JP2745629B2 - Camera with auto zoom mechanism - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera having an automatic photographing magnification adjustment (hereinafter, abbreviated as "auto-zoom") function, and more particularly to an auto-zoom that can freely control start and stop of an auto-zoom. The present invention relates to a camera having a mechanism.

2. Description of the Related Art A camera with an automatic zoom which is of interest to the present invention is described in, for example, JP-A-63-220118.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-220118, when the ratio of the size of a subject to a shooting image frame (corresponding to a shooting magnification) is set to a certain value, the camera automatically adjusts the focal length,
The ratio occupied by the subject in the image frame is determined to the above value. For this reason, the user can take a picture in which the ratio of the desired subject to the photographing frame is set to a constant value simply by tracking the subject without worrying about the zoom operation.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] A conventional camera having an automatic zoom mechanism has been configured as described above. In addition, the auto zoom is activated by turning on a photometry switch (often half-pressing a release switch) for photometry of a subject. Even if the photometry switch is turned off after the auto zoom is activated, the auto zoom operation is started. Zooming is continued to the desired zoom position. Therefore, in the case where the subject loses interest during shooting, zooming is continued even if the photometry switch is turned off. As a result, the timing of the operation of the user (on / off operation of the photometric switch) and the timing of the operation of the camera (auto-zoom operation) did not match, and there was a feeling of strangeness in the operation of the camera. In addition, the camera did not faithfully respond to the user's intention, and was not able to respond quickly to the next operation, resulting in poor quick shooting.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the timing of the operation of the user and the operation of the camera coincide with each other, so that a comfortable operation feeling can be obtained, and at the same time, faithful to the intention of the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera having an auto zoom mechanism that responds to the next operation quickly and can improve quick shooting.

Note that the auto zoom refers to a function of automatically adjusting the focal length f of the photographing lens so that f = βxD so that a set photographing magnification β is obtained for a given subject distance D. For example, when a picture is taken in a horizontal position, the magnification data is generally selected to be 1/70 for a full-body picture, β = 1/35 for an upper body picture, and β1 for a face picture. / 15.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention relates to a zoom lens capable of changing a focal length, an operation member for instructing a distance measurement operation, and a distance measurement device for detecting a subject distance based on an operation of the operation member. A focal length calculating means for automatically calculating a focal length according to a subject distance obtained from the distance measuring means so as to obtain a desired photographing magnification; and a zoom lens so as to have the calculated focal length. Driving means for driving, detecting means for detecting whether or not the operating member is operated, and when the detecting means detects that the operating member is not operated while the driving means is operating, the focal length is reached. It is an object to provide a camera having an automatic zoom mechanism including a control unit for stopping the operation of the driving unit even when the camera is not in operation.

[Action]

According to the present invention, when it is detected that the operating member is not operated by the detecting means while the driving means is operating, even if the focal length calculated by the focal length calculating means has not been reached, the driving means can control the driving means. Is stopped.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a camera having an automatic zoom mechanism according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a camera having an automatic zoom mechanism according to the present invention is provided on a front surface of a camera body, and is provided on a main switch operation lever 10 for enabling a zoom operation, and on an upper portion of the camera body. ,
A release button 11 for metering and exposure, a shooting lens 12 provided on the front of the camera body for shooting the subject, and an auto zoom mode provided on the top of the camera body for setting the auto zoom mode Button 13 and
A zoom operation lever 14 provided at the top of the camera body and serving as a seesaw type switch for switching the focal length of the taking lens 12 between the tele direction and the wide direction, and an aperture value, shutter speed, etc. provided at the top of the camera body And a self-mode button 16 for taking a picture in the self-mode.

The release button 11 is a two-stage push-in type,
Photometric switch S ₁ is turned on in one stage push (halfway),
Photometry is started, the two-stage push (full press) release switch S ₂ is turned on, the exposure is performed. Zoom for zoom operation lever 14 is moved with zoom switch S ₄ for moving the taking lens 12 in the telephoto direction (direction in which the focal distance increases), the photographic lens 12 in the wide-angle direction (direction in which the focal length is smaller) Out switch
And a S _5. The focal length of the taking lens 12 is 38 to 90 mm.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lens barrel 20 for holding the photographing lens 12. FIG. With reference to FIG. 3, a lens barrel 20 is provided at one end with a lens barrel 21 for holding a shooting lens, and is provided near a lens-side end of the lens barrel 21, and the lens barrel 20 is rotated by rotating the lens barrel 21. a zooming motor M ₁ for moving the lens 12 in the telephoto direction or the wide-angle direction, a zoom encoder 22 for detecting the zoom position by the rotation of the lens barrel 21, the output signal (S ₆ to S ₁₀ from the zoom encoder 22 ), And a holding member 23 for holding the lens barrel 21 to the camera body. The photographing lens 12 side of the barrel 21, the barrel rotating gear 24 for transmitting the driving force of the zooming motor M ₁ to the lens barrel 21 is provided. By operation of the zoom operation lever 14 shown in FIG. 1, the zooming motor M ₁ is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the lens barrel 21 through the barrel rotary gear 24, the focal length of the taking lens 12 is changed . The focal length at the lens stop position is detected by the zoom encoder 22, and the focal length at that time is transmitted as an encoder signal to an after-mentioned control CPU 1 provided in the camera body via the encoder brush 26. Details will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a zoom showing the relationship between the output signal of the zoom encoder 22 described in FIG. 3 and the focal length of the taking lens 12 at that time. Referring to FIG. 4, the zoom encoder 22 is a gray code type encoder having an encoder pattern as shown in the center of the figure. The zoom encoder has 21 zoom positions represented by 1 to 21, and a representative focal length value for each zoom position is shown as a representative f value. For example, when the zoom position is 1, the representative f value is 90 mm, and at this time, the taking lens 12 is at the telephoto end. On the other hand, the representative f value at the zoom position 19 is 38 mm, and at this time, the taking lens 12 is at the wide end. The zoom positions 20 and 21 are when the taking lens 12 is in the retracted state.
The encoder pattern is as shown in the center of the figure, and output signals (S _{6 to} S ₁₀ ) as shown in the figure are output from the encoder brush 26 as encoder signals. Signal contents representing ON and OFF of the encoder pattern by H and L, respectively, are shown in the function column. A hexadecimal code represents the contents of a function in hexadecimal. That is, when the zoom position is determined, the representative f value is determined thereby, and the output data at that time is output as 5 bits as a hexadecimal code.

FIG. 5 is an overall block diagram showing an electric circuit of a camera having an auto zoom mode according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the electrical circuit of the camera having the auto zoom mode according to the present invention, a 5-bit from the zoom encoder shown in switches and Figure 3 provided on the camera body such as the main switch S ₀ represented output signal (S ₆ ~S ₁₀₎
Control to input the output signal of the film sensitivity reading terminal (DX ₁ DX ₃ ) described later and control the entire camera accordingly.
Clock for serial communication connected to CPU1 and control CPU1
A flash boosting start signal from the photometric / ranging circuit unit 2, the shutter block 3, and the control CPU 1 responsive to the SCK signal.
Monitor signal ▲ ▼, ▲
A flash block 5 for outputting a signal; a motor driver 4 connected to the control CPU ₁ for controlling the operations of the zooming motor M ₁ and the hoisting / rewinding motor M ₂ in response to the output signal; Output signal LED, LCD
The display unit 6 performs a predetermined display on the display LCD 15 in response to
And The photometry / distance measurement circuit unit 2 receives the data transmission destination designation signal ▲ ▼ from the control CPU 1 and the photometry / distance measurement circuit ON signal ▲ ▼ for turning on the photometry / distance measurement circuit, and sends the photometry / distance measurement to the control CPU 1. Outputs circuit data read signal AFED. The shutter block 3 receives a data transmission destination designation signal 送信, focus data, a shutter control data output signal ▼ and a focusing start command signal ▼ from the control CPU 1. The motor driver unit 4, zooming motor driver unit for controlling the zooming motor M ₁
And 4a, winding and rewinding and a winding-unwinding motor driver unit 4b for controlling the motor M _2, zooming motor driver unit 4a, a zoom motor M ₁ drive signal from the control CPU 1 ▲ ▼, ▲ ▼ the The receiving / winding / rewinding motor driver 4b receives film winding motor control signals ▼ and ▼ from the control CPU 1. The display unit 6 includes a display signal LED using a light emitting diode.
And the liquid crystal display signal LCD, and each display content is displayed.

Control signal of the zoom motor M ₁ ▲ ▼, ▲ ▼
Table 1 shows the values of and the state of the motor at that time. Also,
Winding and rewinding control signal of the motor M ₂ ▲ ▼, ▲
Table 2 shows ▼ and the state of the motor at that time.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display contents of the display LCD shown in FIG. When the camera is in normal mode,
A display as shown in FIG. 6A is performed, a display as shown in FIG. 6B is performed when in the auto zoom mode, and a display as shown in FIG. 6C is performed when in the self mode. Done. FIG. 6D shows the entire display segment necessary for performing such display. Referring to FIG. 6 (d), the display LCD includes an auto zoom mode display segment 151, a film presence / absence confirmation display segment 152, a film counter 153, a film loading confirmation display segment 154, and a self mode display segment 155. including.

The camera capable of performing auto zoom according to the present invention is the sixth camera.
As described in the figure, the normal mode, the automatic zoom mode, the self mode, and the automatic zoom temporary release mode are provided. FIG. 7 shows the relationship between such mode transitions. Here, the normal mode is a mode in which self-photographing is not performed and is not the auto zoom mode, but an initial mode when the camera is started. The self mode is a mode in which self-photographing is performed, and is a mode in which a group photo or the like is photographed, and is a mode in which exposure is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the release button 11 is pressed. The auto-zoom mode (hereinafter abbreviated as AZ mode) is a mode for automatically adjusting the focal length f of the photographing lens so as to obtain a photograph having a photographing magnification set with respect to a given distance D to a subject. The AZ temporary release mode is a mode for temporarily releasing the AZ mode.

The transition between the above four modes will be described with reference to FIG. To switch from the normal mode when the camera is activated to the AZ mode, the auto zoom mode button 13 shown in FIG. 2 may be pressed. The same applies when returning from the AZ mode to the normal mode. That is, each time the auto zoom mode button 13 is pressed one time, the normal mode and the AZ mode are repeated. When changing from the normal mode to the self mode, the self mode button 16 shown in FIG.
You just have to press. To return from the self mode to the normal mode, the self mode button 16 may be pressed similarly (the self mode automatically returns after the end of the self-shooting). That is, each time the cell mode button 16 is pressed, the normal mode and the self mode are switched. To switch from AZ mode to AZ temporary release mode, can press the zoom switch S ₄ or zoom out switch S ₅ by operating the zoom operation lever 14 shown in Figure 1. Auto-zoom mode switch S ₃ by pressing the auto zoom mode button 13 shown in FIG. 1 to return conversely from AZ temporary release mode to AZ mode
Is turned on or one-frame shooting is completed.
When switching from AZ temporary release mode to the self-mode, the self switch S ₁₂ may be turned on by pressing the self-mode button 16. To switch between AZ mode and self mode may be turned on auto-zoom mode switch S ₃ or a self mode switch S _12, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a main routine showing the operation of the camera shown in FIG. The camera having the auto zoom mode according to the present embodiment starts its operation when a battery is inserted into the camera body and reset. Referring to FIG. 8, when the camera is reset, it enters an initialization subroutine (# 2) for initializing various parameters, flags, memories and the like for operating the camera. Then enter the main routine (# 4), whether the main switch S ₀ has been changed is judged (# 6). If it is determined that the main switch S ₀ is changed here, the flow to the main switch check routine for checking the main switch (# 20) shifts.
When the main switch S ₀ is determined to have not changed at # 6, the main switch S ₀ is on or not is determined (# 8). Now the main switch S ₀ is determined to be ON, the photometric switch S ₁ is on or not is determined (# 10). If it is determined that the switch is on, the processing flow shifts to a photometry switch-on routine (# 22). If the photometric switch S ₁ is not on, auto-zoom mode switch S ₃ is on or not is determined (# 12). If it is determined that the switch is on, the processing flow shifts to the mode switch-on routine (# 24). When the auto zoom mode switch S ₃ is determined to be off, self switch S ₁₂ is on whether it is determined (# 14), it is determined to be on the self switch-on routine (# 26) the process flow proceeds, if it is determined to be off, zoom switch S ₄ is on or not is determined. If the zoom switch S ₄ is not turned on, zoom-out switch S ₅
Is turned on. If the zoom switch S ₄ is turned on or zoom out switch S ₅ is on, the process flow proceeds to the zoom switch-on routine (# 28).
Or the main steps S ₀ at step # 8 is off, the zoom-out switch S ₅ in step # 18 is off, the process flow proceeds to the main routine (# 4).

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the contents of the main switch S ₀ check routine shown in step # 20 in the main routine of Figure 8. With reference to FIG. 9, the processing flow enters the main step S ₀ check routine, first, the change of the main switch S ₀ is whether an on from off is determined (# 30). If the change is from off to on, the driving direction of the photographing lens 12 is set to the telephoto direction (# 32). Next, the stop position of the taking lens 12 is set to the wide end (the position 19 in the zoom position shown in FIG. 4).
Meanwhile when a change of the main switch S ₀ is determined to be OFF from ON at step # 30, since it is necessary to collapsing operation of the taking lens 12, the driving direction is set to the wide-angle direction (# 38), shooting The stop position of the lens is set to the retracted position (the position of the zoom position 21 shown in FIG. 4) (# 4)
0). After the stop position has been set in step 34 or step 40, the processing flow proceeds to the zooming subroutine (#
36), and then to the main routine (# 4).

The set of drive directions in steps # 32 and # 38 is specifically stored as 1 or 0 data on the RAM of the control CPU 1. That is, 1 is set when the driving direction is the tele direction, and 0 is set when the driving direction is the wide direction.

Next, the retracting operation of the taking lens 12 will be described. The retracting of the taking lens 12 means that the lens barrel 21 is housed in the camera body when the taking lens 12 is not used, and the taking lens 12 is in the retracted position of the zoom position 21 shown in FIG. Sometimes a photographic lens as shown in FIG.
12 is covered with a barrier 25. When the zoom position of the taking lens 12 is in the middle of the collapsed position represented by 20, the barrier 25
Cannot be taken because of the half-opening.

Will now be described with reference to FIG. 10 for the process flow in the case where the photometric switch S ₁ is pressed. Release button 11-1
When the photometry switch S ₁ is turned on by a stage press, the process flow proceeds to AE-AF subroutine (# 50), then whether AZ mode is determined (# 52). When it is determined that the mode is the AZ mode, each subroutine of the AZ calculation subroutine (# 54), the AE calculation (# 56), the flash boost subroutine (# 58), and the zooming subroutine (# 60) is executed. However, the AE calculation (# 56) is performed based on the zoom position based on the calculation result of the AZ calculation subroutine (# 54). If it is determined in step # 52 that the current mode is not the AZ mode, the AE calculation (# 62) is performed without performing the AZ calculation, and the flash boost (# 64) is performed. After flash boosting (# 64) has ended when in AZ mode not zooming subroutine (# 60) or AZ mode, or not yet or photometric switch S ₁ is turned on is determined (# 6
6). If the photometric switch S ₁ is turned on, the relay's switch S ₂ is on whether it is determined, if the release switch S ₂ is turned off, is performed again flash boosting (# 70) the process flow to step # 66 Transition. If the release button S ₂ is on at step # 68, Purizumu performing micro zooming for resolution securing (# 72) (described later) is performed, focusing, exposure subroutine (# 74), 1
After frame winding (# 76), it is determined whether or not the AZ temporary release mode is set (# 78). If the mode is not the AZ temporary release mode, the process flow returns to step # 66. If the mode is the AZ temporary release mode, the shooting mode changes from the AZ temporary release mode to the AZ mode (# 80), and the mode at that time is displayed on the display LCD15. Is displayed, and the processing flow returns to the main routine. Step # 66
In a photometric switch S ₁ is turned off, in case not AZ temporary release mode at step # 78, the process flow proceeds to the main routine.

The mode display method on the display LCD 15 is AZ
If the mode is the mode, the segment indicated by 151 in the auto zoom mode display (FIG. 6 (d)) is turned on.
Flashes at the frequency of

The AZ temporary release mode is used in the following cases. For example, when the AZ mode is set, the size of the subject (photographing magnification) is determined by the camera. However, you may not like this size. In such a case, if the zoom operation lever 14 is operated to set the AZ temporary release mode, the size of the subject can be changed by the same lever operation in the same manner as during normal zooming.

FIG. 11 is a subroutine when the auto-zoom mode switch S ₃ is turned on. With reference to FIG. 11, when the auto-zoom mode switch S ₃ is turned on, whether AZ mode is determined (# 90). If it is determined that the mode is the AZ mode, the shooting mode is switched from the AZ mode to the normal mode (# 92). If it is determined in step # 90 that the mode is not the AZ mode, and if the normal mode or the AZ temporary release mode is set, the shooting mode is set to the AZ mode (# 9
4) It is determined whether or not the zoom lens has a teleconverter (# 98). If it is determined that the zoom lens has a teleconverter, the process flow proceeds to step # 92. If the camera is not equipped with a teleconverter, the self mode is canceled whether it is in the self mode or not (# 100).
The process flow shifts to the mode display of # 96, and the shooting mode at that time is displayed as shown in FIG.

It should be noted that whether or not with teleconverter in step 98 is determined by the OFF of teleconverter switch S ₁₁ to be switched by the teleconverter is placed in the vicinity of the taking lens 12. The reason why the mode is switched from the AZ mode to the normal mode in step 98 with the teleconverter is as follows. In a camera whose lens cannot be exchanged as in the present invention, a front converter is generally used, which is large and heavy. Therefore, when the zooming is performed in such conditions, the load of the zoom motor M ₁ is increased, the zoom speed. Therefore, the time required for the auto-zoom is long, and the time lag for pressing the release button becomes large, so that it becomes impossible to take a picture with good timing.

Referring now to FIG. 12, description will be given of the subroutine of the case self switch S ₁₂ is turned on. Self switch
If S ₁₂ is on, whether first self mode is determined (# 110), if the self-mode, self mode is canceled (# 112), the self-mode is set to be a self mode (# 114), AZ mode or AZ
The shooting mode is changed from the temporary release mode to the normal mode (# 116). Then, the shooting mode in that state is displayed on the display LCD as shown in FIG. 6 (# 118). Thereafter, the processing flow shifts to the main routine. Therefore, the overlapping setting of the self mode and the AZ mode or the AZ temporary release mode is not performed.

Figure 13 is a zoom operation lever 14 shown in Figure 2 is operated, zoom switch S ₄ or zoom out switch
Shows a subroutine when either S ₅ is turned on.
When one of the zoom switch S ₄ or zoom out switch S ₅ is turned on, whether photographing mode or AZ mode is determined (# 120), A from AZ mode if AZ mode
The shooting mode is switched to the Z temporary release mode (# 122),
A mode display is performed (# 124). AZ in step # 120
After it is determined that the mode is not the mode or the mode is displayed in step # 124, the zoom-in switch
S ₄ is on or not is determined. If zoom switch S ₄ is on, the driving direction of the photographing lens 12 is set to the telephoto direction (# 134), the stop position of the taking lens 12 is set to the telephoto end (# 136). If zoom switch S ₄ is turned off is determined whether the zoom out switch S ₅ is turned on, if the ON zoom out switch S _5, since the instruction is a zoom-out, the driving direction of the photographing lens 12 is wide The stop position of the taking lens 12 is set to the wide end (# 132). Shooting lens 1
After the stop position of No. 2 is set to any of the above, the processing flow shifts to the zooming subroutine (# 138). Step # 128 or the zoom-out switch S ₅ is turned off at or after zooming is completed in step # 138, the process flow returns to the main routine.

Incidentally, zoom switch S ₄ at step # 126 and step # 128 in the case of zoom out switch S ₅ also both off, a case such as the false signal is input such as noise. The set of the stop position of the photographing lens 12 is stored as the zoom position data shown in FIG. 4 on the RAM of the control CPU in the same manner as indicated by # 34 and # 40 in FIG.

Next, the zooming subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. When the zooming subroutine is called, first, the zoom position is read (# 140), and the photographing lens 1 is read.
It is determined whether or not 2 has reached any of the tele end, the wide end and the AZ stop position (# 142). When it is determined not to be a stop position, if the telephoto direction by a driving direction of the photographing lens 12 at the time ▲ ▼ signal is outputted (# 146), the zoom motor M ₁ is rotated forward,
If the driving direction is the wide direction, ZCCW signal is outputted (# 148), the zoom motor M ₁ is reversed, whether AZ mode is determined (# 150). If at step # 150 is determined to be AZ mode, or the release switch S ₂ is on whether it is determined (# 152), the release switch S ₂ is off, the photometric switch S ₁ is in the on It is determined whether or not it is (# 154). If the photometric switch S ₁ is turned on at step # 154, the zoom position is read in (# 154), the imaging lens 12
It is determined whether or not has reached the stop position (# 158). When it is determined not to be the AZ mode in step # 150, zoom switch S ₄ or zoom out switch S ₅ is on whether it is determined (# 160), the processing flow is judged to be on the zoom position Read subroutine (# 15
Go to 6). When it is found not to be a stop position at step # 158, the main switch S ₀ is on whether it is determined, when it is determined that the ON, the process flow returns to step # 150.

Step # 160 zoom switch S _4, the case where S ₅ the main switch S ₀ at or step # 162 when it is determined not to be turned on is determined to be off (# 162) is a brake to the zoom motor M ₁ The process flow shifts to step # 164 to apply. Release switch in step # 152
When S ₂ is determined to be ON, brakes the zoom motor M ₁ (# 172), performs a wait time 0.1 second (# 174), stops the output of the brake signal to the zoom motor M ₁ Then, the AE calculation is performed (# 178). In this case, although in the AZ mode, the photographic lens 12 has not been moved to the original target position for photographing the subject, so that the AE calculation is performed again at the zooming stop position. The reason why the AE calculation is performed again is that the open F value of the photographing lens 12 differs depending on the zoom position.

When the photometry switch S ₁ in step # 154 is determined not to be turned on, the process flow proceeds to step # 164 for braking the zoom motor M _1. That is, step # 150 refers to the # 152 and # 164, even during zooming AZ mode, when the photometric switch S ₁ is turned off, it takes immediate brake to the zoom motor M _1,
Activation and cancellation of the auto zoom are controlled by the user's intention. Therefore, there is no shift in timing between the camera operation and the manual operation during shooting, and it is possible to provide an auto-zoomable camera capable of shooting without the user feeling uncomfortable.

Note for braking the zoom motor M ₁ in step # 164, ▲ ▼, ▲ ▼'s outputs a signal, by both the output signals as shown in Table 1 L, and the motor This is because the brakes are applied.

When the brakes are applied to the zoom motor M ₁ is subjected is 0.1 seconds brake (# 166), the driving of the zoom motor M ₁ is stopped (# 168). Thereafter, the processing flow shifts to an overrun check subroutine (# 170) to check whether or not the photographing lens 12 has overrun from the determined position.

Next, the photometry / ranging subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. In the photometry / distance measurement subroutine, first, a signal for turning on the photometry / distance measurement circuit is output (# 180). Next, a serial communication clock SCK signal is output as an operation clock for performing A / D conversion (# 182). After outputting a predetermined number of clocks, a ▲ ▼ signal is output to specify a data transmission destination (##). 18
Four). Next, to set the photometry / ranging data ▲
▼ The signal output is stopped (# 186), and the SCK signal as the serial communication clock is output (# 188). In synchronization with this, an AFED signal for reading the photometry / ranging data is input (# 190). After reading the photometry / ranging data, the output of the ▲ ▼ signal stops to turn off the photometry / ranging circuit. (# 192).

The signal timing and the like in the photometry and distance measurement operations will be described with reference to FIG. First, referring to (1) of FIG. 16, when the signal ▼ becomes L, photometry and distance measurement are started. When the signal becomes L, the SCK signal, which is the operation clock of the photometry / ranging circuit, generates 512 pulses every cycle in synchronization with the signal. During this time, A / D conversion of the photometry value and the distance measurement value is performed. And ▲
When the signal becomes L, the AFED is output to the control CPU 1 in synchronization with the SCK pulse signal in the order of photometric data and distance measuring data. These data are both transferred as 8-bit serial data. For example, the relationship between the pulse of the serial communication clock SCK and the AFED output at that time when the photometric data (1) is output is shown in an enlarged manner below (1) in FIG. Referring to the figure of AFED, data of one bit of photometric data is transmitted for each cycle of the SCK signal. Details of the photometry data and the distance measurement data are described in (2) of FIG. Referring to this figure, although the photometric data is 8-bit data, the upper 5 bits represent the integer part brake, and the lower 3 bits represent the decimal part.
This data is a BV value and represents the brightness of the subject. Although the distance measurement data is 8-bit data, only the lower 5 bits are used, and the distance measurement data represents the distance to the subject by a predetermined zone number. FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the distance to the subject and the zone number serving as the distance measurement data at that time.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the AZ calculation. Referring to FIG. 18, when the processing flow shifts to the AZ operation subroutine, first, filtering (# 200) is performed, and a reference table is created (# 202).

This filtering is performed for the following purpose. If the automatic zoom is performed continuously, the subject may be out of the ranging area. As described above, when the subject is out of the distance measurement area, the distance to the background is measured, so that the zoom state occurs when the subject is at infinity, and the zooming operation is not smooth. Particularly, in the case of a moving subject, there is a high probability that such a phenomenon occurs. Therefore, by performing the filtering of the distance measurement data, the distance measurement data that is not the object distance is invalidated, and the zooming operation is performed smoothly.

As a method of this filtering, for example, when the same data is obtained a plurality of times, the data is made valid. That is, when sudden data exists in a plurality of continuous data, the data is invalidated. However, this method cannot be applied when the subject is moving in the front-back direction with respect to the camera. As another method, a method may be considered in which the data is compared with the previous distance measurement data, and if the difference is equal to or more than a certain value, the current data is invalidated. According to the latter method, even if the distance measurement circuit itself has an error of about ± 1 zone as the distance data, there is an advantage that such a distance measurement error can be absorbed.

Next, the reference table will be described. The reference table is a table for referring to the zoom stop position in the AZ mode from the subject distance. An example of such a lookup table is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 19, the reference table includes a table (1) and a table (2).
The table (1) is for referring to a predetermined parameter D from data representing the distance data determined based on the subject distance shown in FIG. 17 by the zone number. This parameter D represents the actual distance in mm. The focal length f is obtained by calculating the product of the parameter D and the photographing magnification data β predetermined by the photographing motor. Table (2) shows the stop position of the photographing lens in the AZ mode as a zoom position based on the focal length f which is the calculation result. Both the table (1) and the table (2) are created on the RAM of the control CPU1.

Returning to the AZ calculation routine of FIG. 18, after the focal length f corresponding to the stop position is determined (# 204), the driving direction of the photographing lens is calculated (# 206). In the calculation of the driving direction, the current stop position of the taking lens is compared with the stop position corresponding to the obtained focal length f using the stop position of the table (2) shown in FIG. Is determined by

Next, the AE calculation subroutine will be described. Figure 20 shows
It is a flowchart of an AE calculation subroutine. Referring to FIG. 20, in the AE calculation subroutine, it is first determined whether or not the shooting mode is the AZ mode (# 210).
If mode release switch S ₂ is whether it is turned on is determined (# 224), or not AZ mode, or the release switch S ₂ is if it is on the zoom position is read (# 212). Incidentally, the release switch S ₂ is determined whether being turned on at step # 224, in order to determine whether or not taken by the release priority is performed.

After the zoom position is read in step # 212, the open F value is determined. The reason why the open F value is determined after the zoom position is read in this way is that the open F value of the photographing lens 12 differs depending on the zoom position. Incidentally, if the step # 224 is the release switch S ₂ is turned off, the open F value at the stop position of the result of the AZ operation is employed (# 22
6), the process flow proceeds to step # 214. FIG. 21 shows a table (3) showing the relationship between the zoom position and the open F value (AV _O ). Table (3) is for control CPU1
Provided on a ROM or RAM.

Next, returning to the AE calculation subroutine, after the release F value is determined, the ISO information is read (# 216), the shutter control value is calculated (# 218), and the charge state is read (# 22).
0), and then AE information is displayed in the viewfinder (# 2
twenty two).

FIGS. 22A and 22B are diagrams specifically illustrating the contents of the ISO information reading described in step # 216 of FIG.
The ISO sensitivity indicating the sensitivity of the film and the corresponding ISO code are as shown in FIG. 22A. ISO sensitivity is expressed by S _V value, S _V value for ISO sensitivity is shown in brackets next to the ISO sensitivity. Then the conversion process to S _V values with reference to 22B diagram illustrating the ISO code. When the ISO information is read, first, the ISO code is read with the lower 3 bits of 8 bits. In this case, the data of the upper 5 bits is 1. This state is shown in FIG. 22B (1). Next, the data shown in (1) is inverted to become the data shown in FIG. 22B (2). This 03H as shown in 22B Figure (3) is added to and converted into film speed S _V value. This value corresponds to the numerical value shown in parentheses beside the ISO speed in the film speed chart shown in FIG. 22A. Then the 20th
The shutter control value calculation shown in step # 218 in the figure will be described. Shutter control EV value EV _{C is, EV C = BV + S V} - represented by _{(AV O (f X) -AV} O (f = 38)) ... (1).

The shutter control EV value are those in the case of representing the zoom position by the focal length f _X. Here, EV _C : shutter control EV value BV: photometric data representing subject brightness (see FIG. 16) _SV : film sensitivity (see FIG. 22) AV (f _X ): zoom position (focal length) f Open F when _X mm
Value AV _O (f = 38): The focal length is 38 mm, that is, the open f value at the wide end.

That is, the control EV value indicates a control EV value when comparing the case where the taking lens 12 is at the wide end. EV _{TH which is} a threshold value of whether the calculated EV _C is in the flash mode or not.
If smaller, the shooting mode is automatically set to the flash mode. The above is the AE calculation.

Next, the calculation in the flash mode will be described. In operation of the flash mode, the shutter control of the flash mode (flash) obtaining the AV value AV _T. The arithmetic expression is represented by AV _T = IV + S _V −DV− (AV (f _X ) −AV (f = 38)) (2) Where IV: Flash illuminance, expressed as logarithm of guide number.

DV: Represents the distance to the subject and is expressed as the logarithm of the distance.

The shutter control AV value in the flash mode calculated as described above is converted into a shutter control EV value by the following calculation.

EV _C = F (AV _T ) (3) where F () represents a function.

Next, the display in the flash mode will be described. FIG. 23 is a view showing a viewfinder of the camera shown in FIG. 1 and display contents therein. Referring to FIG. 23 (1), the viewfinder is provided with a field frame and an LE provided below the field frame.
D comprising a display unit.

The LED display unit includes an a display displayed in green, a b display also displayed in green, and a c display displayed in red. As shown in FIG. 23 (2), the display a indicates the non-flash mode, and indicates a state in which shooting can be performed without a flash. The b display indicates the flash mode and indicates that the preparation for flash emission has been completed. That is, it indicates that charging is completed. The c display indicates the flash mode, and indicates that the preparation for flash emission has not been completed yet. That is, it indicates that charging is not completed.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the flash boosting subroutine. Referring to FIG. 24, when the processing flow shifts to the flash boosting subroutine, it is first determined whether or not a flash is necessary (# 230). The determination as to whether or not flashing is necessary is made by comparing the EV _TH value, which is a threshold value for determining whether or not the flash mode is used, with the RAM and comparing the control EV value by photometry with the threshold value. It is determined whether or not light emission has occurred. If it is determined in step # 230 that a flash is necessary, it is determined whether or not charging for flash emission has been completed (# 232). That is, in the diagram of the electric circuit of FIG. 5, signals ▲, ▲ for monitoring the state of charge sent from the flash block 5.
▼ is checked. In FIG. 5, the charge state monitor has two signals ▲ and ▼ to detect two charge voltage levels. The ▲ ▼ signal indicates, for example, that the light-emitting capacitor has been charged to the charge completion voltage.
290V is selected. The signal indicates that the light-emitting capacitor has been charged to a voltage capable of emitting light, for example, 260V. Hereinafter, it represents the fully charged voltage in L _2, a light emission possible voltage
Represented by L _1.

In step # 232, whether or not the light emitting capacitor reaches the fully charged voltage L ₂ is determined, when not yet reached, the flash boosting is started for charging (# 234). Subsequently determined photometric switch S ₁ is on or not is, (# 236), if turned on, the release switch S ₂
Is determined whether or not is ON (# 238). If not, AZ
It is determined whether or not the zooming has been completed in the mode (# 240), and if the zooming has not been completed yet,
Or emission capacitor has reached the light emission possible voltage L ₁ is determined, (# 242), the flash boost is completed long as reached (# 246). Step # 230 whether the flash is determined not to be required in, when it is determined that the charge completion L ₂ of the light-emitting capacitors in step # 232, the process flow returns. When and zooming photometric switch S ₁ is an AZ mode or step # 240 is not turned on is completed in step # 236, whether or not the light emitting capacitor has reached the fully charged voltage L ₂ is determined (#
244), if it has reached, the flash boost is completed (# 24)
6), reached though unless photometric switch S ₁ again on or not is determined (# 236). If the release switch is on in step # 238, it is immediately determined whether or not light emission is possible (# 242).

Incidentally, the photometric switch S ₁ in principle the light emitting capacitor if ON is boosted to the light emitting Voltage L _1, is boosted to charge completion voltage L ₂ if off. This is because, if the photometric switch S ₁ is turned on, the user is then likely to turn on the release switch S _2, and otherwise, the user is because not immediately to shooting. Further, after completing the zoom in AZ mode, if the release switch S ₂ is turned off the light emitting capacitor charging completion voltage L ₂
Up to

Next, the boosting of the light emitting capacitor described in FIG. 24 will be described in detail. FIG. 25A is a circuit diagram for explaining boosting of the light emitting capacitor. Referring to FIG. 25A,
Flash circuit, the control CPU1 and provided between the ground GND, the transistor Q ₁ which operates in response to two resistors R ₁ and the potential of the node N ₂ is the connection point of the R _2, control CPU1 and GND
Is provided between the diode Q ₃ to flow a current only in a direction,
A transistor Q ₂ to which operate in response to the potential of the node N _1,
Node is connected to N _1, resistor R ₃ and the Zener diode and the charge detection circuit constituted by the series connection of the ZD, a high voltage (V _H)
Includes a light-emitting capacitor C and a xenon tube XE connected to GND. Since the booster circuit is well known, it is omitted. For example, the resistance values R ₁ and R ₂ are selected to be ₁₀₀ KΩ and 10 KΩ, respectively. Transistors Q ₁ and Q ₂ are respectively used for voltage detection, and the transistor Q ₂ is turned on when the node N ₁ is for example 1.4V, ▲ ▼ signal is outputted, N ₂
Transistor Q ₁ is turned on when the potential of became 0.7V,
▲ ▼ signal is output. The specific operation of flash boosting will be described with reference to FIG. 25B. The 25B diagrams, state of charge monitor signal ▲ ▼ and ▲ ▼ signals common time axis on the X axis the output state of the change and the node N ₁ between the change in the potential V _A at that time of the potential V _H of the light emitting capacitor C FIG. Although a detailed description is omitted, when the potential of the light-emitting capacitor C has reached the light-emitting Voltage L _1, ▲ ▼ signal is output, the charging completion voltage L ₂
Is reached, a ▲ ▼ signal is output.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-zoom subroutine. Here, the pre-zoom refers to an operation for always reducing the play between the cam groove 31 of the lens barrel 21 and the pin 33 in the same direction.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a lens barrel. Referring to FIG. 27, lens barrel 21 is provided with a cam ring 32,
Is provided with a cam ring 31. The pin 33 is moved along the cam groove 31 via a lens frame 34 provided on the outer periphery of the photographing lens 12 so that the photographing lens 12 is moved to a predetermined focal length along the cam groove 31. You. As shown in FIG. 27, the width of the pin 33 is smaller than the width of the cam groove 31. Therefore, depending on the direction of movement of the photographic lens 12, there is a certain play, even the lens barrel 21 by zooming motor M ₁ is rotated, not proportional to the amount of movement of the rotation amount and the imaging lens 12 of the zooming motor M ₁ . FIG. 27A shows the positional relationship between the pin 33 and the cam groove 31 when the zoom direction is the wide direction, and FIG. 27B shows the relationship when the zoom direction is the tele direction.

Referring to FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (b), if the zoom direction is different, an error of Δd occurs in the lens position even at the same zoom position, and the optical performance is reduced. Therefore, when the zoom direction in FIG. 27 (a) is the wide direction, small zooming is performed in the tele direction at the beginning of the release, and the backlash is always reduced in the state shown in FIG. 27 (b), that is, in the same direction. The error Δd of the lens position at the same zoom position is virtually eliminated.

Returning to the pre-zoom flowchart of FIG. 26, it is first determined whether or not the immediately preceding zoom direction was the wide direction (# 250).
It is necessary to perform Purizumu order to eliminate the error of, for rotated forward the zoom motor M ₁ ▲ ▼ signal is outputted (# 252). Then constant rotation time ([Delta] T ₁₎ is ensured (# 254), for applying a brake to the zoom motor M _1, ▲ ▼, ▲ ▼ signal is outputted (#
256) After a predetermined braking time (ΔT ₂ ) has been secured (# 258), ▲
The output of the ▼ and ▲ ▼ signals is stopped (# 260).
If the previous zoom direction is the wide direction in step # 250, there is no need to perform pre-zoom, and the processing flow returns as it is.

Note that the brake time (ΔT ₂ ) is shorter than the time (ΔT _S ) required for the motor to actually stop rotating. This is to minimize the time lag for the release.
Zoom motor M ₁ actually is stopped in lens set described later (d). In addition, by configuring the driving power supply with a constant voltage or constant current circuit, the amount of movement of the photographing lens 12 can always be kept constant.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of focusing and exposure. For focusing and exposure, only focus data and shutter control data are transmitted to the shutter block 3 and a signal for instructing start of focusing is output. Referring to FIG. 28, in the focusing / exposure subroutine, first, a signal is output to designate a data output destination and turn on a shutter block (# 228). Next, an SCK signal which is a serial communication clock signal is output (# 282), focus data (lens set data) and shutter control data are output (# 284), and ▲ ▼ for a focus start command.
A signal is output (# 286). Next, a predetermined time is waited until the exposure is completed (# 288), and the output of the signal is stopped to turn off the shutter block 3 (# 29).
0), the output of the ▲ ▼ signal is stopped (# 292),
The LED display of the viewfinder shown in the figure is turned off (# 29
Four).

The flash trigger signal TRG (see the electric circuit diagram of FIG. 5) in the flash mode is automatically output from the shutter block 3 to the flash block 5 by setting bit 7 (b7) of the shutter control data. You.

Next, the zoom position reading subroutine will be described.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a zoom position reading subroutine. Referring to FIG. 29, in the zoom position reading subroutine, first, a reference table (4) is created (# 300), a signal in hexadecimal number from the zoom encoder is read (# 302), and the signal is used as an address. The zoom position data is accessed, and the zoom position is determined (# 304).

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the zoom position reading reference table (4) described in step # 300 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 30, the address is represented by using the lower 5 bits of the 8 bits, and the address represented by 2 digits of the hexadecimal number is represented by
It supports decimal zoom position data. Next, how to read this table will be described with an example. For example, when 13H is read as a zoom encoder signal, zoom position data 8 (decimal) is obtained using this 13H as an address. In this case, the representative f value is 70 mm from the zoom encoder explanatory diagram of FIG.
Becomes It should be noted that 0 in the zoom position data indicates that the position data is impossible.

Next, the overrun check subroutine will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an overrun check subroutine. In the case of overrun, if the shooting mode is the AZ mode, the shooting lens is driven again until the target position is reached, and when not in the AZ mode, the shooting lens is driven again only at the irregular position. Here, the irregular position means
This means that the taking lens 12 is between the wide end and the retracted position.

In the overrun check subroutine, first, the zoom position is read (# 310), and it is determined whether the read zoom position is the stop position of the photographing lens 12 (# 312). Is determined (# 314), and if it is not the AZ mode, it is determined whether or not it is an irregular position (# 316). If not, the processing flow returns. If the zoom position read in step # 312 is the stop position, the process returns.
If it is determined in step # 314 that the mode is the AZ mode,
The driving direction is calculated from the stop position (# 320), and zooming is performed (# 322). If it is determined in step # 316 that the lens 12 is at the irregular position, the escape from the irregular position is to always drive the lens 12 in the telephoto direction, so that the driving direction of the photographing lens 12 is set in the tele direction. (# 31
8). Then, zooming is performed (# 322).

Next, the driving direction calculation subroutine will be described. No.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a driving direction calculation subroutine. Referring to FIG. 32, in the drive direction calculation subroutine, first, the zoom position is read (# 340). Next, whether or not the zoom position is larger than the stop position is determined by comparing the numbers of the stop position numbers (# 34).
2). Here, when it is determined that the zoom position is larger than the stop position, the driving direction is set to the telephoto direction (# 344), and conversely, the driving direction is set to the wide direction (# 340). This driving direction is written on the RAM of the control CPU1.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the timing at the time of release when pre-zoom is performed. With reference to FIG. 33, the release switch S ₂ is turned on, the zoom motor
A ▲ ▼ signal for starting forward rotation of M ₁ is output,
▲ ▼ signal for subsequent stop the zoom motor M ₁ is outputted. Speed variation of the zoom motor M ₁ at this time is described next M ₁ of Fig. 33. Referring to this figure, when the release switch S ₂ is turned on, the zoom motor
In response to the forward rotation start signal and a brake signal M _1, the zoom through Purizumu is performed, then inertial rotation motor
M ₁ stops. When the rotation rising period is represented by (a), the braking period is represented by (b), and the inertial rotation is represented by (c), as shown in the figure. When pre-zoom is completed, a signal to specify the data transmission destination
Is output, and a signal is transmitted to the shutter block 3.
That is, the serial communication clock SCK is output, and an output signal SHTD for outputting focus data and shutter control data is output in synchronization with the serial communication clock SCK. After the focus data and shutter control data are output, the focus start command signal ▲
▼ A signal is output. Thereby, the focusing shown in the lower part of FIG. 33 is started, and the lens set for focusing is performed. The period required for this lens set is, for example, about 150 msec, and this period is represented by (d). After the focusing is completed, the shutter is opened and closed. Before the shutter is opened and closed, a lens stabilization time (e) for stabilizing the lens is held, and then exposure (f) is performed. Referring to Figure 33 focus signal and operating diagrams of the zoom motor M ₁ of before focusing is completed, Purizumu the inertial rotation of the zoom motor M ₁ associated therewith must be terminated. That is, the time represented by ΔT in the figure needs to be positive. Incidentally, since the release switch S ₂ is turned on, release time lag until the focusing is completed in the order of about 0.4 seconds at the longest.

Next, the data transmission timing to the shutter block at the time of release shown in FIGS. 33 (e) and (g) will be described. FIG. 34A is a diagram showing details of the timing of data transmission to the shutter block at the time of release. Referring to FIG. 34, when a signal ▼ for designating a data transmission destination to the shutter block is output, a serial communication clock SCK is output in synchronization with the output. In response to each cycle of the serial communication clock SCK signal, 8-bit shutter data SHTD is serially output in the order of focus data and shutter control data. This focus data,
After the shutter control data is output, a focusing start command signal ▼ is output. Referring to FIG. 34B,
The contents of the shutter data SHTD will be described. Shutter data SHTD includes focus data and shutter control data EV _C. 8 for both focus data and shutter control data EV _C
The focus data uses the lower 5 bits of the 8 bits, and the upper 3 bits are set to 0. Shutter control data EV _C is by the most significant bit indicates whether the flash mode or non-flash mode, to display the integer part in the next 5 bits, displaying the fractional part in the lower 2 bits. When the most significant bit is 1, it indicates the flash mode, and when it is 0, it indicates the non-flash mode.

Next More About 35A shutter control data EV _C described in the first 34B diagrams will be described with reference to 35B FIG. FIG. 35A is a graph showing the aperture value (F value) on the Y axis and the shutter open time on the X axis. Referring to FIG. 35A, as the aperture value (F value) decreases, the shutter opening time T _O increases. The area of the triangle in FIG. 35A corresponds to the exposure amount.

The 35B figure is a diagram showing an example of the EV _C value of the shutter control data. With reference to 35B view, if Sadamare shutter control data EV _C value, it shutter opening time T _O corresponding to is defined. In this case, the shutter opening time T _O is represented in ms.

[Effect of the Invention] As described above, in the camera having the automatic zoom mechanism according to the present invention, the automatic zoom mechanism is stopped if the operation member is turned off even during the automatic zoom. Therefore, the timing of the user's operation (operation of turning on / off the operation member) and the operation of the camera (auto-zoom operation) coincide. Therefore, a camera operation without a sense of discomfort becomes possible. Also, to respond faithfully to the user ’s will,
It is possible to provide a camera having an auto-zoom mechanism that can quickly respond to the next operation and has improved responsiveness.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is an external view of a camera body to which the present invention is applied,
FIG. 3 is a view showing a lens barrel of a photographing lens of a camera to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a zoom encoder, and FIG. 5 is a camera capable of auto-zoom according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing display segments of a display LCD, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transition of a shooting mode of a camera capable of auto-zooming according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a camera capable of performing auto zoom according to the present invention;
Figure 9 is a flow chart of the main switch S ₀ check routine, FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the photometric switch S ₁ on routine, FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the auto zoom mode switch S ₃ on routine, FIG. 12 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a routine when the self-switch is on, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a zoom switch-on routine, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a zooming subroutine, and FIG.
16 is a flowchart showing a distance measurement subroutine, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing signal timing of photometry and distance measurement, and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a relationship between subject distance and distance measurement data.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the AZ calculation subroutine.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of the AZ calculation, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the AE calculation subroutine, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a table (3) showing the relationship between the zoom position and the open F value. FIGS. 22A and 22B are diagrams showing processing for reading information on film sensitivity, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display state of a finder, and FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a flash boosting subroutine; 25A and 25B are views for explaining the contents and operation of the flash booster circuit, FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a pre-zoom subroutine, and FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a lens barrel portion; 28 is a flowchart showing a focusing / exposure subroutine, FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a zoom position reading subroutine, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a zoom position reading reference table (4), and FIG. A flow chart showing a balun check subroutine, FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a driving direction calculation subroutine, first
FIG. 33 shows the timing at the time of release, and FIG.
FIGS. 34A and 34B are diagrams showing the data transmission timing to the shutter block at the time of release, and FIGS. 35A and 35B are diagrams showing specific examples of shutter control data. In the figure, 1 is a control CPU, 2 is a photometry / ranging circuit section, 3 is a shutter block, 4 is a motor driver section, 5 is a flash block, 6 is a display section, 10 is a main switch operation lever, 11 is a release button, 12 Is a photographing lens, 13 is an auto zoom mode button, 14 is a zoom operation lever, 15 is a display LCD, 16 is a self mode button, 51 is a photographing lens moving unit, 52 is a focal length calculating unit, 53 is a distance measuring unit, and 54 is a distance measuring unit. A photographing magnification setting unit, 55 is an AZ operation start signal output unit, 56 is an AZ operation stop signal output unit, and 57 is an AZ operation stop unit.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazuo Kimura 2-30 Azuchicho, Higashi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshiaki Hata 2-chome Azuchi-cho, Higashi-ku, Osaka, Osaka Address: Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-63-220118 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A zoom lens capable of changing a focal length; an operation member for instructing a distance measuring operation; a distance measuring means for detecting a subject distance based on an operation of the operation member; and a desired photographing magnification can be obtained. A focal length calculating means for automatically calculating a focal length according to a subject distance obtained from the distance measuring means; a driving means for driving a zoom lens so as to have the calculated focal length; and an operating member. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the operating member is operated, and operating the driving means even when the focal length has not been reached when the detecting means detects that the operating member is not operated while the driving means is operating. A camera having an auto-zoom mechanism, comprising: control means for canceling the zooming.