JPH10186217A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera realizing the improvement of operability by utilizing a dedicated switch for extending an autofocusing function even at the time of manual focusing. SOLUTION: This camera is provided with a focusing changeover switch changing over focusing between autofocusing and manual focusing, an autofocusing dedicated switch functioning when autofocusing is selected, and a control means controlling the function of the camera by at least taking switching signals from the switches as an input signal. In such a case, the control means assigns to the autofocusing dedicated switch with a function which can be used in the manual focusing when the signal from the focusing changeover switch is for the manual focusing (101, 103 and 105).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera capable of auto-focusing, and more particularly to a manual focus (MF).
And a camera that can be switched to auto focus (AF).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent advances in autofocus cameras have been remarkable, and many functions relating to autofocus have been incorporated into cameras. For example, there are various functions such as selection of a distance measuring point for multi-point distance measurement by an electronic dial, AF lock, AF start, and a function of always shifting to manual focus in AF.

At first, these functions are realized by a switch mechanism of a push button type (hereinafter simply referred to as a button) interlocked with a switch or a dial member. If the function of (1) is given priority over the function of the button, the other functions often become extremely difficult to use.

[0004] Therefore, it is desired to provide a dedicated operation member for auto focus in consideration of operability.

[0005]

However, in consideration of operability, a special operation member for auto focus is provided,
If the functions of dials and buttons are fixed regardless of MF / AF, the dials and buttons become unnecessary when MF (manual focus), and the operation members such as buttons and dials are fully operated by the camera. It does not help to improve the performance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera which realizes further improved operability by assigning a function which is easy to understand and relate to at the time of manual focus, to a dedicated button for autofocus function expansion. It is in.

[0007]

A first configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is a switch for switching focus between auto focus and manual focus, a switch dedicated to auto focus that functions when auto focus is selected, and Control means for controlling a camera function using at least a switch signal of the switch as an input signal, the control means performs manual focus on the auto-focus dedicated switch when the signal of the focus changeover switch is manual focus. Have assigned available functions.

A second configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application has a multi-point distance measuring unit, an electronic dial dedicated to a distance measuring point selecting unit, an automatic focusing and a manual focusing switching unit, and the distance is controlled by driving a motor. In a camera capable of mounting a ring driveable lens, the electronic dial includes:
When the auto focus is selected, it is treated as a distance measuring point input member, and when it is in manual focus, it is treated as a distance ring moving amount input member, and there is no function other than the above two functions.

A third configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application has a multi-point distance measuring unit, an electronic dial dedicated to a distance measuring point selecting unit, a switching unit for automatic focusing and manual focusing, and zooms by driving a motor. In a camera capable of mounting a ring driveable lens, the electronic dial is treated as a distance measuring point input member when auto focus is selected, and is treated as a zoom ring movement amount input member when manual focusing is selected. Except that nothing works.

A fourth configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application has a distance measuring unit, an autofocus and a manual focus switching unit, and has one operation member. , Is treated as a distance ring forced stop input member, and is treated as an autofocus activation input member during manual focusing, so that there is no function other than the above two functions.

A fifth configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application has a distance measuring unit, an autofocus and a manual focus switching unit, and has one operating member. , Is treated as a distance ring forcible stop input member, and is treated as a focus confirmation activation input member during manual focusing, so that there is no function other than the above two functions.

A sixth configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is a distance measuring unit, an automatic focus / manual focus switching unit, and once in focus, the focus is locked until the release switch is turned off. There is a means for switching between one-shot autofocus and servo autofocus that can always keep track of the subject, and one operating member. When the one-shot autofocus mode is selected, an autofocus mode switching input member is provided. And is treated as an auto-focus activation input member at the time of manual focusing, and there is no function other than the above two functions.

A seventh configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is a distance measurement unit, an automatic focus / manual focus switching unit, and, once in focus, focus is locked until a release switch is turned off. There is a means for switching between one-shot autofocus and servo autofocus that can always keep track of the subject, and one operating member. When the one-shot autofocus mode is selected, an autofocus mode switching input member is provided. In manual focus, it is treated as a focus confirmation activation input member, and there is no function other than the above two functions.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a focus detection point selection dial serving as an operation member dedicated to auto focus functions as a power focus dial during manual focusing.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electric control of the camera according to the embodiment, and 1 is a microcomputer for controlling the movement of each part of the camera. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lens control circuit that drives and controls a focus adjusting motor of the photographing lens 13 and a motor for controlling aperture blades. The lens control circuit 2 performs serial communication via DBUS while receiving the LCOM signal from the microcomputer 1. The focus adjustment motor drive information is received through serial communication, and the drive of the focus adjustment motor is controlled based on the information. Also,
At the same time, various information (focal length etc.) of the lens is sent to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication.

If the photographing lens 13 is equipped with a power zoom (electrically powered zoom), it has a function of receiving zoom motor drive information through serial communication and controlling the drive of the zoom motor based on the information. In the present embodiment, the photographing lens 13 has a power zoom, and the photographing lens 13 with the power zoom has a zoom ring 13a in a lens barrel, and electrically reads the movement amount of the zoom ring to respond to the movement. A function of driving the minute zoom motor to perform zooming, and electrically receiving the information of the manual focus from the microcomputer 1 to read the amount of movement of the distance ring 13b provided on the lens barrel and adjusting the focus accordingly. It has a power focus function that drives the motor for focusing.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a liquid crystal display circuit for driving the liquid crystal displays 11 and 12 for notifying the photographer of the remaining amount of the battery of the camera, the number of shots, the TV value, the AV value, the exposure correction amount and the like. . While receiving the DPCOM signal from the microcomputer 1, the liquid crystal display circuit 3
Serial communication is performed via. Display data is received by serial communication, and the liquid crystal display 11,
12 is driven.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a switch sense circuit which reads the state of a switch for the photographer to set various photographing conditions and the state of a switch indicating the state of the camera.
Circuit while receiving the SWCOM signal.
The switch data is sent to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via the BUS.

Further, according to the input value of the electronic dial 10,
Also count up / count down the dial value,
While receiving the SWCOM signal, the count value is sent to the microcomputer 1 by serial communication via DBUS.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a flash light emission dimming control circuit which controls a flash emission function and a light emission stop function by TTL light control. The strobe light dimming control circuit 5
While receiving the OM signal, the microcomputer 1 performs serial communication with the microcomputer 1 via DBUS to receive data related to flash control and performs various controls. This circuit also functions as an interface when an external strobe is attached to the camera. Therefore, when an external strobe is attached, the microcomputer 1 communicates with the external strobe and transmits the information (whether or not there is an auxiliary light) to the microcomputer 1.
Send to Conversely, it also serves to transmit a control signal from the microcomputer 1 to the external flash 14.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a focus detection circuit, which is a line sensor for performing AF according to the existing phase difference detection method and a circuit unit for storing and reading out the information. The microcomputer 1 measures the distance by the existing algorithm based on the A / D value of the sensor output, calculates the lens driving amount, and calculates the lens driving amount calculated by the lens control circuit 2 so that the lens is focused. It communicates and drives and focuses the lens.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of pairs of line sensors are provided, and the focus detection circuit 6 can select a line sensor to measure the distance of a plurality of finder spots. In this embodiment, 7a is a right ranging point, 7b is a center ranging point, and 7b is a right ranging point.
Description will be made on the assumption that c is a three-point AF of the left distance measuring point.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a photometry circuit which performs photometry of a subject and sends a photometric output to a microcomputer under the control of the microcomputer 1. The microcomputer 1 performs A / D conversion of the sent photometric output, and uses it for calculation of exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed).

Reference numeral 8 denotes a shutter control circuit which controls the running of a shutter first curtain and a rear curtain (not shown) according to a control signal of the microcomputer 1.

A feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 feeds (winds up and rewinds) the film in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 1. The motor control circuit 9 also controls a mirror up / charge (mirror down) motor.

SW1 is a first stroke switch which is turned on by the first stroke of a release button for starting the operation of the camera. When the microcomputer 1 recognizes that the first stroke switch SW1 is turned on, photometry, distance measurement and display are started. .

SW2 is a second stroke switch that is turned on by the second stroke of the release button of the camera. When the microcomputer 1 recognizes that the second stroke switch SW2 is turned on, the exposure operation is started.

The X contact is turned on at the timing when the front curtain of the shutter runs completely, and serves to notify the strobe light emission control circuit 5 of the strobe light emission timing.

SW3 is the mode of the camera (TV priority, AV
A mode change switch for switching between priority, manual, program, etc.).

Reference numeral 10a denotes an electronic dial for changing a TV value, an AV value, a mode, and the like. For example, when the electronic dial 10a is rotated while pressing the mode switching button of the mode change switch SW3, TV priority → AV priority → manual → Program → TV priority → AV priority → Manual → Program No., and the mode intended by the photographer can be set. When the electronic dial 10a is rotated in the reverse direction, the mode is changed from program to manual, AV priority, TV priority, program, and ‥‥.

When the TV priority is set as the mode by the mode change switch SW3 and the electronic dial, the TV value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the electronic dial 10a.

When the AV priority is set as the mode by the mode change switch SW3 and the electronic dial 10a, the AV value desired by the photographer can be set by rotating the electronic dial 10a.

SW4 is a push button type switch for setting the AV value at the time of the manual operation. When the manual is selected by the mode change switch SW3 and the electronic dial 10a, the electronic dial 10 is pressed without pressing the SW4.
When a is rotated, the TV value corresponding to the rotation increases / decreases, and the TV value can be set. When the electronic dial 10a is rotated while pressing the switch SW4, the AV value corresponding to the rotation increases / decreases. It is possible to set the AV value.

Reference numeral 10b denotes a distance measuring point selection dial, which is selected in the order of right distance measuring point 7a → center distance measuring point 7b → left distance measuring point 7c → right distance measuring point 7a in accordance with rotation of the dial. The distance measurement point 7c is selected in the order of the center distance measurement point 7b, the right distance measurement point 7a, and the left distance measurement point 7c.

SW5 is a push-button AF lens drive stop switch, which is used to drive the A lens when driving the auto-focus lens.
When the F lens drive stop switch SW5 is pressed, the lens drive is stopped and the focus is locked. Also, when the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 is pressed in the lens stop state, the focus is locked.

SW6 is a push-button switch for switching between a one-shot AF in which the focus is locked up to the first stroke switch SW1_0FF and a servo AF which can always keep track of the subject once the focus is achieved. Press switch SW6 with
The focus mode switches to servo AF and the servo A
When the main switch SW6 is pressed in the F state, the focus mode is switched to the one-shot AF mode.

SW7 is a push-button switch for switching between auto focus and manual focus. When the main switch SW7 is pressed in the auto focus setting state, the mode is switched to manual focus. When the manual switch is pressed in the manual focus setting state, the switch is operated. Switch to auto focus.

An external display device 11 is driven by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. Reference numeral 12 denotes a finder color liquid crystal display device, which is driven by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. An interchangeable lens 13 is controlled through the lens control circuit 2. Reference numeral 14 denotes an external flash, which is controlled through a flash light emission dimming control circuit 5. Also, this strobe has a separate power supply from the camera body.

Next, the operation of the camera will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(300): This is a state where the power of the camera is turned on due to a factor such as a switch being pressed on the camera.
Proceed to (301).

(301): Here, based on the information of the switch sense circuit 4, the mode is switched or the set value is switched, and if there is a change, communication is made to the liquid crystal drive circuit 3 for display. Modify the data.

(302): It is determined whether the first stroke switch SW1 is on or not. If the first stroke switch SW1 is on, the process proceeds to (306) for photometry / distance measurement, and if it is off, it is determined whether the power is turned off. Proceed to (303).

(303): It is determined whether or not the power is to be turned off. If the power is to be turned off, the process proceeds to (304). If not, the process returns to (301) for inputting switch information. That is,
When the power of the camera is turned on for some reason, the state of the switch is checked and the display is switched by keeping the power on for a certain period of time.

(304): The display of unnecessary portions inside and outside the viewfinder of the camera is turned off by the liquid crystal display circuit 3, and the power is turned off.

(305): End.

(306): Photometry of the subject is performed by the photometric circuit 7, the photometric output is A / D converted by the microcomputer 1, and the exposure conditions (aperture, shutter speed)
Is calculated.

(307): Using the focus detection circuit 6, the data is accumulated in the line sensor, read out, the distance is measured by the existing algorithm based on the A / D value of the sensor output, and the lens drive amount is calculated. Is calculated, and the lens drive amount calculated by the calculation is communicated to the lens control circuit 2 so that the lens is focused.
Drive the lens to focus.

(308): AV calculated in (306)
The value / TV value is displayed on the liquid crystal 12 in the finder and the external display 11 by the liquid crystal display circuit 3. If the result of the distance measurement in step (307) is in focus, focus display is also performed.

(309): Here, it is determined whether or not the state of the camera is a state in which release is permitted. For example, when the AF mode is “one-shot mode”, (3
If the result of the distance measurement in step 07) is in focus, release is permitted, and to check the second stroke switch SW2 (3)
10) Proceed, and if out of focus, return to (301) to check the switch. Here, when the first stroke switch SW1 is on, photometry / distance measurement / display is performed again.

(310): Here, it is determined whether or not the second stroke switch SW2 is pressed.
1) It is determined whether or not to proceed to the subsequent release operation. If the second stroke switch SW2 is on, the process proceeds to (311) to perform a release operation, and if the second stroke switch SW2 is off, the process returns to (301) to check the switch. Here, the first stroke switch S
When W1 is on, photometry / distance measurement / display is performed again.

(311): The release operation is started from here. Here, the mirror is raised by the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 and the aperture amount determined in (306) is adjusted by the lens control circuit 2 to the lens 13.
And performs a narrowing-down operation so as to obtain the set exposure amount.

(312) Using the shutter control circuit 8, the running control of the shutter first curtain and the rear curtain (not shown) is performed so that the TV amount determined in (306) is obtained.

(313): Here, the shutter is charged at the same time as the mirror is down by the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9, and the lens control circuit 2 communicates with the lens 13 at (306) to narrow down the aperture. Return aperture to full aperture.

(314): The film is wound using the feed motor / charge motor control circuit 9 in accordance with a control signal from the microcomputer 1.

The outline of the camera operation has been described above.
The AF operation of (307) in FIG. 3 will be briefly described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(400): Beginning.

(401): The data is accumulated in the line sensor using the focus detection circuit 6, read out, and the output of the sensor is A / D converted.

(402): Based on the A / D output value of (401), a prediction value is calculated by an existing algorithm, and the currently mounted lens obtained by communication with that value through the lens control circuit 2 is calculated. The lens drive amount is calculated based on the 13 characteristic values of the lens.

(403): If the lens drive amount obtained in (402) can be calculated, the lens control circuit 2 communicates with the lens 13 to drive the distance ring. If the lens drive amount cannot be calculated due to (402) in the large blur state, the process proceeds to (404) without driving the lens and ends.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the operation of the focusing point selection dial serving as the operation member dedicated to autofocus functioning as the power focus dial during manual focusing. The operation will be described below.

(100): Beginning.

(101): It is determined whether or not the focus detection point selection dial 10b has been input. If the input has not been made, the process proceeds to (102). If the input has been made, the auto focus is performed. The process proceeds to (103) to determine the setting of (AF) and the manual focus (MF).

(102): End.

(103): It is determined by the switch SW7 whether AF is set or MF is set. If AF is set, the process proceeds to (104) to switch the distance measuring point. If the MF is set, the process proceeds to (105) for power focus processing.

(104): 10b is a distance measuring point selection dial, which is switched in the order of right distance measuring point 7a → center distance measuring point 7b → left distance measuring point 7c → right distance measuring point 7a as the dial is rotated. In the reverse rotation, switching is performed between the left ranging point 7c, the center ranging point 7b, the right ranging point 7a, and the left ranging point 7c.

(105): Communication with the lens 13 through the lens control circuit 2 is performed, and the focusing motor is driven by the amount corresponding to the input of the distance measuring point selection dial 10b to perform focusing.

By using the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively utilize an electronic dial dedicated to distance measurement point selection provided in consideration of operability even in MF in an AF camera with multipoint distance measurement. Thereby, a camera with improved operability can be realized. In the present embodiment, A
As in the case of the F mode, the focus can be adjusted without releasing the hand from the zoom ring of the lens, and there is an effect that the operability is improved and a shutter chance is enhanced.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the focus detection point selection dial serving as an operation member dedicated to auto focus functions as a zooming setting dial during manual focusing. The electric circuit according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, so that the illustration thereof is omitted, and the characteristic operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Finally, this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(500): Beginning.

(501): It is determined whether or not the focus detection point selection dial 10b for focus detection point selection has been input. If not, the flow proceeds to (502). The process proceeds to (503) to determine the setting of the MF.

(502): End.

(503): It is determined whether the AF or MF is set by the switch SW7, and if the AF is set, the process proceeds to (504) for switching the distance measuring point. If the MF has been set, the process proceeds to (505) for power zoom processing.

(504): As the dial of the focus detection point selection dial 10b rotates, the right focus detection point 7a, the center focus detection point 7b, the left focus detection point 7c, and the right focus detection point 7a are rotated in reverse order. To switch the ranging points in the order of the left ranging point 7c → the center ranging point 7b → the right ranging point 7a → the left ranging point 7c.

(505): Through the lens control circuit 2,
Communication with the lens 13 is made, and the zoom motor is driven by the amount corresponding to the input of the ranging point selection dial 10b to perform zooming.

By using the present embodiment, in an AF camera with multi-point distance measurement, a distance measurement point selection dial as an operation member dedicated to auto focus provided in consideration of operability is effective even in MF mode. This makes it possible to realize a camera with improved operability.

Further, by using this embodiment,
At the time of MF, zooming can be performed without releasing the hand from the distance ring 13b of the lens, which brings about an effect of increasing the chance of taking a shutter as in the case of AF.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 serving as an operation member dedicated to autofocus functions as an AF start switch during manual focusing. The electric circuit according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore is not shown. The characteristic operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(600): Beginning.

(601): It is determined whether or not the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 is on. If the switch button is pressed and on, the process proceeds to (603) to determine the setting of AF and MF. If not, the process proceeds to (602).

(602): End.

(603): It is determined whether the AF is set or the MF is set by the switch SW7. If the AF is set, the flow advances to (604) to stop the lens driving, and the MF is set. If is set, the process proceeds to (605) to perform the AF operation.

(604): The lens drive stop command is communicated to the lens 13 through the lens control circuit 2 to stop driving the distance ring. Further, the lens drive in (403) is not performed.

(605): MF is set in the switch SW7, but when the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 is on, the AF operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed.

By using this embodiment, in the AF camera, the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 dedicated to AF called an AF stop (focus lock) or the like provided in consideration of operability is set to the MF mode. By effectively utilizing also, it becomes possible to realize a camera with improved operability. By using this embodiment, simple AF can be performed even during MF, and the shooting range can be further expanded.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment.

In this embodiment, an AF lens drive stop switch SW5 called an AF stop (focus lock) or the like as an operation member dedicated to autofocus functions as a focus aid switch during manual focusing. . The electric circuit according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, so that the illustration thereof is omitted.

(700): Beginning.

(701): It is determined whether or not the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 has been pressed and turned on. If the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 has been pressed and turned on, the setting of AF and MF is performed. Proceed to 703), and if not pressed (7
Go to 02).

(702): End.

(703): It is determined by the switch SW7 whether the AF is set or the MF is set. If the AF is set, the process proceeds to (704) to stop the lens driving, and the MF is set. Is set, the process proceeds to (705) to perform the focus aid operation.

(704): The lens drive stop command is communicated to the lens 13 through the lens control circuit 2 to stop driving the distance ring. Further, the lens drive in (403) is not performed.

(705): A focus aid is executed.

Here, the focus aid is stored in a line sensor using the focus detection circuit 6, read out, A / D converted from the sensor output, and based on the A / D output value. The prediction value is calculated by an existing algorithm, and it is determined whether or not there is a distance ring in the in-focus range and displayed.

By using the present embodiment, in the AF camera, the AF lens driving stop switch SW5 dedicated to AF called an AF stop (focus lock) or the like provided in consideration of operability is set to the MF mode. By making effective use of the camera, a camera with improved operability can be realized. Conventionally, the focus aid is always performed at the time of MF, but can be performed only when necessary, as in the present embodiment, so that the AF sensor drive and the like become unnecessary, leading to energy saving of the power supply.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the switch SW6 for switching between one-shot AF and servo AF serving as an operation member dedicated to autofocus functions as a one-shot AF switch during manual focusing. The electric circuit according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and therefore is not shown. The characteristic operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(800): Beginning.

(801): One-shot AF and servo A
It is determined whether or not the changeover switch SW6 of F is pressed and turned on.
The process proceeds to (803) to determine the setting of the MF and the MF, and proceeds to (802) if not pressed.

(802): End.

(803): It is determined whether the AF is set or the MF is set by the switch SW7, and if the AF is set, to switch between the one-shot AF and the servo AF (804) ) And go to M
If F is set, the flow proceeds to (805) to perform the one-shot AF operation.

(804): Once focus is achieved, the mode is switched between one-shot AF in which the focus is locked to the first stroke switch SW1_0FF and servo AF in which the subject is always followed. In the one-shot AF state,
The focus mode switches to servo AF, and servo AF
In the state, the focus mode is switched to the one-shot AF mode.

(805): MF is set by the switch SW7, but when the AF lens drive stop switch SW5 is pressed, the AF operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed.

By using the present embodiment, in the multi-function AF camera, the switch SW6 for switching between the one-shot AF and the servo AF provided in consideration of the operability is effectively used even in the MF mode. A camera with improved operability can be realized. By using this embodiment, simple AF can be performed even during MF, and the shooting range can be further expanded.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the switch SW6 for switching between one-shot AF and servo AF as an operation member dedicated to autofocus functions as a focus aid switch during manual focusing. Note that the electric circuit of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 2, so that the illustration thereof is omitted, and the characteristic operation will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

(900): Beginning.

(901): One-shot AF and servo A
It is determined whether or not the F changeover switch SW6 is pressed and turned on. If the switch is turned on, the process proceeds to (903) to determine the setting of AF and MF. If not, the process proceeds to (902). Proceed to.

(902): End.

(903): It is determined whether the AF is set or the MF is set by the switch SW7, and if the AF is set, the switching between the one-shot AF and the servo AF is performed (904). ) And go to M
If F is set, the flow advances to (905) to perform a focus aid operation.

(904): Once focus is achieved, one-shot AF in which focus is locked to the first stroke switch SW1_0FF and servo AF in which the subject can always be followed are switched. In the one-shot AF state, the focus mode is switched to the servo AF, and the servo AF is performed.
In the case of the state, the focus mode is switched to the one-shot AF mode.

(905): A focus aid is executed.

By using the present embodiment, in the multi-function AF camera, the switch for switching between the one-shot AF and the servo AF provided in consideration of the operability is effectively utilized even in the MF mode. It is possible to realize a camera with improved performance.

Conventionally, focus aid is always performed during MF, but only when necessary, as in the present embodiment, so that AF sensor driving and the like become unnecessary, leading to energy saving of the power supply.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a multi-functionalized autofocus camera, by utilizing various special operation members related to autofocus provided in consideration of operability even during manual focus, a camera with improved operability can be realized. It becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the outline of the camera operation of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of an AF operation of the camera in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: microcomputer 2: lens control circuit 3: liquid crystal display circuit 4: switch sense circuit 5: strobe light emission / dimming control circuit 6: focus detection circuit 7: photometry circuit 8: shutter control circuit 9: motor control circuit 10: electronics Dial 11: External display member 12: Internal display member 13: Interchangeable lens 14: External strobe

Claims (7)

[Claims] A focus switch for switching between auto focus and manual focus; a switch dedicated to auto focus that functions when auto focus is selected;
A control unit that controls a camera function using at least a switch signal of these switches as an input signal, wherein the control unit performs manual focus on the auto-focus dedicated switch when a signal of the focus switch is manual focus. A camera characterized by assigning functions that can be used with the camera. 2. A camera which has a multi-point distance measuring means, an electronic dial dedicated to distance measuring point selecting means, a switching means for automatic focusing and manual focusing, and which can be mounted with a lens which can be driven by a distance ring by driving a motor. The dial is treated as a distance measuring point input member when auto focus is selected, and is treated as a distance ring movement amount input member when manual focusing is performed, and has no function other than the above two functions. 3. A camera which has a multi-point distance measuring means, an electronic dial dedicated to distance measuring point selecting means, a switching means for auto focus and manual focus, and which can be equipped with a lens capable of driving a zoom ring by motor driving. The camera is characterized in that the dial is treated as a distance measuring point input member when auto focus is selected, and is treated as a zoom ring movement amount input member during manual focus, and has no function other than the above two functions. 4. It has a distance measuring means and an auto focus / manual focus switching means, and has one operation member. When the auto focus is selected, the operation member is treated as a distance ring forced stop input member. Is treated as an auto-focus activation input member.
A camera that does not function except for one function. 5. It has a distance measuring means and an auto-focus / manual focus switching means, and has one operation member. When the auto-focus is selected, the operation member is treated as a distance ring forced stop input member, Is a camera which is treated as an in-focus confirmation start input member and performs no function other than the above two functions. 6. A distance measuring means, an automatic focus / manual focus switching means, a one-shot auto focus in which focus is locked until a release switch is turned off once in focus, and a servo auto which can always keep track of a subject. There is a focus switching unit and one operating member. The operating member is treated as an autofocus mode switching input member when the one-shot autofocus mode is selected, and as an autofocus activation input member during manual focusing. A camera characterized in that it does not function except for the above two functions. 7. A distance measuring means, an automatic focus / manual focus switching means, a one-shot auto focus in which focus is locked until a release switch is turned off once in focus, and a servo auto which can always keep track of a subject. There is a focus switching unit and one operating member, and the operating member is treated as an autofocus mode switching input member when the one-shot autofocus mode is selected, and a focusing confirmation start input member during manual focusing. A camera characterized in that it does not function except for the above two functions.