JP4171980B2 - Camera system and interchangeable lens - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lens barrel and a camera system using the lens barrel. In particular, the present invention relates to a lens barrel having an operation switch in the lens barrel and a camera system using the lens barrel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general photography, a release operation is often performed while capturing a subject with a viewfinder. For this reason, the shutter speed setting dial and the like are arranged in the vicinity of the release button so that they can be executed without visual confirmation. On the other hand, a lens barrel provided with an autofocus start button, a focus lock button, and the like has also been proposed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-313797 proposes to provide a part of the switch provided on the camera body side in the lens barrel in order to reduce the burden on the hand for performing the release switch operation.
[0003]
In addition, the lens barrel stores the in-focus distance in advance and the lens barrel stores the in-focus distance in advance by driving a part of the lenses of the photographic optical system in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis to correct camera shake during shooting. A multifunctional lens barrel with various new functions such as the so-called go-home function that focuses on the in-focus distance that has been instantly stored has emerged. Shooting is possible even in situations where it is difficult to shoot because the focus is not in time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the number of operation members is increased due to the increase in functionality, and the operation is complicated. For this reason, for example, there is a problem that a photo opportunity is missed while operating the go-home switch in sports photography or the like, and the functions provided cannot be fully utilized.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to enable quick shooting without wasteful movement.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, in order to solve the problem, the position of the switch provided on the interchangeable lens is arranged so that it can be collectively operated in the vicinity of the release switch when the interchangeable lens is mounted on the camera body.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a side view of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is an interchangeable lens, and 2 is a focus presetting instruction for a go-home function (the go-home function will be described in detail later). Reference numeral 1 denotes an operation switch, 3 denotes a camera body, 5 denotes a focus ring for performing a manual focusing operation, 6 denotes a tripod mount, and 33 denotes a release switch. Reference numeral 4 in FIG. 1 denotes a second operation switch. The function selector switch 7 (see FIG. 2) is used to start the go home function, start the auto focus function, start the auto focus function, and lock the focus of the auto focus function. Either the start of blur correction can be performed.
[0008]
FIG. 2 is a system schematic diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, wherein 7 is a function changeover switch for switching the function of the second operation switch 4, and 9 is an electrical connection between the interchangeable lens 1 and the camera body 3. The coupler 11, the first lens group 11, the second lens group 12 for focusing in the optical axis direction, the third lens group 13 for focusing, and the camera 14 moving in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The fourth lens group to be corrected, 21 is a CPU in the interchangeable lens electrically connected to the main body by the coupler 9, 22 is a magnetic encoder for detecting the position of the second lens group, and 23 is the second lens group in the optical axis direction. , 24 is an AF (autofocus) control unit that controls the ultrasonic motor 23 based on a command from the CPU 21, and 25 is a shake correction drive that drives the fourth lens group in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. , 26 is the absolute sky of the lens barrel A blur sensor 31 for detecting a camera shake that is a movement relative to the camera, 31 a CPU in the camera body electrically connected to the CPU 21 by the coupler 9, 32 a CCD for recording a photographed image, and 34 a focus detection for detecting a focus state. Reference numeral 35 denotes a viewfinder.
[0009]
Here, the go-home function will be described. The go-home function stores the in-focus state (focus preset) by operating the first operation switch in a state where the subject having a desired shooting distance is in focus, and is in another in-focus state. This is a function for instantaneously storing the in-focus state by operating the second operation switch 4 selected and set as a go-home / start switch (hereinafter abbreviated as go-home as appropriate).
[0010]
For example, when shooting a player who runs into the third base to steal when shooting baseball, it is instantaneous, and since the player is running, autofocus may not work effectively. The go-home function is particularly effective at such times. In other words, even if you are shooting a batter or pitcher, if you preset the focus to 3 mm in advance, pressing the second operation switch 4 when you notice the stealing will instantly focus on 3 km and miss the shooting of the stolen scene. There is no.
[0011]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 showing a system schematic diagram in which a camera and an interchangeable lens are combined. In the present embodiment, the second operation switch 4 will be described on the assumption that the go-home / start function of the go-home function is assigned by the function selector switch 7. First, an in-focus zone is set on a subject having a desired shooting distance (in the above example, 3 mm base), and the release switch 33 is half-pressed with the right index finger. By half-pressing the release switch 33, the CPU 31 sends a defocus signal (a deviation amount of the second lens group 12 with respect to the in-focus position) to the CPU 21 based on the distance measurement signal from the focus detection unit 34. A control signal is sent to the AF control unit 24 based on the defocus signal. The AF control unit 24 drives the ultrasonic motor 23 based on the control signal from the CPU 21, and the ultrasonic motor 23 moves the second lens group 12 in the optical axis direction. Move and focus. The magnetic encoder 22 detects the position of the second lens group 12 and sends position data to the CPU 21.
[0012]
Completion of focusing is confirmed by the focusing detection unit 34 and displayed on a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) in the finder 35. In this state, the photographer operates the first operation switch 2 with the middle finger of the right hand, whereby the position information of the second lens group 12 from the magnetic encoder 22 is used as a go-home target and a storage device (not shown) in the interchangeable lens 1. The focus preset is completed. In this way, the photographer can perform the release operation and the focus preset operation in a lump with the right hand, so there is no need to change the hand holding the camera, and the photographer reliably sets the focus to the shooting distance of the target subject. I can do it. When the focus preset is completed, a buzzer (not shown) in the interchangeable lens sounds, and the photographer can confirm the completion of the focus preset. After confirming the focus preset, even if the operation of the first operation switch 2 is released, the go-home target is stored until the next focus preset operation. The in-focus state for focus presetting can also be performed by operating the first operation switch 2 with the right hand after operating the focus ring with the left hand to obtain a desired in-focus state.
[0013]
Further, based on the half-press operation of the release switch 33, the CPU 31 instructs the CPU 21 to start camera shake correction. The CPU 21 that has received an instruction to start camera shake correction determines the drive amount of the fourth lens group 14 based on the shake information from the shake sensor 26, and sends the drive amount to the shake correction drive unit 25. The shake correction drive unit 25 drives the fourth lens group according to the drive amount from the CPU 21 and corrects the camera shake of the photographic image on the CCD 32 by shifting the optical axis of the photographic optical system.
[0014]
During this time, the photographer performs photographing as usual, and operates the second operation switch 4 with the left hand when the focus preset state is set. In response to the operation of the second operation switch 4, the CPU 21 sends a control signal to the AF control unit 24 based on the difference between the current value of the magnetic encoder 22 and the stored go-home target. The AF control unit 24 drives the ultrasonic motor 23 based on the control signal, and the second lens group 12 moves in the optical axis direction to be in a focus state in which focus is preset in advance.
[0015]
Since the four second operation switches 4 are provided in the vicinity of the focus ring at intervals of about 90 degrees, the photographer can operate quickly even when shooting in the vertical composition or shooting in the horizontal screen. Further, since the first operation switch 2 is arranged in the vicinity of the release switch 33 so as to be able to be operated together with the operation of the release switch 33, the photographer can operate quickly even when shooting a vertical composition or shooting a horizontal screen. ing. In the case of a camera system in which a separate release switch is provided for vertical composition shooting, a first operation switch may be provided in the vicinity of the release switch for vertical composition shooting. Furthermore, the first operation switch may be provided in the camera body, and in this case, the first operation switch can be switched to an operation of another function.
[0016]
Next, the function of the function selector switch 7 will be described. FIG. 3 is a side view of the camera system showing the opposite side of FIG. 1 (left side for the photographer when holding the camera) with the optical axis in between. As shown in FIG. 3, the function selector switch 7 is provided on the opposite side (left side) of the first operation switch 2. Since the function selector switch 7 is arranged on the left side, the function selector switch 7 can be operated with the left hand while the photographer can operate the release switch 33 with the right hand.
[0017]
[When assigning the focus lock function]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of assigning and using the focus lock function to the second operation switch. When the photographer aligns the instruction mark on the function selector switch 7 with the focus lock (AF-L) mark, the focus lock function is assigned to the second operation switch 4 (operation (hereinafter O) 510). The photographer operates the release switch 33 of the camera 3 halfway (O515) to activate autofocus, and the second lens group 12 moves in the optical axis direction and is focused. In this state, when the second operation switch 4 is pressed (O520), the second operation switch 4 is turned on, the focus lock is activated, and the position of the second lens group 12 is fixed. While the second operation switch 4 is being pressed, the position of the second lens group 12 is maintained and the same position is in focus.
[0018]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control for assigning and using the focus lock function to the second operation switch. In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 51, the in-lens CPU 21 detects whether the function selector switch 7 is set to focus lock. If the function selector switch 7 is set to focus lock, the process proceeds to S52 to detect whether the second operation switch 4 is pressed. If the focus switch is not set to focus lock, the flow ends. If it is detected in S52 that the second operation switch 4 is pressed, the process proceeds to S53, the second lens group 12 is fixed, and if the second operation switch 4 is not pressed, the process returns to S51. In S53, after the second lens group 12 is fixed, the process returns to S51.
[0019]
A single-lens reflex camera having an autofocus function generally has a function for focusing on a stationary subject and a function for focusing on a moving subject as an autofocus function. The focus lock function is convenient when using a function for focusing on a moving subject.
[0020]
To focus on a still subject, select the function to focus on the still subject, place the subject in the focus frame in the viewfinder field, and press the release switch 33 of the camera 3 halfway to activate the autofocus function. The second lens group 12 is moved to the in-focus position. In a state where the release switch 33 is half-pressed, the second lens group 12 does not move and the focus on the subject is maintained even if the subject moves away from the focus frame to change the composition.
[0021]
On the other hand, when focusing on a moving subject, select the function to focus on the moving subject, place the subject in the focus frame in the field of view of the viewfinder, and press the release switch 33 of the camera 3 halfway to activate the autofocus function. Operate. Since the subject is moving, the second lens group 12 moves according to the subject and maintains a focused state. However, if the subject moves out of the focus frame, the subject is different from the target subject that has entered the focus frame, and the target subject is not in focus. In particular, if you want to shoot with a different composition, you are likely to fall into this situation. In such a case, the focus lock function is effective. That is, when the composition is changed, if the second operation switch 4 is pressed while the subject is in the focus frame, the second lens group 12 is fixed, so that the focus moves to an undesired subject during the composition change. You can prevent it.
[0022]
Even if the function for focusing on a moving subject is selected, if the focus lock function is assigned to the second operation switch 4, it can be the same as selecting the function for focusing on a stationary subject. That is, with the function for focusing on a moving subject selected, the subject is placed in the focus frame and the release switch 33 of the camera 3 is pressed halfway. As a result, the autofocus function is activated, and the second lens group 12 is moved to the in-focus position. The function of focusing on a moving subject is selected, but the second lens group 12 is stationary because the subject is stationary. Here, if the subject is removed from the focus frame to change the composition, the second lens group 12 is moved to focus on an object that is not the target, so the second operation switch 4 is pressed before the composition is changed. By this operation, the second lens group 12 is fixed, so that there is no possibility that the object is out of focus. If the focus lock function is assigned to the second operation switch 4 with the function selector switch 7 in this way, the function of focusing on a stationary subject can be omitted. Further, when the focus switch function is assigned to the second operation switch 4 by the function changeover switch 7, the CPU 21 may control the autofocus function so that the function for focusing on the moving subject is automatically selected.
[0023]
[When assigning the auto focus start function]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of assigning and using an autofocus start function to the second operation switch. When the photographer sets the function selector switch 7 to autofocus start (AF-ON), an autofocus start function is assigned to the second operation switch 4 (O710). When the photographer presses the second operation switch 4, the autofocus is activated, the second lens group 12 is moved, and focusing is performed. That is, the same function is obtained as when the release switch 33 of the camera 3 is half-pressed.
[0024]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control for assigning and using an autofocus start function to the second operation switch. In S71, the in-lens CPU 21 detects whether the function selector switch 7 is set to start autofocus. If the function selector switch 7 is set to start autofocus, the process proceeds to S72 to detect whether the second operation switch 4 is pressed. If the function selector switch 7 is not set to start autofocus, the flow ends. If it is detected in S72 that the second operation switch 4 is pressed, the process proceeds to S73 to move and focus the second lens group 12, and if the second operation switch 4 is not pressed, the process returns to S71. . In S73, after the second lens group 12 is moved and focused, the process returns to S71.
[0025]
When auto-focusing is started by half-pressing the release switch 33 of the camera 3, the release may be started by accidentally pressing strongly. If the user does not want to perform the two functions with only the release switch 33 as described above, the release switch 33 can be obtained by assigning the auto-focus start function to the second operation switch 4 and starting the auto-focus with the second operation switch. It is sufficient to perform only the release operation. That is, it can be set as one function 1 operation member, and it becomes possible to concentrate on each operation.
[0026]
[When assigning the Go Home function]
8 and 10 are flowcharts showing an operation of assigning and using the go-home function to the second operation switch. When the photographer sets the function selector switch 7 to GO HOME, the GO HOME function is assigned to the second operation switch 4, and at the same time, the focus preset function is assigned to the first operation switch 2 (O910, O111). ). When the photographer presses the release switch 33 of the camera 3 halfway (O915), the auto focus is activated and the second lens group 12 moves to focus on the subject. Alternatively, the focus ring 5 is manually rotated to move the second lens group 12 to focus on the subject or to be in an arbitrary focus state. In this state, pressing the first operation switch 2 activates the focus preset function, and the position of the second lens group 12 is stored in a non-illustrated nonvolatile memory. Thereafter, when shooting is performed with autofocus or manual focus, the position of the second lens group 12 moves from the focus preset position to a different position. Next, when the second operation switch 4 is pressed (O112), the go-home function is activated and the position of the second lens group 12 is moved to the focus preset position.
[0027]
FIGS. 9 and 11 are flowcharts showing the control for assigning and using the go-home function to the second operation switch. In S91, the in-lens CPU 21 detects whether the function selector switch 7 is set to go home. If the function selector switch 7 is set to go-home, the process proceeds to S92. If it is not set to go-home, the flow ends. If it is detected in S92 that the first operation switch 2 is pressed, the process proceeds to S93, where the position of the second lens group 12 is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown), and the first operation switch 2 is pressed. If not, return to S91. If the function selector switch 7 is set to go-home after the CPU 21 detects whether the function selector switch 7 is set to go-home (S111), the second operation switch 4 is pressed in S112. Detect whether or not When it is detected in S112 that the second operation switch 4 is pressed, the second lens group 12 is moved to the position stored in the focus preset and fixed. If it is not detected in S112 that the second operation switch 4 is being pressed, the process returns to S111.
[0028]
The go-home function not only has the above-mentioned features, but also by focusing on frequently used focus presets (placement pins), if the subject is within the focus preset shooting distance, auto focus You can also focus on low-contrast subjects that are not good at functions.
(Modification)
In this embodiment, an ultrasonic motor is used for AF driving, but a DC motor may be used. Furthermore, the AF driving motor may be provided in the camera body. In this case, the motor in the camera body and the AF driving mechanism in the interchangeable lens are connected by a known coupling mechanism. Further, in the present embodiment, only one in-focus state that can be focus-preset is used, but a plurality of in-focus states may be used as a go-home target so that the focus can be preset. In this case, different go-home targets can be assigned to the plurality of second operation switches 4 provided. In this embodiment, the magnetic encoder 22 is used to detect the position of the second lens group. However, an electrical position detector may be used using an optical encoder or a conductive pattern and a brush.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the second operation switch 4 is simply a switch that is turned on and off. However, a two-stage switch such as a release switch 33 can be used without being caught by the switch. When a two-stage switch is used as the second operation switch 4, the autofocus can be started at the first stage (half-pressed), and the go-home function can be activated at the second stage. By configuring the second operation switch 4 in this way, instantaneous go-home can be performed when it is determined that the focus is not achieved even when the autofocus is activated. Alternatively, a two-stage switch may be used for the second operation switch 4 to start autofocus at the first stage (half-press) and to perform focus lock at the second stage (full-press). In this case, auto focus start and focus lock are performed with the same switch, but since there is almost no possibility of auto focus start and focus lock being performed simultaneously, the photographer is not confused. Needless to say, the function assignment switch 7 can also be used to assign a function when a two-stage switch is used as the second operation switch 4.
[0030]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the first operation switch 2 has the focus preset function has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the function lock switch 7 assigns the focus lock function to the second operation switch 4. If it is, an autofocus start function can be assigned to the first operation switch 2. In this way, the release switch 33 can only perform the release, the first operation switch 2 can only start the autofocus, and the second operation switch 4 can only perform the focus lock. As a result, one function and one operation member can be obtained, so that each operation can be concentrated and operability is improved.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the first operation switch is disposed in the vicinity of the release switch, the focus preset and release of the go-home function can be collectively operated with the right hand. Therefore, the photographer can concentrate on the subject in the viewfinder, and can reliably focus preset the shooting distance of the target subject, which is convenient.
[0032]
Furthermore, if the function of the operation switch is switched by the function switch, even an interchangeable lens or camera system having many functions can be prevented from being complicated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the camera system showing the opposite side of FIG. 1 with respect to the optical axis.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of assigning a focus lock function to a second operation switch and using it in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing control for assigning and using a focus lock function to a second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in which an auto-focus start function is assigned to the second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control for assigning and using an auto-focus start function to the second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows operation which allocates and uses a go-home function.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing control in which the go-home function is assigned to the second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the go-home function is assigned to the second operation switch in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control for assigning and using a go-home function to the second operation switch according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Interchangeable lens 2 ... 1st operation switch 3 ... Camera body 4 ... 2nd operation switch 5 ... Focus ring 6 ... Tripod seat 7 ... Function changeover switch 11 ... 1st lens group 12 ... 2nd lens group 13 ... 3rd lens Group 14 ... Fourth lens group 21 ... CPU
22 ... Magnetic encoder 23 ... Ultrasonic motor 24 ... AF control unit 25 ... Shake correction drive unit 26 ... Blur sensor 31 ... CPU
32 ... CCD
33 ... Release switch 34 ... Focus detection unit 35 ... Viewfinder

Claims (10)

A camera body provided on one side with a release switch capable of performing operations related to the release operation ;
An exchange that can be attached to the camera body, which has a photographing optical system, a focus ring that can focus the photographing optical system by manual operation, and a first operation switch that can perform operations related to photographing operations other than the release operation and a lens,
In a state where the interchangeable lens is mounted on the camera body, the first operation switch is a side surface on the one side of the interchangeable lens, and is closer to the release switch on the camera body side than the focus operation ring. camera system, characterized in that provided in the. The camera system according to claim 1,
  The camera system, wherein the first operation switch is a switch for storing an in-focus state. In the camera system according to claim 1 or 2,
  The interchangeable lens has a second operation switch provided in the vicinity of the focus ring. The camera system according to claim 3,
  The second operation switch includes an autofocus function for focusing the photographing optical system, a go-home function for adjusting the photographing optical system to a stored desired focal position, and at least a part of the photographing optical system. A camera system, characterized in that it is a switch that can be operated with respect to at least one function of a camera shake correction function that moves in a direction crossing the optical axis of a photographing optical system to correct camera shake. In the camera system according to claim 3 or 4,
  The interchangeable lens is provided on a side surface of the interchangeable lens facing the first operation switch, and has a setting unit for setting a function assigned to the second operation switch. An interchangeable lens that can be attached to the camera body provided on one side with a release switch capable of performing operations related to the release operation ,
Photographic optics,
A focus ring capable of focusing the photographing optical system by manual operation;
A first operation switch capable of performing an operation related to a shooting operation other than the release operation,
Wherein the first operating switch, the one a side of the side, the interchangeable lens, characterized in that than the focus operating ring provided in the vicinity of the release switch of the camera body. The interchangeable lens according to claim 6,
  The interchangeable lens, wherein the first operation switch is a switch for storing an in-focus state. In the interchangeable lens according to claim 6 or 7,
  An interchangeable lens comprising a second operation switch provided in the vicinity of the focus ring. The interchangeable lens according to claim 8,
  The second operation switch includes an autofocus function for focusing the photographing optical system, a go-home function for adjusting the photographing optical system to a stored desired focal position, and at least a part of the photographing optical system. An interchangeable lens, characterized in that it is a switch that can be operated with respect to at least one function of a camera shake correction function that is moved in a direction crossing the optical axis of a photographing optical system to correct camera shake. In the interchangeable lens according to claim 8 or claim 9,
  An interchangeable lens comprising a setting unit provided on a side surface facing the first operation switch and configured to set a function assigned to the second operation switch.

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