JP2001343683A - Finder device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a finder device capable of always realizing the observation of a predetermined information display in an excellent state regardless of ambient brightness as a real image type finder device equipped with a lighting window. SOLUTION: This finder device is equipped with objective optical systems (51 to 55) for forming a subject image, eyepiece optical systems (56 and 57) for observing the subject image, a translucent mirror 56a provided at an optional position between an image formed surface where the subject image formed by the objective optical system is formed and the eyepiece 57 of the eyepiece optical system, a display means 60 provided on the extension of the optical axis of luminous flux from a subject after being reflected by the translucent mirror, light transmission parts (60a to 60d) provided in the display means, illuminating members (62a to 62c) provided in the vicinity of the display means and radiating the luminous flux from either surface of the light transmission part toward the light transmission part, and a light control means 41a which is arranged nearer to the subject side than the translucent mirror and whose light transmissivity is changed in accordance with the brightness of the subject.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a finder device, and more particularly to a finder device for confirming and observing a visual field range including a desired subject image in a camera for photographing and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, a so-called real image type of construction has been adopted in which a subject image formed by an objective optical system is converted into an erected image via an inverting optical system, and this image can be magnified and observed by an eyepiece optical system. Various proposals have been made for the finder device, and the finder device is generally put into practical use.

In such a conventional real image type finder device, a subject image formed by a finder optical system and various kinds of information on photographing, such as field frame information for defining a visual field to be a photographing range, camera setting and A so-called daylighting type of means for simultaneously observing the operation state and the like in a form in which the two are superimposed with each other is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-10-307315. I have.

[0004] Further, such a daylighting type finder device, which is an electric light emitting element (LED; lighting means,
Lighting components. The display section is illuminated by using a display LED or the like so that various information displays can be more clearly observed in the viewfinder regardless of the environment. Has been

[0005]

However, when the surrounding environment is very bright and the observation image in the viewfinder becomes bright, the information displayed by the display LED may be difficult to observe. . With this in mind,
It is necessary to set the current value of the display LED to be large. However, when the current value of the display LED is set to be large, there is a problem that the power consumption of the power supply battery for driving the LED is increased, and the duration of the battery is shortened.

Further, when the display LED is used in a dark environment when the current value of the display LED is set large, the display LED is
Is too bright, and the displayed information to be observed has bleeding or the like, so that it is not possible to observe in good condition.

[0007] By the way, as for the optical members constituting the conventional finder device, various proposals have been made with respect to those using a so-called dimming material capable of changing the light transmittance according to the surrounding brightness. Have been.
As the light control material, there is photochromic and the like.
Various proposals have been made in Japanese Patent No. 58660, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338014, and the like.

The finder devices disclosed in JP-A-11-258660 and JP-A-11-338014 are arranged at predetermined positions in the optical path of the finder device, and are adapted to the surrounding brightness environment. This is to display predetermined information.

In the camera described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-338014, by providing a light control material (photochromic) on the photographing lens and its front surface, an appropriate exposure amount according to the surrounding brightness can be obtained. Means is disclosed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a real image type finder device having a lighting window, which is always good regardless of the surrounding brightness. It is an object of the present invention to provide a finder device in which a predetermined information display can be observed in a state.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, a finder device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an objective optical system for forming an object image, an eyepiece optical system for observing the object image, A semi-transmissive mirror provided at an arbitrary position between the image plane of the subject image formed by the objective optical system and the eyepiece of the eyepiece optical system, and from the subject after being reflected by the semi-transmissive mirror. A display unit provided on an extension of the optical axis of the light beam, a light transmitting unit provided on the display unit, and a light beam provided near the display unit from one surface of the light transmitting unit toward the light transmitting unit. And a dimming unit that is disposed closer to the subject than the semi-transmissive mirror and changes the light transmittance according to the brightness of the subject.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first finder device, the semi-transmissive mirror has a first surface on which a light beam from the subject enters, and a second surface for emitting the light beam from the subject.
And a light flux emitted from the display means is incident on a second surface of the semi-transmissive mirror. The light flux is emitted from the display means and is inclined with respect to an optical axis connecting the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system. And the light is emitted to the eyepiece optical system.

A finder device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a finder optical system for observing a subject image, display means for displaying information regarding photographing, and a display device provided inside the finder optical system. Light combining means for combining the display light flux and the subject light flux from the subject,
Light modulating means which is disposed closer to the subject than the light combining means and whose light transmittance changes in accordance with the brightness of the subject.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a finder apparatus for observing a subject image, a display unit for displaying information relating to photographing, and a display light beam provided inside the finder optical system and output from the display unit. And a light combining means for combining the subject light flux from the subject, and an optical member disposed closer to the subject than the light combining means, wherein the light combining means or the optical member according to the brightness of the subject It is characterized by being formed by an optical member whose light transmittance changes.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The finder device of the present invention is used for, for example, a camera for taking a photograph or the like, and is used for confirming a range of a visual field of a desired photographing range or confirming an observed image of a subject when performing a photograph or the like. belongs to. The embodiment described below shows an example in which the finder device of the present invention is applied to a camera.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a camera to which a finder device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the camera, and FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the camera. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part shown in FIG.

The main body and various components of the camera 1 of the present embodiment are an exterior member formed by a front cover 1a and a rear cover 1b, and a barrier member 1c slidably disposed on the front surface of the front cover. Covered by

Various operation members and the like are arranged on the peripheral surface of the exterior member of the camera 1, and a predetermined position is set such that some of the various components arranged inside are exposed to the outside. Are located in For example, on the upper surface of the camera 1, various setting operations such as a release button 32, which is an operation member operated when starting a photographing operation, a photographing mode, an internal clock setting, and a strobe function setting are performed. Operating members such as a plurality of mode switching operation buttons 35a as operating members and a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like so that the photographing mode information, date and time information, camera status information, etc. can be visually recognized. An information display member 36a for displaying in a predetermined form such as is provided.

On the front surface of the camera 1, a front surface of a strobe light emitting portion 27 (see FIG. 2) is protected at a predetermined position near one upper edge portion, and a flash from the light emitting portion 27 is directed forward of the camera 1. A strobe light emission window 27a for irradiating a predetermined range including the subject is arranged.

A substantially central portion of the front surface of the camera 1 is provided on a light-exposed surface of a roll-shaped film 5 (see FIG. 2) disposed inside the camera 1 so as to transmit a luminous flux contributing to photography. An imaging optical system 21a for forming a subject image on the lens barrel 21b is disposed while being held by a lens barrel 21b.

A light projecting lens 1 constituting a part of a distance measuring device which contributes to a distance measuring operation is provided at a predetermined position near an upper edge of an exterior member of the camera 1 at a peripheral portion of the photographing optical system 21a.
1 and a light-receiving lens 12 (detailed configuration of the distance measuring device will be described later), and an objective optical system which constitutes a part of the finder device of the present embodiment (a finder optical system in the present finder device will be described later. A finder window 41a for covering and protecting the front of the finder device, and a lighting window 42 for taking in natural light into the interior of the finder device are provided. Further, at a predetermined position near the upper edge on one end side on the back side of the camera 1, a zoom lever 43 and the like which are operated when performing the zooming operation of the photographing optical system 21a are arranged.

The barrier member 1c is connected to the front cover 1a.
Are slidably disposed in the direction of arrow X shown in FIG. That is, when the barrier member 1c moves in a predetermined direction, the main members arranged on the front surface of the camera 1, such as the photographing optical system 21a and the lens barrel 21b, the finder window 41a, the light projecting lens 11, and the light receiving lens 12 The closed state is such that the front surface of the lighting window 42 and the like is covered and protected by the barrier member 1c, and the open state is such that the front surfaces of these members are exposed to the outside and can perform a photographing operation. . The state shown in FIG. 1 represents the open state of the barrier member 1c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 1 comprises various components provided inside the main body, various electric circuits, and the like. In the main body of the camera 1 according to the present embodiment, there is provided a control circuit 30 for controlling the entire camera 1 which is formed by a CPU or the like.
Various circuits and the like are electrically connected to the control circuit 30 directly or indirectly through various constituent circuits and the like.

That is, the control circuit 30 includes a DX code input circuit 2 for reading, for example, film information such as film ISO sensitivity from a DX code of a film cartridge 3 in which the film 5 is wound and stored, A film feeding circuit 4 for controlling the driving of a film feeding mechanism 7 via a film feeding motor 6 for feeding the film 5 sent from the film feeding device, and a film feeding operation by the film feeding circuit 4 during the film feeding operation. 5, a film feed state detecting circuit 24 for detecting the perforation and the like and detecting the amount of movement thereof, and a distance measuring means and a distance measuring device for measuring the distance to the main subject 9 located substantially at the center of the photographing screen. And a photometric unit formed by a photometric sensor 15 and the like for measuring the luminance of the field including the object 9 and the like. And ambient light measurement circuit 14, a shutter control circuit 16 which controls the driving of the plunger 18 is a drive mechanism for causing the opening and closing operation of the sector shutter 17 consisting of diaphragm-shutter blade for opening and closing the exposure opening portion,
A sector position detection switch 19 for detecting the position of the sector shutter 17, and a focus adjustment lens of the photographing optical system 21a held inside the lens barrel 21b based on subject distance information and the like obtained by the distance measurement circuit 8. A motor drive circuit 20 for driving and controlling a drive motor 22 that moves along the optical axis direction via a focus drive mechanism 23; a lens movement state detection circuit 25 for detecting a movement state of the focus adjustment lens from a reference position; Umbrella and Xenon (Xe)
A strobe circuit 2 for controlling light emission and charging of a strobe device including a strobe light emitting section 27 formed by a tube or the like.
6 and the first state responding to the operation state of the release button 32 arranged on the upper surface of the camera 1, that is, the first-stage ON state (half-pressed state) or the second-stage ON state (full-press state). (1st.) Release detection switch 33 and second
(2nd.) A release detection switch 34, a mode setting circuit 35 for setting an operation mode of the camera 1 in response to an operation of a plurality of mode switching operation buttons 35a (see FIG. 1),
A display circuit 36 for driving and controlling the information display member 36a (see FIG. 1); and a display circuit 3 in the finder for controlling display (to be described later in detail) in the field of view of the finder device.
7 and the like are directly or indirectly electrically connected.

When the film cartridge 3 is loaded into the camera 1, the DX code input circuit 2 converts a DX code or the like provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 3 by, for example, printing or the like into a film ISO. It reads film information such as sensitivity.

The distance measuring circuit 8 constitutes a part of the distance measuring device as described above. The distance measuring device includes a light emitting element 10 such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is a light emitting means and emits an infrared light beam or the like, and emits light from the light emitting element 10 in a predetermined direction and a predetermined range. A light projecting lens 11, a light receiving lens 12 for condensing reflected signal light reflected by the subject 9 from a light beam emitted from the light projecting element 10, and a light detecting element (PS) as light quantity signal means.
D) and the like.

The operation of the distance measuring device will be briefly described as follows. That is, the distance measurement circuit 8 performs the above-described 1st. In response to an ON signal from the release detection switch 33, that is, an instruction signal for instructing the start of the distance measuring operation, the light emitting element 10 is driven to emit light, and the infrared light beam from the light emitting element 10 is transmitted through the light emitting lens 11. The light is projected toward the subject 9. The reflected signal light is condensed via the light receiving lens 12 and is received by the light receiving element 13 via this. As a result, based on the light receiving position of the light receiving element 13, the distance measuring circuit 8
Is calculated, and the distance to the desired subject is calculated. The data (digital value) such as the subject distance information obtained here is transmitted to the control circuit 30, and a predetermined automatic focus adjustment operation is performed.

The shutter control circuit 16 controls the driving of the plunger 18 as described above, and
7 is a circuit for performing the opening / closing operation of 7. The sector shutter 17 is an aperture / shutter having a triangular aperture characteristic.

That is, the sector shutter 17 is
8 is controlled by the shutter control circuit 16, the sector opening (exposure opening) is gradually opened by an ON signal from the plunger 18, while the sector opening (exposure opening) is opened by the OFF signal from the plunger 18. The exposure opening is rapidly closed.
In this case, the start time of the opening operation of the sector opening (exposure opening) is detected by the sector position detection switch 19.

The camera operation mode set by the mode setting circuit 35 includes, for example, a flash photography mode. In this strobe shooting mode, for example, an auto strobe mode in which a strobe light is automatically emitted or a strobe light is prohibited according to a shooting condition such as a subject brightness, or a strobe light emission is performed regardless of shooting conditions such as a subject brightness. A strobe off mode forcibly forbidden, a daylight synchro mode for arbitrarily emitting strobe light according to a shooting condition such as a backlight condition or a desired subject in a shade in the outdoors in the daytime, and the like. The operation modes of the camera are not limited to this, and a film feeding operation mode for performing a continuous shooting operation, a self-timer mode and an interval timer for automatically generating a release signal after a predetermined time has elapsed. There are various things such as modes.

Next, a detailed configuration of the finder device of the present embodiment will be described below. FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG.
6, 7, and 8 are diagrams illustrating a main configuration of the finder device according to the present embodiment. 3 is a developed view of the optical system in which the finder optical system of the present finder device is developed, and conceptually shows a path of a light beam incident on the finder optical system. 3A shows a state where the finder optical system is set at the shortest focus position on the wide angle side, FIG. 3B shows a state where the finder optical system is set at the standard focus position, and FIG. Each state shows that the finder optical system is set at the longest focal position on the telephoto side.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are member arrangement views mainly showing members constituting a finder optical system out of the constituent members of the finder device, and showing the arrangement thereof. 4 is a perspective view, FIG. 5 is a top view, and FIG. 6 is a side view. 4 and 5.
FIG. 6 is an optical path diagram showing a configuration of the finder optical system and also showing an optical path of a light beam incident on the finder optical system. In FIG. 5, reference symbol A indicates the image forming position of the subject image by the objective optical system (see FIG. 3).

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the essential parts of the finder device, in which some of the constituent members are taken out. FIG. 7 shows the configuration near the eyepiece optical system, and FIG. The configuration near the field frame is shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the finder optical system in the finder device of the present embodiment includes an objective optical system formed by a plurality of objective lens groups and a part of the inversion optical system, and another part of the inversion optical system. And an eyepiece optical system formed by the eyepiece lens 57, a finder window 41a disposed on the front surface of the objective optical system, and the like.

The finder window 41a is made of a light control material whose transmitted light quantity changes according to the brightness of the subject. As the light control material, for example, a photochromic material is used.

The photochromic material is a light control material having a function of causing a change in transmittance of external light such as outdoor light or indoor light. For example, when light strikes the light modulating material, the light is darkened due to a decrease in transmittance,
When the light stops being applied, the transmittance increases after a lapse of a predetermined time, returns to the original transmittance, and thereby returns to the original state. Conversely, when light strikes the light modulating material, the transmittance increases and becomes brighter, and when the light stops being applied, the transmittance decreases after a predetermined time has elapsed and returns to the original transmittance, Some return to their original state.

As the photochromic material, an organic or inorganic photochromic can be used. In particular, a photochromic material formed by kneading an organic photochromic compound into a polystyrene resin or an acrylic resin is easy to manufacture and handle. For this reason, a photochromic material is a desirable material for application to the finder window 41a as the light control means in the present embodiment.

The objective lens group is for forming a subject image by receiving a light beam from the subject, and is composed of a plurality of optical elements (optical members and lenses). That is, the first lens 51 fixed at a predetermined position of the main body of the camera 1 and the first lens 51 are provided so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, and move to each other at a predetermined position in conjunction with the zooming operation of the photographing optical system 21a. It is formed by the second lens 52 and the third lens 53.

The reversing optical system is provided to turn the subject image formed by the objective lens group into an erect erect image, and is formed by three prisms. That is, the first prism 54 and the second prism 55 forming a part of the objective optical system, and the third prism 55 forming a part of the eyepiece optical system.
It is formed by the prism 56. The first prism 54 has a first reflecting surface 54a (see FIG. 6) having a reflecting surface formed by aluminum evaporation or the like. The second prism 55 has a second reflection surface 55a and a third reflection surface 55b composed of two total reflection surfaces, and the third prism 56 has a transmissivity that is a surface (first surface) that receives an incident light beam of a subject. A reflecting surface (a so-called half mirror; a semi-transmissive mirror) 56a and a second surface on the back surface side of the transmissive reflecting surface 56a are formed inside each.

The objective optical system includes an objective lens group including the above-described first, second, and third lenses 51, 52, and 53, and first and second prisms 54 and 55 of the inverting optical system. ing.

On the other hand, the eyepiece optical system is provided for forming an enlarged image suitable for observing the image of the subject which has been made upright by the inverting optical system. A third prism 56 and an eyepiece (a so-called loupe) 57 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second prism 55
The third prism 56 and the third prism 56 are arranged so as to have a predetermined interval therebetween, that is, an interval indicated by reference numerals D1 and D2 in FIG. Note that the subject image formed by the objective optical system is set so as to form an image in a focused state at a position indicated by reference numeral A in FIG. Therefore,
In the following description, the position indicated by reference numeral A in FIG. 3 is referred to as an image forming position. Each optical element (optical member, lens / prism, etc.) constituting each optical system is arranged as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

On the other hand, this finder device has a fourth prism 5 for adjusting the traveling direction of a light beam as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 in addition to an optical system for forming an observation image.
8 are provided. The fourth prism 58 is bonded to a surface outside the surface on which the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56 is provided (that is, a surface on which a light beam from the subject enters). , Whereby it is disposed integrally with the third prism 56.

In the vicinity of the fourth prism 58, a photometric sensor 15 constituting a part of photometric means at a predetermined position, and predetermined information within the range of the finder visual field, ie, finder visual field information, are superimposed on the subject image. A viewfinder display panel 60 is provided as display means for displaying the image so that the image can be observed.

The photometric sensor 15 is located on the optical path of the light beam that passes through the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56 and travels straight, and the light receiving surface faces the condenser lens 58a of the fourth prism 58. At a predetermined position.

The display panel 60 in the finder reflects on the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56,
7 is disposed at a predetermined position on the extension of the optical axis (optical path) of the light beam traveling toward 7, and opposite to the side where the eyepiece 57 is disposed with the third prism 56 and the fourth prism 58 interposed therebetween. Have been. The position at which the display panel 60 in the finder is disposed is set so as to be substantially optically equivalent to the image forming position of the subject image formed by the objective optical system.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing only the display panel in the finder in the finder device. The display plate 60 in the finder is formed of a thin plate-like member provided with a plurality of light transmitting portions (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) of a predetermined form at predetermined positions. It is desirable that each of the plurality of light transmitting portions is formed by a light diffusing surface. The light illuminating the plurality of light transmitting portions is diffused by forming the light diffusion surface, whereby the display can be more clearly observed.

The light transmitting portion of this predetermined form is provided in order to display in a form which can be visually recognized in the viewfinder and to display the viewfinder visual field information by predetermined means, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a part of a plate-like member is formed by drilling in a predetermined form such as a character, pictogram, or symbol.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 60a is an example of display for indicating information on the flash device.
b is an example of a display for representing information on a photographing operation, and reference numeral 60c is an example of a display for representing an index of parallax correction, which is information on a range of a finder visual field. Reference numeral 60d is an example of a display representing a target mark which is located substantially at the center of the finder visual field and serves as an index when performing a distance measuring operation or a photometric operation. The form of the light transmitting portion is not limited to these display examples, and various other forms are naturally conceivable.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in front of the display panel 60 in the finder, that is, in front of the camera 1,
A lighting window 42 made of frosted glass or the like is provided as an illuminating means for illuminating the display panel 60 in the finder with natural light from the outside of the camera body. The inner surface side of the daylighting window 42, that is, the surface facing the inside of the camera 1, is subjected to processing to be a diffusion surface.

On the other hand, the fourth prism which enters the third prism 56 from the side of the second prism 55, transmits a light beam which is not reflected by the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56 and travels straight, and is emitted. A condensing lens 58a is integrally provided on the light path of the same light beam on the exit surface 58b of the light source 58. The condenser lens 58a is set so as to converge the incident light beam and emit the light beam in a predetermined direction, that is, toward the light receiving surface of the photometric sensor 15.

As described above, the fourth prism 58 guides the light flux transmitted without being reflected by the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56 to the photometric sensor 15, and at the same time, the light-collecting window 42.
Thus, the luminous flux transmitted through the finder display panel 60 and transmitted through the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56 is directed to the eyepiece lens 57 side. Therefore, the fourth prism 58 having such a role does not directly contribute to the function for observing the subject image or the like. From this, FIG.
In the development view of the finder optical system shown in FIG.
The prism 58 is not described.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in front of the finder display panel 60, that is, in the side where the lighting window 42 is provided, the finder display panel 60 is located at a position facing the finder display panel 60. An electric lighting means for illuminating with the electric light emitting element is arranged.

The electric illuminating means includes a predetermined flexible printed circuit board 62 and light emitting diodes (hereinafter, referred to as LEDs) 62 a and 62, which are electric light emitting elements mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 62 and are lighting members.
b and 62c and a display circuit 37 (see FIG. 2) in the finder for controlling them.

The electric illuminating means is supported by the field frame member 61 shown in FIG. 8, but in FIG. 7, the position of the flexible printed circuit board 62 and the position of the display panel 60 in the finder are avoided to avoid complication of the drawing. The view frame member 61 is not shown in order to clearly show the relationship (view frame member 6
1 for details of FIG. 8).

Therefore, in this case, the LED
In a state where the flexible printed board 62 on which 62a, 62b, and 62c are mounted is arranged at a predetermined position by the field frame member 61, the light emitting portion of the LED 62a is located at a position facing the light transmitting portion 60a of the display panel 60 in the finder. LE
The light emitting part of D62b is arranged at a position facing the light transmitting part 60b of the display panel 60 in the finder, and the light emitting part of the LED 62c is arranged at a position facing the light transmitting part 60c of the display panel 60 in the finder. .

Then, the LEDs 62a, 62b, 62c
Is controlled by the above-described finder display circuit 37 so as to be turned on or off according to conditions corresponding to the photographing mode and the photographing operation. Therefore, the corresponding light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, 60c are illuminated by these LEDs 62a, 62b, 62c under predetermined conditions.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the light transmitting section 60a is a display example for displaying information on the flash device. Therefore, the corresponding LED 62
In a, lighting or blinking control is performed in the following cases. For example, as a result of photometric operation by photometric means,
Check the status of the flash device (charged state, etc.) when turning on the lighting when it is determined that the surrounding environment has low brightness, or switch to a shooting mode involving flash emission (flash forced flash mode, etc.) Control is performed such as blinking when the device is in the middle and lighting the device when the strobe device is ready. This makes it possible to visually confirm whether or not a strobe light emission operation is required.

Since the light transmitting section 60b is a display example for displaying information regarding the photographing operation, the corresponding LED 62b is turned on only for a predetermined time when it is determined that the shutter release operation has been completed normally, for example. Control such as continuous lighting or blinking when any abnormality is detected during the shutter release operation is performed. This makes it possible to visually confirm whether or not the release operation has been performed.

The light transmitting section 60c is a display example for indicating the parallax correction index, which is information on the range of the finder visual field, and the corresponding LED 62c is used, for example, for the distance measuring operation by the distance measuring means. As a result, it is turned on when it is determined that the distance to the desired subject is shorter than a predetermined distance, and control is performed to display a finder field frame in which parallax has been corrected during close-up shooting. As a result, it is possible to visually confirm the index of the finder visual field in which parallax generated during close-up shooting has been corrected.

The flexible printed circuit board 62
It is arranged on the front side of the finder display panel 60, that is, on the side where the lighting window 42 is provided. The shape is such that a partial area of the display panel 60 in the finder, that is, an area corresponding to a predetermined light transmitting portion (the light transmitting portion 60d in the present embodiment) is exposed. (In the present embodiment, the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, and 60c) are shaped so as to be covered by the flexible printed circuit board 62. In other words, this means that the light transmitting portions 60a and 60a other than the light transmitting portion 60d
This means that 60b and 60c are prevented from being illuminated, and serve to shield light. Therefore, the incident light beam from the lighting window 42 illuminates only a specific light transmitting portion (60d) of the display panel 60 in the finder, and the flexible printed circuit board 6
Reference numeral 2 is formed in such a shape as to shield the other light transmitting portions (60a, 60b, 60c) from light.

In this embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board is used, but an ordinary hard board may be used. In addition to this, if the surface of the flexible printed board or the hard board is coated with black or if these are made of a black material, the light-shielding properties can be improved.

Further, at a predetermined position in front of the display panel 60 in the finder (on the side of the lighting window 42), which can illuminate the light transmitting portion 60d of the display panel 60 in the finder, the LEDs 62a, 62b, An LED 62d, which is an electric light emitting element similar to 62c, is provided. This LE
D62d is electrically connected to the display circuit 37 in the finder mounted on the above-described flexible printed circuit board 62 or the like. However, in FIG. 7, wirings and the like are omitted in order to avoid complication of the drawing. I have.

As described above, the light transmitting portion 60d of the display panel 60 in the viewfinder of the present viewfinder device is
LED 62 which is always illuminated by a natural luminous flux entering from above and which is turned on or blinked under predetermined conditions
d.

In the present embodiment, the light transmission section 60d is a display example representing a target mark which is an index when performing a distance measuring operation or a photometric operation. Therefore, the corresponding LED 62d is controlled to be turned on or off at the following times. For example, as described above, the LED 62d
Is off, the light transmitting portion 60d is in a state of being always displayed by illumination with natural light. In this state, the display by the light transmitting unit 60d serves as an index (target mark) at the time of the distance measuring operation or the photometric operation. And 1st. An instruction signal is issued from the release detection switch 33, and the distance measuring operation is performed by the distance measuring means. This is normally completed, and a predetermined focus adjusting operation based on the distance measurement result is performed by a predetermined lens driving mechanism or the like. When the operation is completed, the display circuit 37 in the finder is
Control for lighting D62d is performed. This makes it possible to visually confirm that the focus adjustment operation for the desired subject has been completed.

FIG. 10 shows a normal state of the finder device, that is, the LEDs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62.
3D shows the display in the viewfinder field of view 70 in a state in which the display panel 60 in the viewfinder is illuminated only by natural light and the display panel 60 in the viewfinder is illuminated.

In this state, the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b
The displays 70a, 70b, and 70c (these are not normally observed) corresponding to 60c are in a non-display state in which none of them are displayed, and only the corresponding display 70d is displayed by illumination with a natural light beam. It will be.

By the way, the display panel 60 in the finder described above is used.
And the flexible printed circuit board 62 are held by a field frame member 61 provided for forming a finder field frame near the position where the object image is formed by the objective optical system. As shown in FIG. 8, the field frame member 61 is formed of a member having a substantially L-shaped cross section. One arm 61e, which is one of the arms, has the second prism 55 and the third arm 55e.
It is arranged in the space provided between the prism 56 and the vicinity of the image forming position.

The one arm portion 61e of the field frame member 61 has a substantially rectangular opening, ie, a field frame opening 61k, formed in the vicinity of a substantially central portion of a surface facing the emission surface 55k of the second prism 55. The optical path of the light flux from the second prism 55 to the third prism 56 is not obstructed. At the same time, the range of incidence of the same light beam on the third prism 56 is regulated to define the range of the field frame in the present finder device.

In the vicinity of the distal end of the one-arm portion 61e, a surface of the second prism 55 facing the exit surface 55k is implanted at a predetermined position on the rear outer edge of the exit surface 55k. A hole 61g and an elongated hole 61h into which the two support pins 55g and 55h are fitted are provided. Therefore, when the two support pins 55g and 55h of the second prism 55 are fitted into the hole 61g and the elongated hole 61h of the field frame member 61, the second prism 55 is connected to the field frame member 61.
Is supported and held at a predetermined position.

On the other hand, the other arm portion 61f, which is the other arm portion of the field frame member 61, is connected to the fourth
It is arranged at a predetermined position facing the incident surface 58c of the prism 58. Then, as described above, the display panel 60 (display means) in the finder and the flexible printed board 62
The LED 62a, 62b, 62c (electric lighting means) mounted on the finder device is positioned so as to be at a predetermined position inside the finder device, and serves as a holding portion for holding these.

In this case, at predetermined positions inside the upper end and the lower end of the other arm portion 61f of the field frame member 61 and on the side facing the fourth prism 58, grooves are formed so as to face each other. 61m (the lower end is not shown in FIG. 8) is provided, and the finder display panel 60 is set in the groove 61m.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the display panel 60 in the finder is removed from the field frame member 61. From this state, the finder display panel 60 is fitted into the groove 61 of the field frame member 61, and the finder display panel 60 is further slid in the arrow X direction shown in FIG. It is arranged at a predetermined position of the field frame member 61.

On the other hand, as described above, the display panel 6 in the finder
In the other arm portion 61f of the field frame member 61 in a state where the “0” is integrally provided, the notch opening 61aa is provided at a position facing the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d of the display panel 60 in the finder.・ 61bb ・ 61cc
-61dd is provided. In addition, in the vicinity of each of the notch openings 61aa, 61bb, and 61cc and on the surface facing the lighting window 42, the recesses 61a and 6 are provided.
1b and 61c are provided.

Then, the flexible printed board 62 is disposed on the surface of the other arm portion 61f of the field frame member 61 facing the lighting window 42. In this case, the flexible printed board 62 is mounted on the flexible printed board 62. LED
62a, 62b and 62c are concave portions 61a and 6 respectively.
1b and 61c. At this time, the LED 62
The light emitting portions a, 62b, and 62c are arranged at positions corresponding to the notched openings 61aa, 61bb, and 61cc, respectively. Thus, the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 62c are held by the recesses 61a, 61b, and 61c, so that the flexible printed board 62 is reliably held by the field frame member 61. At the same time, the LED 62a
The light-emitting portions 62b and 62c are arranged so as to be exposed from the corresponding cutout openings 61aa, 61bb and 61cc to the display panel 60 in the finder. However, the light emitting portions of the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 62c are arranged so as to fall within the range of the viewing frame member 61 in the thickness direction.

Therefore, the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, and 60c of the display panel 60 in the finder are illuminated only by the corresponding light emitting portions of the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 62c. Note that the LEDs 62a and 6
Since the light-emitting portions 2b and 62c are arranged so as to be within the range in the thickness direction of the field frame member 61 as described above, the illumination light from each light-emitting portion transmits light corresponding to each. Only the portions 60a, 60b, and 60c are illuminated so as not to affect other light transmitting portions. That is,
Illumination light from each light-emitting unit is configured to illuminate only in (a light transmission part of) a predetermined direction, and illumination light in other directions is shielded by the wall surface of the field frame member 61.

For example, when the light transmitting portion 60a of the plurality of light transmitting portions provided in the finder display panel 60 is the first light transmitting portion, the light transmitting portion 6 serving as the first light transmitting portion is provided.
The LED 62a corresponds to a first illuminating means for illuminating 0a with an electric light emitting element. On the other hand, the light transmitting part 60b or the light transmitting part 60c of the plurality of light transmitting parts
Is a second light transmitting portion, the light transmitting portion 60b or the light transmitting portion 60c, which is the second light transmitting portion, is illuminated by an electric light emitting element.
Alternatively, the LEDs 62c correspond respectively.

In this case, the first light-shielding portion is so arranged that the illumination light from the LED 62a as the first illumination means does not illuminate the light transmission portion 60b or the light transmission portion 60c as the second light transmission portion. The concave portion 61a and the notch opening 61aa are integrally provided on the other arm portion 61f of the field frame member 61. Similarly, the respective light beams from the LED 62b or the LED 62c as the second illuminating means are used to emit light from the light transmitting portion 6 as the first light transmitting portion.
In order to prevent 0a from being illuminated, a concave portion 61a as a second light shielding portion and a cutout opening 61aa are provided integrally with the other arm portion 61f of the field frame member 61.

As described above, each of the LEDs 62a, 62b, 62
In c, only a predetermined light transmitting portion is illuminated, and other light transmitting portions other than the light transmitting portion are not illuminated.

The LED 62d is disposed in the space between the lighting window 42 and the field frame member 61 as described above.
The position is opposed to the cutout opening 61dd of the other arm portion 61f, and the light transmitting portion 60d of the display plate 60 in the finder is arranged behind the cutout opening 61dd. Therefore, the illumination light from the light emitting section of the LED 62d can pass through the notch opening 61dd to illuminate the light transmitting section 60d.

Then, the flexible printed circuit board 62
Is disposed on the surface of the field frame member 61 on the side where the lighting window 42 is provided. At this time, the notch openings 61aa, 61bb, and 61cc are covered by the flexible printed circuit board 62 and the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 62c. It has become. At the same time, the notch opening 61dd is formed in a predetermined range by the substrate 62 so that the notch opening 61dd is exposed.
2dd is provided.

As a result, natural light entering the camera body from the lighting window 42 is shielded without illuminating the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, and 60c of the display panel 60 in the finder, and is also transmitted to the light transmitting portion 60d. Is always illuminated.

The image forming position of the object image formed by the objective optical system (the position indicated by reference numeral A in FIG. 3) is set as follows. In the finder device of the present embodiment, as described above, the second prism 55 (first optical element) is disposed closer to the objective optical system than the imaging position A of the subject image, and the third prism 55 (first optical element) 2) is disposed closer to the eyepiece optical system than the imaging position A of the subject image.

In this case, for example, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is f (mm), the exit surface (55k; see FIG. 8) of the second prism 55 (first optical element) and the image forming position A of the subject image. the distance between the the D1 (mm), and the distance between the imaging position a of the incident surface and the subject image of the third prism 56 (second optical element) was D2 (mm), D1> f 2 /
250 and D2> f ^2/250 imaging position A so as to satisfy that the is set. This means that the eyepiece 5
7 with respect to the imaging position of the subject image observed by
It shows the position of the exit surface of the prism 55 or the entrance surface of the third prism 56. According to the above-described conditional expression, the exit diopter of the second prism 55
This indicates that the observation diopters at the position of the incident surface of the third prism 56 are separated by 4 diopters (1 / m). That is, the second prism 5 is moved with respect to the imaging position of the subject image.
5. By setting the surface on the imaging position side of the third prism 56 at a sufficient distance, a condition is set for preventing dust or the like adhering to the surface of the second prism 55 and the third prism 56 from being observed. It is doing.

In other words, the human eye can observe an object even if the diopter is slightly shifted within a certain range of diopter, but by shifting the diopter by a predetermined amount or more, the second eye can be observed. This prevents dust and the like adhering to the surfaces of the prism 55 and the third prism 56 from being observed.
In addition, the amount of deviation of the diopter is 3 to 4 in actual use.
A diopter (1 / m) distance is enough,
It is more effective if the distance is about 6 diopters (1 / m).

Although the focal length f of the eyepiece optical system is usually about 20 to 30 mm in the normal case, the focal length f is set shorter than that in the normal case so that it becomes about 10 to 20 mm. Then, the distances D1 and D2 can be set small. Accordingly, by reducing the size of the finder device and increasing the magnification by the eyepiece optical system, the finder magnification can be set to a large value without increasing the size of the objective optical system.

From the above points, in this embodiment, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is set to about 15 mm. In the present embodiment, in order to make it possible to shorten the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the reflecting surface of the inverting optical system is provided with three surfaces ( First reflection surface 54a
The second reflecting surface 55a and the third reflecting surface 55b) are arranged, and one surface (transmissive reflecting surface 56a) is arranged on the eyepiece optical system side.

Further, as described above, it is necessary to dispose the display panel 60 in the finder at a position optically equivalent to the image forming position of the subject image. By devising the focal length of the system, the eyepiece optical system and the display panel 60 in the finder can be arranged close to each other, and the size of the apparatus itself can be reduced.

The operation of the finder device according to the present embodiment thus configured will be described below. First, the first
The light beam from the subject incident from the lens 51 is incident on the first prism 54 via the second lens 52 and the third lens 53, and is reflected on the first reflecting surface 54a of the first prism.
Thereby, the optical path of the same light beam is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and is directed upward in FIG. 4 to enter the second prism 55.

The light beam incident on the second prism 55 is reflected on the second reflection surface 55a and the third reflection surface 55b of the second prism 55, respectively, so that the optical path is changed and the second prism 55 Exit surface 55k
After being emitted from (see FIG. 8) and passing through the field frame opening 61k of the field frame member 61 and restricted to a predetermined range, the light beam enters the third prism 56.

A part of the light beam incident on the third prism 56 is reflected by the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56, and its optical path is bent at an angle of about 90 degrees and guided to the eyepiece lens 57 side. Therefore, a state in which the image of the subject can be observed by the eyepiece lens 57 is obtained.

Another part of the light beam incident on the third prism 56 passes through the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56, and is guided to the photometric sensor 15 via the condenser lens 58a. As a result, a state in which a predetermined photometric operation can be performed is achieved.

In addition to the incident light beam from the first lens 51, a natural light beam enters the interior of the finder device from the lighting window. This light flux passes through the finder display panel 60 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, then enters the fourth prism 58, passes through the transmissive reflection surface 56a of the third prism 56, and then goes straight on. To the eyepiece 57. Accordingly, in the eyepiece lens 57, as described above, the display of the display panel 60 in the finder formed by the incident light beam from the lighting window 42 on the subject image formed by the incident light beam from the first prism 54, that is, the light transmitting portion 60
The finder image on which the display (target mark or the like) in the form represented by d is superimposed is observed.
That is, the transmissive reflection surface 56a functions as a light combining unit that combines a light beam incident from the subject via the objective optical system and a light beam incident from the subject via the finder window 41a and the like.

When a plurality of LEDs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d are controlled to be turned on or off in accordance with the operating conditions of the camera 1, each of the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 6d is controlled.
The display corresponding to each of 2c and 62d, that is, the display in the form represented by the light transmitting portions 60a, 60b, 60c, and 62d is performed.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the field frame member 61, which is a member for defining the field frame, is formed to have a substantially L-shaped cross section, and a field frame opening is provided in the one arm portion 61e. The other arm portion 61f is integrally formed with a holding portion for holding the display panel 60 in the finder which is a means for displaying the visual field information, so that the field frame member 61 and the display in the finder can be displayed without increasing the number of parts. It is easy to accurately set the positional relationship with the plate 60, and it is also possible to suppress an increase in the size of the apparatus and to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing costs.

Further, in order to dispose the flexible printed circuit board 62 on which the LEDs 62a, 62b, and 62c as the electric lighting means are mounted on the field frame member 61, each LED 62
recesses 61a, 61 for holding a, 62b, 62c
b · 61c and the cutout openings 61aa · 6a to allow the illumination light from the light emitting units of the LEDs 62a · 62b · 62c to respectively illuminate the predetermined light transmitting units 60a · 60b · 60c of the display panel 60 in the finder. 61bb ・ 61
cc is integrally formed with the other arm portion 61f (holding portion) of the field frame member 61, so that each LED 62a
The respective illumination lights from the light-emitting portions b and 62c block light to light-transmitting portions other than the predetermined light-transmitting portion among the light-transmitting portions 60a, 60b, and 60c. Only the transmission part can be illuminated.

The natural light incident from the daylighting window 42 always illuminates only the light transmitting portion 60d and the flexible printed circuit board so that the other light transmitting portions 60a, 60b and 60c are not illuminated by natural light. The light is shielded by 62.

Therefore, with such a configuration, in the finder device of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily display only predetermined visual field information at a predetermined time with a simpler configuration without increasing the number of components. In addition, clear and clear visual field information can be displayed.

In the above-described embodiment, the light control material is used for the finder window 41a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light control material is similarly used for other optical members. Can be used. For example, one of the first lens 51, the second lens 52, and the third lens 53 constituting the objective lens group; the first prism 54, the second prism 55 constituting the reversing optical system; Third
As in any one of the prisms 56, a light modulating material can be used for any one of a plurality of optical members constituting the finder device. And
The same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained by using a light control material for any of the optical members constituting the finder device.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a real image type finder device having a lighting window, a predetermined information display can always be observed in a good condition regardless of the surrounding brightness. The finder device described above can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing the appearance of a camera to which a finder device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a main block diagram showing the internal configuration of a camera to which the finder device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a main configuration of a finder device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an expanded view of an optical system in which the finder optical system in the finder device is developed.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and an optical path diagram showing an arrangement of members by mainly taking out members constituting a finder optical system among constituent members in the finder device of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a top view and an optical path diagram showing an arrangement of members mainly taken out of members constituting a finder optical system among constituent members in the finder device of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a side view and an optical path diagram showing an arrangement of members taken out mainly of members constituting a finder optical system among constituent members in the finder device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an essential part perspective view showing the vicinity of an eyepiece optical system out of constituent members of the finder device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an essential part of the configuration of the finder device shown in FIG. 3, showing a configuration in the vicinity of a finder field frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing only a display plate in a finder in the finder device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a normal state of the finder device of FIG. 3, in which all of the light emitting elements are turned off, and the display panel in the finder is illuminated only by natural light.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera 15 ... Photometric sensor 21a ... Photographing optical system 21b ... Lens barrel 30 ... Control circuit (control means) 32 ... Release button 37 ... Viewfinder display circuit 41a ... Viewfinder window 42 ... Lighting window (natural light illumination means) 51 First lens (objective optical system) 52 Second lens (objective optical system) 53 Third lens (objective optical system) 54 First prism (objective optical system) System / reversing optical system) 54a first reflecting surface 55 second prism (objective optical system / reversing optical system; first)
55a... Second reflecting surface 55b... Third reflecting surface 55g / 55h... Support pins 56... Third prism (reversing optical system / eyepiece optical system; second)
56a ... transmissive reflection surface (semi-transmissive mirror, half mirror; light combining means) 57 ... eyepiece lens (eyepiece optical system) 58 ... fourth prism 58a ... condenser lens 60 ... viewfinder display Plate (display means) 60a / 60b / 60c / 60d ... Light transmitting portion 61 ... Field frame member 61a / 61b / 61c ... Depressed portion 61aa / 61bb / 61cc / 61dd ... Notch opening 61e ... One arm 61f ... Other arm part (holding part) 61k... Field frame opening 62... Flexible printed circuit board (electric lighting means) 62a, 62b, 62c... LED (light emitting diode;
Light emitting element: electric lighting means) 62d: LED (light emitting diode; light emitting element)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An objective optical system for forming an image of a subject, an eyepiece optical system for observing the subject image, an image forming surface of the subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an eyepiece of the eyepiece optical system. A semi-transmissive mirror provided at an arbitrary position between the lens, display means provided on an extension of the optical axis of a light beam from the subject after being reflected by the semi-transparent mirror, and light provided on the display means A transmissive portion, an illumination member provided near the display means, and configured to irradiate a light beam from one surface of the light transmissive portion to the light transmissive portion; A dimming means whose light transmittance changes in accordance with the brightness of the finder. 2. The semi-transmissive mirror has a first surface on which a light beam from a subject is incident and a second surface on which a light beam from the subject is emitted.
And a light flux emitted from the display means is incident on a second surface of the semi-transmissive mirror. The light flux is emitted from the display means and is inclined with respect to an optical axis connecting the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system. The finder device according to claim 1, wherein the finder device is configured to be emitted to the eyepiece optical system. 3. A viewfinder optical system for observing a subject image; display means for displaying information relating to photographing; and a display light flux provided from the display means and a subject light flux from the subject provided inside the viewfinder optical system. A finder device comprising: a light synthesizing means for synthesizing the light and light; and a dimming means arranged at a position closer to the subject than the light combining means and whose light transmittance changes according to the brightness of the subject. 4. A viewfinder optical system for observing a subject image; display means for displaying information relating to photographing; and a display light beam provided inside the viewfinder optical system, and a display light flux from the display means and a subject light flux from the subject. And a light member disposed closer to the subject than the light combining means. The light combining means or the optical member changes light transmittance according to the brightness of the subject. 3. The finder device according to claim 2, wherein the finder device is formed by an optical member.