JPH0915685A - Finder of range finder for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To perform smooth photographing by preventing an image for focusing which acts as a hindrance in the case of photographing from being displayed in a finder when a wide angle lens is used as a photographing lens. CONSTITUTION: Only in the case it is necessary to display a range-finding image based on a photographing condition, a range-finding image part 4 is operated by a control part 6, and focusing is manually performed while simultaneously displaying a visual field image and the range-finding image in the finder; and in the case other than the time when the display of the range-finding image is required for manual focusing, for example, when a lens whose depth of field is wide such as the wide angle lens is used as the photographing lens 5, the operation of the range-finding image part 4 is stopped by the control part 6 so as not to display the range-finding image in the finder, whereby photographing is performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rangefinder finder for a camera provided in a camera having a built-in interlocking rangefinder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a rangefinder, a top-and-bottom image finder for performing focus matching by perfectly matching top and bottom images that are displaced left and right in the viewfinder, or a field image and a field image are overlapped and projected on this field image. There is known a double image matching type finder for performing focus matching by perfectly matching both the distance measuring image and the distance measuring image.
However, these upper and lower image type viewfinders and double image matching type viewfinders have various problems because they are configured to focus using two subject images themselves obtained by two optical systems as an index. was there. So, as a technology to solve such problems,
Hitherto, a "camera rangefinder finder" disclosed in JP-A-51-88021 has been proposed.

The rangefinder finder of this camera has two optical systems. One of these optical systems forms a visual field image on the finder and a fixed visual field index for instructing focus adjustment in the visual field image. , A location other than the central portion of the visual field image by the other optical system, for example, a distance measurement image is formed at the right end, and the visual field image of the subject is captured at one end of the fixed visual field index when the focus of the photographing lens is matched,
Focusing is easily and quickly performed by adjusting the focus of the taking lens so as to capture the distance measurement image of the subject at the other end. By the way, conventionally, a camera having a double interlocking distance meter has the following problems.

<First Problem> First, in the distance finder used in such a camera, one of two optical systems forms a visual field image in the central portion of the finder, and the other one forms the visual field image. A focus detection image is formed at the center or side of the subject, and when the subject image in the field-of-view image and the subject image in the distance-measured image match or have a constant relationship, it is determined that the focus of the taking lens is present. I am trying. However, in the rangefinder used in such a camera, the distance measurement image is always displayed in the center or side of the view image in the viewfinder, so the focal length is short as a shooting lens. , When a lens with a wide depth of field, such as a wide-angle lens, is used, the subject is within the depth of field of the taking lens, and even if the image of the subject can be sharply projected, If there is a slight deviation in the measurement distance up to, the subject image in the field of view image and the subject image in the distance measurement image do not match or have a constant relationship, and this disturbs shooting. There was an occasion.

<Second problem> Further, in a normal AF (autofocus) camera, except for a single-lens reflex camera, during autofocus, the autofocus mechanism is erroneously measured due to a focus aid due to the display of an LED or the like. Even at a distance, I couldn't understand this and the result was out of focus. Furthermore, in a normal single-lens reflex camera having an AF (autofocus) function, a complicated optical system such as a mirror and a pentaprism is required, and in the "camera rangefinder finder" of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 51-88021, Since an optical system using a prism or the like is required, there is a problem that the mechanism becomes complicated.

<Third Problem> In an ordinary AF camera, the person using the camera cannot confirm the focus during autofocusing. Therefore, even if the autofocusing mechanism makes an erroneous distance measurement, I don't know this,
Sometimes the picture was out of focus. <Fourth problem> In a normal AF camera, when the AF function cannot measure the distance during autofocus, the focus cannot be adjusted by the manual focus in this state. When the distance is difficult, there is a problem that focusing becomes troublesome. Also, in "Camera rangefinder finder" of JP-A-51-88021, since this point is not taken into consideration at all, there is a problem that focusing may be troublesome. <Fifth Problem> Various methods can be considered as a method for solving the first problem, but in this case, if the camera has an extremely limited size, the mechanism is too large in terms of space. However, there is a problem that the first problem cannot be solved and the first problem must be solved in a small space.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and improves the space efficiency while shooting with a wide-angle lens as a shooting lens or when the AF function is used for focusing. When you do this, you can make sure that the image for the inconvenient focus adjustment is not displayed in the viewfinder, and you can shoot smoothly. Also, when you cannot focus with the AF function, you can always manually You can switch to the focus function and continue focusing, so even if the shooting conditions change suddenly,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rangefinder finder for a camera that can deal with this.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, claim 1
The rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention described in (1) above is a camera having a field-of-view image section for displaying a field-of-view image of a subject in the finder and a range-finding image section for displaying a range-finding image of the subject in the finder. In the rangefinder, a light-shielding portion that transmits or blocks the distance-measuring image is provided in the distance-measuring image portion, and the light-shielding portion is in a transmitting state only when it is necessary to display the distance-measuring image in the viewfinder. Then, the distance measuring image is displayed in the finder.

The rangefinder finder for a camera according to a second aspect of the present invention is the rangefinder finder for a camera according to the first aspect, wherein the light-shielding portion is shielded when the AF mechanism is in an autofocus state. In this state, the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder, and when the AF mechanism cancels the auto focus and the camera is in the manual focus state, the light shielding unit is set to the transparent state and the measurement is performed in the viewfinder. The feature is that it displays a distance image.

Further, in the rangefinder finder for a camera according to the invention described in claim 3, in the rangefinder finder for the camera according to claim 1, it is instructed by the photographer that a distance measurement image is not required to be displayed. At this time, the light-shielding portion is set in a light-shielding state so that the distance-measuring image is not displayed in the viewfinder, and when the photographer instructs that the distance-measuring image should be displayed, the light-shielding portion is in a transmission state. The distance measuring image is displayed in the finder.

The rangefinder finder for a camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the rangefinder finder for a camera according to the second aspect, wherein the light-shielding portion is shielded when the AF mechanism is in an auto-focus state. In this state, the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder, and when the distance measurement by the AF mechanism becomes impossible, the auto focus is released, the focus shifts to the manual focus state, and the light shielding unit is set to the transmission state. Then, a distance measurement image is displayed in the finder.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rangefinder finder for a camera, which includes a visual field image section for displaying a visual field image of a subject in the viewfinder, and a rangefinder for displaying a ranging image of the subject in the viewfinder. In a rangefinder finder of a camera having an image section, when it is necessary to display a range finding image in the viewfinder, a rangefinder mirror provided in the range finding image section is set to a normal position and a range finding image is displayed. To display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder,
When it is not necessary to display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder, the rangefinder mirror is set to the reverse position so that the distance measurement image is in a non-reflecting state, and the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder.

The rangefinder finder for a camera according to the invention described in claim 6 is the rangefinder finder for a camera according to claim 5, wherein an indicator is provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror, and the rangefinder mirror is A display image is generated by the display device when in the inverted position, and the display image is displayed in the finder.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera rangefinder in which the rear surface of the rangefinder mirror is located when the rangefinder mirror is in the reverse position. It is characterized in that a display image of the AF target is generated by the display unit provided in the display unit and the display image is displayed in the finder.

[0015]

In the above structure, the invention of claim 1 has a field-of-view image section for displaying a field-of-view image of the subject in the finder and a range-finding image section for displaying a range-finding image of the subject in the finder. In the rangefinder viewfinder of the camera,
A light-shielding unit that transmits or blocks the distance-measuring image is provided in the distance-measuring image unit, and the light-shielding unit is set in the transmitting state only when the distance-measuring image needs to be displayed in the viewfinder. By displaying the distance measurement image on
When the wide-angle lens is used, the subject is within the depth of field of the shooting lens and allows the image of the subject to be sharply projected by transmitting or blocking the light from the distance measuring image side. At some point, the distance-measuring image on the side of the distance-measuring image unit is removed from the viewfinder so as not to hinder shooting.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the rangefinder finder of the camera according to the first aspect, when the AF mechanism is in an autofocus state, the light-shielding portion is in a light-shielding state, and the inside of the finder is located. When the distance-measuring image is not displayed, the autofocus by the AF mechanism is released, and the manual focusing state is set, the light-shielding portion is set to the transmitting state and the distance-measuring image is displayed in the viewfinder. When it is in the auto focus state by the function, the light on the side of the distance measuring image section is blocked to concentrate on the shooting using the AF function.
When the automatic focus by the F mechanism is released and the manual focus state is set, the light on the range-finding image section side is transmitted to display the range-finding image in the viewfinder and confirm the focus.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, in the rangefinder of the camera according to claim 1, when the photographer instructs that the display of the distance measurement image is unnecessary, the light shielding part is brought into a light shielding state. The distance measuring image is not displayed in the viewfinder, and when the photographer instructs the distance measuring image to be displayed, the light shielding unit is set to the transparent state and the distance measuring image is displayed in the viewfinder. By displaying, it is possible for the photographer to arbitrarily set whether to transmit or block the light on the side of the distance-measuring image section, so that the distance-measuring image is not displayed in the viewfinder. , You can choose to focus on shooting or display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder to check the focus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the rangefinder finder of the camera according to the second aspect, when the autofocus state by the AF mechanism is set, the light-shielding portion is in the light-shielding state, and the measurement is performed in the finder. When the distance measurement by the AF mechanism becomes impossible, the distance image is not displayed, the auto focus is released, the mode is shifted to the manual focus state, the light shielding unit is set in the transmission state, and the distance measurement image is displayed in the viewfinder. By displaying it, it becomes possible to adjust the focus with manual focus in this state when the AF function becomes unable to measure the distance during auto focus, which allows you to focus on shooting when you can focus with the AF function. Manual focusing when the AF function makes distance measurement difficult for some reason Quickly to shift, to continue taking.

According to the invention of claim 5, the distance of the camera has a visual field image section for displaying a visual field image of the subject in the finder and a distance measuring image section for displaying a ranging image of the subject in the finder. In the viewfinder, when it is necessary to display a distance measurement image in the viewfinder, the distance measurement mirror provided in the distance measurement image unit is rotated to the normal position to reflect the distance measurement image, and the distance measurement is performed in the viewfinder. By displaying the image, when it is not necessary to display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder, the rangefinder mirror is set to the reverse position, and the distance measurement image is made non-reflective so that the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder. By rotating the existing rangefinder mirror provided in the distance measuring image unit to transmit or block the light on the side of the distance measuring image unit, the space efficiency of the mechanism necessary for obtaining the effect of claim 1 is greatly increased. To To above.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the rangefinder of the camera according to the fifth aspect, an indicator is provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror, and the indicator is provided when the rangefinder mirror is in the inverted position. By generating a display image by and displaying the display image in the viewfinder,
The space occupied by the display is deleted by the amount of the display on the opposite side of the rangefinder mirror for displaying various displays in the finder, thereby further improving the space efficiency.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the rangefinder of the camera according to the sixth aspect, when the rangefinder mirror is in the reverse position, an AF target is provided by a display provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror. The display image provided on the opposite side of the rangefinder mirror causes the AF target to be displayed by generating the display image of, and displaying the display image in the viewfinder, thereby improving space efficiency and usability. Improve

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention. A rangefinder finder 1a for a camera shown in this figure is provided in a front panel 2 of the camera, and a visual field image section 3 for forming a visual field image in the finder and a front panel 2 of the camera are provided with the finder. A distance measuring image unit 4 for forming a distance measuring image therein and a control unit 6 for controlling the operation of the distance measuring image unit 4 based on distance information from the photographing lens 5 and photographing conditions are provided. Based on the distance information from the lens 5 and the shooting conditions, the control unit 6 causes the distance measuring image unit 4 to operate only when the distance measuring image needs to be displayed, and the view image and the distance measuring image are displayed in the viewfinder. Except when it is necessary to perform manual focusing while displaying simultaneously and to display the required distance measurement image by manual focusing, for example, a wide-angle lens such as the taking lens 5 is used. Such as when using the wide lens, stops the operation of the distance measuring image portion 4 by the control unit 6, the distance measuring image to perform photography so as not appear in the viewfinder.

In this case, the visual field image section 3 is provided on the inside of the front panel 2 of the camera, which is formed by a concave lens, and on the back side of the objective lens 7. A half mirror 8 that transmits the captured subject image (field-of-view image) and reflects the distance measurement image supplied from the distance measurement image unit 4, and a convex lens provided on the back side of the half mirror 8. And an objective lens 7 and the eyepiece lens 9 constitute an inverse Galilean finder, and when the distance measurement image of the subject is not supplied from the distance measurement image unit 4, The visual field image of the subject is taken in through the front panel 2, the visual field image of the subject is shown to the eyes 10 of the photographer looking through the viewfinder, and the distance measuring image unit 4 is used to When a range-finding image of the object is supplied, the field-of-view image of the subject is captured through the front panel 2, and the range-finding image of the subject supplied from the range-finding image unit 4 is captured, and the viewfinder is opened. Eyes of the photographer looking 1
The field image and the distance measurement image of the subject are shown at 0.

The range-finding image section 4 is rotatably arranged inside the front panel 2 and rotates while being urged by the control section 6, and at the same time, the object which has passed through the front panel 2 is rotated. A rangefinder mirror 11 that captures an image and reflects it as a rangefinding image, and a range that is located closer to the half mirror 8 than the rangefinder mirror 11 and is in a transmission state when a transmission signal is output from the control unit 6. Then, the distance measurement image emitted from the rangefinder mirror 11 is transmitted, and when the transmission signal is not output from the control unit 6, the distance measurement image emitted from the rangefinder mirror 11 is blocked. LCD (liquid crystal panel) 12 to shut off, and this L
It is composed of a metal frame, a film frame, an LCD, etc. arranged closer to the half mirror 8 than the CD 12.
The frame 12 includes a frame 13 for shaping the distance measurement image transmitted through the LCD 12 into a predetermined shape.

Further, the range-finding image section 4 is composed of a convex lens having a hole formed in a central portion located closer to the half mirror 8 than the frame frame 13,
When the distance-measuring image transmitted through the frame 13 is out of the predetermined range provided in the central portion of the finder, the movement amount of the distance-measuring image is made dull with respect to the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11. The target lens 14 functions to match the field of view with the field of view of the finder and enlarges the frame when viewed from the photographer's eyes 10, and a concave lens disposed closer to the half mirror 8 than the target lens 14. , Capturing the distance measurement image of the subject that has passed through the target lens 14,
A rangefinder objective lens 15 for guiding to the half mirror 8 of the visual field image section 3 is provided.

When the transmission signal is output from the control unit 6, the LCD 12 is set to the transmission state and the front panel 2
The image of the subject captured via the is reflected in a direction according to the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 to display the range-finding image of the subject at a position corresponding to the focus position of the taking lens 5 in the viewfinder, Further, when the transmission signal is not output from the control unit 6, the LCD 12 is set in a light-shielding state so that the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder.

Further, the control unit 6 is constituted by a mechanical mechanism such as a cam or an electric circuit using a resistance plate for interlocking the focus position of the photographing lens 5 and the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11, and the like. When the focus position of the taking lens 5 is adjusted while the taking lens 5 is in manual focus, the rangefinder adjusts the rotation angle position of the rangefinder mirror 11 according to the focus position information (distance information). A mirror rotation drive unit 16,
Based on shooting conditions, a transmission signal is generated only when display of a distance measurement image is required to bring the LCD 12 into a transmission state, and a necessary distance measurement image is displayed by manual focusing or the like, for example, a taking lens. 5 is provided with an LCD control unit 17 that stops the generation of the transmission signal and puts the LCD 12 into a light-shielding state when a lens having a wide depth of field such as a wide-angle lens is used.

Then, as shown in the flow chart of FIG.
When the focus of the taking lens 5 is adjusted by the photographer, the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 is adjusted according to the focus position of the taking lens 5 by the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16 and displayed in the viewfinder. The position of the distance measurement image of the subject is adjusted (steps ST1 to ST3). At this time, only when the distance measurement image needs to be displayed under the shooting conditions (step ST4), the transmission signal is output from the LCD control unit 17, the LCD 12 is set in the transmission state, and reflected by the rangefinder mirror 11. The distance measurement image of the subject is displayed on the LCD 1.
2, the frame frame 13, the target lens 14, the rangefinder objective lens 15, and the half mirror 8 are displayed in the viewfinder (step ST5).

Further, except when it is necessary to display a required distance measurement image by manual focusing or the like, for example, when a wide-angle lens such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5 (step ST4). ), LCD
When the transmission signal is no longer output from the control unit 17, the L
The CD 12 is shielded from light, and the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder (step ST
6).

As described above, in the first embodiment,
Based on the distance information from the taking lens 5 and the shooting conditions,
Only when it is necessary to display the distance measurement image, the control unit 6 operates the distance measurement image unit 4 to display the field image and the distance measurement image at the same time in the viewfinder while manually focusing. , Except when it is necessary to display a required distance measurement image by manual focus or the like, when the lens having a wide depth of field such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5, Since the operation of the distance measuring image unit 4 is stopped so that the distance measuring image is not displayed in the viewfinder and the photographing is performed, when the wide angle lens is used as the photographing lens 5, the photographing is performed. This allows you to take smooth images by preventing the focus adjustment image from being displayed in the viewfinder.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The rangefinder finder 1b of the camera shown in this figure
Is different from the rangefinder finder 1a of the camera shown in FIG. 1 except that the LCD 12 is deleted from the distance measurement image section 4 and the LCD control section 17 is deleted from the control section 6, while the mechanical transmission / shading of the distance measurement image section 4 is performed. The mechanism 20 is provided and the controller 6
The actuator control unit 21 is provided in the camera, and the mechanical transmission / light-shielding mechanism 20 is controlled by the actuator control unit 21 based on the photographing condition so that the distance measurement image of the subject is displayed in the viewfinder or not displayed. Is.

In this case, the mechanical transmission / light-shielding mechanism 20 is provided inside the front panel 2 so as to be retractable on the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11 so as to be retractable.
2, the arm 23 connected to the light shielding plate 22, and when the transmission signal is output from the actuator control unit 21 of the control unit 6, the arm 23 is rotated to move the light shielding plate 22 to the distance meter. Remove from the incident surface side of the mirror 11,
An actuator 24 for rotating the arm 23 to project the light shielding plate 22 to the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11 when a transmission signal is not output from the actuator control unit 21 of the control unit 6. There is.

When the transmission signal is output from the actuator control section 21 of the control section 6, the actuator 24 is deactivated and the light shielding plate 22 is removed from the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11 to remove the front panel 2. The image of the subject that is incident via the
Further, when the transmission signal is not output from the actuator control unit 21 of the control unit 6, the actuator 24 is operated, the light shielding plate 22 is projected to the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11, and the light is incident through the front panel 2. The image of the subject is blocked so that it does not enter the rangefinder mirror 11.

Further, the actuator control section 21 is
When it is necessary to display the distance measurement image based on the photographing condition, the actuator 24 is deactivated, the light shielding plate 22 is removed from the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11, and the image of the object incident through the front panel 2 is obtained. Except when it is necessary to display the required distance measurement image by manual focusing or the like, and a wide-angle lens such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5. At this time, the generation of the transmission signal is stopped to activate the actuator 24, the light shielding plate 22 is projected to the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11, and the image of the subject incident through the front panel 2 is blocked. This is the rangefinder mirror 11
So that it is not incident on.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 6 including the actuator control unit 21 adjusts the focus of the photographing lens 5 by the photographer as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 is adjusted by 16 according to the focus position of the taking lens 5, and the position of the distance measurement image of the subject displayed in the viewfinder is adjusted (step S).
T11-ST13).

At this time, the transmission signal is output from the actuator control unit 21 only when the distance measurement image needs to be displayed under the photographing condition (step ST14), and the actuator 2 is operated.
4 is brought into a non-operating state, the light shielding plate 22 is removed from the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11, and the image of the subject incident through the front panel is incident on the rangefinder mirror. As a result, the distance measurement image of the subject reflected by the rangefinder mirror 11 is displayed in the viewfinder via the frame frame 13, the target lens 14, the rangefinder objective lens 15, and the half mirror 8 (step ST15).

Further, except when it is necessary to display a required distance measurement image by manual focusing or the like, for example, when a wide-angle lens such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5 (step ST14). ), The transmission signal is no longer output from the actuator controller 21, and the light-shielding plate 22 is projected to the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 1, so that the image of the subject incident through the front panel 2 is reflected on the rangefinder mirror 11. The distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder because the light is not incident (steps ST16 and ST17).

As described above, in the second embodiment,
Only when it is necessary to display the distance measurement image based on the distance information from the taking lens 5 and the photographing conditions, the control unit 6 operates the distance measurement image unit 4 to display a field image and a distance measurement image in the viewfinder. A lens with a wide depth of field, such as a wide-angle lens, is used as the taking lens 5, for example, except when it is necessary to perform manual focusing while displaying the While the camera is operating, the control unit 6 stops the operation of the distance measuring image unit 4 so that the distance measuring image is not displayed in the viewfinder and the photographing is performed. When using a wide-angle lens, the image for focus adjustment, which is a hindrance when shooting, is not displayed in the viewfinder for smooth shooting. Rukoto can.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The rangefinder finder 1c of the camera shown in this figure
1 is different from the rangefinder finder 1a of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in that a rangefinder display selection unit 25 including switches and buttons is provided to force the rangefinder display selection unit 25 to operate regardless of shooting conditions. When the distance measurement image display instruction is issued, the LCD 12 is set in the transparent state to display the distance measurement image of the subject in the viewfinder, and the rangefinder display selection unit 25 is displayed.
When a compulsory distance measurement image non-display instruction is issued from the LC
That is, D12 is set in a light-shielding state so that the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder.

In this case, in this third embodiment, as shown in the flow chart of FIG.
When the focus adjustment of the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 1
The rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 is adjusted by 6 according to the focus position of the taking lens 5, and the position of the distance measurement image of the subject displayed in the viewfinder is adjusted (steps ST21 to ST23). At this time, when it is necessary to display a distance measurement image under shooting conditions and when the distance meter display selection unit 25 is operated and a compulsory distance measurement image display instruction is output from this distance meter display selection unit 25 (step ST24),
A transmission signal is output from the LCD control unit 17, and the LC
The distance measurement image of the subject reflected by the rangefinder mirror 11 is displayed on the LCD 12, the frame 1
3, the target lens 14, the rangefinder objective lens 15, and the half mirror 8 are displayed in the viewfinder (step ST25).

Further, except when it is necessary to display the required distance measurement image by manual focusing or the like, when a lens having a wide depth of field such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5, and a rangefinder display is performed. When the selection unit 25 is operated and the compulsory distance measurement image non-display instruction is output from the rangefinder display selection unit 25 (step ST24),
The transmission signal is no longer output from the LCD control unit 17,
The LCD 12 is shielded from light, and the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the finder (step S
T26).

As described above, in the third embodiment,
When it is necessary to display a distance measurement image based on distance information from the taking lens 5 and photographing conditions, and when the distance meter display selection unit 25 is operated, a compulsory distance measurement image display instruction is output from the distance meter display selection unit 25. When the camera is being operated, the control unit 6 operates the distance measuring image unit 4 to display a field image and a distance measuring image at the same time in the viewfinder while manually focusing. Except when it is necessary to display a wide range-finding image, for example, when a wide-angle lens such as a wide-angle lens is used as the taking lens 5, and a rangefinder display selecting section 25.
Is operated to output a compulsory distance measurement image non-display instruction from the rangefinder display selection unit 25, the operation of the distance measurement image unit 4 is stopped by the control unit 6 and the distance measurement is performed in the viewfinder. Since the image is not displayed and the shooting is performed, when the wide-angle lens is used as the shooting lens 5, the image for focus adjustment, which is an obstacle when shooting, is not displayed in the viewfinder. You can shoot smoothly and smoothly, and at any time you can switch to the manual focus function and continue focusing, so that you can deal with sudden changes in shooting conditions. Can be made.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The rangefinder finder 1d of the camera shown in this figure
Is different from the rangefinder finder 1a of the camera shown in FIG. 1 in that the AF function unit 30 for automatically adjusting the focus of the taking lens 5 and the taking lens 5 by the AF function unit 30 are used.
The AF function unit 3 is provided with a distance information transmission selection unit 31 that supplies the focus information of the photographing lens 5 to the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16 when the focus of the AF function unit 3 is not automatically adjusted.
When 0 is deactivated and manual focus is selected, the distance information transmission selecting unit 31 transmits the distance information from the photographing lens 5 to the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16
To drive the rangefinder mirror 11 to
The LCD control unit 17 sets the LCD 12 in a transparent state to display a distance measurement image of the subject in the viewfinder, and when the AF function unit 30 automatically adjusts the focus of the taking lens 5, the distance information transmission selection unit 31 The distance information from the taking lens 5 is cut to make the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16 inoperative, and
The LCD control unit 17 makes the LCD 12 in a light-shielded state so that the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder.

In this case, the AF function section 30 performs AF-U section (autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / autofocus / Unit) 32
When the AF-U unit 32 is performing a measurement necessary for autofocus, a transmission information selection signal is generated to prevent the distance information transmission selection unit 31 from taking in the distance information of the taking lens 5. While the LCD control unit 17 is controlled so that the LCD 12 is in the light-shielded state, the distance measurement is performed to generate the extension information based on the distance measurement information obtained by the measurement operation of the AF-U unit 32 to adjust the focus of the photographing lens 5. And an information calculation unit 33.

In the fourth embodiment, when the photographer designates the autofocus operation by the AF function according to the operating state of the AF function unit 30 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 (step ST41). , A
The distance information transmission selection unit 31 is deactivated by the distance measurement information calculation unit 33 of the F function unit 30 so that the distance information of the taking lens 5 is not supplied to the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16 and the LCD is displayed. The control unit 17 is controlled to L
The CD 12 is shielded from light so that the distance measurement image of the subject is not displayed in the viewfinder (step ST4).
2, ST43). In this state, the AF-
The U unit 32 performs the measurement operation to measure the distance to the subject, and the distance measurement information calculation unit 33 generates the extension information based on the distance measurement information obtained by the measurement operation to generate the shooting lens 5. The focus is adjusted (steps ST44 to ST6).

When the manual focus operation is designated by the photographer (step ST4)
1), the operation of the AF function unit 30 is stopped and the LC
A transmission signal is output from the D control unit 17, and the LCD 1
2 is made transparent, whereby the rangefinder mirror 1
The distance-measuring image of the subject reflected at 1 is displayed in the viewfinder through the LCD 12, the frame 13, the target lens 14, the rangefinder objective lens 15, and the half mirror 8, and the distance information transmission selecting unit 31 operates. The photographing lens 5 is brought into a state by the distance information transmission selecting section 31.
The distance information of is captured and supplied to the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16 (steps ST47 and ST48).
When the photographer adjusts the focus of the photographing lens 5, the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16 adjusts the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 according to the focus position of the photographing lens 5 and displays it in the viewfinder. The position of the distance measurement image of the subject is adjusted (steps ST49 to ST49).
51).

As described above, in the fourth embodiment,
When the AF function unit 30 is in a non-operating state and the focus of the photographing lens 5 is adjusted by manual focus, the control unit 6 operates the distance measuring image unit 4 so that the field image is displayed in the finder. Display the distance image and
Further, when the AF function unit 30 is in the operating state and the focus adjustment of the photographing lens 5 is being performed by the auto focus, the control unit 6 stops the operation of the distance measuring image unit 4 and the distance measuring image is displayed in the viewfinder. Since it was set so that the icon is not displayed, the focus adjustment image, which is an obstacle for shooting when the AF function is used, is not displayed in the viewfinder. You can make smooth shooting.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are designated by the same reference numerals. The rangefinder finder 1e of the camera shown in this figure
Is different from the rangefinder finder 1d of the camera shown in FIG. 7 except that the LCD 12 is deleted from the distance measurement image unit 4 and the LCD control unit 17 is deleted from the control unit 6, while the rangefinder constituting the distance measurement image unit 4 is deleted. An LED indicator (light emitting diode indicator) 35 for performing necessary display such as auto focus is provided on the back surface of the mirror 11, and an LED control unit 36 for controlling the display of the LED indicator 35 is provided in the control unit 6. A
When the F function unit 30 is in the non-operating state and the manual focus is selected, the distance information transmission selection unit 31 displays the distance information from the photographing lens 5 while displaying the distance measurement image of the subject in the viewfinder. It is supplied to the meter mirror rotation driving unit 16 to drive the rangefinder mirror 11, and the photographing lens 5 is driven by the AF function unit 30.
When the focus is automatically adjusted, the distance information transmission selecting unit 31 cuts the distance information from the photographing lens 5, the distance meter mirror rotation driving unit 16 reverses the distance meter mirror 11, and this distance meter mirror That is, various display images required by the autofocus function are created by the LED display 35 provided on the back surface of the display 11, and these are displayed in the finder.

In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the AF
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the autofocus operation by the AF function is designated by the photographer according to the operation state of the functional unit 30 (step ST6).
1), the distance information transmission selection unit 31 is deactivated by the distance measurement information calculation unit 33 of the AF function unit 30 so that the distance information of the taking lens 5 is not supplied to the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16. At the same time, the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16 rotationally drives the rangefinder mirror 11, and the rangefinder mirror 11 is fixed in a substantially completely inverted position (steps ST62 and ST63).

In this state, the AF-U unit 32 of the AF function unit 30 performs a measuring operation to measure the distance to the subject and the LED control unit 36 attaches the distance measuring mirror 11 to the back surface. The LED display 35 is driven to create various display images and target display images necessary for the autofocus function, and while these are displayed at a predetermined location of the finder, the distance measurement information calculation unit 33 is displayed.
Based on the distance-measuring information obtained by the measurement operation, the extension information is generated to adjust the focus of the taking lens 5 (steps ST64 to ST67).

When the manual focus operation is designated by the photographer (step ST6)
1), the operation of the AF function unit 30 is stopped, and the distance information output by the distance information transmission selecting unit 31 is guided to the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16.
This rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16 is activated, and the surface of the rangefinder mirror 11 is the front panel 2 and frame frame 13.
Turned to the side. As a result, the distance measurement image of the subject reflected by the distance meter mirror 11 is displayed in the viewfinder through the frame frame 13, the target lens 14, the distance meter objective lens 15, and the half mirror 8 (step S).
T68, ST69). When the photographer adjusts the focus of the photographing lens 5, the rangefinder mirror rotation driving unit 16 adjusts the rotation angle of the rangefinder mirror 11 according to the focus position of the photographing lens 5 and displays it in the viewfinder. The position of the distance measurement image of the subject is adjusted (steps ST70 to ST72).

As described above, in the fifth embodiment,
When the AF function unit 30 is deactivated and the focus of the taking lens 5 is adjusted by manual focus, the control unit 6 operates the distance measuring image unit 4 to generate a visual field image in the finder. When the focusing function of the photographing lens 5 is displayed by displaying the distance measurement image and the AF function unit 30 in the operating state at the same time by the auto focus, the control unit 6 causes the distance meter of the distance measurement image unit 4 to operate. While the mirror 11 is reversed so that the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder, the LED display 35 provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror 11 causes various display images and target display images necessary for the autofocus function. Is created and displayed at a predetermined place in the viewfinder so that shooting can be performed. While focusing, etc., prevent the focus adjustment image, which is an obstacle for shooting, from being displayed in the viewfinder. Images and target display images can be displayed for smooth shooting.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the LCD 12 is arranged between the rangefinder mirror 11 and the frame 13, but the range-finding image of the subject is transmitted or shielded. The LCD 12 may be arranged anywhere as long as it is possible. Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the light shielding plate 22 is arranged so as to be retractable between the front panel 2 and the rangefinder mirror 11.
The light-shielding plate 22 may be arranged anywhere as long as the distance-measuring image of the subject can be transmitted or shielded.

In the third embodiment described above, the LCD 12 is forcibly set to the transparent state or the light-blocking state is forcibly set by the rangefinder display selection section 25. However, the LCD 12 can be replaced in place. Light shield plate 2
2 is used, the light-shielding plate 22 is forcibly brought out on the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11 by the rangefinder display selecting section 25, or the light-shielding plate 22 is removed from the incident surface side of the rangefinder mirror 11. Is also good.

Further, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, between the taking lens 5 and the rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit 16,
Although the distance information transmission selection unit 31 is provided, such a distance information transmission selection unit 31 is deleted, and the LCD 12 is displayed while the AF function unit 30 adjusts the focus of the taking lens 5 by autofocus. It is also possible to make only the light-shielding state and to display the range-finding image of the subject in the viewfinder instantly by setting the LCD 12 in the transmissive state when shifting from the auto-focus state to the manual focus.

In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the rangefinder finder of the camera according to the present invention has been described by taking the reverse Galileo finder as an example. However, a finder other than the reverse Galileo finder is described. For example, the rangefinder finder of the camera according to the present invention may be applied to a real image type finder. In addition, in the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the double image matching type is adopted as the pin matching system, but it is combined with a pin other than the double image matching formula, for example, a split type pin. A method or the like may be adopted.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the first aspect, the light on the side of the distance measuring image can be transmitted or blocked, whereby when a wide-angle lens or the like is used,
When the subject is within the depth of field of the taking lens and is in a state where the image of the subject can be captured sharply, there is no need to remove the distance measurement image on the distance measurement image side from the viewfinder so as not to interfere with shooting. You can Further, in claim 2, A
When in the auto focus state by the F function, it is possible to block the light on the distance measuring image side and concentrate on shooting using the AF function. In addition, the auto focus by the AF mechanism is released and the focus state is changed to the manual focus state. It is possible to transmit the light on the side of the range-finding image portion while the image is being displayed and display the range-finding image in the viewfinder to confirm the focus.

In the third aspect, the photographer can arbitrarily set whether to transmit or block the light on the side of the range-finding image portion, which allows the range-finding image to be displayed in the viewfinder. Let's concentrate on shooting without displaying it,
It is possible to arbitrarily select to display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder and confirm the focus. Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the AF is performed during autofocus.
When the function makes it impossible to measure the distance, you can adjust the focus with manual focus in this state, which allows you to focus on shooting when you can focus with the AF function. When distance measurement becomes difficult, it is possible to quickly shift to manual focus and continue shooting.

According to the present invention, the existing rangefinder mirror provided in the distance measuring image section is rotated to transmit or block the light on the side of the distance measuring image section. It is possible to significantly improve the space efficiency of the mechanism required for obtaining Further, according to claim 6, the space occupied by the display can be deleted by the amount of the display mounted on the opposite side of the rangefinder mirror for displaying various displays in the viewfinder. Can be further improved. According to the seventh aspect, the AF target can be displayed by the display provided on the opposite side of the rangefinder mirror, whereby the space efficiency can be improved and the usability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a rangefinder finder of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention.

4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a rangefinder finder of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention.

6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a rangefinder finder of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a rangefinder finder of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a rangefinder finder for a camera according to the present invention.

10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a rangefinder finder of the camera shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a to 1e Camera rangefinder, 2 front panel, 3 field-of-view image section, 4 range-finding image section, 5 shooting lens, 6 control section, 7 objective lens, 8 half mirror, 9 eyepiece lens, 10 photographer's eye, 1
1 rangefinder mirror, 12 LCD (light-shielding part), 13
Frame frame, 14 target lens, 15 rangefinder objective lens, 16 rangefinder mirror rotation drive unit,
17 LCD control unit, 20 Mechanical transmission / light blocking mechanism (light blocking unit), 21 Actuator control unit, 22
Light shield, 23 arms, 24 actuators, 2
5 distance meter display selection unit, 30 AF function unit (AF mechanism), 31 distance information transmission selection unit, 32 AF-U
Section, 33 distance measurement information calculation section, 35 LED display (display), 36 LED control section.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A rangefinder finder for a camera having a field-of-view image section for displaying a field-of-view image of a subject in a viewfinder and a range-finding image section for displaying a range-finding image of the object in the viewfinder, A light-shielding portion that transmits or blocks the distance-measuring image is provided in the image portion, and only when it is necessary to display the distance-measuring image in the viewfinder, the light-shielding portion is set in the transmission state, and the light-shielding portion is provided in the viewfinder. A rangefinder finder for cameras that displays a distance measurement image. 2. A rangefinder finder for a camera according to claim 1, wherein when the AF mechanism is in an auto-focus state, the light-shielding portion is in a light-shielding state so that a distance measurement image is not displayed in the finder. A rangefinder finder for a camera, wherein when the autofocus by the AF mechanism is released and the manual focus state is set, the light-shielding portion is set in a transmissive state and a distance measurement image is displayed in the finder. 3. The rangefinder finder for a camera according to claim 1, wherein when the photographer has instructed that the distance measurement image is not required to be displayed, the light-shielding portion is set in the light-shielding state and the distance is measured in the finder. When the distance image is not displayed and the photographer has instructed to display the distance image,
A rangefinder for a camera, wherein the light-shielding portion is set in a transparent state and a distance-measuring image is displayed in the viewfinder. 4. The rangefinder finder for a camera according to claim 2, wherein when the AF mechanism is in an autofocus state, the light shielding unit is in a light shielding state so that a distance measurement image is not displayed in the finder. When the distance measurement by the AF mechanism becomes impossible, the autofocus is released, the mode shifts to the manual focus state, the light shielding unit is set in the transmission state, and the distance measurement image is displayed in the viewfinder. A camera rangefinder. 5. A rangefinder finder of a camera having a field-of-view image section for displaying a field-of-view image of a subject in the finder and a range-finding image section for displaying a range-finding image of the object in the finder, wherein: When it is necessary to display the distance measurement image on the, the distance measurement mirror provided in the distance measurement image unit is set to the normal position to reflect the distance measurement image, and the distance measurement image is displayed in the viewfinder, When it is not necessary to display the distance measurement image in the viewfinder, the rangefinder mirror is set to the reverse position, the distance measurement image is made non-reflective, and the distance measurement image is not displayed in the viewfinder. Meter finder. 6. The rangefinder of the camera according to claim 5, wherein a display is provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror, and a display image is generated by the display when the rangefinder mirror is in an inverted position. A rangefinder for a camera, wherein the display image is displayed in the viewfinder. 7. The rangefinder of the camera according to claim 6, wherein when the rangefinder mirror is in a reverse position, a display provided on the back surface of the rangefinder mirror generates a display image of the AF target. And the display image is displayed in the finder.