JP3907308B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera having a so-called flash bracketing function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The flash bracketing function is a function capable of increasing / decreasing the flash emission amount by an arbitrary amount with respect to a predetermined value (appropriate value) for each flash photography. Conventionally, in cameras with this function, if the flash charging voltage drops below the flashable voltage during flash bracketing shooting, shooting with only external light without using the flash when a release operation is performed ( (Non-flash shooting).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when non-flash shooting is performed during flash bracketing shooting in this way, the continuity of the flash exposure amount is lost during one flash bracketing sequence (for example, three shots are set as one sequence). There is a problem.
[0004]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a camera capable of maintaining the continuity of the flash exposure amount in one flash bracketing sequence even when the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage during flash bracketing photography. The purpose is to provide.
[0005]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of avoiding missing a photo opportunity while achieving the above object.
[0008]
  The present inventionIn each flash shooting, the flash output isIncrease or decreaseThe flash bracketing shooting mode can be setTo start the exposure operationIn a camera capable of continuous shooting according to the release operation, in flash bracketing shooting modethe aboveAfter a release operation has been performed and at least one scene of flash photography has been performedthe aboveWhen the release operation continues, the flash charge voltage is higher than the flashable voltage.If the flash charging voltage is high, the flash shooting operation is allowed. If the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage, the flash charge voltage reaches the flashable voltage.Provide control means to prohibit shootingThe control means prohibits the photographing operation, and when the release operation is performed again after the release operation is released, the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage. Allow shooting operation without flash.
[0010]
  BookAccording to the present invention, since the shooting operation itself is prohibited while the flash charging voltage is lowered below the light emission enable voltage such as the light emission prohibition voltage during flash bracketing shooting, the flash bracketing is performed like a conventional camera. It is possible to prevent photographing without using a flash during photographing, and it is possible to maintain the continuity of the flash exposure amount in one flash bracketing sequence.
[0011]
  Also,Prohibit shooting operationIn the state,the aboveRelease operation is canceledThen release operation is performed again.IfIsWhen the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltageIn addition,Permits shooting without using a flashBecause, So as not to miss the shutter chanceis doing.
[0012]
  Also,In a camera capable of selectively setting a continuous shooting mode in which continuous shooting is performed in accordance with the release operation and a single shooting mode in which the shooting operation is terminated for each frame shooting in accordance with the release operation,When the single shooting mode is set in the flash bracketing shooting mode, the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage.If the conditionIt is desirable to allow the control means to perform a photographing operation without using a flash so as not to miss a photo opportunity.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an electrical configuration of a single-lens reflex camera having a flash bracketing function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) of a microcomputer, which is a control means built in the camera body. The operating frequency of the MPU 100 is determined by not dividing the source oscillation circuit formed by the oscillation circuit 101 by a signal in the MPU 100, dividing by 1/2, dividing by 1/16, and the like.
[0014]
Reference numeral 100b denotes an EEPROM as storage means, which can store a film counter, FE lock information, flash bracketing information, and other shooting information. Reference numeral 100c denotes an A / D converter, which performs A / D conversion on analog signals input from the focus detection circuit 103 and the multi-division photometric sensor 104, as will be described later.
[0015]
A liquid crystal display circuit 102, a focus detection circuit 103, a photometry circuit 104, a shutter control circuit 105, a motor control circuit 106, a film travel detection circuit 107, and a switch sense circuit 108 are connected to the MPU 100. Further, the lens control circuit 39 disposed in the photographic lens 1 is connected via a mount contact 37 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the external flash circuit 110 is connected via an external flash contact 111 so that information can be transmitted.
[0016]
The liquid crystal drive circuit 102 controls the display of the in-finder LCD 15 which is a focus detection region display liquid crystal panel in the finder field of view and the finder LCD 20 outside the finder field of view in accordance with signals from the MPU 100.
[0017]
The focus detection circuit 103 performs accumulation control and readout control of the focus detection area sensor 6f in accordance with the signal of the MPU 100, and outputs each pixel information to the MPU 100. The MPU 100 A / D converts this information, performs focus detection by a well-known phase difference detection method, sends the detected focus detection information to the lens control circuit 39, and adjusts the focus of the lens.
[0018]
The photometric circuit 104 outputs an output from the photometric sensor 10 to the MPU 100 as a luminance signal of each area in the screen. The MPU 100 A / D converts the luminance signal and adjusts the exposure for shooting. In addition, the flash control of this embodiment employs a method in which pre-flash is performed immediately before flash emission at the time of shooting and the flash emission amount at the time of shooting is determined, and the photometry sensor 10 also performs photometry at the time of pre-flash. ing.
[0019]
In accordance with a signal from the MPU 100, the shutter control circuit 105 runs the shutter front curtain by energizing the magnet MG-1, and runs the shutter rear curtain by energizing the magnet MG-2 to perform exposure control. The motor control circuit 106 controls the motor M in accordance with a signal from the MPU 100, thereby performing up / down of the main mirror 2, charging of the shutter, and film feeding control.
[0020]
The film running detection circuit 107 detects whether or not the film has been wound up by one frame when feeding the film, and sends a signal to the MPU 100.
[0021]
SW1 is a switch for turning on by a first stroke operation (half-pressing operation) of a release button (not shown) to start photometry, AF, and operation. SW2 is a switch that is turned on by the second stroke operation (full pressing operation) of the release button and starts an exposure operation.
[0022]
The continuous shooting mode (continuous shooting mode) SW is a switch for setting the mode of the shooting sequence. The continuous shooting mode SW is set to ON, the continuous shooting mode is set to OFF, and the single shooting mode (single shooting mode) is set to OFF. Other signals indicating the state of the operation member of the camera (not shown) are detected by the switch sense circuit 108 and sent to the MPU 100.
[0023]
The external flash circuit 110 has a flash bracketing mode SW for setting a flash bracketing shooting mode, and a signal of this switch is sent to the MPU 100 by communication.
[0024]
FIG. 2 shows an optical arrangement of the single-lens reflex camera. In addition, the same thing as FIG. 1 is attached | subjected the same code | symbol. In this figure, 1 is a taking lens. In this figure, the two lenses 1a and 1b are shown for the sake of convenience, but in reality they are composed of a large number of lenses.
[0025]
Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror, which is inclined or moved away from the photographing optical path according to the observation state and the photographing state. Reference numeral 3 denotes a sub-mirror that reflects the light beam transmitted through the main mirror 2 obliquely arranged with respect to the photographing optical path toward the lower side of the camera body. Reference numeral 4 denotes a shutter. Reference numeral 5 denotes a photosensitive member, which is composed of a silver salt film, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or MOS type, or an imaging tube such as a vidicon.
[0026]
Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection device, which includes a field lens 6a, reflection mirrors 6b and 6c, a secondary imaging lens 6d, an aperture 6e, an area sensor 6f including a plurality of CCDs, and the like disposed in the vicinity of the imaging surface. The focus is detected by a known phase difference method.
[0027]
Reference numeral 7 denotes a focusing plate disposed on the planned imaging plane of the taking lens 1, and 8 denotes a finder optical path changing pentaprism. Reference numerals 9 and 10 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the subject in the observation screen. The imaging lens 9 has a conjugate relationship between the focusing plate 7 and the photometric sensor 10 via the reflected light path in the pentaprism 8.
[0028]
Light from the subject (finder light X1, X2) taken into the photographing lens 1 forms an image on the focusing plate 7 via the main mirror 2, and the image on the focusing plate 7 is an eyepiece lens via the pentaprism 8. 11 (X1) and the imaging lens 9 (X2). At the same time, the display light X3 is combined with the finder light X1 by the half mirror 12, and the combined image reaches the observer's pupil 18 through the eyepiece 11 and is observed.
[0029]
Here, the display light X3 will be described. First, the light emitted from the backlight LED 17 is incident on the Fresnel lens 16 and is condensed by the Fresnel lens 16 to form a focus detection area display liquid crystal panel 15 in which display segments corresponding to a plurality of focus detection areas are formed. Is incident on. The light beam that has passed through the focus detection region display liquid crystal panel 15 is reflected by the mirror 14, collected by the projection lens 13, and then combined with the finder light X 1 by the half mirror 12 and guided to the eyepiece lens 11.
[0030]
Reference numeral 21 denotes a finder field mask. Reference numeral 20 denotes an in-finder LCD for displaying photographing information outside the viewfinder visual field, which is illuminated by the illumination LED 19 (F-LED) in FIG. The light that has passed through the LCD 20 in the finder is guided into the finder by the triangular prism 22 so that the observer can observe the photographing information.
[0031]
Reference numeral 31 denotes an aperture provided in the photographing lens 1, 32 denotes an aperture driving circuit, 33 denotes a lens driving motor, and 34 denotes a lens driving member including a driving gear. Reference numeral 35 denotes a photocoupler which detects the rotation of the pulse plate 36 interlocked with the lens driving member 34 and transmits it to the lens focus adjustment circuit 38. Reference numeral 38 denotes a lens focus adjustment circuit, which drives the lens drive motor 33 by a predetermined amount based on information from the photocoupler 35 and lens drive amount information from the lens control circuit 39, and focuses the focusing lens 1a of the photographing lens 1. Move to the focal position. The lens control circuit 39 controls the lens focus adjustment circuit 38 and the aperture driving circuit 32 based on information from the camera.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the single-lens reflex camera of this embodiment will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This camera operation corresponds to the inventions described in claims 1 and 3.
[0033]
In FIG. 3, when the operation of the camera starts, the MPU 100 first initializes the MPU in step # 001. Next, in step # 002, photographing data such as flash bracketing information is read from the EEPROM in the MPU 100.
[0034]
Next, in step # 003, communication with the switch sense circuit 108 is performed to detect the switch state.
[0035]
Next, in step # 004, it is determined whether or not the external flash is attached. If it is attached, the process proceeds to step # 005. If not, the process proceeds to step # 010.
[0036]
In step # 005, communication with an external flash is performed to obtain external flash information such as flash bracketing mode setting information and charge state information.
[0037]
Next, at step # 006, when the flash bracketing shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step # 007, and when the flash bracketing shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 010.
[0038]
In step # 007, it is determined whether or not the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage (whether charging is not completed). If charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step # 011, and charging is completed. If yes, the process proceeds to step # 008.
[0039]
In step # 008, it is determined whether FEB_COUNT, which is a flag indicating the number of shooting scenes in the flash bracketing shooting mode, is not 0 or not. If not 0, the process proceeds to step # 010. If 0, the process proceeds to step # 009. Transition.
[0040]
In step # 009, 1 is set in FEB_COUNT to indicate that the first scene is being shot in the flash bracketing mode, and the flow proceeds to step # 011.
In step # 010, since no external flash is mounted, the flash-related information is cleared. After this step, when FEB_COUNT = 0, it can be determined that the flash bracketing shooting mode is not set.
[0041]
In step # 011, it is determined whether or not the switch SW1 is off. If the switch SW1 is off, the process proceeds to step # 019 (EEPROM writing step), the photographing information is written in the EEPROM, and the program is terminated. On the other hand, when SW1 is on, the process proceeds to step # 012, and the photographing preparation operation is started.
[0042]
In step # 012, the exposure amount is determined by calculating the shutter speed and the aperture value of the lens based on the luminance information of the subject from the photometry circuit 104.
[0043]
Next, a focus detection operation is performed in step # 013. As described above, this is performed by the focus detection circuit 103 by the phase difference detection method.
[0044]
In step # 014, the MPU 100 adjusts the focus of the lens by controlling the lens control circuit 39 according to the focus detection state obtained by the focus detection operation. In the next step # 015, communication is performed with the liquid crystal display circuit 102 in order to display the shutter speed and aperture value obtained in step # 012 and the focus detection result obtained in step # 013 in the viewfinder.
[0045]
In the subsequent step # 016, the state of the switch SW2 is checked. If it is off, the process proceeds to step # 018, and if it is on, the process proceeds to step # 017 to perform release control for exposing the film.
[0046]
Here, the release control will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the release control is entered, first, in step # 201, it is determined whether or not an external flash is mounted. If it is mounted, the process proceeds to step # 202, and if it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step # 206. .
[0047]
In step # 202, it is determined whether or not charging is completed. If charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step # 203. If charging is completed, the process proceeds to step # 204.
[0048]
In step # 203, it is determined whether or not the flash bracketing shooting mode is set. If the same mode is set, the process returns to perform the release operation without performing the release operation (shooting operation). Prohibit and return to step # 108 of FIG. On the other hand, when the flash bracketing shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 206 to start the release operation.
[0049]
In step # 204, pre-flash control of the external flash is performed, and the pre-flash amount ΔF hitting the subject is calculated from the output of the photometry circuit 104. Further, the pre-emission amount at this time is received by communication with the flash and stored as PRE_LEVEL.
[0050]
In step # 205, the flash emission amount is calculated. Here, the calculation of the light emission amount will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0051]
First, in step # 301, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT is 0 or 1. If 0 or 1, the process proceeds to step # 302, where F_COMP (dimming correction amount) = 2.⁰ If it is other than 0 or 1, the process proceeds to step # 303.
[0052]
In step # 303, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT is 2. When it is 2, the process proceeds to step # 304, where F_COMP = 2.^-1If it is greater than 2, the process proceeds to step # 305 where F_COMP = 2¹ And That is, when the first scene is not in the flash bracketing shooting mode or in the first scene in the flash bracketing shooting mode, the light adjustment correction is not performed, and in the second scene in the first sequence in the flash bracketing shooting mode, the adjustment is not performed. The light correction is multiplied by −1, and the light adjustment correction is multiplied by +1 in the third and subsequent scenes in one sequence of the flash bracketing shooting mode.
[0053]
In step # 306, the main flash emission amount F_OUT is calculated and the process returns.
[0054]
F_OUT = F_COMP × (PRE_LEVEL × EVt ÷ ΔF)
However, F_COMP: Dimming correction amount
PRE_LEVEL: Flash pre-emission amount
EVt: Target exposure amount
ΔF: Pre-flash amount hitting the subject
In the present embodiment, the flash exposure amount calculation, the photometry calculation, and the like are calculated using the Aspec value.
[0055]
Returning to the flow of FIG. 4, in step # 206, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is raised.
[0056]
Next, in step # 207, the aperture value is sent to the lens control circuit 39, and the lens is narrowed down to the designated value.
[0057]
Further, in step # 208, it is determined whether or not flash photography is performed. If flash photography is performed, communication with an external flash is performed in step # 209, and the flash emission amount and emission start are transmitted. If it is not flash photography, the process proceeds to step # 210 where the shutter control circuit 105 runs the front curtain.
[0058]
In step # 211, it is determined whether or not the set exposure time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process loops and waits until it elapses.
[0059]
When the set exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 212 where the shutter control circuit 105 causes the rear curtain to run.
[0060]
Next, in step # 213, communication with the lens control circuit 39 is performed to open the aperture.
[0061]
Next, in step # 214, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is lowered.
[0062]
Next, in step # 215, it is determined whether or not flash photography has been performed. If flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 216. If non-flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0063]
In step # 216, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 0. If FEB_COUNT> 0, the process proceeds to step # 217, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0064]
In step # 217, FEB_COUNT = FEB_COUNT + 1 is calculated, and the flash bracketing shooting scene count is incremented by one.
[0065]
In step # 218, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 3. If FEB_COUNT> 3, the process proceeds to step # 219, where FEB_COUNT = 0, otherwise, the process proceeds to step # 220. In other words, the value of FEB_COUNT is 0 to 3, and flash bracketing is a sequence of 3 shots.
[0066]
When the exposure of one frame of film is completed in this way and it is determined in step # 220 that the film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 221, the film is fed by one frame, and the process proceeds to step # 222. If no film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 222.
[0067]
In step # 222, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 223, the switch information is read, and the process proceeds to step 224. On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode is set, the process returns.
[0068]
In step # 224, it is determined whether or not the release operation switch SW2 is on. If it is on, the process loops to step # 223, and if it is off, the process returns. When the release control is completed as described above, the flow returns to the flow of FIG. 3, and in step # 018, it is determined whether or not the switch SW1 is ON. When it is on, the process returns to step # 003, and when it is off, the process proceeds to step # 019 to store various shooting information such as flash bracketing information in the EEPROM and the program is terminated.
[0069]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, the release control of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The present embodiment corresponds to the invention described in claim 2, and camera control other than the release control is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0070]
When the release control is entered, first, in step # 201, it is determined whether or not an external flash is mounted. If it is mounted, the process proceeds to step # 202, and if it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step # 206. .
[0071]
In step # 202, it is determined whether or not charging is completed. If charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step # 203. If charging is completed, the process proceeds to step # 204.
[0072]
In step # 203, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 1, and when FEB_COUNT> 1 (after shooting one or more scenes), the release operation (shooting operation) is not performed, that is, the release operation is prohibited. Then, the process returns to step # 018 of FIG. On the other hand, when FEB_COUNT = 0 (when no scene has been shot yet), the process proceeds to step # 206 to start the release operation.
[0073]
In step # 204, pre-flash control of the external flash is performed, and the pre-flash amount ΔF hitting the subject is calculated from the output of the photometry circuit 104. Further, the pre-emission amount at this time is received by communication with the flash and stored as PRE_LEVEL.
[0074]
In step # 205, the flash emission amount is calculated according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the process proceeds to step # 206.
[0075]
In step # 206, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is raised.
[0076]
Next, in step # 207, the aperture value is sent to the lens control circuit 39, and the lens is narrowed down to the designated value.
[0077]
Further, in step # 208, it is determined whether or not flash photography is performed. If flash photography is performed, communication with an external flash is performed in step # 209, and the flash emission amount and emission start are transmitted. If it is not flash photography, the process proceeds to step # 210 where the shutter control circuit 105 runs the front curtain.
[0078]
In step # 211, it is determined whether or not the set exposure time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process loops and waits until it elapses.
[0079]
When the set exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 212 where the shutter control circuit 105 causes the rear curtain to run.
[0080]
Next, in step # 213, communication with the lens control circuit 39 is performed to open the aperture.
[0081]
Next, in step # 214, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is lowered.
[0082]
Next, in step # 215, it is determined whether or not flash photography has been performed. If flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 216. If non-flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0083]
In step # 216, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 0. If FEB_COUNT> 0, the process proceeds to step # 217, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0084]
In step # 217, FEB_COUNT = FEB_COUNT + 1 is calculated, and the flash bracketing shooting scene count is incremented by one.
[0085]
In step # 218, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 3. If FEB_COUNT> 3, the process proceeds to step # 219, where FEB_COUNT = 0, otherwise, the process proceeds to step # 220. In other words, the value of FEB_COUNT is 0 to 3, and flash bracketing is a sequence of 3 shots.
[0086]
When the exposure of one frame of film is completed in this way and it is determined in step # 220 that the film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 221, the film is fed by one frame, and the process proceeds to step # 222. If no film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 222.
[0087]
In step # 222, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 223, the switch information is read, and the process proceeds to step 224. On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode is set, the process returns.
[0088]
In step # 224, it is determined whether or not the release operation switch SW2 is on. If it is on, the process loops to step # 223, and if it is off, the process returns. (Third embodiment)
Next, the release control of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This embodiment corresponds to the invention described in claims 4, 6 and 8, and camera control other than the release control is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0089]
When the release control is entered, first, in step # 201, it is determined whether or not an external flash is mounted. If it is mounted, the process proceeds to step # 202, and if it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step # 206. .
[0090]
In step # 202, it is determined whether or not charging is completed. If charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step # 206 to start a release operation. If charging is completed, the process proceeds to step # 204.
[0091]
In step # 204, pre-flash control of the external flash is performed, and the pre-flash amount ΔF hitting the subject is calculated from the output of the photometry circuit 104. Further, the pre-emission amount at this time is received by communication with the flash and stored as PRE_LEVEL.
[0092]
In step # 205, the flash emission amount is calculated according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the process proceeds to step # 206.
[0093]
In step # 206, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is raised.
[0094]
Next, in step # 207, the aperture value is sent to the lens control circuit 39, and the lens is narrowed down to the designated value.
[0095]
Further, in step # 208, it is determined whether or not flash photography is performed. If flash photography is performed, communication with an external flash is performed in step # 209, and the flash emission amount and emission start are transmitted. If it is not flash photography, the process proceeds to step # 210 where the shutter control circuit 105 runs the front curtain.
[0096]
In step # 211, it is determined whether or not the set exposure time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process loops and waits until it elapses.
[0097]
When the set exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 212 where the shutter control circuit 105 causes the rear curtain to run.
[0098]
Next, in step # 213, communication with the lens control circuit 39 is performed to open the aperture.
[0099]
Next, in step # 214, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is lowered.
[0100]
Next, in step # 215, it is determined whether or not flash photography has been performed. If flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 216. If non-flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0101]
In step # 216, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 0. If FEB_COUNT> 0, the process proceeds to step # 217, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0102]
In step # 217, FEB_COUNT = FEB_COUNT + 1 is calculated, and the flash bracketing shooting scene count is incremented by one.
[0103]
In step # 218, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 3. If FEB_COUNT> 3, the process proceeds to step # 219, where FEB_COUNT = 0, otherwise, the process proceeds to step # 220. In other words, the value of FEB_COUNT is 0 to 3, and flash bracketing is a sequence of 3 shots.
[0104]
When the exposure of one frame of film is completed in this way and it is determined in step # 220 that the film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 221, the film is fed by one frame, and the process proceeds to step # 222. If no film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 222.
[0105]
In step # 222, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 223, the switch information is read, and the process proceeds to step 224. In step # 224, it is determined whether or not the release operation switch SW2 is on. If it is on, the process loops to step # 223, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step # 225. On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode is set in step # 223, the process proceeds to step # 225.
[0106]
In step # 225, it is determined whether or not the flash bracketing shooting mode is set. If the flash bracketing shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step # 226, and if not, the process returns.
[0107]
In step # 226, it is determined whether or not the shooting sequence is set to the continuous shooting mode. When the continuous shooting mode is not set (when the single shooting mode is set), the process returns. When the continuous shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step # 227 to communicate with the external flash and flash. Detect the charging voltage.
[0108]
Then, in step # 228, it is determined whether or not the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage. Here, when the charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage, the process loops to step # 227. That is, the release operation is prohibited, and the process waits until the charging voltage reaches the light emission possible voltage.
[0109]
On the other hand, when the charging voltage is equal to or higher than the light emission possible voltage (when charging is completed), the process returns to allow the next release operation in the continuous shooting mode.
[0110]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the continuous shooting mode is set in the flash bracketing shooting mode in steps # 225 to # 228, the flash charging is performed when the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage. While waiting for completion, when the single shooting mode is set in the flash bracketing shooting mode, the release control program returns, so even if the flash is not fully charged in the next release operation, Flash photography is possible.
[0111]
Note that if step # 225 is made to determine whether FEB_COUNT> 0 instead of determining whether the flash bracketing shooting mode is set, not only when the flash bracketing shooting mode is not set. Even at the end of one flash bracketing sequence, it is possible not to pass steps # 226 to # 228. In other words, it is possible to wait for the completion of charging for which release is prohibited only during flash bracketing.
[0112]
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the release control of the camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The present embodiment corresponds to the inventions described in claims 5 and 7, and camera control other than the release control is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0113]
When the release control is entered, first, in step # 201, it is determined whether or not an external flash is mounted. If it is mounted, the process proceeds to step # 202, and if it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step # 206. .
[0114]
In step # 202, it is determined whether or not charging is completed. If charging is not completed, the process proceeds to step # 206 to start a release operation. If charging is completed, the process proceeds to step # 204.
[0115]
In step # 204, pre-flash control of the external flash is performed, and the pre-flash amount ΔF hitting the subject is calculated from the output of the photometry circuit 104. Further, the pre-emission amount at this time is received by communication with the flash and stored as PRE_LEVEL.
[0116]
In step # 205, the flash emission amount is calculated according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, and the process proceeds to step # 206.
[0117]
In step # 206, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is raised.
[0118]
Next, in step # 207, the aperture value is sent to the lens control circuit 39, and the lens is narrowed down to the designated value.
[0119]
Further, in step # 208, it is determined whether or not flash photography is performed. If flash photography is performed, communication with an external flash is performed in step # 209, and the flash emission amount and emission start are transmitted. If it is not flash photography, the process proceeds to step # 210 where the shutter control circuit 105 runs the front curtain.
[0120]
In step # 211, it is determined whether or not the set exposure time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process loops and waits until it elapses.
[0121]
When the set exposure time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 212 where the shutter control circuit 105 causes the rear curtain to run.
[0122]
Next, in step # 213, communication with the lens control circuit 39 is performed to open the aperture.
[0123]
Next, in step # 214, the motor M is driven via the motor control circuit 106, and the main mirror 2 is lowered.
[0124]
Next, in step # 215, it is determined whether or not flash photography has been performed. If flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 216. If non-flash photography has been performed, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0125]
In step # 216, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 0. If FEB_COUNT> 0, the process proceeds to step # 217, and if not, the process proceeds to step # 220.
[0126]
In step # 217, FEB_COUNT = FEB_COUNT + 1 is calculated, and the flash bracketing shooting scene count is incremented by one.
[0127]
In step # 218, it is determined whether or not FEB_COUNT> 3. If FEB_COUNT> 3, the process proceeds to step # 219, where FEB_COUNT = 0, otherwise, the process proceeds to step # 220. In other words, the value of FEB_COUNT is 0 to 3, and flash bracketing is a sequence of 3 shots.
[0128]
When the exposure of one frame of film is completed in this way and it is determined in step # 220 that the film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 221, the film is fed by one frame, and the process proceeds to step # 222. If no film is loaded, the process proceeds to step # 222.
[0129]
In step # 222, it is determined whether or not the continuous shooting mode is set. If the continuous shooting mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 223, the switch information is read, and the process proceeds to step 224. In step # 224, it is determined whether or not the release operation switch SW2 is on. If it is on, the process loops to step # 223, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step # 225. On the other hand, when the continuous shooting mode is set in step # 223, the process proceeds to step # 225.
[0130]
In step # 225, it is determined whether or not the flash bracketing shooting mode is set. If the flash bracketing shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step # 226, and if not, the process returns.
[0131]
In step # 226, it is determined whether or not the shooting sequence is set to the continuous shooting mode. When the continuous shooting mode is not set (when the single shooting mode is set), the process returns. When the continuous shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step # 227 to communicate with the external flash and flash. Detect the charging voltage.
[0132]
Then, in step # 228, it is determined whether or not the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage. Here, when the charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage, the process proceeds to step # 229. In step # 229, it is determined whether or not the switch SW2 is turned on. If it is on, the process loops to step # 227, and if it is off, the process returns. In step # 228, when the flash charging voltage is equal to or higher than the light emission possible voltage (when the charging is completed), the process returns to allow the next release operation in the continuous shooting mode.
[0133]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the continuous shooting mode is set in the flash bracketing shooting mode in steps # 225 to # 229, when the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage, the flash Waiting for charging completion, but if switch SW2 is turned off while waiting for charging (if the release operation is stopped), the charging completion wait is canceled and the process returns, so the flash is charged in the next release operation. Even if it is not completed, non-flash photography is possible.
[0134]
Note that if step # 225 is made to determine whether FEB_COUNT> 0 instead of determining whether the flash bracketing shooting mode is set, not only when the flash bracketing shooting mode is not set. Even at the end of one flash bracketing sequence, it is possible not to pass steps # 226 to # 228. In other words, it is possible to wait for the completion of charging for which release is prohibited only during flash bracketing.
[0135]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,The present inventionAccording to the above, since the shooting operation itself is prohibited while the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage in the flash bracketing shooting mode setting state, the non-flash shooting is performed during flash bracketing shooting like a conventional camera. Can be prevented, and the continuity of the flash exposure amount in one flash bracketing sequence can be maintained.Even if the shooting operation is prohibited, if the non-flash shooting is allowed by performing the release operation again after releasing the release operation, the possibility of missing a photo opportunity due to the prohibition of the shooting operation is eliminated. be able to.
[0136]
  Unless continuous shooting is performed even in flash bracketing shooting mode, non-flash shooting is allowed even if the flash charging voltage is lower than the flashable voltage.,There is a risk of missing a photo opportunity by prohibiting the above shooting operationsTo loseCan do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of an electrical configuration built in a single-lens reflex camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an optical arrangement of the single-lens reflex camera.
FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of a series of operations of the camera.
FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of the release operation of the camera.
FIG. 5 is a calculation flowchart of flash light emission amount in the camera.
FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the release operation of the camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of a release operation of the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of a release operation of the camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 MPU
FEB_COUNT Flash bracketing shooting scene counting flag
F_OUT Flash (main) flash output
F_COMP Dimming correction amount

Claims (2)

In a camera that can set a flash bracketing shooting mode that increases or decreases the flash emission amount with respect to a predetermined value for each flash shooting, and can perform continuous shooting according to a release operation for starting an exposure operation ,
Wherein the release operation by flash bracketing photographing mode is performed, when the release operation after the flash photographing operation of at least one scene has been performed is continue to be made, in a state higher than the emission can voltage flash charge voltage if permit flash photography operation, have a control means that the flash charge voltage if the flash charge voltage is lower than that the light emitting voltage prohibits the photographing operation to reach the emission possible voltage,
When the control unit prohibits the photographing operation and the release operation is performed again after the release operation is released, the flash charging voltage is lower than the light emission possible voltage. If so, a camera that allows shooting without using a flash . A camera capable of selectively setting a continuous shooting mode in which continuous shooting is performed in accordance with the release operation and a single shooting mode in which a shooting operation is terminated for each frame shooting in accordance with the release operation;
Said control means permitting the In no event the single shooting mode is set, the flash charging voltage without the flash if lower than the light emitting Voltage photographing operation in the flash bracketing photographing mode The camera according to claim 1, wherein:

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