Camera system with interchangeable lenses having varying aperture

Abstract

A camera system having a camera body adapted to operate with multiple types of interchangeable lenses, some of the lenses having an aperture ring and other of the lenses without an aperture ring. Based upon a signal, received via a contact point, a determination is made whether an attached interchangeable lens having an aperture ring is mounted on the camera body. Subsequently, if the attached interchangeable lens has an aperture ring, a control circuit permits aperture control of the lens photographic optical system by an aperture control circuit if an aperture interlocking ring of the camera body detects that the set aperture value is at a minimum value. The aperture control circuit restricts aperture control of the photographic optical system if the set aperture value is not at the minimum value. Upon determining that a mounted interchangeable lens does not have an aperture ring, the control circuit permits the aperture control of the lens photographic optical system by the aperture control circuit, regardless of the detection results by the aperture interlocking ring. Proper aperture control is achieved regardless of the type of interchangeable lens. Consequently, operational errors are eliminated and the manipulations required by the photographer are simplified, thereby improving the camera system's operational capability.