JPH10197922A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a switch from being erroneously depressed and to facilitate the operation in a camera provided with the switch for performing the changeover of a stroboscope light emission mode, bulb and slow synchro modes or an AF(autofocus) mode. SOLUTION: First and second switches 1 and 2 are arranged to be arrayed vertically on the side of a grip on the rear surface of a camera main body 10. When release operation is performed without operating both first and second switches 1 and 2, the light emission of a stroboscope is controlled in accordance with the luminance of a subject. When the first switch is turned on, a stroboscope light emission mode is set, and when the second switch 2 is turned on, a stroboscope light emission inhibition mode is set. Since the first and second switches 1 and 2 are arranged on the side of a release switch 3, the turning on/off of the switch is set without an error by a right thumb.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a camera that can change the mode of automatic exposure control, auto focus, or strobe light emission when turned off.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a camera having an automatic strobe function for automatically emitting a strobe in accordance with the brightness of a subject, a prohibition switch for inhibiting the strobe emission and a forced forcible flash are provided on the back of the camera body. A light-emitting switch is provided, and by operating this switch, the strobe is forcibly fired or the light emission is inhibited to perform photographing. In this case, the prohibition switch and the light emitting switch are operated while being pressed. A switch provided with such a switch on the front of a camera is also used.

[0003]

However, when the above-described switch is provided on the back of the camera body,
Since the photographer operates the switch while looking through the viewfinder, the operation of the switch may be erroneous, causing the camera to perform an operation opposite to the photographer's intention. If the switch is provided on the front of the camera body, the switch can be checked.However, it is very troublesome to take the eyes off the viewfinder and check the position of the switch each time a picture is taken. May be missed. Further, not only the button for controlling the strobe light emission as described above, but also the switch for changing the auto focus mode, the automatic exposure control mode, and the like may be erroneously operated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a camera which can reliably operate the above-mentioned switch.

[0005]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a first switch 1 forcibly emitting a strobe light in an on state and a second switch 2 forcibly prohibiting a strobe light in an on state are provided on the rear surface of the main body. When both the first and second switches 1 and 2 are not turned on, the present invention is applied to a camera that controls the necessity of strobe light emission in accordance with the brightness of the subject. The above object is achieved by arranging the second switch 2 below the first switch 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first switch 1 for performing multipoint autofocus in an on state, and a second switch 2 for performing spot autofocus in an on state.
When the first and second switches 1 and 2 are not turned on, the present invention is applied to a camera that performs auto-focusing in an area where the line of sight passes through the viewfinder. The above object is achieved by arranging one switch 1 and arranging the second switch 2 below the first switch 1.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a first switch 1 for performing center-weighted photometry in an on state and a second switch 2 for performing spot photometry in an on state are provided on the back of the main body.
When both the first and second switches 1 and 2 are not turned on, the present invention is applied to a camera that performs multi-pattern photometry,
The above object is achieved by arranging the first switch 1 in an area on the grip side on the rear surface of the main body and arranging the second switch 2 below the first switch 1.

The invention according to claim 4 is applied to a camera provided with a first switch 1 for performing slow synchro photography in an on state and a second switch 2 for performing bulb photography in an on state on a rear surface of the main body. The above object is achieved by disposing the first switch 1 in the area on the grip side and disposing the second switch 2 below the first switch 1.

A fifth aspect of the present invention includes a display unit 8 for displaying at least date and time data, and the first and second switches 1 and 2 change the display on the display unit 8 when the main switch 7 of the camera is turned off. Functions as a switch.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the on state, the first
And a third switch 14 for performing a predetermined operation on the second switch 1 and the second switch 1. The third switch 14 is disposed between the first and second switches 1 and 2 with a substantially central portion of the rear surface of the main body therebetween.
Is arranged in the region on the opposite side.

Here, the predetermined operation is defined in claim 1
In the invention of the fifth aspect, the operation is different from the operation performed by the first and second switches 1 and 2.

The invention according to claim 7 is applied to a camera provided with a first switch 21 for performing slow synchro photography in an on state and a second switch 22 for performing bulb photography in an on state on a rear surface of the main body. The first switch 21 is arranged on one side and the second switch 22 is arranged on the other side with the substantially central portion interposed therebetween.

In the section of the means for solving the above-mentioned problems, which explains the configuration of the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are used to make the present invention easy to understand. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

-First Embodiment- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
On the back side of the camera 0, a finder 9 is provided at an upper portion thereof, and a data back module 4 for displaying a date and time is provided below the finder 9. To the right of the viewfinder 9 is the zoom lever 12
When the zoom lever 12 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1, the lens barrel 11 zooms up, and when the zoom lever 12 is rotated counterclockwise, the lens barrel 11 zooms down. The data back module 4 includes an LCD 8 for displaying the date and time, a date mode changeover switch 5, and a date correction switch 6. A main switch 7 of the camera is disposed below the data back module 4, and a red-eye mode setting switch 13 is disposed to the right of the main switch. When the red-eye mode setting switch 13 is switched upward, the red-eye mode is set, and when it is switched downward, the red-eye mode is released. Also,
A release switch 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the camera body 10 on the grip side.

The first and second switches 1 and 2 are located in a region on the grip side on the right side of the data back module 4.
2 are arranged side by side. The first and second switches 1 are configured to operate only while the switches are being pressed and turned on, and are self-returned and turned off when the hands are released. When the first switch 1 is turned on, a mode in which the strobe is forcibly emitted (forcible light emission mode) is set, and when the second switch 2 is turned on, a mode in which the strobe is not emitted (light emission). Prohibited mode).
Here, the first switch 1 in the forced light emission mode is arranged on the upper side, so that when shooting in the light emission inhibition mode is desired, even if the first switch 1 is pressed by mistake and flash photography is performed. This is because there is almost no effect as a photograph. It should be noted that no switch is arranged in the area A where the right thumb of the photographer is most likely to be located.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation circuit of the camera according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the operation circuit. As shown in FIG. 2, first and second switches 1 and 2, a release switch 3,
The strobe device SB is connected to the CPU 15, and the CPU 15 controls strobe light emission.

First, in step S1 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not the switch 1 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F1 is set to 1 in step S2. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the second switch 2 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S5. Conversely, if it is on, the flag F2 is set to 1 in step S4. Step S5
In, it is determined whether or not the release switch 3 has been pressed. If the release switch 3 is pressed and step S5 is affirmed, the strobe light emission mode is controlled in accordance with the status of the flags F1 and F2. That is, the flag F1,
If both F2 are not 1, the auto mode in which the strobe is automatically emitted in step S6 according to the brightness of the subject is set. If only the flag F2 is 1, the flash mode is set in step S7 in which the strobe is disabled. , Only the flag F1 is 1 or the flags F1, F
If both of the two are 1, the forced emission mode is set in step S8 in which the flash is forcibly emitted. And
In step S9, exposure control is performed, and the process ends.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the first body is provided on the back of the main body on the side where the photographer grips the camera.
Since the second switches 1 and 2 are arranged vertically, the switches 1 and 2 can be easily operated by the right thumb. Further, since the first and second switches 1 and 2 are arranged vertically, the type of the switch can be easily confirmed by actually swinging with the thumb. Furthermore, since the first switch 1 for forcibly firing the strobe is disposed on the upper side where the operation is easy to perform,
There is a high possibility that the first switch 1 is accidentally pressed when strobe light emission is to be inhibited, but there is no problem if the strobe light is emitted if you do not want to perform strobe shooting, as it does not affect the photograph much. It is.

-Second Embodiment- Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. In the second embodiment, the data back module 4
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a third switch 14 is provided on the left side of the first embodiment. And the third switch 14
Is turned off, the above-described strobe mode is switched by turning on / off the first and second switches 1 and 2, and the first and second switches are turned on with the third switch 14 turned on. The photographing mode is switched by turning on / off the switches 1 and 2. Table 1 below shows the state of switching between the strobe mode and the photographing mode by turning on / off the third switch 14 and the first and second switches 1 and 2.

[0021]

[Table 1]

Here, when the third switch 14 is turned on, the first switch 1 in the slow synchro mode is arranged on the upper side because the operator intends to perform bulb shooting by accidentally pressing the first switch 1 and slowing down. This is because even if the mode is set to the sync mode, there is almost no effect on the photograph.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation circuit of the camera according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the operation circuit. As shown in FIG.
The second and third switches 1, 2, 14, the release switch 3, and the flash device SB are connected to the CPU 15, which controls the flash emission and controls the selection between bulb shooting and slow synchro shooting. Is what you do.

First, in step S11 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the third switch 14 is turned on.
If the switch has not been turned on, the process proceeds to step S13. On the contrary, if it is turned on, the flag F is set in step S12.
3 is set to 1. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the first switch 1 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F4 is set to 1 in step S14. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the second switch 2 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S17. If it is turned on,
In step S16, the flag F5 is set to 1. In step S17, it is determined whether or not the release switch 3 has been pressed. If the release switch 3 is pressed and the result in step S17 is affirmative, in the next step S18, it is determined whether or not the flag F3 is 1. Third
Is turned on and the result in step S18 is affirmative, the selection control between bulb shooting and slow synchro shooting is performed according to the status of the flags F4 and F5. That is, when only the flag F4 is 1, the valve mode is set in step S19. When only the flag F5 is 1 or when both the flags F4 and F5 are 1, the step S20 is performed.
At slow sync mode. Flags F4 and F
If both 5 are not 1, in step S21, the camera enters the auto mode in which the shooting mode is automatically changed according to the brightness of the subject. Then, in step S24, exposure control is performed, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the third switch 14 is turned off and step S18 is denied, the flash mode of the strobe is controlled according to the status of the flags F4 and F5. That is, if both the flags F4 and F5 are not 1, the process proceeds to step S21, where the auto mode for automatically emitting the strobe in accordance with the brightness of the subject is set. If only the flag F4 is 1, the strobe emission is performed in step S22. When the mode is the light emission prohibition mode in which the flag F5 is 1 or both the flags F4 and F5 are 1, the step S
At 23, a forced light emission mode for forcibly emitting light from the strobe is set. Then, exposure control is performed in step S24, and the process ends.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the first body is provided on the back of the main body on the side where the photographer grips the camera.
Since the second switches 1 and 2 are arranged vertically, the switches 1 and 2 can be easily operated by the right thumb. Further, since the switches 1 and 2 are arranged vertically, it is possible to easily confirm the type of the switch. Further, since the first switch 1 for forcibly firing the flash or performing the slow synchro mode shooting is arranged on the upper side where the operation is easy to perform, the first switch 1 is erroneously set when the flash emission is prohibited or when the bulb shooting is desired. Is likely to press switch 1 of
There is no problem even if the flash photography is performed when the user does not want to perform the flash photography, or the slow sync mode photography is performed when the bulb photography is desired because the photograph is not so affected.

Note that, in the second embodiment, the third
Only when the switch 14 is turned on, the first and second
The switch between the valve mode and the slow synchro mode is performed by the switches 1 and 2 of FIG. 1, but the third switch 14 is omitted and the first and second switches 1 and 2 are omitted.
2, the mode may be switched between the valve mode and the slow synchro mode.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The third embodiment is directed to a camera that performs automatic exposure control by multi-pattern photometry, performs center-weighted photometry when the first switch 1 in the first embodiment is turned on, and performs a second switch. Spot metering is performed when 2 is turned on.

Here, the photometric method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing a photographing screen for explaining the photometric method. As shown in FIG.
5, which are divided into five regions. The multi-pattern photometry in the normal automatic exposure control is a method of calculating the average exposure value of each of the areas A1 to A5 using the photometry results of all the five areas A1 to A5, for example. The weighted metering is a method of obtaining the entire exposure value by weighting the central area A5. The spot metering is a method of calculating an exposure value using only the central area A5.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment. First, as shown in FIG.
At 31, it is determined whether or not the first switch 1 is turned on, and if not, step S33 is performed.
Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F6 is set to 1 in step S32. In step S33, it is determined whether or not the second switch 2 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F7 is set to 1 in step S34. In step S35, it is determined whether the release switch 3 has been pressed. When the release switch 3 is pressed and the result in step S35 is affirmative, the photometric mode is controlled according to the status of the flags F6 and F7. That is, if both the flags F6 and F7 are not 1, the auto mode for performing multi-pattern photometry is performed in step S36. If only the flag F7 is 1, the mode is for performing spot photometry in step S37, and only the flag F6 is set to 1 or If both the flags F6 and F7 are 1, the center-weighted metering mode is set in step S38. Then, in step S39, exposure control is performed, and the process ends.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, in a camera that performs autofocus (AF) by gaze detection, when the first switch 1 in the first embodiment is turned on, multipoint autofocus (multipoint AF) is performed. And the second switch 2
Is turned on, spot auto focus (spot AF) is performed.

FIG. 9 shows the AF based on the visual axis detection.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a photographing screen viewed from the finder 9 for explaining the visual line detection. As shown in FIG. 9, five AF areas S1 to S5 are provided on the shooting screen. Then, AF based on normal line-of-sight detection
Is to detect an area of the photographer looking out of the five areas S1 to S5 and perform autofocus so as to focus on that area. The multi-point AF is to perform focus detection for all the regions S1 to S5 and perform AF using the focus detection results of all the regions, such as using an average value of the focus detection results or the closest one. . In the spot AF, for example, AF is performed using only the focus detection result in the central area S3.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, first, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the first switch 1 is turned on.
Proceed to 43. Conversely, if it is turned on, step S42
The flag F8 is set to 1. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the second switch 2 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S45.
On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F9 is set to 1 in step S44. In step S45, it is determined whether the release switch 3 has been pressed. When the release switch 3 is pressed and the result in step S45 is affirmative,
The AF mode is controlled according to the status of the flags F8 and F9. That is, when both the flags F8 and F9 are not 1, the automatic mode for performing the line-of-sight detection AF is performed in step S46. When only the flag F9 is 1, the mode for performing the multi-point AF is performed in step S47, and only the flag F8 is set. If 1 or both of the flags F8 and F9 are 1, the mode will be the spot AF in step S48. Then, in step S49, exposure control is performed, and the process ends.

In the third and fourth embodiments, the third switch 1 is also provided in the same manner as in the second embodiment.
4 may be provided to switch the flash mode, the bulb mode, the slow synchro mode, the photometric mode, or the AF mode according to the on / off state of the third switch 14.

Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the data back module 4
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that switches 5 and 6 are omitted. Here, in the first to fourth embodiments, the operation of the first and second switches 1 and 2 for switching various modes is determined by turning on / off the main switch 7.
It is switched by turning off. That is, when the main switch 7 is on, by switching on and off the first and second switches 1 and 2 as described above, switching of the strobe light emission mode, switching between the bulb mode and the slow synchro mode, the photometry mode In the fifth embodiment, when the main switch 7 is turned off, the LCD 8 of the data back module 4 is switched by the first and second switches 1 and 2 in the fifth embodiment. Is to correct the date and time displayed in. This eliminates the need to provide the date mode changeover switch 5 and the date correction switch 6 for correcting the date and time, so that the configuration of the camera can be simplified.

-Sixth Embodiment- Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. In the sixth embodiment, instead of the first and second switches 1 and 2, a fourth switch 21 is provided on the left side of the data back module 4 and a fifth switch 22 is provided on the right side.
Is different from the first embodiment. By switching on and off the fourth and fifth switches 21 and 22, switching between the valve mode and the slow synchro mode is performed as in the second embodiment. That is, the fourth and fifth switches 2
In a state where both 1 and 22 are off, an auto mode in which the exposure mode is automatically changed according to the brightness of the subject is set. In a state where only the fourth switch 21 is turned on, a slow synchro mode is set and a fifth mode is set. Switch 22
In the state where only the switch is turned on, the valve mode is set.

Next, the operation of the sixth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, first, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the fourth switch 21 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S53. Conversely, if it is on, step S5
In step 2, the flag F10 is set to 1. Step S53
In, it is determined whether or not the fifth switch 22 is turned on. If not, the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is turned on, the flag F11 is set to 1 in step S54. In step S55, it is determined whether the release switch 3 has been pressed.
If the release switch 3 is pressed and the result in step S55 is affirmative, the exposure mode is controlled according to the status of the flags F10 and F11. That is, if both the flags F10 and F11 are not 1, the automatic mode is set in step S56 in which the exposure mode is automatically changed according to the luminance of the subject. If only the flag F11 is 1, the valve mode is set in step S57. If only the flag F10 is 1 or both of the flags F10 and F11 are 1, the slow sync mode is set in step S58. Then, in step S59, exposure control is performed, and the process ends.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the fourth and fifth data are placed on the left and right of the data back module 4.
Since the switches 21 and 22 are provided, it is possible to securely hold the camera with both hands at the time of shooting in the bulb mode or the slow sync mode in which camera shake easily occurs.
Photographing can be performed without blurring during photographing.

In the sixth embodiment,
The valve mode and the slow sync mode are switched by turning on / off the fourth and fifth switches 21 and 22. However, as in the first, third and fourth embodiments, the flash mode and the slow sync mode are used. The photometric mode or the AF mode may be switched. When the main switch 7 is turned off as in the fifth embodiment, the date and time of the data back module 4 may be changed by the fourth and fifth switches 21 and 22.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the first to fifth switches are button-type switches. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various switches such as seesaw switches may be used. A form of switch can be applied.

[0044]

As described in detail above, claims 1 to 5
According to the invention of claim 6, the first and second switches operated to set various photographing conditions are arranged vertically.
Frequently used items or items that do not affect the photo even if they are erroneously operated are placed on the upper side and placed on the grip side on the back of the main unit, making it easier to operate, and touching the top and bottom of the switch actually Can be confirmed by pressing the switch.
Further, as compared with the case where a switch is provided on the front of the camera, there is no need to confirm the switch, so that the photographing can be performed without missing a photo opportunity. Further, the influence on the photograph due to erroneous operation is suppressed to a minimum.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the first and second switches are disposed so as to sandwich the substantially central portion of the rear surface of the main body, the camera can be held by both hands for operating the switches. Thus, it is possible to prevent camera shake at the time of shooting with a slow shutter speed and a bulb.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation circuit of the camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation circuit of a camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a photographing screen for explaining a photometric method.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a photographing screen viewed from a finder for explaining gaze detection;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st switch 2 2nd switch 3 Release switch 4 Data back module 7 Main switch 10 Main body 11 Lens tube 14 3rd switch 15 CPU 21 4th switch 22 5th switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] A first switch for forcibly emitting a strobe light in an on state; and a second switch forcibly prohibiting a strobe light in an on state on a rear surface of the main body, wherein both the first and second switches are provided. When not turned on, in a camera that controls necessity of strobe light emission according to the brightness of a subject, the first switch is disposed in a grip side area on the back of the main body, and the second switch is set to the first switch. A camera that is arranged on the lower side. A first switch for performing multi-point autofocus in an on state; and a second switch for performing spot autofocus in an on state, provided on a back surface of the main body.
In a camera that performs auto-focusing in an area where a line of sight passes in the viewfinder when both the first and second switches are not turned on, the first switch is arranged in an area on the grip side on the back surface of the main body. 2. A camera, wherein two switches are arranged below the first switch. 3. A first switch for performing center-weighted photometry in an on state and a second switch for performing spot photometry in an on state are provided on a back surface of the main body, and when both the first and second switches are not turned on. A camera for performing multi-pattern photometry, wherein the first switch is disposed in a region on the grip side on the back of the main body, and the second switch is disposed below the first switch. 4. A camera provided with a first switch for performing slow synchro photography in an on state and a second switch for performing bulb photography in an on state on a back surface of the main body, wherein the first switch is provided on a grip side area of the back surface of the main body. A camera, wherein a switch is arranged, and the second switch is arranged below the first switch. 5. A display unit for displaying at least date and time data, wherein the first and second switches function as switches for changing a display on the display unit when a main switch of the camera is turned off. The camera according to claim 1. 6. A third switch for causing the first and second switches to perform a predetermined operation in an on state, wherein the third switch is disposed between the first and second switches with a substantially central portion of the rear surface of the main body interposed therebetween. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the camera is arranged in a region opposite to the two switches. 7. A camera provided with a first switch for performing slow synchro photography in an on state and a second switch for performing bulb photography in an on state on a rear surface of the main body. A camera, wherein the first switch is arranged on one side and the second switch is arranged on the other side.