Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha

Yasuzi Kogure

Masaaki Nakai

Masayoshi Sahara

Shinji Tominaga

Seiji Yamada

Toshinori Imura

Toshio Kobori

Maki Yamashita

A camera includes a manually adjustable photographic parameter such as diaphragm aperture, shutter speed, focus distance or the like and an electrically energizable network indicating the value of the adjusted parameter or a related value. The indicator network is connected through a normally open signal controlled semiconductor switch to a current source and a device is located on the manually accessible face of the photographic parameter adjusting member and is electrically connected to the switch network input and is touch responsive to produce of switch network closing signal so as to automatically energize the indicator network upon manual engagement of the adjusting member. The sensing member is alternatively a pair of spaced conductor electrodes or a piezo-electric element and the switch is respectively responsive to resistance or voltage values applied to its input. A network is provided for opening the closed switch after a predetermined period.

Power source switch for cameras

An automatic focus control camera which includes automatic exposure control means, automatic focus adjusting means, and flash means. These three means are arranged to have a power source in common, and furthermore, the automatic focus adjusting means and flash means are supplied with electric power through an electric voltage boosting circuit which is arranged not to function during an exposure period for taking photographs. Moreover, an electric voltage checking circuit is included for checking a voltage supplied to the automatic focus adjusting means so that the shutter can not be released unless the voltage reaches a predetermined level.

Automatic focus control camera

An auto-focus camera including an automatic rangefinder device for generating a distance signal indicative of the distance between the camera and a target object to be photographed, a timer circuit for generating an output signal a predetermined time after a power switch is closed, to place a lens drive mechanism in an operative condition for repositioning an objective lens assembly of the camera in search of the true focus setting, and a lens arresting circuit including electromagnetic units. Either of the electromagnetic units is operable to arrest the objective lens assembly at a corresponding focal position when energized by the distance signal. The automatic rangefinder device can measure the distance from the camera to the target object independent of the release of the lens drive mechanism.

Auto-focus camera having rangefinder system

In a still or motion picture camera including an electric circuit such as a light measuring circuit, an exposure control circuit, a sound recording circuit, or a capstan driving circuit, the shutter release button is provided with a piezo-electric element for developing an electric charge or potential difference when an external pressure is applied thereon. The pressure responsive piezo-electric element is connected in the electric circuit in response to the pressure applied on the pressure responsive element, whereby the electric circuit is enabled prior to the commencement of the exposure.

A camera adapted for use with a photoflash device, and having structure for manually setting a diaphragm aperture externally of the camera includes: a switch for switching the camera from a daylight photography mode to a flash photography mode, and vice-versa; a diaphragm setting member movable for setting the diaphragm aperture; a first scale member for indicating a set position of the diaphragm aperture setting member for daylight photography, and a second scale member for indicating a set position of the diaphragm setting member for flash photography. Additionally, the camera is provided with structure for selectively exposing one of the two scale members in response to selection of the photography mode of the camera. The exposing structure is interconnected with the switch for automatic, selective indication of the scale members.

Growing community of inventors

Kawanishi, Japan

Yasuzi Kogure