JP4154039B2 - Camera and method for controlling the camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a strobe system, for example, a strobe system that uses a strobe device built in or connected to a camera as a master transmission device and performs light emission control of a slave strobe device arranged at a distant position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional wireless strobe devices arranged at positions away from the camera are well known.
[0003]
In JP-A-4-343341 as a first example, a strobe mounted on a camera body transmits a light emission start signal based on a plurality of light pulse signals at predetermined intervals to a slave strobe, and the slave strobe receives this light emission start signal. By repeating the intermittent flash, the reflected light from the subject of the slave strobe is integrated by the camera's light control circuit. A wireless strobe system that transmits a light emission stop signal and terminates light emission is disclosed.
[0004]
As a second example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-180472 discloses communication with a wireless slave strobe by an infrared light signal from a camera, and a predetermined number of infrared rays by an infrared light emitting diode built in the wireless slave strobe. Perform pre-flash, integrate the infrared reflected light from the subject with the camera, calculate the main flash amount, and use the infrared communication from the camera to the slave strobe device for the main flash amount and the main flash emission A wireless strobe system for instructing timing and shooting with a slave strobe is disclosed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the wireless strobe system of the first example has the disadvantage that the strobe tuning time cannot be shortened due to intermittent light emission, and overexposure may occur when shooting with a small light emission amount at a short distance. Sex occurs.
[0006]
Also, because it is not possible to perform wireless shooting with so-called “flat flash” for a long time, which takes pictures at high shutter speeds at or above the flash synchronization seconds, it is especially necessary outdoors where high shutter speeds are required. There is a drawback that wireless flash photography with can not be done.
[0007]
Furthermore, there is a drawback that the guide number is substantially lowered due to switching loss of the control circuit due to intermittent light emission.
[0008]
Further, in the second conventional wireless strobe system, the slave strobe performs photometry with infrared pre-flash, and during actual shooting, the daylight light is used for shooting. There is a possibility that it will not be performed correctly.
[0009]
In addition, the camera and slave strobe require an infrared light emitting section, resulting in a disadvantage of high cost.
[0010]
In addition, an infrared light emitting device using an infrared light emitting diode cannot obtain a sufficiently strong light output, and the slave strobe cannot be arranged far away, so that the photographing range is limited.
[0011]
In the first and second wireless strobe systems, although the automatic light control mode is disclosed, the exposure may vary depending on the state of the subject only with automatic light control in strobe shooting. There are a manual flash mode with a fixed flash output value and a multi-flash mode that stops the continuous movement of a moving subject. However, in the above conventional example, it is not possible to perform a shooting mode other than the flash control mode. .
[0015]
[Means for solving problems]
  A first invention of the present application is a camera for controlling a strobe system including a master strobe device and a slave strobe device that is disposed at a position away from the master strobe device and controlled by optical communication from the master strobe device. Photometry means for measuring subject brightness and the master strobe device can communicate with each other, and signals for controlling the light emission operation of the slave strobe device via the master strobe device.Slave flash deviceIt has a control means to transmit. The control means is used for irradiating the subject when photographing with the slave strobe device based on the photometry result measured by the metering means during the pre-flash operation of the slave strobe device.By flat light emissionIn main flash operationLight emission time, depending on camera shutter speedOf the slave flash unitBy flat light emissionBefore sending the flash start signal to start the main flash operation,By flat light emissionOf main flash operationThe above flash timeThe flash signal indicatingSlave flash deviceIt is characterized by transmitting.
[0016]
  The second invention of the present application is a control in a camera for controlling a strobe system including a master strobe device and a slave strobe device that is disposed at a position away from the master strobe device and controlled by optical communication from the master strobe device. A method of measuring a subject brightness by performing a pre-flash operation of a slave strobe device and irradiating the subject at the time of shooting with the slave strobe device based on the subject brightness measured during the pre-flash operation of the slave strobe device. forBy flat light emissionIn main flash operationLight emission time, depending on camera shutter speedAnd the master strobe device from the slave strobe device to the slave strobe deviceBy flat light emissionBefore sending the flash start signal to start the main flash operation,By flat light emissionOf main flash operationThe above flash timeIt has the process of transmitting the light emission signal which shows.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view mainly illustrating an optical configuration of a strobe control camera system implemented by applying the present invention to a single-lens reflex camera.
[0042]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body in which optical parts, mechanical parts, electric circuits, films, and the like are housed so that photography can be performed. Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror, which is obliquely set in or removed from the photographing optical path according to the observation state and the photographing state. The main mirror 2 is a half mirror, and transmits about half of the light beam from the subject through a focus detection optical system described later. Reference numeral 3 denotes a focusing plate arranged on the planned imaging plane of the photographic lens 11, 4 a pentaprism for changing the finder optical path, 5 an eyepiece, and the photographer observes the focusing screen 3 through this window to observe the shooting screen I can do it.
[0043]
Reference numerals 6 and 7 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the object in the observation screen. The imaging lens 6 associates the focus plate 3 and the photometric sensor 7 in a conjugate manner via the reflected light path in the pentaprism 4. ing.
[0044]
A shutter 8 and a photosensitive member 9 are made of a silver salt film or the like.
[0045]
A sub-mirror 25 bends the light beam from the subject downward and guides it toward the focus detection unit 26.
[0046]
The focus detection unit 26 includes a secondary imaging mirror 27, a secondary imaging lens 28, a focus detection line sensor 29, and the like. The secondary imaging mirror 27 and the secondary imaging lens 28 form a focus detection optical system, and the secondary imaging surface of the photographing optical system is connected to the focus detection line sensor 29.
[0047]
The focus detection unit 26 realizes an automatic focus detection device by detecting the focus state of the subject in the shooting screen by a known phase difference detection method and controlling the focus adjustment mechanism of the shooting lens.
[0048]
Reference numeral 10 denotes a mount contact group as an interface between the camera and the lens, and 11 denotes a lens barrel attached to the camera body. Reference numerals 12 to 14 denote photographing lenses. Reference numeral 12 denotes a first group lens, which can adjust the focus position of the photographing screen by moving back and forth on the optical axis. Reference numeral 13 denotes a two-group lens, which is movable back and forth on the optical axis, thereby changing the shooting screen and changing the focal length of the shooting lens. Reference numeral 14 denotes a three-group fixed lens. Reference numeral 15 denotes a photographing lens aperture.
[0049]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a first group lens drive motor, which can automatically adjust the focus position by moving the first group lens back and forth in accordance with an automatic focus adjustment operation. Reference numeral 17 denotes a lens diaphragm drive motor, which can drive the photographing lens diaphragm to a desired diaphragm diameter.
[0050]
Reference numeral 18 denotes an external strobe (flash device) which is attached to the camera body 1 and performs light emission control in accordance with a signal from the camera. Reference numeral 19 denotes a xenon tube as a luminous tube, which converts current energy into luminous energy. Reference numerals 20 and 21 denote a reflector and a Fresnel lens, each of which plays a role of efficiently condensing light emission energy toward a subject. A strobe contact group 22 serves as an interface between the camera body 1 and the external strobe 18.
[0051]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a light transmission means such as a glass fiber, which is led to a light receiving element 31 as a first light receiving means such as a photodiode which is a light receiving means for monitoring the light emitted from the xenon tube 19, and is used for pre-flash emission of the strobe. The light intensity is directly measured. A light receiving element 32 is a second light receiving means for monitoring the light emitted from the xenon tube 19. The light emission of the xenon tube 19 is limited by the output of the light receiving element 32 to control flat light emission. Reference numerals 20a and 20b denote light guides integrated with the reflective shade 20, and reflect and guide the light of the xenon tube to the light receiving element 32 or 31.
[0052]
2 and 3 show electric circuit block diagrams of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member corresponding to FIG.
[0053]
The camera microcomputer 100 as a camera-side control means performs an internal operation based on a clock generated by the oscillator 101. The EEPROM 100b as a storage means can store film counter and other shooting information. An analog-digital converter (hereinafter abbreviated as A / D converter) 100c performs A / D conversion on analog signals from the focus detection circuit 105 and the photometry circuit 106, and the camera microcomputer 100 performs signal processing on the A / D conversion values. By doing so, various states are set.
[0054]
Connected to the camera microcomputer 100 are a focus detection circuit 105, a photometry circuit 106, a shutter control circuit 107, a motor control circuit 108, a film travel detection circuit 109, a switch sense circuit 110, an LCD drive circuit 111, and the like. Further, signals are transmitted to the microcomputer 112 as a lens control circuit disposed in the photographing lens via the mount contact 10, and the external strobe is connected to the strobe contact group 22 as processing means on the strobe side. Signals are transmitted to the strobe microcomputer 238.
[0055]
The focus detection circuit 105 performs accumulation control and readout control of a CCD line sensor 29 that is a known focus detection element in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100, and outputs each pixel information to the camera microcomputer 100. The camera microcomputer 100 A / D converts this information and performs focus detection by a known phase difference detection method.
[0056]
The camera microcomputer 100 performs lens focus adjustment by exchanging signals with the lens microcomputer 112 based on the focus detection information.
[0057]
The photometric circuit 106 outputs an output from the photometric sensor 7 to the camera microcomputer 100 as a luminance signal of the subject.
[0058]
The photometry circuit 106 outputs a luminance signal in both the steady state where the strobe light is not pre-flashed toward the subject and the pre-flash state where the flash is pre-flashed, and the camera microcomputer 100 performs A / D conversion of the luminance signal. Then, the aperture value and shutter speed for adjusting the exposure for shooting are calculated, and the flash emission amount at the time of exposure is calculated.
[0059]
The shutter control circuit 107 runs the shutter front curtain drive magnet MG-1 and the shutter rear curtain drive magnet MG-2 constituting the focal plane shutter 8 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100, and performs an exposure operation.
[0060]
The motor control circuit 108 controls the motor in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100 to perform up / down of the main mirror 2, charge of the shutter, and feeding of the film.
[0061]
The film running detection circuit 109 detects whether or not the film has been wound up by one frame when the film is fed, and sends a signal to the camera microcomputer 100.
[0062]
SW1 is turned on by a first stroke of a release button (not shown), and serves as a switch for starting photometry and AF. SW2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button and serves as a switch for starting an exposure operation. SWFELK is a switch that performs pre-flash independently, and is used for dimming confirmation before operation and fixing flash exposure when the subject is not in the center of the screen. Signals from the switch SW 1, the switch SW 2, the switch SWFELK, and other camera operation members (not shown) are detected by the switch sense circuit 110 and sent to the camera microcomputer 100.
[0063]
The liquid crystal display circuit 111 controls the display on the in-viewfinder LCDs 242a and 242b and the monitor LCD 42 according to a signal from the camera microcomputer 100. SWX is a strobe light emission start switch, which is turned on simultaneously with the completion of shutter front curtain travel.
[0064]
Next, the interface terminal of the strobe and lens of the camera microcomputer 100 will be described.
[0065]
SCK is a synchronous clock output terminal for serial communication with the strobe, SDO is a serial data output terminal for serial communication with the strobe, SDI is a data input terminal for serial communication with the strobe, and SCHG is a strobe of the strobe. Input terminal for detecting the possibility of light emission, LCK is an output terminal of a synchronous clock for serial communication with the lens, LDO is a serial data output terminal for serial communication with the lens, and LDI is a serial communication terminal with the lens. This is a data input terminal.
[0066]
Next, the configuration of the lens will be described.
[0067]
The camera body and the lens are electrically connected to each other via the lens mount contact 10. The lens mount contact 10 includes a focus drive motor 16 and a diaphragm drive motor 17 in the lens, L0 which is a power contact, L1 which is a power contact of the lens microcomputer 112 as lens control means, and known serial data. A clock contact L2 for communication, a data transmission contact L3 from the camera to the lens, a data transmission contact L4 from the lens to the camera, a motor ground contact L5 for the motor power supply, and the lens microcomputer 112 It is comprised by L6 which is a ground contact with respect to a power supply.
[0068]
The lens microcomputer 112 is connected to the camera microcomputer 100 through these lens mount contacts 10 and operates the first lens drive motor 16 and the lens aperture motor 17 to control the focus adjustment and the aperture of the lens. Reference numerals 35 and 36 denote a photodetector and a pulse plate. The lens microcomputer 112 counts the number of pulses, whereby position information of the first group lens can be obtained, and the focus of the lens can be adjusted.
Next, the structure of the strobe will be described with reference to FIG.
[0069]
A battery 201 is a power source, and a known DC-DC converter 202 boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts. Reference numeral 203 denotes a main capacitor for accumulating light emission energy, and 204 and 205 denote resistors, which divide the voltage of the main capacitor 203 into a predetermined ratio.
[0070]
206 is a first coil for limiting the light emission current, 207 is a first diode for absorbing the back electromotive voltage generated when light emission is stopped, 208 is a second coil for limiting the light emission current, and 209 is This is a second diode for absorbing a counter electromotive voltage generated in the coil 208 when light emission is stopped.
[0071]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a light emitting means, an Xe tube serving as a slave strobe control information output means, 211 a trigger generation circuit, and 212 a light emission control circuit such as an IGBT. Reference numeral 213 denotes a thyristor as a switching element for bypassing the coil 208.
[0072]
When the Xe tube 19 is used for wireless communication to the slave strobe, when a short light pulse is generated from the Xe tube 19 and when the stop control property at the time of light emission stop is improved, current is supplied to the coil 208. The light emission current is bypassed by the thyristor 213 so as not to flow.
[0073]
A resistor 214 is used to turn on the thyristor 213 in order to turn it on. A resistor 215 is used to prevent the thyristor 213 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213 when the thyristor 213 is turned off. This is a gate potential stabilization resistor.
[0074]
Reference numeral 216 denotes a capacitor for rapidly turning on the thyristor 213, and reference numeral 217 denotes a noise absorbing capacitor for preventing the thyristor 213 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213.
[0075]
218 is a transistor for switching the gate current of the thyristor 213, 219 and 220 are resistors, 221 is a transistor for switching the transistor 218, and 222 and 223 are resistors.
[0076]
A data selector 230 selects D0, D1, and D2 and outputs them to Y by a combination of two inputs Y0 and Y1.
[0077]
231 is a comparator for controlling the luminous intensity (brightness) of flat light emission, 232 is a comparator for controlling the light emission amount during flash light emission, and 32 is a photodiode as a light receiving sensor for controlling flat light emission, which is a light emitting means. The light output of the Xe tube 19 is monitored.
[0078]
234 is a photometric circuit that amplifies a minute current flowing through the photodiode 32 and converts the photocurrent into a voltage, and 31 is a photodiode that is a light receiving sensor for controlling flash emission, and the light of the Xe tube 19 that is a light emitting means. Monitor the output.
[0079]
Reference numeral 236 denotes a photometric integration circuit for logarithmically compressing the photocurrent flowing through the photodiode 31 and compressing and integrating the light emission amount of the Xe tube 19. Reference numeral 238 denotes a microcomputer that controls the operation of the entire strobe, and reference numeral 22 denotes a contact group provided on the hot shoe for communication with the camera body.
[0080]
Reference numeral 240 denotes a liquid crystal display which is display means for displaying the operation state of the strobe.
[0081]
241 is a wireless selector switch for setting the wireless operation state of the strobe, 242 is a power switch for controlling the power on / off of the strobe, 243 is an LED for indicating that the strobe is fully charged, 244 is for indicating that the strobe has been photographed with an appropriate light amount A dimming display LED 245 is a known motor control circuit, and 246 is a motor for setting the irradiation angle by moving the Xe tube 19 and the reflective shade 20 in accordance with the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera body. is there.
[0082]
247 is a backlight lighting switch for illuminating the liquid crystal 240, 248 is a mode switch for selecting a flash emission mode, and 249 is for selecting a parameter associated with the flash mode (for example, a light emission amount during manual light emission). , 250 is an up switch for increasing the parameter set value, 251 is a down switch for decreasing the parameter, and 252 is a zoom switch for manually setting the light emission angle.
[0083]
Reference numerals 253, 254, and 255 denote encoders that indicate the positions of light emission angles. Reference numeral 256 denotes a photodiode that is a means for receiving control information from the camera. Reference numeral 257 amplifies the photocurrent flowing through the photodiode 256 and converts it to a voltage. It is a light receiving circuit.
Next, each terminal of the microcomputer 238 will be described.
[0084]
CNT is a control output terminal for controlling the charging of the DC / DC converter 2, LCDS is a wiring group for displaying and lighting the liquid crystal 240, COM1 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 241, and NORM is an operation state of the strobe. This is an input terminal that is selected in the normal shooting state (not in the wireless mode).
[0085]
MASTER is an input terminal selected when the operation state of the strobe is connected to the camera using the wireless master mode, that is, the camera hot shoe contact group 22, and SLAVE is an operation state of the strobe. Is an input terminal that is selected in the wireless slave mode, that is, at a position away from the camera, in a state in which the light emission control light signal from the master strobe is received by the light receiving element 256 and the light emission of the strobe is controlled.
[0086]
Next, COM2 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 242, OFF is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned off, ON is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned on, and SE is a strobe that has passed a predetermined time. This input terminal is selected when the power is turned off later.
[0087]
CLK is a synchronization clock input terminal for serial communication with the camera, DO is a serial data output terminal for transferring serial data from the strobe to the camera in synchronization with the synchronization clock, and DI is a synchronization clock from the camera to the strobe. Is a serial data input terminal for transferring serial data to X, X is an input terminal of the X contact of the camera, and PI is an input terminal of the light receiving circuit 257.
[0088]
M0 and M1 are output terminals for controlling four types of operation states (CW drive, CCW drive, motor off, motor brake) of the motor driver. ZOOM0, ZOOM1, and ZOOM2 are the encoders 253, 254, and 255 that indicate the zoom position described above. The input terminal COM0 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the zoom encoder or the like.
[0089]
ZOOM is an input terminal of the zoom position setting switch 252, DOWN is an input terminal of the light emission parameter decrease switch 251, UP is an input terminal of the light emission parameter increase switch 250, and SEL / SET is an input of the data selection switch 249. Terminal, MODE is an input terminal of the light emission mode selection switch 248, LIGHT is an input terminal of the illumination switch 247, YIN is an input terminal for detecting the output state of the data selector 230, and INT is an integration control of the photometric integration circuit 236. AD0 is an A / D conversion input terminal for reading an integrated voltage indicating the light emission amount of the photometric integration circuit 236, and DA0 is a D / A output for outputting a comparator voltage of the comparators 231 and 232. Terminal.
[0090]
Y0 and Y1 are selection state setting output terminals of the data selector 230, TRIG is a light emission trigger generation output terminal, and SCR_CTRL is a control output terminal of the thyristor 213.
[0091]
Next, FIG. 4 is an external view of the strobe device according to the present embodiment. Each switch, display, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Reference numeral 258 denotes a light receiving window of the photodiode 256 as the information receiving means described above, and the photodiode is disposed therein. A charge display LED is displayed at 243, and a dimming display LED is displayed at 244.
[0092]
Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of wireless photographing using the master strobe MS and one slave strobe SS.
[0093]
The master strobe MS connected to the camera 1 has the aforementioned wireless mode selection switch 242 set to MASTER, and the slave strobe SS has the aforementioned wireless mode selection switch 241 set to SLAVE.
[0094]
The light emission control light of the master strobe MS is reflected by the subject and received from the light receiving window 258 to control the light emission of the slave strobe SS.
[0095]
The master strobe MS can be set in two ways: a mode in which the master strobe itself emits light (master light emission mode) and a mode in which the master strobe itself only controls the slave strobe (control-only mode). In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the master strobe MS is set to the master flash mode, the master strobe MS and the slave strobe both emit light, but the light intensity ratio control is performed between the master strobe and the slave strobe. Instead, light is emitted with the same light emission amount (the ratio off mode is set).
[0096]
  FIG. 6A shows a master strobe MS as a master transmitter set in the master flash mode and a slave strobe SSB set in group B.TheIt is a figure which shows the example of used wireless imaging | photography.
[0097]
The master strobe MS controls the slave strobe SSB and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the master strobe and the slave strobe.
[0098]
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless imaging using a master strobe MS as a master transmission device set in the control-only mode and two slave strobes SSA and SSB. The two slave strobes are set to group A and group B, respectively, and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe by setting the master strobe MS.
[0099]
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a wireless shooting example using a master flash MS set in the master flash mode, a slave flash SSB set in group B, and a slave flash SSC set in group C. It is.
[0100]
The master strobe MS can control the slave strobe SSB and SSC and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the master strobe and the slave strobe SSB and SSC.
[0101]
FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless shooting using the master flash MS set in the control-only mode and the three slave flashes SSA, SSB, and SSC.
[0102]
Three slave strobes are set to group A, group B, and group C, respectively, and it is possible to emit light at any light ratio among group A strobes, group B strobes, and group C strobes by setting master strobe MS. It is.
Next, a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 arranged on the back of the strobe will be described.
[0103]
FIG. 8 is a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe at the time of one-lamp wireless photography described in FIG.
[0104]
In the same figure, A), B) and C) are display examples at the time of automatic light control operation, D), E) and F) are display examples at the time of manual light emission operation, and G), H) and I. ) Is an example of display during multi-flash operation.
[0105]
The first row A), D), G) in the figure is an example of the master strobe display in the master flash mode, and the second row B), E), H) is the master strobe in the control-only mode. This is a display example, and the third column C), F), and I) are display examples in the slave mode.
[0106]
In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a strobe light emission mode display. In the case of a master strobe (first row, second row), automatic light control mode (ETTL), manual light emission mode (M), One of the multi-flash modes (MULTI) is selected and displayed.
[0107]
On the other hand, in the slave mode (third column), the light emission mode instructed from the master flash is displayed.
[0108]
Reference numeral 302 denotes a display icon indicating that the flat flash photography is being performed, and is displayed when the flat flash is permitted in the master mode, and is displayed when the flat flash is instructed from the master flash in the slave mode.
[0109]
303 is a zoom display indicating the set zoom position, and 304 and 305 are icons for displaying the wireless mode. In the master mode (first column, second column), the icon 304 is displayed outward. In the slave mode (third column), the icon 304 is displayed inward.
[0110]
Reference numeral 305 denotes a front emission mark in the wireless mode, which is displayed in the first row of the master emission mode and is turned off in the second row of the control emission mode. Express.
[0111]
Reference numeral 306 denotes a channel display, which displays a channel set so as not to cause interference when a plurality of photographers use the wireless strobe system of the present embodiment at the same time.
[0112]
Reference numeral 307 denotes a slave mode display that is displayed when the slave mode is selected. In this embodiment, one of the three states of ABC is displayed.
[0113]
308 is a display of the set manual light emission amount in the manual light emission mode, and a display of the light emission amount per multi-flash in the multi light emission mode, and the master mode (first column, second column). In the case of (eye), the value set by the master strobe is displayed, and in the slave mode (third column), the value instructed by the master strobe is displayed.
[0114]
309 is a display of the number of flashes set in the multi-flash mode. In the master mode (first column, second column), the value set by the master flash is displayed, and the slave mode (third column) is displayed. At that time, the value indicated by the master strobe is displayed.
[0115]
310 is a display of the frequency set in the multi-flash mode. In the master mode (first column, second column), the value set by the master flash is displayed, and in the slave mode (third column). Displays the value specified by the master strobe.
[0116]
FIG. 9 shows a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe in the two-lamp light quantity ratio wireless photographing mode described with reference to FIGS. Only the parts different from FIG. 8 will be described.
[0117]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating that it is in the light amount ratio mode, which indicates that two groups of group A strobe and group B strobe can be controlled.
[0118]
Reference numeral 321 denotes a light amount ratio display indicating a light amount ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe in the automatic light control mode. In this embodiment, the light amount ratio of A: B is halved from 8: 1 to 1: 8. Can be set continuously in increments. The set light amount ratio can be visually recognized by the lighting position of the mark 322 indicating the display position of the light amount ratio display 321.
[0119]
Further, since the light emission amount display 308 in the manual flash mode with the master flash can be displayed only for one group in this embodiment, the light emission amount of the blinking group of either A or B in the light amount ratio mode display 320 is displayed. Is displayed on the light emission amount display 308. Similarly, the light emission amount display 308 in the multi-flash mode with the master strobe is also displayed by flashing either A or B of the light amount ratio mode display 320.
The slave display 307 shows the state set to group A in the display example C) or K), and the state set to group B in F).
FIG. 10 shows a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe in the three-lamp light quantity ratio wireless photographing mode described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In the same figure, only a different part from FIG. 8, FIG. 9 is demonstrated.
[0120]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating that it is in the light amount ratio mode, which indicates that three groups of group A strobe, group B strobe, and group C strobe can be controlled.
[0121]
Reference numeral 323 denotes a dimming level display of the group C strobe during the automatic dimming operation. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, considering that the group C strobe is used for background illumination, the group C strobe is independent of the group A strobe and the group B strobe. The correction amount for the appropriate dimming level as a single unit can be set and displayed.
[0122]
The slave display 307 shows the state set to group A in the display example of C), the state set to group B in F), and the state set to group C in K). Is shown.
[0123]
Also, in the liquid crystal display examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the setting of the flash mode of the automatic flash mode, manual flash mode, and multi flash mode is selected by pressing the MODE button 248 of FIG. Settings (RATIO OFF, A: B, A: B: C), manual flash output, multiple flash count, multiple flash frequency, A: B flash ratio, C light control level, control channel, master flash mode and control only For setting of the mode and the like, the SEL button 249 in FIG. 4 is pressed to select an item to be set, and the + button 250 and the − button 251 in FIG.
[0124]
The normal mode, wireless master mode, and wireless slave mode can be selected by switching the switch 241 in FIG.
[0125]
<Description of wireless communication>
Next, wireless communication for transmitting light emission information from the master strobe to the slave strobe will be described with reference to FIG.
[0126]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a wireless light control signal generated by the master strobe MS when the slave strobe is pre-flashed.
[0127]
A) is a synchronous clock signal for serial communication from the camera to the strobe, B) is a data output signal from the camera to the strobe, and C) is a data output signal from the strobe to the camera. It is.
[0128]
D) and E) are wireless optical communication signals to the slave strobe generated by the master strobe causing the Xe tube 19 to emit light intermittently. D) is the light emission signal when the master strobe is in the control-only mode. E) shows the light emission signal when the master strobe is in the master light emission mode, and F) shows the light emission of the slave strobe.
[0129]
In the figure, when a pre-flash instruction is given to the master strobe from the camera via the serial communication line, the master strobe generates a wireless optical communication signal shown in D) or E).
[0130]
The first byte consists of a START pulse, a CH pulse, and data of a total of 10 bits of D7 to D0. The START and CH intervals indicate a channel identification signal, and D7 to D0 of the following predetermined intervals are 1 byte data. Is shown.
[0131]
The 1-byte data compresses information such as the light emission mode (pre-light emission, main light emission, manual light emission, multi-light emission), flash light or flat light emission mode, and the light emission time at the time of flat light emission by combining light pulses of D7 to D0. Configured. The contents of this command will be described later.
[0132]
From the second byte onward, a START pulse at a predetermined interval and D7 to D0 indicate 1-byte data, and indicate data such as the light emission amount according to the above-described light emission mode.
[0133]
The communication data length of the wireless optical communication signal is defined as a predetermined length according to the light emission mode, and has a length of 2 bytes in the pre-light emission communication shown in FIG. The reason for superimposing the channel identification signal only on the first byte and not adding the second and subsequent bytes is to shorten the communication length.
[0134]
The master strobe MS drops the DO communication line to the Lo level during the wireless transmission, and returns to the Hi level when the transmission is completed.
[0135]
At time t2, the camera recognizes that the DO communication line has returned to the Hi level, and at time t3 pulls down the CLK signal line to instruct the start of pre-emission.
[0136]
The master strobe MS detects that the CLK communication line has fallen, and generates the light emission start light pulse shown in (3) of FIG. 11 in the control-only mode, and (4) in FIG. 11 in the master light-emitting mode. ) Emits light with a predetermined luminous intensity for a predetermined time instructed from the camera shown in FIG.
[0137]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the first and second bytes of the wireless optical communication pulse from the master strobe MS and decodes information such as the channel number, light emission mode, light emission time, light emission amount, etc. In synchronism, pre-emission with a predetermined amount of light and a predetermined emission time shown in FIG. 11 (5) is performed.
[0138]
Next, typical commands of the above-described wireless communication will be described using the communication table of FIG.
[0139]
FIG. 12 is a table showing typical communication modes of wireless communication in the present embodiment.
[0140]
The first byte is a command, and is displayed for each 1 bit for detailed explanation. Further, D7 to D0 in the first byte correspond to D7 to D0 in FIG.
[0141]
The FS described in the D7 bit of the first byte is a bit indicating flash light emission and flat light emission, and is 0 for flash light emission and 1 for flat light emission. In addition, multi-emission is 0 because it is performed by flash emission.
[0142]
The D2 to D0 bits indicate the light emission time, and represent 8 different times by combining 3 bits of T2, T1, and T0. The flat pre-light emission indicates the pre-light emission time, and the main light emission indicates the shutter speed and the curtain speed. The light emission time of flat light emission in accordance with is shown.
[0143]
  The 2nd to 5th bytes are data following each light emission command, have a length according to the command, light emission amount, frequency of multiple light emission, number of times of multiple light emissionetcIt is data of.
[0144]
In addition, F / C in the third to fifth bytes at the time of multi-emission is data indicating the frequency of multi-emission and the number of times of emission, and each byte is divided into 4 bits to express the frequency and the number of times of emission. Yes.
[0145]
The combination of these commands and data is used to control the light emission of the slave strobe.
[0146]
The same pre-flash means that all the slave strobes have the same pre-flash emission amount.
[0147]
Next, the operation of the slave strobe will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[0148]
[Step 01] When the slave strobe receives the wireless information signal from the master strobe to the photodiode 256 which is a receiving means, the signal is amplified and filtered through the light receiving circuit 257, and only a signal having an early rise such as an optical pulse is received. It is input to the PI terminal of the microcomputer 238 and enters an internal buffer.
[0149]
[Step 02] Since the interval between the first START pulse and the channel pulse represents the channel in the first byte of received data, the interval is measured, the channel is identified, and the remaining data D7 to D0 are shown in FIG. Analyzes whether the command matches.
[0150]
[Step 03] If the received first byte command does not match the command table of FIG. 12, the process branches to Step 13 as a command error.
[0151]
[Step 04] The remaining reception length to be received is set according to the received command.
[0152]
[Step 05] If the remaining data to be received is 0, the data reception process is terminated, and the process branches to Step 07.
[0153]
[Step 06] The remaining data is received.
[0154]
[Step 07] It is determined whether the received data is appropriate. If the received data is inappropriate, the process proceeds to Step 13 without proceeding to the light emission process.
[0155]
[Step 08] If a light emission start signal of the master strobe is received, the process proceeds to Step 10, and if not received, the process branches to Step 09.
[0156]
[Step 09] If the light emission start signal cannot be received for a predetermined time, the process branches to Step 13 as a timeout.
[0157]
[Step 10] If the channel identified in Step 02 does not match the channel of the slave strobe, the process proceeds to Step 13 without performing the light emission process.
[0158]
[Step 11] A light emission process is performed according to the received command and data.
[0159]
[Step 12] The liquid crystal display 240 displays the light emission state (light emission mode: flash light emission, flat light emission, light emission mode: automatic light adjustment, manual light emission, multi-light emission, light emission parameter: light emission amount, number of times of light emission, light emission frequency, etc.) To do.
[0160]
  [Step 13] In the case of a command error, data error, etc., the light emission process is not performed and a predetermined time is waited.didLater, it waits for reception of the next data.
[0161]
Next, the light emission operation of the camera and the strobe during wireless shooting will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that automatic flash photography in the normal mode without controlling the wireless slave strobe is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 9-061909 and 9-33992 previously filed by the present applicants. Omitted.
[0162]
[Step 101] When the operation of the camera is started and the switch SW1, which is a photometric distance measurement start switch, is turned on, a focus detection operation by a known phase difference detection method by the camera focus detection circuit 105 is performed, and the lens microcomputer 112 is focused. Instruct drive and adjust focus.
[0163]
[Step 102] The camera photometry circuit 106 is used to measure the subject brightness value Bv in natural light.
[0164]
[Step 103] An appropriate exposure amount EvS (= Tv + Av) is determined from the subject brightness and film sensitivity, and the shutter speed and aperture are determined in accordance with the set exposure mode.
[0165]
[Step 104] If the release start switch SW2 is on, the process proceeds to step 105. If it is off, the process returns to step 102 and the above processing is repeated.
[0166]
[Step 105] Depending on the flash mode, if the automatic flash mode is selected, the process branches to Step 106. In other modes (manual flash mode, multi-flash mode, etc.), the camera measures the flash pre-flash. Then, since it is not necessary to determine the main light emission amount, the process branches to step 119.
[0167]
[Step 106] In the case of the automatic light control mode, the camera transmits a predetermined light emission amount and light emission time to the master strobe via the serial communication lines (CLK, DI, DO), and instructs pre-light emission.
[0168]
[Step 107] Upon receiving the pre-flash instruction communication from the camera, the master flash sends the pre-flash command and pre-flash intensity data described in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the slave flash. At this time, in the ratio off mode, the command 1 and the pre-flash luminous intensity data in FIG. 12 are transmitted. In the ratio mode, that is, when there are a plurality of slave strobes to be controlled, the command 2, Either 3 or 4 is selected and sent together with the pre-emission light intensity data.
[0169]
[Step 108] Branches to Step 109 in the case of the master emission mode, and branches to Step 110 in the case of the control-only mode.
[0170]
[Step 109] When the master strobe MS is in the master flash mode, the master strobe performs a predetermined pre-flash instructed from the camera as shown in FIG. 11 (4). Even in the master flash mode, the slave strobes also emit pulses except for the group A pre-flashes.
[0171]
[Step 110] When the master strobe MS is in the control-only mode, the master strobe emits light for starting light emission of the slave strobe as shown in FIG.
[0172]
  [Step 111] The slave strobe performs pre-emission with a predetermined emission time and emission intensity instructed from the master flash as shown in FIG. 11 (5) in synchronization with the emission of the master flash..In the ratio mode, the strobe of the group specified by the command fires pre-flash.
[0173]
[Step 112] The camera measures the reflected light from the subject by pre-emission of the master flash or slave strobe with the photometric sensor 7, and obtains the pre-emission exposure amount EvF from the obtained subject luminance BvF and film sensitivity SV. In addition, in order to measure the subject reflected light by only the pre-flash of the strobe while excluding the external light, it is obtained by subtracting the subject photometric value of the previous natural light from the subject reflected light by the pre-flash.
[0174]
  [Step 113] The amount of pre-flash exposure determined in Step 112 is determined by the camera.103The proper main light emission amount (GAIN) that should be the appropriate exposure amount EVS obtained in step (5) is calculated. The method for calculating the proper light emission amount of the strobe is described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-33992 and will not be described here.WithThe difference is obtained, and this difference is used as the main light emission amount relative to the pre-light emission..
[0175]
  In addition, this proper main light emission amount is calculated | required by the frequency | count of slave control in the case of multi-lamp control. That is, in the case of A: B two-lamp control, step 106 to step 114 are looped twice, and the group A strobe is pre-flashed in the first loop.ThanGroup AStrobeObtain the appropriate flash amount (A_GAIN) and pre-flash the group B strobe in the second loop.ThanGroup BStrobeObtain the appropriate amount of light emission (B_GAIN), and repeat the loop three times in the case of A: B: C three-lamp control, so that the group C strobe is pre-flashed in the third loop.ThanGroup CStrobeAn appropriate light emission amount (C_GAIN) is obtained.
[0176]
[Step 114] As described in Step 113, the process returns to Step 106 and repeats the pre-emission and photometry processes until the necessary number of pre-emissions and photometry are performed. [Step 115] In the case of the multi-light mode, the process branches to step 116 in order to calculate the light quantity ratio, and in the case of not the multi-light mode, the process branches to step 117.
[0177]
[Step 116] In the case of the multi-lamp mode, for example, the two-lamp mode, an appropriate book for each group obtained in step 113 with the light emission correction amounts of the groups A and B corresponding to the set light quantity ratio of A: B shown in FIG. The main light emission amount of each group is added to the light emission amount (A_GAIN, B_GAIN). In the case of the three-lamp mode, the group C light emission correction amount shown in the display portion 323 of the liquid crystal display in FIG. 10 is added to C_GAIN to obtain the main light emission amount of each group.
[0178]
Note that the table in FIG. 17 is a table showing the light amount correction amount of each group so that the group A and the group B have a predetermined light amount ratio. In FIG. 17, A: B display in the first column is the liquid crystal display 240. The light quantity ratio is indicated by the light quantity ratio display 321 and the light quantity ratio set value display 322, and the second column corresponds to the intermediate value. The third column is the light amount correction value of the group A strobe, and the fourth column is the light amount correction value of the group B strobe. That is, in order to irradiate the group A strobe and the group B strobe to the same subject and add the light amounts of both to make them appropriate, the light emission correction amount of FIG. 17 is added to the obtained appropriate light emission amount of each group strobe. do it.
[0179]
[Step 117] Whether light control is possible is determined from the amount of main light emission obtained in the above description.
[0180]
That is, if light emission is performed by defining pre-light emission as 1 / n with respect to the maximum light emission amount, it can be understood that the maximum light emission amount of the slave slave strobe or the master strobe is n times that of the pre-light emission.
[0181]
  Therefore, the proper main flash amount and the maximum flash amount of the strobe are compared, and if the main flash proper flash amount is larger than the maximum flash amount by a predetermined value or more, it is determined that dimming is impossible.Predetermined valueIn the following cases, it is determined that dimming is possible. In addition, in the multi-light mode, this determination may be determined as dimming is impossible when the main light emission amount is insufficient in any one group.
[0182]
[Step 118] The camera communicates the result determined in Step 117 to the master strobe.
[0183]
[Step 119] The camera communicates main flash information (flash mode according to the tuning shutter speed: FP / flash, main flash amount, flash duration in the case of FP) to the master flash MS, and main flash to the flash unit. When the instruction is completed, the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 are raised to prepare for photographing, and are moved away from the photographing optical path, and at the same time, the lens microcomputer 112 is instructed to drive the aperture.
[0184]
  [Step 120]MasterBased on the received information, the flash mode set in the master flash (automatic flash, manual flash, multi flash) and the number of slave controls, the command and data shown in FIG. Use the same method to communicate with the slave strobe.
[0185]
For example, in the case of automatic dimming, according to the number of slave controls, command 5 and data 1 byte for 1 lamp control (ratio off), command 6 and data 2 bytes for 2 lamp control, and 3 lamp control Send command 7 and 3 bytes of data.
[0186]
Similarly, in the case of manual light emission, data having a length corresponding to any of the commands 8, 9, and 10 is transmitted according to the number of slave controls, and in the case of multi-light emission, the command 11 , 12 and 13 are transmitted to the slave flash unit in the length corresponding to the command.
[0187]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the main light emission communication from the master strobe, performs command analysis, and prepares for the main light emission in accordance with the instructed light emission mode and light emission amount.
[Step 121] The process continues to wait for the mirror to escape from the optical path.
[0188]
[Step 122] When the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 are retracted from the photographing optical path, the shutter front curtain is driven to start the exposure operation.
[0189]
[Step 123] If the light emission form is flat light emission, the flow proceeds to the front curtain and branches to Step 125 to start light emission before the shutter is opened, and if it is flash light emission, the flow branches to Step 124.
[0190]
[Step 124] In the flash emission mode, after the shutter front curtain is driven, it waits until the shutter front curtain is completely opened and the X contact is turned on.
[0191]
[Step 125] Depending on the light emission mode of the master strobe, the process branches to step 126 in the case of the master light emission mode, and branches to step 127 in the case of the transmission-only mode.
[0192]
[Step 126] When the master flash unit is in the master flash mode and in the automatic light control mode, the master flash unit performs the main flash in the flash mode (flat flash mode or flash mode) and the flash level specified by the camera. In manual flash mode, the master flash fires with the flash mode (flat flash mode or flash flash mode) specified by the camera and the flash output set in the master flash. In multi flash mode, the master flash is the master flash. The main light emission is performed with the light emission amount, the number of light emission times, and the light emission frequency set in.
[0193]
[Step 127] When the master strobe is in the control-only mode, the master strobe generates a light emission start signal (pulse light emission of the Xe tube 19) for starting light emission of the slave strobe.
[0194]
[Step 128] In synchronization with the start of light emission of the master strobe in step 126 or step 127, the slave strobe performs main light emission using information such as the light emission mode and light emission amount instructed in step 120. When the light emission is normally performed, the slave strobe displays information regarding the main light emission on the liquid crystal display 240. For example, information related to the light emission mode [automatic light control, manual light emission, multi-light emission] is displayed on the display unit 301. In the FP light emission mode, the display unit 302 is turned on. In the manual light emission mode, the instructed light emission amount is displayed. In the multi-flash mode, the instructed light emission amount, the number of times of light emission, and the light emission frequency are displayed on the display units 308, 309, and 310, respectively.
[0195]
The display of the slave strobe is displayed and updated when the main flash is normally performed, so that it is possible to confirm that the slave strobe has correctly received information from the master strobe and emitted light.
[0196]
[Step 129] After a predetermined shutter opening time elapses, the camera travels in the rear curtain and finishes shooting.
[0197]
[Step 130] If the light emission mode set for the master flash unit is the automatic light control mode, the process branches to Step 131 to display the light control, and otherwise (steps in the manual light emission mode and the multi light emission mode) Branch to 132.
[Step 131] In the case of the automatic light control mode, the master strobe displays the light control enable / disable result instructed from the camera, and displays the light control confirmation LED 244 on or off for a predetermined time after the light emission ends. The dimming confirmation display or turn-off display on the camera finder LCD 24b is also displayed.
[0198]
[Step 132] When the exposure operation is completed, the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 that have been withdrawn from the photographing optical path are lowered, the film is wound up by one frame by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109, and the photographing operation is terminated.
[0199]
Next, the operation of the aforementioned flowchart will be described in detail using a timing chart.
[0200]
18 to 23 are timing charts for explaining the operation during the automatic light control operation. FIG. 18 shows the operation when the main light emission is the flash light emission in the single-light mode (ratio off), and FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement at the time of light emission.
[0201]
FIG. 20 shows the operation when the main light emission is the flash light emission in the two-lamp light quantity ratio control, and FIG. 21 shows the operation when the main light emission is the flat light emission.
[0202]
FIG. 22 shows the operation when the main light emission is the flash light emission during the three-lamp light quantity ratio control, and FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the operation when the main light emission is the flat light emission.
[0203]
FIG. 24 shows an operation at the time of manual flash emission in the single lamp mode (ratio off), and FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an operation at the time of manual flat emission.
[0204]
FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the operation at the time of multi-flash in the single lamp mode (ratio off).
[0205]
The description will be made sequentially below.
[0206]
<Single-flash automatic flash photography>
FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of single-flash automatic flash photography with flash emission, and FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of single-flash automatic flash photography with flat light emission.
[0207]
In FIGS. 18 and 19, A) to C) are serial communication lines for the camera and strobe, which are the same as those in FIG. D) shows the operation of the mirror 2 of the camera body, where the Lo level indicates mirror down and the Hi level indicates mirror up. E) shows the running state of the front curtain of the shutter 8 of the camera body, and F) shows the running state of the rear curtain of the shutter 8. The Lo level shows before running and the Hi level shows after running. G) is an X contact of the camera body, and the Hi level is open and the Lo level is short-circuited. This X contact is short-circuited when the aforementioned shutter front curtain is opened, and is opened when the rear curtain of the shutter is completed.
[0208]
  H) is a wireless communication waveform when the master strobe is set to the control-only mode. Similarly, for I), the master strobe is set to the master flash mode.WhenWireless communication waveform and preEmission waveformThis is a main light emission waveform. J) is a light emission waveform of the slave strobe.
[0209]
  Note that the flash emission of FIG. 18 and FIG.ofSince flat light emission differs only in the light emission start timing and the light emission form, it will be described together.
[0210]
  [Timing t0] The camera performs predetermined serial communication with the master flash unit and instructs wireless pre-flash.Do.
[0211]
[Timing t1] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 1 shown in FIG. 12 (1).
[0212]
[Timing t2] The master flash MS transmits the luminous intensity data in the same manner (2).
[0213]
[Timing t3] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0214]
[Timing t4] The camera drops the CLK terminal to the Lo level for a predetermined time in order to start pre-emission. On the other hand, the master strobe MS detects that the CLK terminal has become Lo and generates a light emission start pulse (3) in the case of the control-only mode, and in the case of the master light-emitting mode, the predetermined light emission time specified by the camera for a predetermined time. Pre-emission (4) with luminous intensity is performed.
[0215]
On the other hand, the slave strobe performs pre-emission (5) for a predetermined emission time and a predetermined emission intensity instructed from the master flash in synchronization with the master flash emission. On the other hand, the camera measures subject reflected light while the master flash or slave flash is pre-flash.
[0216]
[Timing t5] When the pre-flash is finished, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0217]
[Timing t6] The camera uses a serial communication with the master strobe to control whether or not the main light is emitted, and the main light emission mode (flash light emission and flat light emission). , Send. On the other hand, the camera starts mirror up to start shooting.
[0218]
[Timing t7] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 5 shown in FIG. 12 (6).
[0219]
[Timing t8] The master strobe MS transmits the light emission amount data (7) in the same manner.
[0220]
[Timing t9] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0221]
[Timing t10] When the mirror up is completed, the camera starts running on the shutter front curtain, and at the same time, the CLK terminal is lowered to the Lo level to notify the master strobe that the shutter front curtain has started running.
[0222]
On the other hand, in the case of the flat emission mode, as shown in FIG. 19, at this time, the emission start pulse (11) is generated in the case of the control only mode, and in the case of the master emission mode, the predetermined emission time instructed from the camera. The flat main light emission (12) having a predetermined light emission intensity is emitted.
[0223]
The slave strobe also emits flat main light emission (13) having a predetermined light emission intensity for a predetermined light emission time instructed from the master strobe in synchronization with light emission of the master strobe MS.
[0224]
[Timing t11] When the front curtain of the camera completes traveling, the X contact is turned on. In the flash emission mode, as shown in FIG. 18, at this time, the emission start pulse (8) is generated in the control-only mode, and in the master emission mode, the flash of the predetermined emission amount instructed from the camera. The main light emission (9) is emitted.
[0225]
The slave strobe also emits the flash main light emission (10) having a predetermined light emission amount instructed from the master strobe in synchronization with the light emission of the master strobe MS.
[0226]
[Timing t12] The camera starts running on the trailing shutter curtain after a predetermined shutter time.
[0227]
[Timing t13] When the rear curtain of the shutter finishes running, the X contact is cut off, and then the film winding, shutter charge, mirror down, and other operations are performed, and the series of processing ends.
[0228]
<Two-flash automatic flash photography>
FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of two-flash automatic flash photography for flash emission, and FIG. 21 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of two-flash automatic flash photography for flat light emission.
[0229]
20 and 21, A) to I) are the same as the waveforms at the time of single-flash automatic flash photography, and thus the description thereof is omitted. J) is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set to group A, and K) is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set to group B.
[0230]
Note that flash light emission and flat light emission differ only in the light emission start timing and light emission form, and will be described together.
[0231]
[Timing t0] The camera performs predetermined serial communication with the master strobe to instruct the wireless pre-flash of the group A strobe.
[0232]
[Timing t1] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 2 shown in FIG. 12 (1).
[0233]
[Timing t2] The master flash MS transmits the luminous intensity data in the same manner (2).
[0234]
[Timing t3] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0235]
[Timing t4] The camera drops the CLK terminal to the Lo level for a predetermined time in order to start pre-emission. On the other hand, the master strobe MS detects that the CLK terminal has become Lo and generates a light emission start pulse (3) in the case of the control-only mode, and in the case of the master light-emitting mode, the predetermined light emission time specified by the camera for a predetermined time. Pre-emission (4) with luminous intensity is performed.
[0236]
On the other hand, the group A slave strobe performs pre-emission (5) for a predetermined emission time and a predetermined emission intensity instructed from the master flash in synchronization with the master flash emission.
On the other hand, the camera measures subject reflected light while the master flash or slave flash is pre-flash.
[0237]
[Timing t5] When the pre-flash is finished, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0238]
[Timing t6] The camera performs predetermined serial communication with the master strobe to instruct the wireless pre-flash of the group B strobe.
[0239]
[Timing t7] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit pulses and transmits the command 3 shown in FIG. 12 (6).
[0240]
[Timing t8 to t11] The luminous intensity of the group B is transmitted, and the pre-light emission and photometry of the group B strobe are performed by the same processing as the timing t2 to t5.
[0241]
[Timing t12] The camera obtains the correction value corresponding to the light intensity ratio of the group A strobe and the group B strobe received from the strobe as shown in FIG. Based on the amount of emitted light, whether or not the main flash is dimmable via serial communication with the master flash and the main flash type (flash emission and flat emission), the main emission amount in the case of flash emission, the emission intensity and emission in the case of flat emission Send time. On the other hand, the camera starts mirror up to start shooting.
[0242]
[Timing t13] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 6 shown in FIG. 12 (11).
[0243]
[Timing t14] The master strobe MS transmits group A strobe light emission amount data (12) in the same manner.
[0244]
[Timing t15] The master strobe MS similarly transmits group B strobe light emission amount data (13).
[0245]
[Timing t16] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0246]
[Timing t17 to t21] The same processing as t10 to t13 of single-flash automatic flash photography is performed, and the group A slave strobe and the group B slave strobe emit light at an arbitrary light intensity ratio instructed from the master strobe. Is called.
[0247]
<3-lamp automatic flash photography>
FIG. 22 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of three-flash automatic light adjustment photographing at the time of flash emission, and FIG. 23 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of three-light automatic light adjustment photographing at the time of flat light emission.
[0248]
In FIGS. 22 and 23, A) to K) are the same as the waveforms at the time of the two-flash automatic flash photography, and thus the description thereof is omitted. L) is a light emission waveform of the slave strobe set in group C.
[0249]
Note that the flash emission and the flat emission will be described together because the emission start timing is different only in the emission form.
[0250]
[Timing t0 to t11] The same processing as the two-flash automatic flash photography is performed, and the pre-flash and photometry of the group A slave flash and the pre-flash and photometry of the group B slave flash are performed.
[0251]
[Timing t12 to t17] Using the command 4 in FIG. 12, the pre-flash and photometry of the group C strobe are performed by the same processing as the timings t1 to t5.
[0252]
[Timing t18] The camera adds a correction value corresponding to the light amount ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe received from the strobe as shown in FIG. 17 to the group A main emission amount and the group B main emission amount. Based on the main light emission obtained by adding the group C dimming correction amount to the C group main light emission amount, whether or not the main light can be dimmed by serial communication with the master flash and the main light emission form (flash light emission and flat light emission) In the case of flash light emission, the main light emission amount is transmitted, and in the case of flat light emission, the light emission intensity and the light emission time are transmitted. On the other hand, the camera starts mirror up to start shooting.
[0253]
[Timing t19] The master flash MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 7 shown in FIG. 12 (16).
[0254]
[Timing t20] The master strobe MS similarly transmits group A strobe light emission amount data (17).
[0255]
[Timing t21] The master strobe MS transmits group B strobe light emission amount data (18) in the same manner.
[0256]
[Timing t22] The master strobe MS similarly transmits group C strobe light emission amount data (19).
[0257]
[Timing t23] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0258]
[Timing t24 to t27] The same processing as t10 to t13 of single-flash automatic flash photography is performed, and the group A slave flash, the group B slave flash, and the group C slave flash are at an arbitrary light intensity ratio designated by the master flash. Light is emitted and shooting is performed.
[0259]
<One manual flash>
FIG. 24 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of single-lamp manual light emission during flash emission, and FIG. 25 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of single-lamp manual light emission during flat light emission.
[0260]
  24 and 25, the signals A) to J) are the same as those in FIG. In addition, flash emission and flat emission are the timing to start emission.WhenSince only the light emission forms are different, they will be described together.
[0261]
[Timing t0] The camera transmits the main light emission form (flash light emission and flat light emission) to the master strobe by serial communication, and in the case of flat light emission, the light emission intensity and the light emission time are transmitted. On the other hand, the camera starts mirror up to start shooting.
[0262]
[Timing t1] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit pulses and transmits the command 8 shown in FIG. 12 (1).
[0263]
[Timing t2] The master strobe MS transmits the light emission amount data (2) in the same manner.
[0264]
[Timing t3] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0265]
[Timing t4 to Timing t7] The same processing as t10 to t13 in single-flash automatic flash photography is performed, and the slave strobe emits light with the light emission amount set by the master strobe.
[0266]
Note that the operation of the two-flash manual flash and the three-flash manual flash is the command 9 and the group A flash manual flash output, the group B flash manual flash output, In this case, since the command 10 and the group A strobe manual light emission amount, the group B strobe manual light emission amount, and the group C strobe manual light emission amount are the same, illustration and description of the timing chart are omitted.
[0267]
<Single light multi-flash>
FIG. 26 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of single-lamp multi-emission.
[0268]
In FIG. 26, the signals A) to J) are the same as those in FIG.
[0269]
[Timing t0] The camera transmits the main light emission form (flash light emission) and the shutter speed to the master strobe by serial communication. On the other hand, the camera starts mirror up to start shooting.
[0270]
[Timing t1] The master strobe MS causes the Xe tube 19 to emit pulses and transmits the command 11 shown in FIG. 12 (1).
[0271]
[Timing t2] The master strobe MS transmits the light emission amount data (2) in the same manner.
[0272]
[Timing t3] The master strobe MS transmits data (3) of the light emission frequency and the number of times of light emission in the same manner.
[0273]
[Timing t4] When transmission ends, the master strobe returns the DO terminal to Hi.
[0274]
[Timing t5 to timing t8] The same processing as t10 to t13 in single-flash automatic flash photography is performed, and the slave strobe emits light at the light emission frequency, light emission amount, and number of times of light emission set by the master strobe.
[0275]
Note that the operation of the two-flash multi-flash and the triple-flash multi-flash is the command 12 and the group A flash emission, the group B flash emission, the flash frequency and the number of flashes when the communication generated by the master flash is two. In the case of three lamps, the command 13 is the same as the group A strobe light emission amount, the group B strobe light emission amount, the group C strobe light emission amount, the light emission frequency and the number of times of light emission. Is omitted.
[0276]
Next, the circuit operation of the master strobe and slave strobe in the above description will be described with reference to FIG.
[0277]
<Wireless communication light emission operation>
When the master strobe microcomputer 238 receives a wireless communication instruction from the camera, the master strobe microcomputer 238 generates a predetermined voltage corresponding to the amount of light pulses necessary for wireless optical communication from the DA0 output terminal.
[0278]
Next, Lo is set to Y0, Y1 is set to Hi level, and the D2 input of the data selector 230 is selected. At this time, since the Xe tube 19 does not emit light, no photocurrent flows through the sensor 32, the output of the photometry circuit 234 is at the Lo level, so the output of the comparator 231 is at the Hi level, and the light emission control circuit 211 is in a conductive state.
[0279]
Further, when the SCR_CTRL terminal is set to Hi level and the transistors 221 and 218 are turned on, the gate current flows to the gate of the thyristor 231 through the transistor 218 resistor 214, the thyristor 213 is turned on, and the HI signal is output from the TRIG terminal for a predetermined time. When output, since the light emission control circuit 212 is in a conductive state, the Xe tube 19 starts to emit light. At this time, the current flowing through the Xe tube 19 flows through the capacitor 203, the coil 206, and the thyristor 213. In other words, by bypassing the coil 208 with the thyristor 213, an optical pulse with a sharp rise necessary for high-speed wireless communication can be obtained.
[0280]
When light emission starts and current flows through the Xe tube, the amount of light gradually increases, and when the output of the sensor 32 that monitors light emission reaches a predetermined voltage, the output of the comparator 231 is inverted from the Hi level to the Lo level, and the output is D2. , The light emission control circuit 212 is cut off through Y, and the light emission is stopped. At the same time, the microcomputer 238 detects that the Y output monitored at the YIN terminal has become Lo level, sets the Y1 and Y0 terminals to Lo and Lo levels, and forcibly stops the light emission.
[0281]
Thereafter, in the same manner, the first byte of transmission is the channel identification signal CH. appear. This channel identification signal is used to prevent interference by selecting a channel when there are a plurality of slave strobes SS. Subsequently, necessary bits D7 to D0 are emitted at equal intervals according to the contents of the transmission data.
[0282]
After the second byte of communication, necessary bits D7 to D0 are emitted at equal intervals according to the content of transmission data after the start pulse.
[0283]
<Pre-flash operation>
When the strobe is in the master mode, the microcomputer 238 sets a predetermined voltage for the appropriate light intensity to the DA0 output according to the light intensity information instructed from the camera, and when in the slave mode, the light intensity received from the master strobe. In accordance with the information, a predetermined voltage for setting an appropriate luminous intensity is set for the DA0 output.
[0284]
Next, when the SCR_CTRL output terminal is set to Lo, the transistors 221 and 218 are turned off, so that the thyristor 213 is turned off. At the same time, Lo and Hi are output to Y0 and Y1, and the input D2 is selected. At this time, since the xenon tube 19 has not yet emitted light, the photocurrent of the light receiving element 32 does not flow, the output of the light receiving circuit 234 input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 231 is not generated, and the output of the comparator 231 is Hi. The light emission control circuit 212 becomes conductive.
[0285]
Next, when a trigger signal is output from the TRIG terminal, the trigger circuit 211 generates a high voltage to excite the xenon tube 19 and light emission is started. This light emission current flows from the capacitor 203 to the Xe tube 19 through the coil 206 and the coil 208.
[0286]
On the other hand, the microcomputer 238 instructs the photometry integration circuit 236 to start integration after a predetermined time from the occurrence of the trigger, and the photometry integration circuit 236 starts integration of the logarithmically compressed photoelectric output of the light receiving element 31 for light quantity integration and at the same time. An internal timer of a microcomputer 238 (not shown) that counts time is started.
[0287]
The reason why the start of integration is delayed from the generation of the trigger is to prevent the photometry integration circuit from integrating noise other than the optical signal due to the noise generated by the trigger. This is because there is a delay of 10 or more μsec.
[0288]
When pre-emission is started, the photocurrent of the light receiving element 32 increases, the output of the light receiving circuit 234 increases, and when it becomes higher than a predetermined comparator voltage set to the non-inverting input of the comparator 231, the comparator 231 The output is inverted to Lo, and the light emission control circuit 212 cuts off the light emission current of the xenon tube 19 and the discharge loop is struck, but a recirculation loop is formed by the diode 209 and the coil 208, and the light emission current is exceeded due to the delay of the circuit. After the shoot stops, it gradually decreases.
[0289]
As the emission current decreases, the luminous intensity decreases, so the photocurrent of the light receiving element 32 decreases, the output of the light receiving circuit 234 decreases, and when the output falls below a predetermined comparator level, the output of the comparator 231 again becomes Hi. , The light emission control circuit 212 is turned on again, a discharge loop of the xenon tube 19 is formed, the light emission current increases, and the light emission intensity also increases. As described above, the light emission intensity is repeatedly increased and decreased with a short period around the predetermined comparator voltage set to DA0. As a result, it is possible to control the flat light emission to continue the light emission at the desired substantially constant light emission intensity. .
[0290]
When a predetermined pre-emission time elapses due to the count of the emission time timer, the microcomputer 238 sets the Y1 and Y0 terminals to Lo and Lo, the input of the data selector 230 is selected as D0, that is, the Lo level input, and the output is forced. The light emission control circuit 212 cuts off the discharge loop of the xenon tube 19 and ends the light emission.
[0291]
At the end of the light emission, the microcomputer 238 reads the output of the photometric integration circuit 236 integrating the pre-light emission from the A / D input terminal AD0, performs A / D conversion, and uses the integrated value, that is, the light emission amount at the time of the pre-light emission. A digital value is stored as a reference value for the quantity.
[0292]
<Flash book emission operation>
When the strobe is in the master mode, the microcomputer 238 sets a predetermined voltage that is an appropriate amount of light to the DA0 output according to the light amount information instructed from the camera. When the strobe is in the slave mode, the light amount received from the master strobe In accordance with the information, a predetermined voltage for setting an appropriate light emission amount is set for the DA0 output.
[0293]
The predetermined voltage is obtained by adding or subtracting a voltage corresponding to the relative light emission amount with respect to the integrated output read from AD0 at the end of the pre-light emission.
[0294]
Next, Lo and Hi are output to Y1 and Y0, and the input D1 is selected. At this time, since the photometric integration circuit is in an operation-prohibited state, the output of the photometric integration circuit 236 input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 232 is not generated, and the output of the comparator 232 is Hi, so that the light emission control circuit 212 is turned on. .
[0295]
Next, when a trigger signal is output from the TRIG terminal, the trigger circuit 211 generates a high voltage to excite the xenon tube 19 and light emission is started. In addition, the strobe microcomputer 238 sets the integration start terminal INT to Lo level 10 seconds after the trigger noise is reduced and the actual light emission is started, and the photometric integration circuit 236 integrates the output from the sensor 31.
[0296]
When the integrated output reaches a predetermined voltage set by DA0, the comparator 232 is inverted, the light emission control circuit 212 is cut off through the data selector 230, and light emission stops. On the other hand, the stroboscopic microcomputer 238 monitors the YIN terminal. When the YIN terminal is inverted and the light emission stops, the Y1 and Y0 terminals are set to Lo and Lo to set the forced light emission prohibition state, and the integration start terminal is inverted to perform integration. Then, the light emission process ends.
[0297]
<Flat book light emission operation>
In the master mode, the microcomputer 238 sets a predetermined voltage for the appropriate light emission amount to the DA0 output in accordance with the light emission amount information instructed from the camera. In the slave mode, the microcomputer 238 sets the light emission amount information received from the master strobe. In response, a predetermined voltage for setting an appropriate light emission amount is set for the DA0 output.
[0298]
This predetermined voltage is obtained by adding or subtracting a voltage corresponding to the relative luminous intensity with respect to the voltage set to AD0 during pre-emission.
[0299]
In the subsequent processing, flat light emission with a predetermined light emission intensity and a predetermined light emission time is performed in the same manner as the above-described pre-light emission.
[0300]
<Manual flash emission>
When the main light emission command is received, when the strobe is in the master mode, the microcomputer 238 sets a predetermined voltage corresponding to the light emission amount set in the master mode to the DA0 terminal. In the slave mode, a predetermined voltage for setting an appropriate light emission amount is set to the DA0 output according to the light emission amount information received from the master strobe.
[0301]
This predetermined voltage is stored in a rewritable storage device (for example, EEPROM or flash ROM) (not shown) incorporated in the flash microcomputer 238 for each zoom position, with the integrated output read from AD0 at full light emission during flash adjustment. In the case of manual flash light emission, a desired light amount can be obtained by setting a voltage corresponding to the set light emission amount to DA0 output based on the integrated output during full light emission.
[0302]
Subsequent operations are the same as the flash main light emission operation, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0303]
<Manual flat flash>
When the main light emission command is received, when the strobe is in the master mode, the microcomputer 238 sets a predetermined voltage corresponding to the light emission amount set in the master mode to the DA0 terminal. In the slave mode, a predetermined voltage for setting an appropriate light emission amount is set to the DA0 output according to the light emission amount information received from the master strobe.
[0304]
This predetermined voltage is stored in a rewritable storage device (for example, EEPROM or flash ROM) (not shown) built in the flash microcomputer 238 for each zoom position, which is the DA0 output voltage that has a flat maximum luminous intensity when adjusting the flash. In the case of manual flat light emission, a flat light emission with a desired light emission intensity can be obtained by setting a voltage corresponding to the set light emission amount to the DA0 output based on the DA0 set voltage at the maximum light emission intensity.
[0305]
Since the subsequent operation is the same as the flat main light emission operation, the description thereof is omitted.
[0310]
(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a slave strobe control signal is generated by using a strobe built in the camera to generate a slave strobe control signal, thereby controlling a slave strobe installed at a position away from the camera.
[0311]
FIG. 27 shows a cross section of the camera in the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG.
[0312]
In the figure, reference numerals 118 and 119 denote a Fresnel lens and a reflecting plate, respectively, which serve to condense light emission energy toward the subject efficiently. Reference numeral 120 denotes a xenon tube as a light emitting means.
[0313]
121 is a light control sensor for monitoring the reflected light of the film surface for performing TTL automatic light control of the built-in strobe light, and 122 is a lens for forming an image of the film surface on the light control sensor. 123 is a light receiving element for directly monitoring the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120.
[0314]
FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a circuit in the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 113 denotes a strobe light emission circuit for controlling the light emission of the strobe. This circuit will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0315]
FIG. 29 is a circuit diagram for explaining the inside of the strobe light emission control circuit 113.
[0316]
In the figure, 121 is a light receiving sensor for receiving light reflected from the film surface by a strobe and performing TTL light control, 123 is a light receiving sensor for directly monitoring the light emission of the Xe tube 120, and 124 is a power source. A battery 125 is a known DC-DC converter, and boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts.
[0317]
Reference numeral 126 denotes a main capacitor for accumulating light emission energy, and 127 and 128 denote resistors, which divide the voltage of the main capacitor 126 into a predetermined ratio. 129 is a coil for limiting the light emission current, and 130 is a diode that absorbs the back electromotive voltage generated in the coil 129 when light emission is stopped. 131 is a trigger generation circuit, 132 is a light emission control circuit such as an IGBT, and 133 is a data selector. D0, D1, and D2 are selected and output to Y by a combination of two inputs Y0 and Y1. 134 is a comparator for adjusting the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120 at the time of wireless pulse light emission, 135 is a comparator for adjusting the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120 by a predetermined light emission amount at the time of TTL dimming control, 136 is to the light receiving sensor 123 A photometric circuit 137 amplifies the minute current that flows and converts the photocurrent into a voltage.
[0318]
Next, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of photographing using the wireless strobe system in the second embodiment, and is an example of performing two-lamp light quantity ratio photographing of A, B, and two groups using two strobes. is there.
[0319]
In the second embodiment, the strobe built in the camera generates a wireless optical signal for controlling the slave strobes of the group A and group B as in the first embodiment, and is separated from the camera body. Control information is transmitted to the slave strobe set in the group A and the slave strobe set in the group B, which are arranged at the positions, and photographing with an arbitrary light quantity ratio can be performed between the groups.
[0320]
FIG. 31 is a display example of the camera monitor LCD 42 in the wireless mode, and is an example in which the strobe control mode is displayed.
[0321]
A) is a display at the time of two-flash automatic flash photography, B) is a display at the time of two-flash manual light emission, and C) is a display at the time of two-flash multi-flash.
[0322]
In the figure, a display unit 141 is a shutter speed setting value, a display unit 142 is an aperture setting value, a display unit 143 is a film shooting number display, a display unit 144 is a light emission mode display, a display unit 145 is a wireless mode display, and a display unit 146 is a display unit 146. High-speed synchronized display, the display unit 147 is a channel display, the display unit 148 is a display indicating that it is in the A: B light amount ratio setting mode, the display unit 149 is a display of an A: B light amount ratio, and the display unit 150 is an A: B light amount ratio setting mode. It is a display which shows the light quantity ratio setting value of B.
[0323]
The display unit 151 displays the flash amount of the group A strobe in the flash manual flash mode, the display unit 152 displays the flash amount of the group B strobe in the same way, and the group A flash multi flash in the flash multi flash mode. This is the amount of light emitted per shot, and the display on the display unit 152 is similarly the amount of light emitted by the group B strobe.
[0324]
The display on the display unit 153 indicates the number of times of light emission during strobe multi-emission, and the display on the display unit 154 indicates the light emission frequency.
[0325]
Next, the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0326]
[Step 201] When the operation of the camera is started and SW1, which is a photometric distance measurement start switch, is turned on, a focus detection operation by a known phase difference detection method by the camera focus detection circuit 105 is performed to perform focus adjustment.
[0327]
[Step 202] Using the photometry circuit 106 of the camera, the subject luminance value Bv in natural light is measured.
[0328]
[Step 203] The appropriate exposure amount EvS (= Tv + Av) is determined from the subject brightness and film sensitivity, and the shutter speed and aperture are determined in accordance with the set exposure mode.
[0329]
[Step 204] If the release start switch SW2 is on, the process proceeds to step 205. If it is off, the process returns to step 202 to repeat the above processing.
[0330]
[Step 205] Depending on the flash mode, if the auto flash mode is selected, the process branches to step 206. In other modes (manual flash mode, multi-flash mode, etc.), the camera measures the flash pre-flash. Then, since it is not necessary to determine the main light emission amount, the process branches to step 215.
[0331]
[Step 206] In the case of the automatic light control mode, the camera sends the pre-emission command and pre-emission luminous intensity data described in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the slave strobe. At this time, in the ratio off mode, the command 1 and the pre-flash luminous intensity data in FIG. 12 are transmitted. In the ratio mode, that is, when there are a plurality of slave strobes to be controlled, the command 2 in accordance with the group of slave strobes to be fired. Either 3 or 4 is selected and transmitted together with the pre-emission luminous intensity data, and pulse emission for starting emission of the slave strobe is performed.
[0332]
[Step 207] The slave strobe performs pre-emission for a predetermined emission time and emission intensity instructed by the camera in synchronization with the emission start signal of the camera.
[0333]
[Step 208] The camera measures the reflected light from the subject by pre-emission of the slave strobe with the photometric sensor 7, and obtains the pre-emission exposure amount EvF from the obtained subject luminance BvF and film sensitivity SV. In addition, in order to measure the subject reflected light by only the pre-flash of the strobe while excluding the external light, it is obtained by subtracting the subject photometric value of the previous natural light from the subject reflected light by the pre-flash.
[0334]
[Step 209] As in the first embodiment, the camera performs the appropriate main light emission amount (GAIN) for which the pre-flash exposure amount obtained in step 208 becomes the appropriate exposure amount EVS obtained in step 203 for the number of slave control times. Is calculated.
[0335]
[Step 210] Return to Step 206 and repeat the pre-flash and photometry processes until the required number of pre-flashes and photometry are performed.
[0336]
[Step 211] In the case of the multi-light mode, the process branches to step 212 in order to calculate the light quantity ratio, and in the case of not the multi-light mode, the process branches to step 213.
[0337]
[Step 212] In the case of the multiple lamp mode, the light emission correction amount of each group is added to the appropriate main light emission amount of each group as in the first embodiment.
[0338]
[Step 213] Based on the main light emission amount obtained in the above description, whether or not dimming is possible is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0339]
  [Step 214] The camera uses main flash information (flash mode: FP / flash, main flash amount, flash duration in case of FP), set flash mode (auto flash, manual flash, multi-flash) and the number of slave controls. Based on the command and data shown in FIG. 12 as in the first embodimentTheCommunicate to the slave strobe.
[0340]
[Step 215] When the main light emission instruction to the strobe is completed, the camera raises the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 to prepare for photographing, and retracts them from the photographing optical path, and simultaneously instructs the lens microcomputer 112 to drive the aperture.
[0341]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the main flash communication from the camera, performs command analysis, and prepares for the main flash according to the instructed flash mode and flash output.
[0342]
[Step 216] The process continues to wait for the mirror to escape from the optical path.
[0343]
[Step 217] When the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 are retracted from the photographing optical path, the shutter front curtain is driven to start the exposure operation.
[0344]
[Step 218] If the light emission form is flat light emission, the process proceeds to step 220 to start light emission before the shutter opens and the shutter is opened, and if flash light emission, the process branches to step 219.
[0345]
[Step 219] In the flash emission mode, after the shutter front curtain is driven, it waits until the shutter front curtain is completely opened and the X contact is turned on.
[0346]
[Step 220] The camera generates a light emission start pulse for starting light emission of the slave strobe.
[0347]
[Step 221] The slave strobe performs main light emission in accordance with information such as the light emission mode and the light emission amount specified in Step 214 in synchronization with the light emission start pulse of the camera. When the light emission is normally performed, the slave strobe displays information on the main light emission on the liquid crystal display 240.
[0348]
[Step 222] After a predetermined shutter opening time has elapsed, the camera travels through the rear curtain and ends the shooting.
[0349]
[Step 223] If the light emission mode is the automatic light control mode, the process branches to Step 224 to perform dimming display. Otherwise (the manual light emission mode and the multi light emission mode), the process branches to Step 225.
[0350]
[Step 224] In the case of the automatic dimming mode, the dimming confirmation display on the LCD 24b in the finder of the camera is turned on or off for a predetermined time after the light emission is completed, based on the dimming availability result determined in step 213.
[0351]
[Step 225] When the exposure operation is completed, the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 that have been withdrawn from the photographing optical path are lowered, and the film is wound up by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109, and the photographing operation is terminated.
[0352]
Next, the operation of the aforementioned flowchart will be described in detail using a timing chart.
[0353]
The wireless communication and light emission operation in the second embodiment is what the master strobe does in the first embodiment with the built-in camera strobe. Only a timing chart at the time of two-flash automatic flash photography will be described as a representative example.
[0354]
FIG. 34 is a timing chart for explaining the operation at the time of two-flash automatic light control photographing during flash emission.
[0355]
In the figure, A) is the above-described camera release start switch SW2, and B) shows the operation of the mirror 2 of the camera body, with the Lo level indicating mirror down and the Hi level indicating mirror up. C) shows the running state of the front curtain of the shutter 8 of the camera body, and D) shows the running state of the rear curtain of the shutter 8. The Lo level shows before running and the Hi level shows after running. E) is an X contact of the camera body, where the Hi level is open and the Lo level is short. This X contact is short-circuited when the aforementioned shutter front curtain is opened, and is opened when the rear curtain of the shutter is completed. F) is a wireless communication waveform by flash emission with a built-in camera.
[0356]
G) is a light emission waveform of the slave strobe set to group A.
[0357]
H) is a light emission waveform of the slave strobe set in group B.
[0358]
The timing chart shown in FIG. 34 will be described below.
[0359]
[Timing t0] When the release start switch SW2 is turned on, the camera starts the control operation of the wireless slave strobe.
[0360]
[Timing t1] The camera causes the built-in Xe tube 120 to emit light in order to pre-emit the group A slave strobe, and transmits the command 2 shown in FIG. 12 (1).
[0361]
[Timing t2] Similarly, the luminous intensity data (2) is transmitted.
[0362]
[Timing t3] The camera generates a light emission start pulse (3) to start the pre-emission of the slave strobe. On the other hand, the group A slave strobe performs pre-light emission (4) for a predetermined light emission time and a predetermined light intensity instructed from the camera in synchronization with the light emission start signal of the camera. On the other hand, the camera measures the object reflected light while the slave strobe is pre-flash.
[0363]
[Timing t4 to t6] Using the command 3 in FIG. 12, the pre-flash and photometry of the group B strobe are performed by the same processing as the timing t2 to t3.
[0364]
[Timing t7] The camera starts mirror-up to start shooting, and the correction value corresponding to the light amount ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe set by the camera shown in FIG. Based on the main light emission amount obtained by adding to the group B main light emission amount, whether or not dimming is possible is determined, and the built-in Xe tube 120 is pulsed to instruct the slave strobe to perform main light emission. Then, the command 6 shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (9).
[0365]
[Timing t8] The camera transmits group A strobe light emission data (10) in the same manner.
[0366]
[Timing t9] Similarly, the group B strobe light emission amount data (11) is transmitted.
[0367]
[Timing t10 to t13] The same processing as t17 to t21 in the two-flash automatic flash photography of the first embodiment is performed, and the group A slave strobe and the group B slave strobe have an arbitrary light amount ratio instructed from the camera. Light is emitted and shooting is performed.
[0373]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a slave strobe installed at a position away from the camera is generated by generating a signal for controlling the slave strobe using a high-intensity LED that is an auxiliary light for autofocus built in the camera. It is something to control.
[0374]
FIG. 35 is a front view of a camera according to the third embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 150 denotes a light projection window for auxiliary light for autofocus.
[0375]
FIG. 36 shows an optical cross section of the auxiliary light in the third embodiment. In the figure, 150 is an auxiliary light projection window, 151 is an auxiliary light projection lens, 152 is a film on which an auxiliary light projection pattern is printed, and 153 is a high-intensity LED for projection. FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a circuit according to the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG.
[0376]
In the figure, reference numeral 154 denotes an auxiliary light emitting circuit for performing light emission control of the auxiliary light LED.
[0377]
In the third embodiment, since the high-intensity LED for auxiliary light is used instead of the built-in strobe of the second embodiment, the operation is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description is omitted. To do. The effect is the same as that of the second embodiment. However, since the transmission means is a high-intensity LED, the reach distance becomes shorter, but the power consumption consumes the Xe tube. On the other hand, there is an effect that a wireless slave strobe control system with much less energy consumption can be realized.
[0378]
(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the first to third embodiments can be applied to check whether proper exposure can be obtained before shooting, and an appropriate strobe even when the subject is not in the center of the shooting screen. The exposure can be performed.
[0379]
Since the fourth embodiment will be described using the photographing system of the first embodiment, the hardware configuration is omitted.
[0380]
  FIG. 38 shows the first to third implementations.Form ofIt is an example of a display in the finder of the camera described in. In the figure, 24a is a first in-viewfinder LCD for displaying the flash light control level and natural light exposure level, and 24b is a second display for displaying the flash light control confirmation display 400, shutter display 401, and aperture display 402. LCD in the viewfinder.
[0381]
  Next, the fourth implementationForm ofFig.39 ~FigureThis will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation shown in the following flowchart is performed in the automatic light control mode.
[0382]
[Step 401] When SWFELK for performing test light emission before photographing is turned on, the process proceeds to Step 402.
[0383]
[Step 402] Using the camera photometry circuit 106, subject brightness value Bv in natural light is measured.
[0384]
[Step 403] The appropriate exposure amount EvS (= Tv + Av) is determined from the subject brightness and film sensitivity, and the shutter speed and aperture are determined according to the set exposure mode.
[0385]
[Step 404] The camera transmits a predetermined light emission amount and light emission time to the master strobe via the serial communication lines (CLK, DI, DO), and instructs pre-flash.
[0386]
[Step 405] Upon receiving the pre-flash instruction communication from the camera, the master flash sends the pre-flash command and pre-flash intensity data described in FIGS. 11 and 12 to the slave flash. At this time, in the ratio off mode, the command 1 and the pre-flash luminous intensity data in FIG. 12 are transmitted. In the ratio mode, that is, when there are a plurality of slave strobes to be controlled, the command 2, Either 3 or 4 is selected and sent together with the pre-emission light intensity data.
[0387]
[Step 406] Branches to step 407 in the case of the master emission mode, and branches to step 408 in the case of the control-only mode.
[0388]
[Step 407] When the master flash MS is in the master flash mode, the master flash performs a predetermined pre-flash instructed from the camera as shown in FIG. 11 (4).
[0389]
Even in the master light emission mode, pulse light emission for starting the light emission of the slave strobe is performed except for the pre-light emission of group A. (Fig. 11 (3))
[Step 408] When the master strobe MS is in the control-only mode, the master strobe emits light for starting light emission of the slave strobe as shown in FIG.
[0390]
[Step 409] In synchronization with the light emission of the master flash, the slave strobe performs pre-light emission for a predetermined light emission time and light emission intensity instructed from the master flash as shown in FIG. 11 (5).
[0390]
In the ratio mode, the strobe of the light emission group designated by the command performs pre-light emission.
[0392]
[Step 410] The camera measures the reflected light from the subject by pre-emission of the master flash or slave strobe with the photometric sensor 7, and obtains the pre-emission exposure amount EvF from the obtained subject brightness BvF and film sensitivity SV. In addition, in order to measure the subject reflected light by only the pre-flash of the strobe while excluding the external light, it is obtained by subtracting the subject photometric value of the previous natural light from the subject reflected light by the pre-flash.
[0393]
  [Step 411] The camera calculates an appropriate main light emission amount (GAIN) in which the pre-flash exposure amount obtained in Step 410 should be the appropriate exposure amount EVS obtained in Step 403. The method for calculating the proper light emission amount of the strobe is described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-33992 and will not be described here.WithThe difference is obtained, and this difference is used as the main light emission amount relative to the pre-light emission.
[0394]
  In addition, this proper main light emission amount is calculated | required by the frequency | count of slave control in the case of multi-lamp control. That is, in the case of A: B two-lamp control, step 404 to step 412 are looped twice, and the group A strobe is pre-flashed in the first loop.ThanGroup AStrobeObtain the appropriate flash amount (A_GAIN) and pre-flash the group B strobe in the second loop.ThanGroup BStrobeObtain the appropriate amount of light emission (B_GAIN), and repeat the loop three times in the case of A: B: C three-lamp control, so that the group C strobe is pre-flashed in the third loop.ThanGroup CStrobeAn appropriate light emission amount (C_GAIN) is obtained and stored in a RAM (not shown) in the camera microcomputer 100.
[0395]
[Step 412] As described in Step 411, the process returns to Step 404 and repeats the pre-emission and photometry processes until the required number of pre-emissions and photometry are performed.
[Step 413] In the case of the multiple lamp mode, the process branches to step 414 to perform the light quantity ratio calculation, and in the case of not the multiple lamp mode, the process branches to step 415.
[0396]
[Step 414] In the case of the multi-lamp mode and the two-lamp mode, the proper main light emission of each group obtained in step 411 for the light emission correction amounts of the groups A and B corresponding to the set light quantity ratio A: B shown in FIG. It is added to the amount (A_GAIN, B_GAIN) to obtain the main light emission amount of each group. In the case of the three-lamp mode, the group C light emission correction amount indicated by A) or B) 323 in the liquid crystal display of FIG. 10 is added to C_GAIN to obtain the main light emission amount of each group. Store in a RAM (not shown).
[0397]
[Step 415] It is determined whether or not dimming is possible based on the main light emission amount obtained in the above description.
[0398]
  That is, if light emission is performed by defining pre-light emission as 1 / n with respect to the maximum light emission amount, it can be understood that the maximum light emission amount of the slave slave strobe or the master strobe is n times that of the pre-light emission. Therefore,AppropriateCompare the main flash output and the maximum flash output, and if the proper flash output is greater than the maximum flash outputPredetermined valueJudgment that dimming is possible in the following casesDo. In addition, in the multi-light mode, this determination may be determined as dimming is impossible when the main light emission amount is insufficient in any one group.
[0399]
[Step 416] The camera communicates the result determined in Step 415 to the master strobe.
[0400]
[Step 417] The camera displays the determination result in the viewfinder as shown in FIG. 38 according to the determination result in step 415.
[0401]
FIG. 38A) shows a case where the determination result is NG. The dimming confirmation display 400 blinks and warns, and the determined dimming level is displayed on the in-finder LCD display 24a. This displays the shortage of the calculation result for the maximum flash emission amount calculated in the calculation in step 415.
[0402]
In the example of the figure, it is shown that the appropriate light emission amount is 1/3 lower than the maximum light emission amount of the strobe.
[0403]
In the case of multi-flash strobe control, the dimming level of the lowest group among the plurality of light emitting groups (the groups A, B, and C) is displayed.
[0404]
FIG. 38B) shows a case where the determination result is OK, the dimming confirmation display 400 is lit, and the in-finder LCD display 24a displays that the light quantity is appropriate.
[0405]
When the photometry by the FE lock, the exposure storage operation, and the display of whether or not dimming is completed, the process returns to step 401.
[0406]
Next, the automatic light control photographing operation at the time of FE lock will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0407]
[Step 501] When SW1, which is a photometric distance measurement start switch, is turned on after the above-mentioned FE lock operation is performed, a focus detection operation is performed by a known phase difference detection method by the camera focus detection circuit 105, and the lens microcomputer 112 is instructed to drive the focus, and the focus is adjusted.
[0408]
  [Step 502] Step if the release start switch SW2 is on503Proceed to
[0409]
[Step 503] The camera detects main flash information (flash mode: FP / flash, flash time in the case of FP, and main flash amount measured and stored by the FELK operation described in FIG. 39) for the master flash MS. ) And the main flash 2 and the sub-mirror 25 are moved up to leave the photographing optical path to prepare for photographing, and at the same time, the lens microcomputer 112 is instructed to drive the aperture.
[0410]
[Step 504] Based on the received information, the flash mode (automatic light control) set by the master flash, and the number of slave controls, the command and data shown in FIG. To communicate with the slave strobe. For example, in the case of FE lock automatic dimming, according to the number of slave controls, command 5 and data 1 byte for 1 lamp control (ratio off), command 6 and data 2 bytes for 2 lamp control, and 3 lamp control. In this case, the command 7 and 3 bytes of data are transmitted in the slave strobe.
[0411]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the main light emission communication from the master strobe, performs command analysis, and prepares for the main light emission according to the light emission amount of the group that matches the instructed light emission mode.
[0412]
[Step 505] The process continues to wait for the mirror to escape from the optical path.
[0413]
[Step 506] When the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 are retracted from the photographing optical path, the shutter front curtain is driven to start an exposure operation.
[0414]
[Step 507] If the light emission mode is flat light emission, the process proceeds to step 509 to start light emission before the shutter is opened and the shutter is opened. If it is flash light emission, the process branches to step 508.
[0415]
[Step 508] In the flash emission mode, after the shutter front curtain is driven, it waits until the shutter front curtain is completely opened and the X contact is turned on.
[0416]
  [Step 509] According to the flash mode of the master flash, if the master flash mode is selected, the process branches to step 510,controlIn the case of the dedicated mode, the process branches to step 511.
[0417]
[Step 510] When the master flash unit is in the master flash mode and in the FE lock automatic flash mode, the master flash unit emits flash information instructed from the camera (in the case of the flat flash mode, the flash intensity and flash time instructed In the flash light emission mode, the main light emission is performed with the designated light emission amount).
[0418]
[Step 511] When the master strobe is in the control-only mode, the master strobe generates a light emission start signal (pulse emission of the Xe tube 19) for starting light emission of the slave strobe.
[0419]
[Step 512] The slave strobe performs main light emission in accordance with the information such as the light emission mode and the light emission amount instructed in step 504 in synchronization with the start of light emission of the master strobe in step 510 or step 511. When the light emission is normally performed, the slave strobe displays information on the main light emission on the liquid crystal display 240. For example, information on the light emission mode [automatic light control] is displayed on the display 301, and the display 302 is turned on in the case of the FP light emission mode.
[0420]
The display of the slave strobe is displayed and updated when the main flash is normally performed, so that it is possible to confirm that the slave strobe has correctly received information from the master strobe and emitted light.
[0421]
[Step 513] After a predetermined shutter opening time elapses, the camera travels in the rear curtain and ends photographing.
[0422]
[Step 514] The master strobe displays the dimming permission / inhibition result instructed from the camera with the dimming confirmation LED 244 turned on or off for a predetermined time after the light emission ends.
[0423]
In the camera finder, the same display as in step 417 is displayed for a predetermined time.
[0424]
[Step 515] When the exposure operation is completed, the main mirror 2 and the sub mirror 25 that have been withdrawn from the photographing light quantity are lowered, the film is wound up by one frame by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109, and the photographing operation is terminated.
[0425]
  Note that the strobe transmission signal in the above operation is the first implementation.Form ofTherefore, the description of the timing chart is omitted.
[0426]
Moreover, although the said description was demonstrated using the structure of 1st Embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the same effect is acquired even if it uses the structure of 2nd and 3rd Embodiment.
[0427]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in the wireless flash system, a test flash of the slave strobe is performed before shooting, subject reflected light is measured, and appropriate exposure can be obtained based on the photometric result. In addition, it is possible to confirm the degree when appropriate exposure cannot be obtained before photographing.
[0428]
In addition, the main flash amount obtained during the test flash is stored, and the main flash is performed according to the stored value.Therefore, even if the subject is not in the center of the screen, the composition of the camera is changed and the test flash is used to adjust the exposure. It is possible to perform proper flash exposure by storing the image and returning the composition during shooting. Furthermore, by realizing the above effects in a wireless multiple-flash strobe, the degree of freedom in installing the strobe is increased, and a strobe system with excellent operability can be realized.
[0431]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention according to the present application, it is possible to configure a camera that can cause a slave strobe device to emit light with an appropriate light emission amount via a master strobe device..
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electric circuit block diagram of the camera system of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an electric circuit block diagram of the strobe according to the first embodiment of this invention.
4 is an external view of the strobe of FIG. 3, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a master strobe and a slave strobe according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views showing a relationship between a master flash and a slave flash according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views showing the relationship between the master flash and the slave flash according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a display example of the display unit of the strobe according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a display example of the display unit of the strobe according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a display example of the display unit of the strobe according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating wireless communication according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a wireless communication command according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the slave strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a light amount ratio setting correction amount according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and the strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
28 is an electric circuit block diagram of the camera system of FIG. 27. FIG.
FIG. 29 is an electric circuit block diagram of a strobe control circuit of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 is a photographing example in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a display example of a display device of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is a front view of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of autofocus auxiliary light according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is an electric circuit block diagram of a camera system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a viewfinder screen according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
19, 120 ... xenon tube
100 ... Camera microcomputer
238 ... Strobe microcomputer
212 ... Light emission control circuit
256 ... Photodiode
240 ... Liquid crystal display device

Claims (8)

In a camera for controlling a strobe system including a master strobe device and a slave strobe device that is arranged at a position away from the master strobe device and controlled by optical communication from the master strobe device,
Photometric means for measuring subject brightness;
Control means capable of communicating with the master strobe device, and transmitting a signal for controlling the light emission operation of the slave strobe device to the slave strobe device via the master strobe device;
The control means includes
Based on a photometric result measured during the pre-flash operation of the slave strobe device by the photometry means, a flash time in a main flash operation by flat light emission for irradiating a subject during photographing of the slave strobe device , the camera Calculate the light emission time according to the shutter speed of
Before transmitting a light emission start signal for starting the main light emission operation by the flat light emission of the slave strobe device, a light emission signal indicating the light emission time of the main light emission operation by the flat light emission of the slave strobe device is transmitted to the master. A camera that transmits to a slave strobe device via a strobe device .   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the master strobe device is attached to the camera and communicates with the control unit via a contact.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the master strobe device is built in the camera. The said light emission signal contains the signal which shows the light emission mode of the said flat light emission in addition to the signal which shows the said light emission time of the main light emission operation | movement by the said flat light emission. The listed camera. The light emission signal is formed by a digitally encoded optical pulse train of a predetermined length,
The said control means makes the said slave strobe device transmit the optical pulse train which shows the light emission mode of the flat light emission, and the optical pulse train which shows the said light emission time continuously via the said master strobe device. The listed camera. The strobe system has a plurality of slave strobe devices,
In the case where the plurality of slave strobe devices simultaneously perform a main light emission operation by flat light emission , the control means causes the plurality of slave strobe devices to perform a pre-light emission operation at different timings by optical communication via the master strobe device, 6. The light emission time in the main light emission operation by flat light emission of each slave strobe device is calculated based on a photometric result measured during the pre-light emission operation of each slave strobe device. A camera according to one of the above. A camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A master strobe device capable of communicating with the camera;
And a slave strobe device disposed at a position away from the master strobe device and controlled by optical communication from the master strobe device. A control method in a camera for controlling a strobe system including a master strobe device and a slave strobe device arranged at a position away from the master strobe device and controlled by optical communication from the master strobe device,
A step of measuring the subject brightness by causing the slave strobe device to perform a pre-flash operation;
Based on the subject brightness measured during the pre-flash operation of the slave strobe device, the light emission time in the main flash operation by flat light emission for illuminating the subject during shooting of the slave strobe device, and the shutter speed of the camera Calculating a light emission time according to
To the slave flash device from the master flash device, before transmitting the light emission start signal for starting the main light-emitting operation by the flat emission of the slave flash device, a main light emission by the flat emission of the slave flash device A control method comprising a step of transmitting a light emission signal indicating the light emission time of operation.

Images