. Reference numeral 204 denotes a spring that urges the unlock knob 109 outward from the center of rotation of the mode dial 107, and 205 denotes a mode dial base 1
A fixing screw hole for fixing 10 to the rear cover 211.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 206 denotes a lock claw (locking member) for locking the mode dial in the OFF mode, 207 denotes a push switch pressed by a start / stop button, and 208 denotes a mode for electrically selecting a mode. A flexible substrate having a pattern,
Reference numeral 209 denotes a contact that slides while abutting on the pattern of the flexible substrate 208, and usually has a plurality of contact portions. Here, the lock tab 206 and the unlock tab 10
9 is formed integrally.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3B or FIG.
It is attached so that it may protrude from the outer periphery. As described above, the unlock dial 109 is set to the mode dial 107.
By protruding from the outer periphery of the unlock knob 109, the unlock knob 109 can be easily pushed, and the unlock knob 10
9 can be improved in operability.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a contact holding member for fixing the contact 209.
It is fixed with screws or the like, and rotates integrally with the mode dial 107. 211 is a back cover, and 212 is a key groove into which the lock claw 206 is fitted.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, reference numeral 301 denotes a stopper boss that abuts the position lock knob 106 in the rotation direction, and is formed integrally with the position lock knob 106. Reference numeral 302 denotes a stopper skeleton, which is a fan-shaped concave portion provided on the back cover 211 and has a configuration in which the stopper boss 301 abuts. Reference numeral 303 denotes a rotation shaft formed integrally with the position lock knob 106, and reference numeral 307 denotes a position lock knob shaft hole installed on the rear cover 211.
3 are rotatably fitted.

Reference numeral 304 denotes the mode dial base 11
No. 0 mounting surface, 305 is a lock claw guide surface for guiding the lock claw 206 formed on the back cover, 306
Is a mounting screw hole for mounting the mode dial base. The mode dial base 110 is fixed to the rear cover 211 by fastening two screws from the inside of the rear cover 211 into the fixing screw holes 205. I have.

In the above configuration, the mode selection operation of the mode dial 107 will be described first.

In FIG. 5, the mode dial 107 is
Locked in OFF position. At the time of the mode transition, the mode dial 107 is rotated while the unlock knob 109 is slid in the direction of arrow B, that is, in the direction of the normal to the rotation direction of the mode dial 107, so that the mode is released from the OFF position. You can select the mode you want.

On the other hand, the position lock knob 106
As shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to pivotally move to the L and U positions and stop at the abutting positions by a click mechanism (not shown).

Here, when the position lock knob 106 is turned to the U position as shown in FIG. 5, the distal end 106a of the position lock knob 106 does not enter the locus of the mode dial 107.
07 can be shifted to all positions. When the dial is turned to the L position, the leading end 106a enters the trajectory of the mode dial 107. Therefore, the mode dial 107 is regulated at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line D in FIG.
The transition to SSIV SCAN mode and PHOTO mode cannot be performed. That is, position lock knob 1
06 is set to the L position, the mode dial 107 can be used in a less frequently used PROGRESSIV mode.
It is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently entering the SCAN mode and the PHOTO mode.

Next, the operation of the unlock knob 109 of the mode dial 107 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the unlock knob 109 is provided with the boss 109a in the sliding direction.
Are installed integrally, and one end of a spring spring 204 is inserted into the boss 109a. The mode dial upper cover 201 is covered so as to cover the unlock knob 109.
Is fixed to the mode dial 107 by heat caulking or the like.

With the above configuration, the unlock knob 10
Numeral 9 is configured to return outward from the center of rotation of the mode dial 107 (center line C shown in FIG. 4) by a spring spring 204 when slid in the direction of arrow B. On the other hand, the unlock tab 109 is integrally provided with a lock tab 206, and the mode dial 107 is
When the mode is set to the FF mode, the lock claws 20
6 is fitted in the key groove 212 provided in the back cover. The shape of the key groove 212 when viewed from above is a shape in which the groove protrudes rightward as shown in FIG.

The lock claws 206 are connected to the mode dial 10
Only when the angular position of 7 corresponds to the OFF mode, it is fitted in the key groove 212, whereby the rotation of the mode dial 107 is locked. By sliding the unlock knob 109 to the direction of the rotation center of the mode dial 107 and turning the mode dial 107, the engagement between the lock claw 206 and the key groove 212 is released and the lock is released, so that it is possible to shift to another mode. Becomes

Since the unlock knob 109 is attached so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the mode dial 107, when the mode dial 107 is rotated, the unlock knob 109 can be easily pushed, and the unlock knob 109 can be pressed. Operability can be improved.

When the mode dial 107 is turned from a mode other than the OFF mode to the OFF mode, the lock claw 206 fits into the key groove 212 and the mode dial 107 is automatically locked.

Next, the circuit configuration of the video camera according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a system block diagram of the video camera according to the first embodiment. Where 40
1 is a display circuit of the large LCD finder unit 111, 402 is a display circuit of the viewfinder 105, 4
03 is a digital signal processing circuit, 404 is a circuit of a VTR unit, 405 is a system control circuit, 406 is an operation switch including the mode dial 107 and the like, 407 is an A / D conversion circuit, 408 is an amplifier, 409 is an image sensor, and 410 is It is a lens system.

Here, the image-forming light beam that has passed through the lens system 410 is converted into an electric signal by the image pickup device 409, converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 407 through the amplifier 408, and processed by the digital signal processing. The signal is converted into a video signal by the circuit 403, and the signal is sent to the VTR unit 404, the view finder 402, and the large LCD finder 401. On the other hand, the code switched by the mode dial 406 is processed by the system control circuit 405, and controls the digital signal processing circuit 403 and the VTR unit 404 to operate according to the switched mode.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the slidable unlock knob 109 is provided.
By mounting the mode dial 107, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently entering another mode from the OFF mode.

Further, a key groove 212 is formed on the circumference of the mode dial mounting portion of the rear cover 211, and the lock tab 206 of the unlock knob 109 formed on the mode dial 107 is fitted into and disengaged from the key groove 212. Restricts the rotation operation of the mode dial 107,
In particular, the dial lock mechanism can be configured by reducing the space in the direction along the rotation axis of the mode dial 107.

Further, since the position lock knob 106 having a structure projecting from the rear cover 211 is provided to restrict the rotation operation of the mode dial 107, the mode limiting lock can be performed in a small space.

Further, PR in the mode dial 107
Since the position of the OGRESSIV SCAN moving image mode is provided, the operability of the PROGRESSIV SCAN mode can be improved.

Further, the PHOTO shooting mode and the PROG
By restricting the operation of the mode dial 107 so as not to enter the SESSIV SCAN moving image mode, it was possible to prevent the two modes not normally used from being inadvertently shifted to the two modes.

[0062]

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the lock member of the operation switch from being pressed carelessly, and to minimize the space occupied by the operation member in the direction of the rotation axis. Further, by making the unlocking member protrude from the outer periphery of the operating member in the locked state of the operating member, operability at the time of unlocking can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to provide an operation switch that enables reliable operation and is suitable for downsizing, and an imaging apparatus including the operation switch.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention from a grip side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention from a large LCD side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of a mode dial according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the periphery of a mode dial according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the periphery of a mode dial according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a mode dial mounting portion of the back cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a video camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a conventional video camera.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a mode dial of a conventional video camera.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a mode dial of a conventional video camera.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a mode dial mounting portion of a rear cover of a conventional video camera.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an unlock knob of a conventional video camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Video Camera 102 Zoom Switch 103 Lens Unit 104 Wrist Strap 105 Viewfinder 106 Position Lock Knob 107 Mode Dial 108 Start / Stop Button 109 Unlock Knob 110 Mode Dial Base 111 Large LCD Unit 201 Mode Dial Upper Lid 202 Mode Index (Rotation) 203) Mode indicator (fixed side) 204 Spring spring 205 Fixing screw hole 206 Lock claw 207 Push switch 208 Flexible board 209 Contact 210 Contact holding member 211 Back cover 212 Key port 301 Stopper boss (convex) 302 Stopper boss (Concave) 303 Rotary axis 304 Mode dial base mounting surface 305 Lock claw guide surface 306 Mounting Hole 307 position lock knob shaft hole 401 large LCD finder 402 view finder 403 digital signal processing circuit 404 VTR section 405 system control circuit 406 mode dial 407 A / D conversion circuit 408 amplifier 409 imaging section 410 lens system 501 video camera body 502 zoom Switch 503 Lens unit 504 Wrist strap 505 Viewfinder 506 Position lock knob 507 Mode dial 508 Start / stop button 509 Unlock button 510 Lock knob long hole 511 (PROGRESSIV SCAN) switch SW 601 Mode index (rotating side) 602 Mode index (fixed) Side) 701 back cover 702 spring spring (for unlock button) 703 sp Ngubane (Start / for stop button) 704 connecting member 705 flexible substrate 706 contacts 707 push switch 708 Dial bottom cover 709 lock claw 801 dial shaft holes 802 dial stopper hole

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An operation switch having an operation member rotatably provided with respect to a fixed member, and switching to a mode corresponding to the angular position by stopping the operation member at a predetermined angular position. A lock member is provided so as to prohibit the rotation of the operation member at a specific angular position, and the lock member is moved in a direction substantially normal to a direction in which the operation member rotates, and the rotation of the operation member is performed. An unlocking member is provided integrally with the lock member so as to release the prohibition of the operation member, and the unlocking member projects from the outer periphery of the operation member in a state where the rotation of the operation member is prohibited. An operation switch characterized by the following. 2. The operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the lock member engages with a groove formed in the fixed member to inhibit rotation of the operation member. 3. An angle regulating member further rotatably provided with respect to the fixed member, wherein the angle regulating member is rotated to abut on the operating member at a predetermined angular position. The operation switch according to claim 1, wherein a range of an angle at which the operation member rotates is limited. 4. An image pickup lens, an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image formed by the image pickup lens, and the operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation switch is An imaging device, which functions as a switch for changing a shooting mode. 5. An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup lens; an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting an image formed by the image pickup lens; an exterior cover including the image pickup lens or the image pickup device; and an operation switch for switching a photographing mode. The device, wherein the operation switch is configured to switch to a shooting mode corresponding to the angular position by stopping an operation member rotatably mounted on the exterior cover at a predetermined angular position. A lock member is provided so as to prohibit rotation of the operation member at a specific angle position, and the operation member is moved by moving the lock member in a direction substantially normal to a direction in which the operation member rotates. An unlocking member is provided integrally with the lock member so as to release the prohibition of the rotation of the operation member. Imaging device, wherein a locking member so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the operation member. 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the lock member is fitted into a groove formed in the exterior cover to inhibit the rotation of the operation member. 7. An image forming apparatus, further comprising an angle regulating member rotatably provided with respect to the exterior cover, wherein the angle regulating member is rotated to abut on the operation member at a predetermined angular position. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a range of an angle at which the operation member rotates is limited. 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one of the photographing modes is a progressive scan mode. 9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the angle restricting member restricts the operation member from rotating to an angular position corresponding to a still photography mode and a progressive scan mode.