Electrically controlled self-timer devices for single lens reflex cameras

Abstract

An electrically controlled self-timer is operable only when an eye-piece shutter is moved to an operative position to block extraneous light having passed through an eye-piece of the viewfinder optics to prevent it from impinging on a light responsive element, which is normally disposed to receive scene light having passed through a camera objective to generate an electric signal commensurate with the intensity of the light thus received for automatic exposure control. When a manually operable member is at a predetermined position, the eye-piece shutter is moved to the operative position and a switch is closed to operate a self-timer control circuit. Further, when the manually operable member is at another predetermined position the eye-piece shutter remains at the operative position, or alternatively when another manually operable member is operated, another switch is closed to initiate the operation of the electric control circuit which has been made operable beforehand by the closing of the first mentioned switch. In response to the operation of the electric control circuit, the self-timer operation is initiated.