JPH0720647Y2 - Auto focus camera - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (a) Technical Field The present invention relates to an automatic focusing camera, and more specifically, it activates a distance measuring means each time an externally operable photographing preparation switch is operated, A prefocus operation is performed to hold the distance measurement information from the distance measurement means in the distance measurement information holding means while the above operation is continued, and then the film is exposed by operating an externally operable shooting execution switch. The present invention relates to an autofocus camera that performs a shooting operation.

(B) Prior Art When taking a commemorative photo by alternately taking photographers who operate the camera from among a plurality of persons as subjects, when the camera is a camera with manual focus, the operation of this camera is familiar. This person shoots the first shot after the person has performed an appropriate operation such as focusing, and this person is the subject for the second shot, and any one person who was the subject at the time of shooting the first shot Take turns and become a photographer. Then, this new photographer is often handed by the previous photographer with the camera set in the state at the time of photographing the first image, and it is often done to photograph a substantially identical subject from a substantially identical position. Was there. In other words, if the photographers take turns taking two pictures, all of them will be taken after all, and it will be possible to take a very commemorative photo. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to perform the focusing operation, and only the so-called "pressing the shutter" is sufficient.

However, in autofocus cameras that have become widespread in recent years, distance measurement is automatically performed for each shot, so once the focus etc. is set, like the manual focus camera described above, It became difficult to give it to another person.

In many autofocus cameras, pressing one release button, which is generally provided with a protruding behavior, against the protruding behavior can be operated in two steps.

In other words, the state where the first stroke is pressed (half-pressed state)
Widely used, which is configured to perform a series of shooting operations such as shutter opening / closing operation by performing photometry, distance measurement, focusing, etc. with the second stroke (full-pressed state). is doing. Such an autofocus camera can be operated in any of the half-pressed state and the non-operated state without exposing the film so that a subject to be focused can be aimed and distance measurement can be performed prior to composition determination. The distance measurement data can be repeatedly performed a number of times, and the distance measurement data once distanced is configured so that the prefocus operation can be held until the half-pressed state is released.

However, the pressing surface of the release button has a diameter of about 7 to 10 mm at the most, and it is in an unstable state of being half pressed, so it is not impossible to hand the camera to another person while holding this half pressed state. However, it is not realistic because it is very difficult. Also, no matter how an autofocus camera is, a person who has never operated the camera, or a person who has operated the camera but is unfamiliar with it, always has a mistake. A commemorative photo is a typical example.

For example, there are three people A, B, and C as subjects to be commemoratively photographed, and person A is a veteran who is familiar with the camera, and the rest of the people.
When B and C are amateurs unfamiliar with the camera, and when these three people take a commemorative photo under the situation that the self-timer cannot shoot because there is no suitable support to support the camera , As shown in FIG. 5, people B, C
Is a subject and is a veteran person A with a background of mountains, etc. as background 16.
Becomes the operator (photographer) and shoots the camera. Generally, in the viewfinder of the camera, a target mark indicating the range-finding range is projected, and the camera is operated to match this with the desired subject in the viewfinder, and the release button is pressed halfway Distance measurement, photometry, and focusing are performed on a subject, but for example, an experienced person A
In this case, the target mark is accurately aligned with the person B or person C who is the subject, the desired composition is further determined by the finder, and the first (first) shooting is quickly performed.

However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the operator C is replaced by an unfamiliar person C and the persons A and B are subjects, the unfamiliar person C is counted as a veteran person A. Even if the target mark is aligned with the subject A or B as described above, there is a possibility that the camera may be slightly moved when the release button is pressed. Then, it passes through between the persons A and B who are the subjects to be focused, and in this case, the background 16 is measured, so the distance measurement data becomes infinity, and people A and B near
The image is out of focus and becomes out of focus.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when an unfamiliar person C becomes a photographer, he or she may inadvertently press the release button halfway when the camera is facing the ground 17 with his finger. In this case as well, there is a mistake that the photograph is out of focus similarly to the above.

Also, in the case of self-shooting with a self-timer, for example, in order to place the camera on a desk or the like and perform the above prefocus, it is necessary to perform it in an unreasonable posture because the eye height does not match, which is extremely difficult. is there. In particular, when a person as a subject changes his / her pose and shoots a plurality of images, it is very troublesome to perform prefocusing in an unnatural posture each time.

(C) Purpose The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to make a commemorative photo of at least two times of photographing subjects at substantially the same distance.
By setting the commemorative shooting mode, it is easy to focus correctly on the desired subject in the first shooting, and it is also possible to change the subject by focusing even after distance measurement once. After the final prefocus before the operation is performed, the composition can be freely set and the desired composition can be taken, and the prefocus operation for the second and subsequent predetermined times of shooting is not required. And second
After the predetermined number of shots after the first shot, it automatically returns from the commemorative shooting mode to the normal shooting mode to prevent failure due to forgetting to switch modes, so that even people unfamiliar with the camera can take measurements based on erroneous operations. It is an object of the present invention to provide an autofocus camera which can prevent the distance from failing and can remarkably improve the operability for those who are familiar with the camera.

(D) Configuration In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention activates the distance measuring means every time the externally operable photographing preparation switch is operated, and further, the distance measuring information from the distance measuring means is operated by the above operation. A pre-focusing operation to be held by the distance-measuring information holding means is continuously performed, and then the final focus information based on the final distance-measuring information by the last pre-focusing operation performed by operating the externally operable shooting execution switch. In an autofocus camera in which an operation is performed and a filming operation for exposing a film is performed, the distance is substantially the same as the distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject and outputting the distance measurement information corresponding to the distance. An externally operable mode selector switch for switching between a commemorative photographing mode for photographing a subject at least twice and a normal photographing mode, and this mode selector switch Mode is set, the final distance measurement information by the prefocusing operation performed last before the first shooting operation is performed is received and stored from the distance measurement information holding unit, and at least the memorial information is stored. In the shooting mode, the distance measurement information storage means that keeps the memory until the second shooting operation is completed, and the final distance measurement information from the distance measurement information storage means and the distance measurement information holding means. Received,
Distance measurement information selection for selectively outputting the final distance measurement information from the distance measurement information storage means or the distance measurement information holding means when the mode selection switch is set to the memorial photography mode or the normal photography mode, respectively. And a focusing operation of receiving the output of the distance measurement information selecting means and drivingly controlling the photographing lens to a focusing position corresponding to the final distance measurement information after the prefocus operation and before the photographing operation. When the first photographing operation is executed in the memorial photographing mode, the lens drive control means is provided, and the combination is performed based on the final distance measurement information of the distance measurement information holding means prior to the execution of the first photographing operation. When the focusing operation is performed and the second shooting operation is performed, the second shooting operation is performed regardless of the distance measurement information obtained by the prefocus operation after the first shooting operation. As well as configured above focusing operation is performed based on the final distance measurement information of the distance measurement information storage unit before the photographing operation, the mode switching means,
After being set to the commemorative shooting mode, at least the first shooting operation is performed a predetermined number of times under this mode, and when the shooting operation is completed, the shooting mode is automatically switched to the normal shooting mode. To do.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an autofocus camera according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation sequence of the embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is associated with a lens barrier (not shown) that covers the front surface of the taking lens of the camera body in an openable and closable manner, and the closed side contact 1a corresponding to the closed state of the lens barrier is the power supply + V. This is a lens barrier open / close switch that has a common contact 1c, which is pulled up, the open side contact 1b corresponding to the same open state is grounded. Reference numeral 2 is a release button provided on the camera body, which can be operated externally, and RL1 and RL2 are release switches serving as a shooting preparation switch and a shooting execution switch, which are linked to the release button 2. The release switch RL1 is turned on when the operator presses with his / her finger or the like to the half-push position of the position P2 at P1, the full-push position of the position P3 is reached, and the release switch RL2 follows the above RL1.
Are both turned on, and when the pressing is released, the position is returned to the position P1 and both RL1 and RL2 are turned off. 3 is composed of a push button switch or a momentary switch, and a commemorative photographing mode (hereinafter simply referred to as "commemorative mode") for photographing subjects at substantially the same distance as typified by commemorative photographing at least twice, and normal photographing An externally operable mode selector switch for switching modes (hereinafter, simply referred to as “normal mode”). One end of each of the mode selector switch 3 and the release switches RL1, RL2 is a common contact 1c of the lens barrier opening / closing switch 1.
It is connected to the. 4 is the release switch at the input end
The other ends of RL1 and RL2 are respectively connected and pulled up to be a switch input section which outputs release signals (RL1) and (RL2) corresponding to the release switches RL1 and RL2.

The other end of the mode selector switch 3 is connected to the input end of the device 5 and pulled up, and the release signal (RL1)
And (RL2) and flag signal (FLG) are received, focus instruction signal (CFC), mode signals (M1) and (M2), select signal (SMD) are output from the output end, and AF lock flag AFG and mode are output internally. A mode control unit that has a flag MFG and sends / receives a control signal (CTR) to / from the input / output terminals.
The level is configured to correspond to the memorial mode.

Reference numeral 6 is a photometry unit that receives the release signal (RL1) at the input end, measures the brightness of a subject (not shown), and outputs photometric data (AE) and an operation end signal (FIN) corresponding to the brightness from the output end. 7 is the focus instruction signal (CF
C) and the above-mentioned operation end signal (FIN), measure the distance to the subject, and output the distance measurement data (AF) as the distance measurement information corresponding thereto from the output end Is.

An input terminal 8 receives the focus instruction signal (CFC), the release signal (RL1) and the distance measurement data (AF) at its input end, and outputs the focus instruction signal (CFC) and the release signal (RL).
It is a data latch unit as a side distance information holding means which latches (holds) the distance measurement data (AF) and outputs the latched contents as a data signal (D1) only when simultaneously receiving 1). The input terminal 9 receives the mode signal (M1) and the data signal (D1) at its input end, and the mode signal (M1)
Only when the data signal (D1) is received, the stored content is output as the data signal (D2), and the flag signal (FLG) is output from the output end when the operation for this storage is completed. The data memory unit serves as a distance measurement information storage unit.

When the input terminal 10 receives the L level select signal (SMD), the data signal (D1) also received at the input terminal is output from the output terminal as a data signal (D3), and H
When receiving a level select signal (SMD), it is a data selector as distance measuring information selecting means for outputting the data signal (D2) similarly received at the input end as a data signal (D3).

11 is a data signal (D
3), the initialization signal (INZ), the release signal (RL1), and the data signal (D3) and the release signal (RL
1) at the same time, the shooting lens (not shown) is moved to the in-focus position corresponding to this (D3).
A lens drive unit as a lens drive control means for driving the photographing lens to an initial position (for example, a position on the longest focal point side) when a focusing operation is performed by controlling a and an initialization signal (INZ) is received. is there.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a mode display section that receives the mode signal (M2) and indicates that the mode is the memorial mode or the normal mode.

The input terminal 13 receives the release signals (RL1) and (RL2), the input / output terminal receives and transmits the control signal (CTR), and the output terminal receives the initialization signal (INZ) and the shutter signal (S).
It is a photographing control unit that outputs S) to control the photographing operation.

The input terminal 14 receives the shutter signal (SS) and the photometric data (AE) at its input end, opens the shutter 14a for a time corresponding to the photometric data (AE), exposes a film (not shown), and then releases the shutter. A shutter control unit that closes 14a and outputs a shutter close signal (SED) to the photographing control unit 13. Reference numeral 15 denotes a film feeding unit which receives a winding signal (WD) output from the photographing control unit 13 at its input end and winds the film of one frame which has been photographed (exposed) by a winding motor 15a.

The mode switch 3 and the release switch RL1,
The respective input ends of the mode control unit 5 and the switch input unit 4 to which RL2 is connected are configured to be effective as inputs when the signal applied thereto becomes L level.

The operation of the present embodiment thus configured will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

Each part in FIG. 1 is in an initial state, the taking lens is in the initial position, and the AF lock flag AFG and the mode flag MFG are both OF
It is assumed that F, the select signal is at L level, the mode display section 12 has the normal mode display turned on, the memorial mode display has turned off, and the data latch section 8 and the data memory section 9 have their contents cleared.

Then, it is assumed that the lens barrier is opened by the operator and the lens barrier open / close switch is brought into the state shown in FIG. 1 accordingly. That is, the common contact 1c is connected to the open / close contact 1b and becomes the L level. Therefore, when the lens barrier is closed, the common contact 1c is connected to the close contact 1a and is at the H level.
An L level signal cannot be generated by operating either RL1, RL2 or the mode selector switch 3. That is, the operation becomes invalid.

Now, in this case, the common contact 1c is at L level, so RL
It is valid regardless of which of 1, 1, RL2, and the mode selector switch 3 is operated. Next, the operator sets the mode selector switch 3 to 1
Press (operate) only once. At this point, the flowchart of FIG. 4 starts with "memorial mode ON". At the first "memorial mode flag ON", the mode control unit 5 detects that the signal at the input end to which the mode changeover switch 3 is connected becomes L level, and turns ON the mode flag MFG. Then, at the next "lighting of commemorative mode display", the mode signal (M2) is output, the normal mode display that is currently lit on the mode display unit 12 is turned off, and the commemorative mode display is lit. The next "END" ends the commemorative mode setting operation.

An operator familiar with the camera visually recognizes the contents displayed on the mode display section 12 and directs the camera toward the subject in order to perform the prefocus operation. For example, as described in FIG. The target mark is surely aligned, and here the release button 2 is pressed from the position P1 to the position P2 corresponding to the first stroke to bring about the half-pressed state. Along with this, the relays switch RL1 is turned on, and the flowchart of FIG. 2 starts from "release on". RL
The switch input unit 4 that has detected the L level signal from 1
Outputs the release signal (RL1) and receives it.
Measures the brightness of the subject in the next "photometric operation" and outputs the photometric data (AE) corresponding to this to the shutter controller 14. On the other hand, when the mode control unit 5 also receives the release signal (RL1), the next conditional branch "Lock flag on?"
At, it is checked whether the AF lock flag AFG is ON. In this case, since the initial state remains OFF, the flow chart branches to NO, and the mode control unit 5 outputs the focus instruction signal (CFC). In response to this, the distance measuring unit 7 measures the distance to the subject as soon as it receives the operation end signal (FIN) from the light measuring unit 6 in the next "distance measuring operation", and the distance measuring data ( AF) is output to the data latch unit 8. In the next "data latch", the data latch unit 8 receives the focus instruction signal (CFC), and therefore holds the distance measurement data (AF) and outputs it as a data signal (D1). At the next "latch data selection", the data selector 10 sets the select signal (SMD) to the initial state L
Since it is a level, the data signal (D1)
3) and receives the release signal (RL1) in the next "lens extension". The lens drive unit 11 receives the data signal (D3) and outputs the measured distance data (AF). The stepping motor 11a is controlled to drive the taking lens from the initial position to the corresponding in-focus position.

In the next conditional branch "RL1 is on?" And the next conditional branch "RL2 is on?", The imaging control unit 13 checks the release signals (RL1) and (RL2), and now the release signal (RL1 ) Is ON and (RL2) is OFF, the above “R
Is L1 on? ”To YES, and the next“ RL2 is on? ”
To NO and return to the above "RL1 is on?" Again, and the same operation is repeated thereafter (this operation loop is referred to as "prefocus check loop").

Here, when the operator releases the release button 2 and returns the release button 2 to the non-operated position R1, the prefocus check loop branches “NO for RL1?” To NO. Then, in the next "lens return", the shooting control unit 13 detects that the release signal (RL1) is no longer input and outputs an initialization signal (INZ),
Upon receiving this, the lens driving unit 11 returns the photographing lens to the initial position again. Then, the data latch unit 8 in which the release signal (RL1) is no longer input clears the distance measurement data (AF) held until then in the next "latch data clear", and the data signal (D1) is also output. Disappear. The operation ends with the next "END".

In addition, after branching to "NO is RL1 on?"
Up to ND will be referred to as "prefocus initialization operation". In addition, the process from “release ON” to “lock flag ON?” Branched to NO and the process of going through the prefocus check loop to the prefocus initialization operation is called “prefocus operation”.

That is, to summarize the pre-focus operation, without exposing the film, when the operator half-presses the release button 2, the metering, the ranging, and the holding of the ranging data (AF) and focusing (lens) are performed. Feeding out)
When the half-pushed state is released, the photographing lens returns to the initial position, the distance measurement data (AF) held therein is cleared, and as a result there is nothing. Therefore, the half-pressed state and the release thereof can be operated any number of times. For example, repeat this half-pressed state and its release twice,
Assuming that the third half-pressed state is held, the first of the respective distance measurement data (AF11), (AF12), (AF13)
The distance measurement data (AF11) and (AF12) obtained by the second and second prefocus operations have already been cleared, and the third
The distance measurement data (AF13) by the pre-focusing operation for the second time is now held (latched), and this data corresponds to the "final distance measurement information".

Now, in the third half-pressed state, it is assumed that the operator has decided the optimum composition. That is, now, the data latch unit 8
Distance measurement data (AF13) is latched in the
11, the taking lens is located at the in-focus position corresponding to this data (AF13). Then, when the operator further presses the release button 2 from the half-pressed state to the second stroke corresponding to the position P3, the release switch RL2 is turned on and the switch input section 4 outputs the release signal (RL2). Then, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 in which the above prefocus check loop is repeated, the above "RL2 is on?" Branches to YES. In the next "lock flag clear", the mode control unit 5 which has received the release signal (RL2) clears the AF lock flag AFG (however, since AFG is not ON yet, there is substantially no change). . In the next conditional branch "Memorial mode?", The mode control unit 5 refers to the mode flag MFG, and since it has already been turned on by the commemorative mode setting operation, the flowchart branches to YES and the next "distance measurement data" In "storage", the mode control unit 5 outputs a mode signal (M1), and the data memory unit 9 receiving this outputs the data signal (D1) from the data latch unit 8 whose content is the distance measurement data (AF13).
Is stored and this data is output as a data signal (D2). Then, the flag signal (FLG) is output at the time when the storage is completed. Upon receiving the flag signal (FLG) at the next "lock flag ON", the mode control unit 5 turns on the lock flag AFG and raises the select signal (SMD) to the H level, and the next "mode flag "OFF" clears the mode flag MFG. The flowchart reaches to and moves to FIG.

In the first "shutter opening / closing operation" starting from FIG. 3, the photographing control unit 13 knows that the operation of the mode control unit 5 is completed via the control signal (CTR), and the shutter signal (SS)
Is output. Upon receiving this, the shutter control unit 14
14a is opened, and when the time corresponding to the photometric data (AF) has elapsed, the shutter 14a is closed, the image of the subject is exposed on the film, and a shutter close signal (SED) is output. Shooting control unit 1 that receives this shutter close signal (SED)
3 outputs an initialization signal (INZ) in the next "lens return", and the lens driving unit 11 receiving this signal returns the photographing lens to the initial position. Further, the photographing control unit 13 outputs a winding signal (WD) in the next "film winding", and the film feeding unit 15 receiving this signal winds the exposed one frame of film by the winding motor 15a. . Then, the operator releases the release button 2 and the release button 2 is positioned.
When returning to P1, both release switches RL1 and RL2 are turned off, and the release signal (RL1) is no longer input at the next "latch data clear". After clearing, the data signal (D1) is no longer output. At the next "END", the first shooting after the memorial mode is set is completed.

Note that, hereinafter, the entire operation of FIG. 3 will be referred to as a “shooting operation”, and the overall operation of FIG. 2 will be referred to as a “shooting preliminary operation”.

Now, in this state, that is, in the memorial mode, a case where the second (first) shooting is continuously performed will be described.

An operator who is familiar with the camera that has performed the first shooting described above becomes a subject together with other persons, and a person who is unfamiliar with the camera that was the subject in the first shooting (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
The person C) shown in the figure receives the camera and becomes the operator for the second photographing. It is assumed that the operator decides the composition so as to perform shooting from substantially the same position as the first operator, and the release button is half pressed. The flowchart of FIG. 2 starts from "release ON" and performs "photometric operation". Upon receiving the release signal (RL1) in the next conditional branch "Lock flag on?", The mode control unit 5 checks the AF lock flag AFG, and since it is in the ON state now, the flow chart branches to YES. In the next "Memory data selection", the data selector 10 receives the H-level select signal (SMD), so the contents are the distance measurement data (AF1
The data signal (D2) which is 3) is output as the data signal (D3). At the next "lens extension", the lens drive unit 11
Drives the taking lens to the in-focus position corresponding to the distance measurement data (AF13). Hereinafter, the pre-focus check loop and the pre-focus initial operation are the same as those in the above-mentioned first time. Therefore, the in-focus position of the taking lens is the position corresponding to the distance measurement data (AF13) no matter how many times the prefocus operation in the second shooting is performed.

Now, if it is assumed that the above half-pressed state is reached to the full-pressed state, the flow chart exits the prefocus check loop, and the mode control unit 5 that receives the release signal (RL2) at the next "lock flag clear" turns on. Becoming A
The F lock flag AFG is cleared and the select signal (SMD) is returned to L level. Then, in the next conditional branch "Memorial mode?", The mode control unit 5 continues to set the mode flag.
The MFG is checked and the flow chart branches to NO because it has already been cleared and turned OFF. At the next "memorial mode display off", the mode control unit 5 turns off the memorial mode display lit on the mode display unit 12 by the mode signal (M2) and lights the normal mode display. Will cancel the memorial mode. And the next "mode flag
The operation after "OFF" is the same as the first shooting described above.
The second shooting in the memorial mode ends when "END" in Fig. 3 is reached.

In addition, the shooting preliminary operation in the normal mode is the same as the first
The only difference is that the conditional branch “Is it memorial mode?” Branches to NO in the preliminary shooting operation for the second time.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the mode changeover switch 3
The distance measurement data (final distance measurement information obtained by the last prefocus operation among the prefocus operations performed one or more times prior to the shooting operation after the commemorative mode is set by the operation ( The first shooting operation is performed based on AF) and the side distance data (A
F) is stored in the data memory unit 9, and the subsequent second photographing operation in the memorial mode is configured to be performed by the distance measurement data (AF) stored in the data memory unit 9, The subjects at approximately the same distance are photographed at least twice. If a person who is familiar with the camera performs the first shooting at the time of so-called commemorative shooting, the second shooting can be performed properly and in a short time even if an unfamiliar person shoots the camera. There is an advantage.

Even in the situation where a person unfamiliar with the camera has to operate in both the first and second shootings, the distance measurement by the prefocus operation before the first shooting operation is performed in time. As long as you do it carefully and accurately, the second time without any trouble with distance measurement,
It is sufficient to perform the shooting operation at once, and there is an advantage that the second shooting is performed very quickly and in an accurate focused state. This also applies to a person who is familiar with a camera, and it is clear that even a person who is accustomed to hands can save time by performing the pre-force operation and not performing the pre-force operation.

Further, even if the self-timer is used in the above-mentioned commemorative photographing, in general, except when the height can be adjusted like a tripod for a camera or the viewfinder is easy to see, it is generally appropriate that the photographing is already carried out. Since the object is used as a support for the camera, it may not be possible to look into the viewfinder depending on the support, and even if you look into the viewfinder, it does not always match the height of the human eye, and if it does not, it is impossible. Although the prefocus operation must be performed in the posture, there is an advantage that the second and subsequent photographing operations are released from the unreasonable posture.

Moreover, since the commemorative mode is automatically released by the end of the predetermined number of photographing operations after the second or third time, the mistake of forgetting to set the commemorative mode. There is an advantage that shooting can be eliminated.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, instead of performing the lens feeding operation at the “lens feeding” time point in FIG. 2, the “shutter opening / closing operation” in FIG. 3 is performed.
May be performed at a time before. In this case, the "lens return" in the prefocus initialization operation shown in FIG. 2 is unnecessary.

Further, the release switches RL1 and RL2 are not limited to be interlocked with the release button 2 and may be independently operable externally as long as the operation performance is not deteriorated.

Further, the mode display unit 12 is not limited to turning on / off each of the memorial mode display and the normal mode display, and may only turn on / off the memorial mode display.

Further, the AF lock flag AFG and the mode flag MFG are not limited to being built in the mode control unit 5, but may be provided independently outside.

Further, the photographing lens extended by the "lens extension" of the operation preliminary operation in the first photographing may be held until the end of the second photographing operation. In this case, there is an advantage that the "lens extension" of the preliminary shooting operation in the second shooting can be omitted.

(E) Effect As described in detail above, according to the present invention, after the commemorative photographing mode is set by operating the mode changeover switch,
Of the one or more prefocus operations performed prior to the shooting operation, the first shooting operation is performed based on the final distance measurement information obtained by the last prefocus operation, and the final distance measurement information is also performed. Is stored in the distance measurement information storage means, and the subsequent second photographing operation in the memorial photography mode is configured to be performed by the final side distance information stored in the distance measurement information storage means. When so-called commemorative photography is performed in which subjects at the same distance are photographed at least twice, by setting the commemorative photography mode, it is easy to correctly focus on the desired subject in the first photography, and the distance is once measured. It is also possible to change the subject and focus even after the shooting, and freely set the composition after the last pre-focus operation before the shooting operation. It is possible to take a picture with the composition, and it is possible to eliminate the need for the pre-focus operation in the predetermined number of times of photography after the second photography. Therefore, if a person who is familiar with the camera performs the first photography, Second above
The second shooting has an advantage that even an inexperienced person can operate the camera, and the shooting can be performed in a short time.

Even in the situation where a person unfamiliar with the camera has to operate in both the first and second shootings, the distance measurement by the prefocus operation before the first shooting operation is performed in time. As long as you do it carefully and accurately, the second time without any trouble with distance measurement,
If the shooting operation is performed at once, the second shooting has an advantage that the shooting is performed very quickly and in an accurate focused state.

This also applies to a person who is familiar with a camera, and it is clear that even a person who is accustomed to the camera can save the labor by not performing the prefocusing operation than by performing the prefocusing operation.

Also, even if the self-timer is used in the above-mentioned commemorative photo, generally, except when the height can be adjusted like a tripod for a camera or the viewfinder is easy to see, a suitable one already existing where the photo is taken. Since it is used as a camera support, it may not be possible to look into the viewfinder depending on the support, and even if you look into the viewfinder, it does not always match the height of the human eye, and if it does not, it is impossible to pose. The above pre-focus operation must be performed with
The second and subsequent shootings have an advantage of being released from the unreasonable posture.

Also, after the second and subsequent predetermined number of shootings are completed, the commemorative shooting mode is automatically returned to the normal shooting mode to prevent a failure caused by forgetting to switch the mode, so that even a person unfamiliar with the camera can do so. It is possible to provide an automatic focusing camera which can prevent the failure of distance measurement due to an erroneous operation and can remarkably improve the operability for those who are familiar with the camera.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing the overall configuration of an autofocus camera according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation sequence of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a shooting preparatory operation, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a shooting operation, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation sequence when the commemorative (photographing) mode is set, and FIGS. 5 to 7 are explanatory views each schematically showing a mode of commemorative photographing that has been conventionally performed. 1 …… Lens barrier opening / closing switch, 2 …… Release button, P1 …… Position when not operated, P2 …… RL1 ON position, P3
...... RL2 ON position, RL1, RL2 ...... Release switch, 3
...... Mode selector switch, 4 ... Switch input section, 5 ...
... Mode control unit, 6 ... Photometry unit, 7 ... Distance measurement unit, 8 ...
Data latch, 9 ... Data memory, 10 ... Data selector, 11 ... Lens drive, 12 ... Mode display,
13 ... Shooting control section, 14 ... Shutter control section, 15 ... Film feeding section.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A distance measuring means is activated every time an externally operable photographing preparation switch is operated, and distance measuring information holding means holds the distance measuring information from the distance measuring means while the operation is continued. A pre-focusing operation is performed, and then a shooting execution switch that can be operated externally is operated. In an autofocus camera in which an operation is performed, a commemorative photographing mode in which a distance to a subject is measured and the distance measuring information corresponding to the distance is measured, and a subject at a substantially same distance is photographed at least twice. Mode switch that can be operated externally to switch between the normal shooting mode and the normal shooting mode, and when the mode switching switch is set to the memorial shooting mode The final distance measurement information by the pre-focus operation performed last before the photographing operation is received and stored from the distance measurement information holding unit, and the second photographing operation is continued at least under the commemorative photographing mode. Distance measurement information storage means that maintains the memory until the end,
When the final distance measurement information is received from the distance measurement information storage means and the distance measurement information holding means, and when the mode changeover switch is set to the memorial photography mode or the normal photography mode, the distance measurement information storage means or the distance measurement information storage means, respectively. Distance measuring information selecting means for selectively outputting the final distance measuring information from the distance measuring information holding means, and photographing at a focusing position corresponding to the final distance measuring information by receiving the output of the distance measuring information selecting means. A lens drive control means for executing a focusing operation for driving and controlling a lens after the prefocus operation and before the photographing operation, and when the first photographing operation is executed in the memorial photographing mode. Prior to this, when the focusing operation is performed based on the final distance measurement information of the distance measurement information holding unit and the second shooting operation is performed, the first shooting operation is performed. The focusing operation is performed based on the final distance measurement information of the distance measurement information storage means prior to the second photographing operation regardless of the distance measurement information obtained by the prefocus operation. In addition, after the mode switching means is set to the commemorative photographing mode, at least the first photographing operation is continuously performed a predetermined number of times under this mode, and when the photographing operation is completed, the normal photographing mode is automatically performed. An autofocus camera characterized by being configured to switch to.