JPH02287331A - Flash photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a photographing effect by trailing curtain synchro- photographing by automatically setting a shutter speed in a bulb in the case of the trailing curtain synchro-photographing. CONSTITUTION:A 1st selection means 1 selects a 1st curtain synchro mode in which flash light is emitted in synchronism with the traveling of the front curtain of a shutter and a trailing curtain synchro mode (2C mode) in which the flash light is emitted in synchronism with the traveling of the trailing curtain of the shutter. A 2nd selection means 2 selects a mode (P mode or A mode) in which the shutter speed is automatically set and a mode in which the shutter speed is manually set. When the trailing curtain synchro mode (2C mode) is selected by the 1st selection means 1 and the mode (P mode or A mode) in which the shutter speed is automatically set is selected by the 2nd selection means 2, the shutter speed can not be manually set. Therefore, the shutter speed is automatically set in the bulb by a bulb setting means 3. Thus, the photographing effect by the trailing curtain synchro-photographing is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a flash photographing device capable of selecting a rear curtain synchronization mode and a front curtain synchronization mode.

"Prior art" Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 168480/1983 and Utility Model Application No. 63-
Japanese Patent No. 19832 discloses trailing curtain synchronization photography in which a flash is emitted in synchronization with the movement of the shutter trailing curtain. In addition, U.S. Patent No. 4,717,934 (corresponding to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 156236/1983) discloses a front curtain synchronization mode in which the flash is emitted in synchronization with the movement of the shutter front curtain, and the aforementioned rear curtain synchronization mode. A flash photography device is disclosed in which a mode can be selected. By performing rear-curtain synchronization photography, when the subject is moving, you can obtain a photograph that gives an appropriate sense of the direction of movement. The shutter speed at this time is determined to be the synchronized speed if the preset shutter speed is equal to or higher than the synchronized speed, and is determined to be the set shutter speed if the preset shutter speed is equal to or less than the synchronized speed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, the program AE mode or aperture priority AE
If you have selected an exposure control mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set on the camera side, as in the second curtain synchronization mode, manual setting of the shutter speed will not be possible when second curtain synchronization mode is selected. In some cases, synchronized shooting did not produce sufficient effects.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flash photographing device that can appropriately set the shutter speed during trailing curtain synchronization photographing.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, the first
As shown in the figure, the first curtain synchronization mode, in which the flash fires in synchronization with the movement of the first curtain of the shutter, and the rl of the shutter.
A first selection means 1 selects a trailing curtain synchronization mode in which a flash is emitted in synchronization with G running, and a second selection means 2 selects a mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set and a mode in which the shutter speed is manually set. Then, the first selection means 1 selects the second curtain synchronization mode, and the second selection means 2
When a mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set is selected, a bulb setting means 3 is provided for setting the shutter speed to bulb.

Note that the second selection means 2 has a program AE mode (P mode) in which the aperture value and shutter speed are automatically set;
There are two modes: Aperture priority AE mode (A mode) where the aperture value is set manually and shutter speed automatically set, Shutter speed priority AE mode (S mode) where the shutter speed is set manually and the aperture value is automatically set, and Aperture value is also set automatically. It is preferable to select a manual mode (M mode) in which the shutter speed is also manually set.

[Effect] Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

The first selection means 1 selects a front curtain synchronization mode in which a flash is emitted in synchronization with the movement of the front curtain of the shutter, and a rear curtain synchronization mode (2C mode) in which the flash is emitted in synchronization with the movement of the rear curtain of the shutter.

A second selection means 2 selects a mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set (P mode or A mode) and a mode in which the shutter speed is manually set (S mode or M mode). When the second selection means 1 selects the second curtain synchronization mode (2C mode) and the second selection means 2 selects the mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set (P mode or A mode), the shutter speed is Since manual settings are not possible, the shooting effect of rear-curtain synchronization shooting may not be sufficiently achieved. Therefore, in the present invention, in such a case, the valve setting means 3 automatically sets the shutter speed to the valve value. - When rear-curtain synchronized photography is carried out in the film, the subject is often aimed with a bulb, so by setting the shutter speed to bulb even in P mode or A mode, it is possible to obtain the photographic effect of rear-curtain synchronized photography.

[Embodiment] FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of a camera as an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, CPUB is a microcomputer inside the camera body (hereinafter referred to as "Microcomputer J"), which performs calculations for exposure control and automatic focus adjustment, and sequence control of the entire camera.Microcomputer CPUB is connected to various peripheral circuits. It is possible to exchange information with these peripheral circuits.

LMC is a photometry circuit, which measures the brightness BV at the center of the shooting screen.
It has a spot photometry function that measures s, and a peripheral photometry function that measures the brightness BVAM of the entire screen excluding the center of the shooting screen. The information on the center brightness BVs and the peripheral brightness BVAM is converted into digital quantities and then transmitted to the microcomputer CPUB.

DEDR is a decoder driver, and the microcomputer CPU
Based on the aperture value and shutter speed calculated in B,
It drives the leading curtain travel start magnet ICMg, the trailing curtain travel start magnet 2CMg, and the aperture control magnet FMg, and also drives the motor M1 for film winding and charging.

DSP is a display circuit for on-body display.
Receives display data from the microcomputer CPUB and displays the necessary information on the liquid crystal display board on the camera body.6 Display contents include, for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure control mode, drive mode, flash mode, film counter, etc. There is.

FIN is a display circuit for performing infinder display, and receives display data from the microcomputer CPUB.
Display the necessary information in the finder. Display contents include, for example, shutter speed and aperture value, as well as flash charging completion indication, focus indication, focus detection failure indication, contrast between the center and peripheral areas of the screen during flash photography (
(differences in exposure values) and the flash irradiation range on the photographic screen.

The ISD is a film sensitivity reading circuit that reads film sensitivity information recorded in the film cartridge or semiconductor memory attached to the cartridge, and reads the film sensitivity information recorded in the film cartridge or the semiconductor memory attached to the cartridge.
to communicate. This information is used by the AE in the microcontroller CPUB.
Used for calculations.

Note that this circuit ISD may be equipped with a manual operation member (push button, dial, etc.) so that the film sensitivity can be manually set and changed.

EMC is an exposure correction amount setting circuit, and outputs an exposure correction amount set by a known method to the microcomputer CPUB.

AFC is a focus detection circuit, which includes a circuit for driving a CCD for focus detection that photoelectrically converts the subject light that has passed through the photographic lens, and an A/D circuit that processes the analog output of the CCD and performs signal processing.
and a circuit that converts the data and supplies it to the microcomputer CPUB.

AFMC is an AF motor control circuit that controls normal rotation, reverse rotation, and stop of the AF MOMO-2M2 for driving the focusing lens. This AF MOMO-2M2 rotation amount ΔN is monitored by the microcomputer CPUB, and it is possible to determine whether or not the AF MOMO-2M2 has been driven by a predetermined amount during automatic focus adjustment, and also allows the focus adjustment lens to be rotated by a predetermined amount. By knowing the amount of movement from the infinity shooting position, it is possible to calculate the shooting distance of the main subject and the shooting magnification.

OFL is an external flash that is detachably attached to a hot shoe (not shown) on the top surface of the camera body, and its circuit configuration will be described later in the explanation of FIG. 3. TMI
is a connection terminal between the external flash OFL and the camera body, and is located on the hot shoe.

rFL is an internal flash built into the camera body, and emits flash light under the control of the microcomputer CPUB. C2 is a capacitor for storing the light emission energy of the internal flash IFL.

The LEC is a lens circuit built into the photographic lens, and transmits lens data unique to the photographic lens to the camera body. The contents of the lens data include, for example, the minimum aperture value (
The maximum aperture value (aperture value relative to the minimum aperture aperture) AVmax, the focal length f, the conversion coefficient, etc. Here, the conversion coefficient is the focus detection circuit AFC.
This is a coefficient for converting the defocus amount DF obtained by the above into the driving amount ΔN of the focusing lens. 7M2 is a connection terminal between the lens circuit LEC and the camera body, and is arranged at or near the lens mount.

SX is a synchronization switch that is turned on when the front curtain of the focal brain shutter completes travel, and when this switch SX is turned on during front curtain synchronization photography, a light emission start signal 5XON is issued via the connection terminal TMI to turn off the external flash.

FCC is a flash light adjustment circuit for controlling the amount of light emitted by the flash, and measures the amount of flash light incident from the photographing lens, and outputs a light emission stop signal FSTOP when the amount of flash light reaches a predetermined amount. This signal FST
OP is sent to the external flash OFL via the interface circuit INF and the connection terminal TMI, and causes the external flash OFL to stop emitting light. Also, this signal FSTO
P is also sent to the microcomputer CPUB, and upon receiving this signal, the microcomputer CPUB stops the built-in flash IFL from emitting light.

INF is an interface circuit, and lens circuit LE
It is arranged between the C5 internal flash IFL, external flash OFL and microcomputer CPUB.

Each input port P1 to P of the microcomputer CPUB is pulled up to the "High" level by a resistor (not shown), and is connected to the ground level through a separate switch.When any switch is turned on, , the corresponding input ports are at the Lou+'' level, and the microcomputer CPUB can determine whether each switch is ON10FF. Each switch will be explained below.

SM is the main switch, and this switch SM is ON.
When OFF, the camera becomes operational, and when OFF, the camera becomes inoperable.

Sl is a photographing preparation switch that is turned on by pressing down the first stroke of a release button (not shown), and when this switch is turned on, each operation of photometry, exposure calculation, and automatic focus adjustment is started.

S2 is O by pressing down on the second stroke of the release button.
This is the release switch that is turned on, and this switch is turned on.
Then, the exposure control operation is started.

SMD is a switch for changing the exposure control mode, and each time the switch S is turned ON once, the exposure control mode is changed in the order of P mode, A mode, S mode, M mode, and P mode. Here, the P mode is a program AE mode in which the shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set on the camera side.

A mode is an aperture-priority AE mode in which only the aperture value is manually set, and the shutter speed is automatically set on the camera side. In S mode, only the shutter speed is set manually.
The aperture value is automatically set on the camera side in shutter speed priority AE mode. M mode is a manual mode in which both the shutter speed and aperture value are set manually.

SDR is a switch for switching drive modes, and each time this switch SDR is turned ON, the drive mode is alternately switched between single shooting mode and continuous shooting mode.

SFM is a switch for switching flash modes, and each time this switch SFM is turned ON, the flash mode is switched in the following order: forced flash mode, automatic flash mode, trailing curtain sync mode, non-flash mode, and forced flash mode. . Here, the forced light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is always emitted, and the automatic light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is automatically emitted according to the luminance distribution of the subject. In both modes, the flash is emitted in synchronization with the closing of the synchro switch SX. Further, the trailing curtain synchronization mode is a mode in which a flash is emitted in synchronization with the start of travel of the shutter trailing curtain. The non-light emitting mode is a mode in which flash light is not emitted under any circumstances.

5IJP is an up switch, S[IN is a down switch, and when the shooting preparation switch SI is OFF, the up/down switch is used to set the aperture value or shutter speed.
When the shooting preparation switch S is ON, the contrast between the peripheral area and the center area (CV
This is an up/down switch for setting the value) (details will be described later).

SAV is an aperture setting switch, and in M mode, when the shooting preparation switch S1 is OFF, the up/down switch S UP is set while this switch SAY is ON.
, By operating S DN, the aperture value is increased/decreased, and this switch 5AVf! : Operating the up/down switch S UP+ S DN while OFF will increase/decrease the shutter speed.

Next, the power supply relationship will be explained.

EB is a power battery inside the body, and its direct output voltage Vo is the motor M1, M2, and magnet FMFi.

It is supplied to circuits and elements with large loads such as ICMg, 2CMH, and internal flash unit FL.

DDB is an in-body booster circuit that performs a boost operation when the in-body power supply control signal PWCB is at Low' level.vH is a high voltage (for example, 13■) used for the power supply of COD in the focus detection circuit AFC. Yes, VL is supplied with power to the power supply line VD via diode D2, and is connected to the microcomputer CPUB, interface circuit INF, and display circuit DS.
It is a low voltage (for example, 5V) that serves as the power source for P and FIN,
VC is a low voltage (for example, 5
V).

C1 is a backup capacitor, and high voltage VH
is charged by In the camera of this embodiment, as will be described later, during charging of the internal flash IFL, the in-body power supply control signal PWCB is set to "High" level to stop the in-body booster circuit DDB. As a result, the voltages ``H'', ``VL'', and ``c'' are no longer output, but the regulator REG is operated by the charging voltage of the capacitor C1, and power continues to be supplied to the power supply line VD via the diode D. Therefore, even when the internal flash IFL is being charged, the microcomputer CPUB, display circuit DSP, and FIN
continues to operate. Furthermore, in the camera of this example,
The voltage of backup capacitor C1 is
In order to prevent the microcomputer CPUB etc. from becoming inoperable due to the voltage becoming lower than the minimum voltage V + (for example 3V) at which EG operates, the voltage of capacitor C1 is monitored with an analog voltage monitor terminal A/D, and the voltage of capacitor C1 is decreases to the lowest operating voltage Vl of regulator REG,
The in-body power supply control signal PWCB is set to "'Low" level to operate the booster circuit DDB, and at the same time, charging of the internal flash IFL is temporarily stopped, and the capacitor C1 is charged again.

A/D is a terminal for monitoring the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 for storing flash light energy in the internal flash IFL, and the microcomputer CPUB determines whether the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is higher than a predetermined voltage 72. do. I will discuss this in detail later.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the external flash OFL.

The CPUF is a microcomputer within the flash for performing sequence control within the flash. The microcomputer CPUF connects its terminal P only when flash emission is permitted.
When the light emission start signal 5XON is input to F3, a signal is sent to the flash light emission control circuit FLCC to start flash light emission.

EF is a power battery for flash.

MC is a capacitor for storing flash light energy in the external flash OFL.

DDE is a flash internal voltage circuit that boosts the input voltage from the power supply battery EF to charge the capacitor MC. This circuit DDF performs a boosting operation when the internal flash power supply control signal PWCF is at the "'Low" level.

CVG is a flash internal constant voltage source, constant voltage FVDD
is supplied to low power consumption parts such as the microcomputer CPUF of the external flash OFL.

M3 is a motor for switching the flash irradiation angle, and DR is its driver.

ZPC is a circuit that outputs position data of the flash illumination angle changing member driven by the motor M3, and specifically, it is composed of a code plate on which a conductive pattern is formed and a brush that reads the code from the code plate. ing.

FLCC is a flash light emission control circuit and includes a known flash light emission section. This circuit FLCC monitors the charging voltage of the capacitor MC, and when the charging voltage reaches a predetermined value (for example, 300V3 or higher), it outputs a charging completion signal to the microcomputer CPUF in the flash. When a light emission start signal is input from the camera body, flash emission starts, and when a light emission stop signal PSTOP is input from a flash dimming circuit FCC in the camera body, flash emission is stopped.

FMS is a flash main switch for switching the external flash ○FL to emit or not emit light. This switch FMS is connected to the terminal PFI of the microcomputer CPUF and also to the pulse generator PG. Every time the flash main switch FMS is switched from OFF to ON, a "Low" level pulse is output from the pulse generator PG, and an interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal rNTF of the microcomputer CPUF in the flash. This causes the microcomputer CPUF in the flash to perform interrupt processing IN, which will be described later.
Execute TI (see Figure 16).

Note that when the internal microcomputer CPUB communicates data with the flash internal microcomputer CPUF, the internal microcomputer CPUB uses the connection terminal TMI.
The flash selection signal C3 at "'Lo-" level is
The FL is output to the microcomputer CPUF, and the microcomputer CP
When the UF receives this signal C5FL, that is, when the signal line to which this signal is sent changes from the "High" level to the "Low" level, the UF performs the interrupt processing INT described later.
2 (see FIG. 17).

FBS is a bounce switch and is connected to the terminal PF2 of the microcomputer CPUF. This switch FBS is
It is turned on when the angle (irradiation direction) of a light emitting unit (not shown) is changed in order to reflect the flash light on surrounding walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces to indirectly illuminate the subject.

FOS is a switch that is turned on when off-camera flash photography is performed. This switch is for example
It consists of a normally closed switch installed near the shoe (not shown) of the external flash OFL.
It is designed to turn off when the FL is attached to a hot shoe (not shown) on the camera body.

Note that the terminals PF1 to PF4 of the microcomputer CPUF are also pulled up by a resistor (not shown), similarly to the terminals P1 to P of the microcomputer CPUB.

This completes the description of the hardware configuration of the camera system to which the present invention is applied, and next the software configuration will be described with reference to flowcharts (FIGS. 4 to 17).

When the power supply battery EB is attached to the camera body, a power-on reset is applied to the microcomputer CPUB in the body, and the microcomputer CPUB starts processing from step #1 shown in FIG. In #1, it is determined whether the main switch SM is ON.

If the main switch SM is not ON at #1, stop charging at #2 and set the terminal PWCB to “High” in case the main switch SM is turned OFF during charging.
h” level to stop the operation of the booster circuit DDB.

Thereafter, in #3, the flags are reset and initial values are set in the registers, and in #4, data for erasing the display is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and the process returns to #1. This loop is repeated while the main switch SM is OFF.The previous value may be stored in the register.If the main switch SM is ON in #1, then #
After resetting the flag with #5, the terminal PWCB is set with #6.
The voltage is set to 'Low' level and the booster circuit DDB is activated. As a result, the photometric circuit LMC is activated and photometric operation is started. After executing the switch discrimination routine (see Fig. 14) in #7, the display data is sent to the display circuits DSP and FIN in #8, and the process proceeds to #9. In #9,
Determine whether the flash mode is a forced light emission mode.

If it is determined in #9 that the flash mode is the forced light emission mode, then in #10 the subroutine for flash mode (2) (see FIG. 6) is executed, and the process moves to #11. If the flash mode is not the forced light emission mode in #9, the subroutine #10 is skipped and the process moves to #11. #1
1, it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch S1 is ON. If the photographing preparation switch Sl is not ON in #11, the process returns to #1 and the above operations are repeated. Note that if the switch SM is in the ON state and no switch is operated for a predetermined period of time, the process may proceed to #2 in the same way as when the switch SM is turned OFF (auto power off function). If the photographing preparation switch S1 is ON in Step 11, initialize the COD in #12 and sweep out the excess charge from the CCD.Next, in Step #13 input the film ISO sensitivity S from the film sensitivity reading circuit ISD. Exposure compensation amount ΔSV from exposure compensation amount setting circuit EMC
Enter. And #14. Lens circuit LE with #15
Input lens data and flash data from C and external flash OFL, respectively.Next, in #16
Performs the integral operation of D and converts A/D in #17 to COD
i1! ! After distance calculation, an exposure calculation subroutine (see FIG. 9) is executed in #19. Then, in #20, the subroutine for flash mode (see FIG. 6) is executed. Then, the display data is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and at #21, the photographing preparation switch S1 is turned ON10.
Determine FF. At #21, the shooting preparation switch S is set to O.
If not N, return to #1. If the photographing preparation switch S1 remains ON in #21, it is determined in #22 whether or not the camera is in focus. If it is determined in #22 that the focus is not in focus, the focusing lens is driven in #23 based on the distance measurement value obtained in #18, and the process returns to #14 to focus the loop of #14 to #23. Repeat until. During this time, when the photographing preparation switch S is turned off, the process returns from #21 to #1.

If it is determined in step #22 that focus is achieved, a subroutine (see FIG. 13) for calculating the irradiation angle of the flash is executed in step #24.

Next, in #25 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether the drive mode is the snapshot mode. As will be described later, in the snapshot mode, the drive mode register DRR becomes DRR=1. If #25 is in quick shooting mode (DR, R=4>,
In #26, check whether it is the first shot of a quick shot or not by setting the continuous shooting flag C0N.
Determine by TF. C0NTF if it is the first shot of continuous shooting.
=O, and if it is the second or later snapshot, C0NTF = 1
It is.

If C0NTF=O in #26, it means that this is the first image of continuous shooting, and in #27 it is determined whether the flag FLOKF is 1 or not. Here, the flag FLOKF is a flash OK flag indicating that flash emission is necessary and that the external flash OFL is operable. F at #27
If LOKF=1, external flash OFL is set in #28.
Then, based on this flash data, it is determined in #29 whether or not charging of the external flash OFL has been completed. External flash OFL with #29
If charging is not completed, switch S1 is turned on in #30.
If switch S is ON, #2
If the switch S1 is OFF, the process returns to #1.

Here, the state of the switch S is determined so that the exposure control mode and the like can be set while the external flash OFL is being charged. External flash O with #29
If it is determined that FL is fully charged, C0NTF= at #31.
1 and move on to #33. If FLOKF=0 in #27, it is determined that the charging of the external flash OFL is complete (#28
．． Skip #29) and move on to #31. Also,
If C0NTF = 1 in #26, it means that it is the second or subsequent shot of the quick shot, so it will move directly to #33.Since it is 0 or more, the external flash OFL is not used for the first frame in continuous shooting mode. It will be used preferentially.

On the other hand, if it is not continuous shooting mode in #25, that is, DRR=
If it is O, the continuous shooting flag C0NTF is reset to 0 in #32, and the process moves to #33.

In #33, it is determined whether the release switch S2 is ON. If the release switch S2 is not ON in #33, it is determined in #34 whether the photographing preparation switch S is ON. At #34, the shooting preparation switch S is turned on.
If it remains the same, the exposure calculation subroutine (see FIG. 9) is executed in #35, and the flash mode I subroutine (see FIG. 6) is executed in #36. Then, the display data is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and the process returns to #33. Therefore, focus lock is achieved by keeping switch S on. If the photographing preparation switch S is not ON in #34, the process returns to #1 in FIG. On the other hand, if release switch S2 is ON in #33, then #3
In step #8, an exposure control subroutine (see FIG. 11) is executed, and in step #39, it is determined whether the continuous shooting flag C0NTF is 1 or not. If C0NTF=1 in #39, that is, if it is a snapshot mode, the process returns to #14 in FIG. Therefore, in the quick shooting mode, shooting is performed continuously by keeping the release button pressed down to the second stroke. On the other hand, if C0NTF=O in #39, that is, in single shooting mode, switch S1 is OFF in #40.
Wait until it reaches F and return to #1.

Next, each subroutine will be explained.

Figure 6 shows flash mode 1. □ shows the subroutine of flash mode I. First, when the subroutine of flash mode I is called, the flash mode register F is
The flash mode is determined based on the value of MR (see Figure 14) (#S1.#S15° #S 17. #S 24
>. In #S1, it is determined whether the flash mode is a forced light emission mode. If the flash mode is the forced light emission mode, the process moves to the flash mode ■ subroutine. In this subroutine (flash mode ■), #
The flag FLF indicating flash emission is set to 1 in S2, and in P and A modes, if the shutter speed is faster than the synchronized speed TV x, the shutter speed TV is set to the synchronized speed T'V x (# 33). In addition,
When in S or M mode, set the shutter speed to the synchronized speed TV.
It may be possible to warn the photographer to set the speed to a slow speed of x or less, and then turn off the external flash in #S4.
Flash data is input from L, and the presence or absence of an external flash OFL is determined in #S5. If it is determined in #S5 that the external flash OFL is attached, the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL is set in #S6.
is ON based on the flash data. If it is determined in #S6 that the flash main switch FMS of the external flash ○FL is ON, the external flash OFL is operable, so the flash OK flag FLOKF is set to 1 in #S7. next,#
In S8, it is determined whether the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO3 is ON. If the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO8 is ON in #S8, use #S to turn on the external flash OFL.
It is determined whether or not charging has been completed, and if charging has not been completed, it is determined in #S10 whether or not switch S is ON. Then, while the switch S is ON, the loop from #S4 to #S9 is repeated until the charging of the external flash OFL is completed. On the other hand, when the switch S1 is turned OFF, the process returns to #1. Then, use #S9 to turn off the external flash.
When charging of L is completed, a charging routine A (see FIG. 7) is executed in #S11, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the bounce switch FBS is OFF and the off-camera switch FO9 is OFF in #S8, the one of the external flash OFL and the internal flash IFL, which has been fully charged first, is caused to emit light. For this purpose, it is determined in #S12 whether or not charging of the external flash ○FL is completed, and if charging is completed, #S13
Then, the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1 and the process returns.

If charging of the external flash OFL is not completed in #S12, charging routine B (see FIG. 8) is executed in #S14, and the process returns.

Also, even if the external flash OFL is not connected in #S5 or even if the external flash OFL is connected,
If the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL is not ON in #S6, the charging routine A (see FIG. 7) is executed in #S23, and the process returns.

Next, if the flash mode is not the forced flash mode in #S1, it is determined whether the flash mode is the automatic flash mode in #S15, and if the flash mode is the automatic flash mode, the backlight flag RL is set in #S16.
It is determined whether F (details will be described later) is 1 or not. #S
If the backlight flag is 1 in step 16, the process moves to the subroutine of flash mode (2) and performs the same operation as the forced light emission mode described above.

If the backlight flag RLF is not 1 in #S16, it means that there is no backlight condition, so the flash flag FLF is set to 0 in #S25, as in the non-light-emission mode described later.
In #S26, the charging completion flag READYF is also set to O and the process returns. In addition, in #S10, it is determined whether or not the subject is of low brightness, and if the subject is dark and there is a risk of camera shake if photographed using only natural light, the process proceeds to #S2 and flash photography is performed. good.

If the automatic light emission mode is not set in #S15, the process moves to #S17, and it is determined whether or not the rear curtain synchronization mode is set. If it is the rear curtain synchronization mode, it is determined in #S18 whether the mode is P mode or A mode, and if it is P mode or A mode, the flag BulbF is set to 1 in #S19, and in #S21
to move to. If it is not P mode or A mode, #S2
0, the flag BulbF is set to O, and the process moves to #S21. Here, the flag BulbF is a flag that is set when bulb photography is performed. In #S21, the flash flag FLF is set to 1, and then in #S22, the external flash priority flag 0UTF is set to 0.

This is because the camera system of this embodiment uses the internal flash IFL in the rear curtain synchronization mode. Then, in #S23, charging routine A (see Figure 7)
Execute and return.

If it is not the rear curtain synchronization mode in #S17, it is determined in #S24 whether the flash mode is the non-light emission mode, and if it is not the non-light emission mode, the process returns to #S1. If the flash mode is the non-emission mode in #S24, the flash flag FLF is set to 0 in #S25, the charging completion flag READYF is also set to 0 in #S26, and the process returns.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of charging routine A.

In this subroutine, capacitor C2 is charged until charging of internal flash IFL is completed. When this subroutine is called, it is determined in #S30 whether or not the charging of the internal flash IFL is completed or not.
2) is determined. If charging is completed, charging is stopped in #S37. When charging is completed in #S30, the booster circuit DDB is always operating, so the terminal PWCB is at the °'Low'' level.Then, in #S38, the charging completion flag REA is set.
Set DYF to 1 and return. On the other hand, if charging of the internal flash IFL is not completed in #S30, #S31
Then, it is determined whether the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 for the light emission energy of 8 m of the internal flash IFL is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage 72.

Here, in FIG. 6, which explains the meaning of the predetermined voltage V2 with reference to FIG. 18, the vertical axis represents the charging voltage of the capacitor C2, and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time after the start of charging the internal flash IFL. Vmax is the charging completion level of capacitor C2 (
For example, 300 V) and reaches the charging completion level Vma at time t2. While the main capacitor of the flash is being charged, the power supply voltage fluctuates greatly, making it impossible to perform operations such as focus detection accurately, or to drive the motor. Therefore, conventionally, focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. were started after charging was completed, that is, after time t2. On the other hand, in this embodiment, from time point t1 when the power supply voltage becomes stable enough to perform the focus detection operation accurately and drive the motor, the focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. are performed in parallel with the charging operation. has started.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time t when charging is completed
If the focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. have already been completed in step 2, the next photographing operation can be performed immediately. In addition, even if the focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. are not completed, the waiting time can be reduced by (t2 t+) compared to the conventional camera. Focusing on the point that the higher the voltage, the more stable the power supply voltage becomes, the focus detection operation, etc. is performed in parallel with the charging operation from the time t when the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 reaches a predetermined voltage V2 (for example, 250 V). There is.

Returning to the charging routine A in FIG. 7, the explanation will be continued. #S
If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL is equal to or higher than the operation start voltage 72 at 31, the charging completion voltage Vm
In order to further increase the temperature to ax, capacitor C is connected in #S36.
Start charging 2.

Then, the terminal PWCB is set to the "Low" level so that the focus detection operation etc. can be performed, and the booster circuit DDB is activated, and then the process returns. If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is lower than the operation start voltage V2, the terminal PWCB is set to “High”.
” level and stop the booster circuit DDB, #S3
2 to start charging the capacitor C2, and in #S33 the charging voltage of the backup capacitor C1 reaches the predetermined voltage Vl.
Determine whether the following is true.

Here, the predetermined voltage v1 is the lowest operating voltage of the regulator REG. In this camera system, the internal microcomputer CPUB and display circuit DSP
To enable FIN to operate, power supply voltage is supplied to the microcomputer CPUB, display circuit DSP, FIN, and interface circuit INF by the regulator REG. Therefore, when the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 becomes lower than the minimum operating voltage Vl, charging of the capacitor C2 is temporarily stopped in #S34, the terminal PWCB is set to "Low level", the booster circuit DDB is activated, and the capacitor C1 is charged again. Then, in #S35, when the charging voltage of the capacitor C1 reaches a predetermined value and the backup function can be fully performed, the process returns to #S30.In #333, the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 reaches the minimum operating voltage ■ If it is greater than 1, #S34, #S3, etc. are skipped.

While charging the capacitor C2, this loop of #S30 to #S35 is repeated, and the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 reaches the charging completion voltage V wax in #S30, or the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 reaches the operation start voltage 72 or higher in #S31. If so, I will return it.

Note that in this embodiment, the exposure control mode cannot be set while the capacitor C2 is being charged, but #S33
．． In the path returning from #S35 to #S30, a subroutine for switch determination may be executed so that the exposure control mode and the like can be set even while the capacitor C2 is being charged.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of charging routine B.

In this subroutine, capacitor C2 is charged until either one of external flash OFL and internal flash IFL is fully charged.

Then, the flash that has been fully charged first will be used to emit flash light. When this subroutine is called, it is determined in #S40 whether or not the internal flash IFL has been fully charged. If the internal flash IFL has been fully charged in #S40, charging is stopped in #S53, and the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1 in #S54. In this case, since the internal flash IFL completed charging first, the external flash priority flag ○UT is set in #S55.
Set F to 0 and return. Here, the flag 0UTF
is a flag that is set when causing the external flash OFL to emit light. If the internal flash IFL is not fully charged in #S40, similarly to charging routine A, it is determined in #S41 whether the voltage of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL is equal to or higher than the operation start voltage V2, and the operation start voltage is determined in #S41. If it is 72 or more, the capacitor C2 is charged in #S52 in order to further increase the charge completion voltage V wax. Then, the terminal PWCB is set to "Low" level, the booster circuit DDB is activated, and the process returns.

If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is less than the operation start voltage 72, the terminal PWCB is set to High" level in #S42 to stop the booster circuit DDB, and then the external flash is started in #S43. Input flash data from OFL and turn on external flash OF with #S45
Determine whether L is fully charged. If charging of the external flash OFL is completed in #945, #S49
After stopping charging of the internal flash IFL, the terminal PWCB is set to "Low" level to activate the booster circuit DDB. Then, the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1, and since the external flash OFL has completed charging first, #
In S51, the external flash priority flag 0UTF is set to 1, and the process returns. If the external flash OFL has not been fully charged in #345, it is determined in #S46 whether the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is lower than the minimum operating voltage vl of the regulator REG. At #S46, the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is the minimum operating voltage ■.

If it is below, stop charging the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL in #S47, set the terminal PWCB to "Low" level, activate the booster circuit DDB, and capacitor C1
charge again. Then, in #S48, when the charging voltage of the capacitor C1 reaches a predetermined value and the backup function can be fully performed, the process returns to #S40. If the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is not less than ■1 in #346, skip steps #S47 and #S48 and proceed to #S4.
Return to 0. While charging capacitor C2, this #S40~#
Repeat the loop of S48 and connect the capacitor C2 at #S40.
whether the charging voltage reaches the charging completion voltage ■IIIa× or #
At S41, the charging voltage of capacitor C2 becomes operation start voltage V2.
If the above value is reached, or if the external flash OFL completes charging in #S45, the process returns. In addition, charging routine A
Similarly, the switch determination routine may be executed during the return from #S46° and #S48 to #S40.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for exposure calculation.

When this subroutine is called, in #S60, the brightness BVS of the center part of the shooting screen is input from the photometry circuit LMC, and in #S61, the brightness BVAM of the part other than the center part (periphery) is input.
is input from the photometric circuit LMC.

After that, the brightness difference ΔBV (= BVAM
BVs) (#562) and set the photometry completion flag LM.
Set ENF to 1. Next, in #S64, ΔBV>O
In other words, it is determined whether or not there is backlight. #
If ΔBV>O in S64, it is determined that there is backlight, and #S
In step 65, the backlight flag RLF is set to 1, and the process moves to #S67. If ΔBV≦0 in #S64, it is determined that there is front light, and in #S66, the backlight flag RLF is set to 0, and the process moves to #S67. In #S67, it is determined whether the exposure control mode is P mode or not, and if it is not P mode, the process moves to #S79,
Exposure calculation is performed based on the aperture value and/or shutter speed set in A mode, S mode, or M mode, and #
In S80, the photometry completion flag LMENF is set to 0 and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is the P mode in #S67, it is determined in #S68 whether or not the flash mode is the forced light emission mode.

If the flash mode is not forced flash mode, #S6
In step 9, it is determined whether or not the automatic light emission mode is set. If the automatic light emission mode is set, the process proceeds to #S70, and it is determined whether or not to emit flash light. In #S70, the backlight flag R
If LF is set or the brightness value BVs of the center part is less than or equal to a predetermined value (or a value that changes depending on the focal length of the lens), it is determined that the flash will be emitted,
#Proceed to S71. Otherwise, flash photography is not performed, so the process moves to #S78, where exposure calculation is performed based only on natural light, and the process moves to #S80. Also, #S6
If the automatic light emission mode is not set in step 9, the process moves to #S78.

Further, if the flash mode is the forced light emission mode in #S68, the process advances to #S71.

Next, exposure calculation (#S71) when firing the flash is performed.
~#577) will be explained. In #S71, the up/down subroutine (see FIG. 15) is called. Here, since the photometry is completed (LMENF=1), the first
The process moves from #5180 to #5192 shown in FIG. 5, executes a Cv determination routine to determine the contrast (CV value) between the center and peripheral areas, and returns.

Here, the CV determination routine will be explained. When proceeding to this routine, the microcomputer CPUB will perform the following steps as shown in FIG.
In #S91, it is determined whether or not the up switch 5LIP is ON, and if the up switch 5tJP is ON, #
In S92, it is determined whether the up switch 5IJP has changed from OFF to ON.

If the up switch 5LIP changes from OFF to ON, proceed to #S93 and set the CV value to 0.5.
Increase by step (0,5EV) and return to #S91. #S
If the up switch SUP is OFF in 91,
Or, if the up switch SUP is kept in the ON state in #S92, proceed to #S94. In other words, the CV value increases by +0°SEV only when the up switch SUP changes from OFF to ON. be done. In #S94, it is determined whether or not the down switch SDN is ON. If the down switch SDN is ON, the down switch S is turned on in #S95. It is determined whether N has changed from OFF to ON. As with the up switch SUP, only when the down switch SDN changes from OFF to ON, the CV value is decreased by 0.5 steps (0.5 EV) in #S96. If the down switch SON is OFF in #S94, or if the down switch SON is OFF in #S95
If the state is maintained at N, return.

The CV value determined by this CV determination routine is determined by the difference in exposure value between the peripheral area of the shooting screen that is not illuminated with flash light and the center area of the shooting screen that is illuminated with flash light during flash photography. This indicates how many steps the peripheral area is overexposed relative to the area. This CV
The values will be explained with reference to FIG. 19. In addition,
Although FIG. 19 shows a backlit situation, the same applies to a frontlit situation.

FIG. 19 shows the amount of exposure at the periphery and center in the APEX system. In the same figure, A and B are the exposure values E VAM (= B
VAM + S V), E V s (= B V s
10 SV) are shown respectively. C shows the case where only the central portion is spot irradiated with flash light. The exposure value EV of the central portion is shown, and if the exposure value due to only the irradiated flash light is QV, then EVT=EVS+QV.

If a spot of flash light is irradiated only on the central part, the peripheral part will not be irradiated with flash light. Therefore, natural light exposure is controlled based on the peripheral brightness BVAM,
First, the CV value can be arbitrarily set by controlling the flash light. Next, the control of the flash light to obtain the CV value without being arbitrarily set will be explained.

Now, assume that the shutter speed determined based on the peripheral brightness BVAM is TV, and the aperture value is AV. Since the central area is overexposed by ΔSV from the appropriate value, the amount of light required for the central area is:

2TV+AV+Δsv. On the other hand, the amount of natural light incident on the center is 2BVS
+S■. Therefore, the amount of flash light required for the central portion is 2T+AV+ΔSV BVs+SV.

By the way, since the peripheral part is exposed more than the central part by CV, the peripheral part is more than the appropriate value (Δsv+cv
＞Overexposed. Therefore, the amount of light required for the peripheral area is 2T■+AV+Δsv+cv However, since the peripheral area is exposed only by natural light, 2T■+AV+ΔSV+Cv BVAM+5V=2, TV+AV+ASV BVAM+5V-CV
, 2 = 2 holds true.

Therefore, the amount of flash light required at the center is 2BV
AM15V-CV BVs+SV.

As is clear from this, setting the CV value uniquely determines the required amount of flash light.

Next, consider the amount of flash light required.

The proportion of the flash light amount 2TV+AV+ΔS V B VS+ SV=2 out of the light amount 2T■+AV+l″sv required for the central area is: 2T■+AV+ΔSV BVs+SV2T■+AV
1Δ5v 2BVA・+5v−cv =l , BVs+SV (BVAM+SV CV
) = 1-2CV (B VAM B Vs) = 1
-2CV-ΔBV, which is shown in a graph as shown in FIG. In addition, in the same figure, (a) is backlit (ΔB■〉0)
, (b) shows the state in front light (ΔBV≦0).

As is clear from the graph, the smaller the CV value, the
That is, the greater the amount of exposure of the central portion relative to the peripheral portion, the greater the amount of flash light required. In addition, the CV value is calculated as the difference ΔBV between the peripheral brightness BVAM and the central brightness BVs.
In case 6, where the setting is set to
It can be seen that V = ΔBV) is obtained. Then, the difference in exposure amount (contrast) between the periphery and the center is made larger than the difference in brightness between the periphery and the center (i.e.,
Since it is impossible to further darken the center by irradiating the center with flash light, cV≦ΔBV.

The graph shown below both graphs shows the amount of light adjustment amount correction ΔEVF<A P E to obtain the necessary flash light amount.
The relationship between the X value) and the CV value is shown. The light adjustment amount correction amount ΔEVF (APEX value) is expressed as a logarithm with the base 2 of the ratio of the flash light amount to the required light amount, and is ΔEVF=ρ・g2 (1-2CV-ABV>.For example, the 20th As shown in Figure (b), when the flash light intensity is 1/2, ΔE■F--1 is obtained, and it is sufficient to correct the light control level by one step to the under side.Furthermore, the flash light intensity is When the ratio of −ω), etc.),
ΔEVF=0, and no correction of the amount of light adjustment is required.

If the ratio of flash light amount is 0, that is,
When exposing only with natural light, ΔEVF=-ω, that is, the light adjustment amount is corrected to the under side by ω steps, and no flash light is emitted.

Note that, as is clear from Equation 1 (%), which indicates the proportion of flash light, the proportion of flash light does not depend on the exposure correction amount ΔSV, but depends on the brightness difference ΔB between the peripheral area and the center area.
It depends only on V and its contrast value C■. In other words, the contrast is determined only by the relative relationship between the center and the periphery, and the absolute value (1 positive level) is - Jōmu II!
I am in charge.

Returning to FIG. 9, the explanation will be continued.

After determining the CV value in #S71, it is determined in #S72 whether or not there is backlight. If the backlight flag RLF is set,
Proceed to #S74 and limit the CV value to ΔBV or less. The reason for this is that, as described above, it is impossible to make the contrast between the periphery and the center larger than the difference in brightness between the periphery and the center.

On the other hand, if the backlight flag RLF has been reset in #S72, the process advances to #S73 and the CV value is limited to (ΔBV-1) or less. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 20, at least half of the amount of exposure of the central portion is obtained by flash light. This is to make the most of the effect of the flash light in the photograph without unnecessarily restricting the flash light when the subject is not backlit.

Once the CV value is determined, the aperture value AV for flash photography is determined in #S75. As mentioned above, the exposure control value is determined based on the peripheral brightness BVAM, and the relationship between the aperture value AV and the shutter speed TV is TV+AV+Δ5V=
The relationship of BVA i + 5v - cv holds true. During flash photography, the shutter speed TV is set to the flash synchronization speed T V x, so the aperture value A F during flash photography is AV F = BV AM + SV - Δ5V - CV
- Becomes TVX.

Subsequently, in #S76, the above-mentioned light adjustment amount correction amount ΔE
Calculate VF. Thereafter, in #S77, the CV value and the exposure correction amount ΔS■ are displayed.

This display is performed in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel on the top of the body using an analog scale of 2 degrees and 5 stages at the top, as shown in FIG. In the same figure <a) and (b),
The triangular mark EV at the bottom of the scale is the exposure value EV at the center.
, and the value indicated by the triangular mark EVT is ΔS
■It shows. Also, the triangle mark EV above the scale
A indicates the exposure value EVAM of the peripheral area. and,
Both marks EVT.

The positive part of EVAM indicates the CV value.

For example, in FIG. 21(a), Δ5V=-0,5, CV=+
1.5, and the same figure (b) shows ΔSV-+1. CV=-0
, 5 are shown.

FIG. 21(c) shows a modification of the display of the exposure correction amount Δsv and cv value, and displays the same values as in FIG. 21(a). In this variant, the display is done with a barcode. Each dot forming the barcode is composed of an LED panel capable of emitting two colors of red and green, for example. The dot EVT indicating the exposure value EVT in the center and the other dots emit light of different colors, for example, the dot EV is red,
Other dots are displayed in green. The length of the lit barcode indicates the CV value. Note that the color of each dot may be the same, and the display form of dot EVT and other dots may be changed. For example, dot EV,
It is also possible to make the dot blink and the other dots light up.

After displaying the exposure correction amount ΔS■ and the CV value, the photometry completion flag LMENF is reset in #S80, and the process returns.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for exposure control. When the release button is pressed to the second stroke, the mirror is unlocked and switch S2 is turned on.
Proceed to this subroutine.

When this subroutine is called, the magnets ICMg, 2CMg, and FMG are energized in #5100. As a result, even when the mirror is raised and the shutter is unlocked, the shutter front curtain does not move. Furthermore, the lock of the aperture is released and the aperture starts to be narrowed down. after that,#
In step 5101, the number of aperture stages from the open aperture is calculated according to the aperture value previously determined. If the aperture value obtained earlier in #5102 is not the open aperture value, the aperture value is changed to #5101 in #3103.
Wait until the number of stages is narrowed down by the number of steps calculated, and select #5104.
Turn off the power to the magnet FMH and stop narrowing down. If the aperture value obtained earlier in #5102 is the open aperture value, skip #5103 and immediately select #S.
In step 104, the narrowing down is stopped. Next, in step #5105, the flash light adjustment amount correction amount ΔEV obtained previously is output to the flash light adjustment I11 control circuit FCC. At #5106, the magnet ICMg is de-energized and the shutter front curtain starts running. Next, in #5107, it is determined whether the flash flag FLF is 1 or not. F in #5107
If LF=O, that is, when taking pictures using only natural light, wait for the exposure time TV determined earlier in #9108 to elapse, turn off the power to magnet 2 CM g in #5109, and release the shutter. Start the trailing curtain. #
After the exposure is completed in step 3123 (after the shutter trailing curtain has completed running), the film is wound and the shutter, mirror, and aperture are charged, and the process returns.

When the flash flag FLF is 1 in #5107,
In #5110, it is determined whether the valve flag BulbF is 1 or not. If BulbF=O, the light emission routine is executed in #5111. In this subroutine, the 12th
As shown in the figure, in #5126, it is determined whether bounce photography or off-camera flash photography is to be performed. #
If bounce photography is to be performed in 5L26 or flash photography is to be performed off-camera, the internal flash IFL is fired in #5127 and the process returns. #3126
If it is not bounce shooting or off-camera shooting, set the external flash priority flag ○U in #3128.
Determine whether TF is 1 or not.

If 0UTF=O, the internal flash IFL is made to emit light in #9129, and the process returns.

If 0UTF=1 in #5128, return as is. Note that the shutter front curtain starts running at #5106, and #S127. When #S129 is reached, the synchro switch SX is already turned on.

After executing the light emission routine in #9111, it is checked in #5112 whether the previously determined exposure time TV has elapsed.

If the exposure time TV has not yet elapsed, the process advances to #5113, and it is determined whether the light emission stop signal FSTOP has been output from the flash dimming control circuit FCC. If the signal FSTOP has been output, the internal flash IFL stops emitting light in #9114, and the process returns to #5112.

Note that the signal FSTOP is also output to the external flash OFL, and when this signal is output, the external flash OFL also stops emitting light. Signal FSTO at #5113
If P is not output, the process returns to #5112. The above operations are repeated until the exposure time TV has elapsed.

When it is determined in #5112 that the exposure time TV has elapsed, the process proceeds to #3115, where the magnet 2CMH is de-energized and the shutter trailing curtain is run. After that, #51
At step 16, the charging routine B (see Fig. 8) is executed, and at step #51
After the shutter trailing curtain has completed running at step 23, the film is wound up, the shutter shutter, mirror, and aperture are charged, and the process returns.

If BulbF=1 in #5110, the second curtain synchronization mode is in effect, so the process waits for release switch S2 to be turned OFF in #5117. Release switch S2 is OFF
Then, in #5118, the internal flash IFL is caused to emit light. Then, the process waits in #5119 for the light emission stop signal F STOP to be output from the flash dimming control circuit FCC, stops the light emission of the internal flash IFL in #5120, and moves to #5121. #5121 has magnet 2
The CMg is de-energized and the shutter trailing curtain starts running. Then, in #5122, the aforementioned charging routine A (
(see Figure 7), and when the charging of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash rFL is completed or the charging voltage reaches the operation start voltage 72 or higher, the process proceeds to #5123, and after the shutter trailing curtain has completed running, the winding is completed. Then, the charging operation of the shutter, mirror, and aperture is started, and the process returns.

FIG. 13 shows the irradiation angle calculation routine.

When this subroutine is called, first in #5130 it is determined whether or not the flash flag FLF is 1, and then
If LF=0, return as is. FLF=1
If so, the focal pressure @f data is input from the lens circuit LEC in #3131, and the photographing magnification β is calculated in #5132.

Next, the flash irradiation angle θ is determined. Here, the flash irradiation angle will be explained with reference to FIG. 22. The size (height or width) of the subject! , the shooting distance is d, and the flash irradiation angle is θ1. At this time, if the illumination angle θ1 is set so that the flash light is irradiated only on the subject, as is clear from the figure, jan(θ, /2)=1/2d. On the other hand, if the photographing magnification is β and the focal length of the lens is f, then β=f/d, so θ+ = 2 jan
-' (1・β/2f) 0 In this example, height 1
Based on a full-body photograph of an 80cm person, l = 1
800 (n+m), that is, θr=2 jan-'(900β/f).

Once the irradiation angle θ is determined, the process proceeds to #5135, and according to Table 1, focal length data fv having the same field of view as the flash irradiation angle θ1 determined in #5134 is determined.

Table 1 For example, if θ1=65°, fv=28 (I).

Next, in #3136, data on the focal length fv is output to the external flash OFL, and the motor M for switching the illumination angle is driven in the external flash OFL based on the data on the focal length fv. Note that in #5136, the flash flag FLF and external flash priority flag 0UTF are set to prohibit or permit the external flash OFL to emit light.
The contents of are also output to the external flash OFL. While the irradiation angle is being switched with the external flash OFL, the flash irradiation range is displayed on the finder screen in #8137 on the camera body side (described later). And #313
In step 8, flash data is input from the external flash OFL, and in step #5139, it is determined whether or not the irradiation angle switching operation has been completed. If the irradiation angle switching has been completed, the process returns.

Here, the display of the flash irradiation range in #5137 will be explained using FIG. 23.

As an example, consider a case where a lens with a focal length of 28 mm is used. If the focal length fv that has the same angle of view as the flash illumination angle θ determined in #5134 is 5011II*, frame F1 is displayed in the shooting screen FRM, and the focal length f
If v is 35 mm, frame F2 is displayed. By displaying the flash irradiation range within the photographing screen FRM in this manner, the photographer can easily confirm the flash irradiation range.

By the way, the narrower the irradiation range of the flash, the greater the amount of flash light irradiated per unit area, and the larger the flash guide number 〇No. Table 2 shows the relationship between the focal pressure wifv of the lens and the guide number 〇No. Let me show you an example.

Table 2 For example, when taking a photograph using a photographic lens with a focal length of 28III11, suppose that the flash illumination angle θ1 required to illuminate the entire body of the main subject is equal to the angle of view of a lens with a focal length of 851. , the guide number GNo after switching the illumination angle is 32/22=1.45 from Table 2.
becomes. Therefore, in this case, compared to the case where the entire photographing screen is irradiated, the guide number 〇No. is approximately 1.5 times larger, and the reach distance of the flash light can also be increased approximately 1.5 times.

FIG. 14 shows the switch discrimination routine.

#5150 has a switch SMD for switching exposure control mode
Determine whether or not is ON, and if ON, #515
1, it is determined whether the exposure control mode register is MOR, -11. If MOR=11, MOR=00 in #5152, and if MOR≠11, MOR=MOR+1 in #3153, and the process moves to #8155. Here, the exposure mode register MOR is a 2-bit register for selecting four types of exposure control modes, and when M○R=00, the program AE mode (P mode) is selected, and when MOR=01, the aperture is selected. Priority AE mode (A
mode), shutter speed priority A when MOR=10
When E mode (S mode) and MOR=11, manual mode (M mode) is selected.

Thereafter, the process waits for the switch SMD to turn OFF in #3155, and then returns.

If the switch SMD is not ON in #5150, #
5156, drive mode switching switch SDR is O.
Determine whether it is N or not. If switch SDR is ON, drive mode register DRR is set to 1 in #3157.
Determine whether or not, and if DRR=1, #5158
Set DRR=O, and if DRR≠1, set D with #5159.
Let RR=1. Here, DRR is a 1-bit register for selecting the drive mode; when DRR = 0, single-shot mode (single-frame shooting) is selected, and when DRR, = 1, quick-shot mode (continuous shooting) is selected. Ru. Then #5
At step 161, wait until the drive mode switch SDR is turned OFF, and then return.

If switch SDR is not ON in #3156, #
At 3162, it is determined whether the flash mode switching switch SFM is ON. If the switch SFM is ON, the process moves to #5163, and it is determined whether FMR=11 or not. If FMR=11, FMR is set in #S164.
=OO, and if FMR≠11, FMR with #5165
=FMR+1, and proceed to #3167. Here, FMR is a register for selecting four types of flash modes; when FMR=00, forced flash mode, when FMR=01, automatic flash mode, FMR
When FMR=10, the rear curtain synchronization mode is selected, and when FMR=11, the non-emission mode is selected. Thereafter, the process waits for the switch SFM to turn OFF in #5167, and then returns.

#S 168 has an up/down switch (Sup/
SDN) is ON. If neither up switch SUP nor down switch SDN is ON, return as is; if either is ON, #5
At step 169, the UP/DOWN subroutine is executed.

As shown in FIG. 15, this UP/DOWN subroutine first determines whether LMENF=1 in #5180. If LMENF=1, the shooting preparation switch S1
is ON, the up/down switch (S up
/ S DN) will be used to set the contrast C, move to #5192 and set the C
■Execute the decision subroutine and return. on the other hand,
If it is LMENFO, the switch S1 is OFF, so the up/down switch (S up/S DN) is used to set the aperture (i!! AV or shutter speed TV), and the process advances to #5181. #5181
Now, in order to know the controllable range of the aperture, lens data (maximum aperture value, open aperture value) is input from the lens circuit LEC. Then, in #3182, it is determined whether the exposure control mode is manual mode (M mode).
In mode, use #5183 to set the aperture setting switch SAV.
Determine whether or not is turned on, and if it is turned on,
#3184 sets the aperture value AV to a predetermined value (for example, 0.5 EV
), and according to the lens data (maximum aperture value, maximum aperture value) input in #3181, #51
In step 85, the aperture value AV is limited, and the process moves to #5191.

If the aperture setting switch SAV is not turned on in #3183, the shutter speed TV is increased/decreased by a predetermined value (for example, IEV) in #3186, and the shutter speed TV is limited in #5187, for example, -5EV≦TV≦12E.
V) and move to #5191. If #5182 is not M mode, #5188 is A mode (aperture priority AE).
mode), and if it is A mode, #S
184 and set the aperture value AV, #518
If it is not the A mode at #8, it is determined whether it is the S mode (shutter speed priority AE mode) at #3189, and the
If it is in S mode, move to #S186 and set the shutter speed TV.If it is not S mode in #5189, the exposure control mode is P mode (Program AE mode)
Therefore, the process proceeds to #5191 without setting the aperture value AV and shutter speed TV at all.

In addition, when in P mode, switch S up (S ON>
is ON, the shutter speed TV is increased (decreased) by a predetermined value (for example, 0.5EV) and the aperture value A is
V may be decreased (increased) by the same value.

In this way, by operating the switch S UP + S ON, it is possible to perform a so-called program shift.After 0 or more, wait for the up/down switch (SUP/5DN) to turn OFF in #5191. and return.

Next, the operation of the internal flash microcomputer CPUP in the external flash OFL will be explained. When the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL changes from OFF to ON, the pulse generator PG generates an interrupt to the interrupt terminal INTF as described above.
When an interrupt to NTF occurs, microcontroller C in the flash
The PUF executes interrupt processing lNT1 shown in FIG. In this interrupt processing, first, interrupts are enabled in #F1, and it is determined in #F2 whether or not the flash main switch FMS is ON. Flash main switch FMS
If is ON, determine whether charging of main capacitor MC is completed with #F3, and if charging is not completed with #F3.
Charging is started at F4, and if charging is completed, charging is stopped at #F5, and the process returns to #F1. If the flash main switch FMS is OFF at #F2, charging is stopped at #F6, and the standby state is entered to wait for the next interrupt to occur at #F7.

Also, the flash selection signal C3F from the camera body side
When L becomes "Low" level, the flash microcomputer CPUF executes interrupt processing INT2 shown in FIG. 17. In this interrupt processing INT2, first, interrupts are disabled with #F10, and the flash main switch FM is disabled with #F11.
Determine whether S is ON. If the flash main switch FMS is OFF, charging of the main capacitor MC is stopped at #F12, interrupts are enabled at #F13, and the standby state is entered at #F14. If the flash main switch FMS is ON, it is determined in #F15 whether the signal is transmitted from the flash to the camera body or from the camera body to the flash. If the signal is transmitted from the flash to the camera body, it is determined in #F16 whether or not charging of the main capacitor MC is completed. If charging is complete, press #F17 to flash data FL.
The third bit b2 of flash data FLD is set to 1, and if charging is not completed, the third bit b2 of flash data FLD is set to 1 in #F18.
are set to 0 and the process moves to #F19. Here, the flash data FLD has 3 bits b,,b,.

This is status data consisting of bo. In #F19, it is determined whether the motor M for switching the irradiation angle is being driven. If the motor is being driven, the second bit b of the flash data FLD is set to 1 in #F20; if the motor is not being driven, the second bit b of the flash data FLD is set to 0 in #F21, and in #F22. Transition. #F2
In step 2, it is determined whether the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO8 is ON. If the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO8 is ON, the first bit b0 of the flash data FLD is set to 1 in #F23, and the bounce switch FBS is turned OF.
F and off-camera switch FO9 is OFF, the first bit b of the flash data FLD is set in #F24.
0 is set as O, and the process moves to #F25. Output the flash data FLD obtained in the above manner to the camera body side at #F25, and wait for the flash select signal C5FL to reach the 'High' level at #F36. When the signal C9FL goes to the 'High' level, Enable interrupts with #F37 and return.

On the other hand, if #F15 indicates signal transmission from the camera body to the flash, data from the camera body is input in #F26. This data includes focal length "v" data for switching the irradiation angle, flash flag FLF
, external flash priority flag 0UTF, etc.

At #F27, the flash select signal C3FL is “Hi”
Wait for the signal C3FL to reach the ``gh'' level.
”When the level is reached, flash flag FLF is activated with #F28.
Determine. If FLF=0, flash photography will not be performed, so #F31 prohibits flash emission and #F
Proceed to 32.

If FLF=1 in #F28, flag 0U in #F29
Determine TF. If 0UTF=O, the external flash OFL will not fire, so proceed to #F31, 0UT
If F=1, the external flash OFL is caused to emit light, so light emission is permitted in #F30, and the process proceeds to #F32.

In #F32, subsequent interruptions are enabled, and the process proceeds to #F33. In #F33, the motor M□ for switching the irradiation angle is driven.

At #F34, a signal from the code plate ZPC for detecting the irradiation angle is input, and the motor M is driven until the irradiation angle corresponds to the focal length fv. When the switching of the illumination angle is completed, #F35
Stop the motor M and return.

Finally, the flags and registers used in the above embodiment are summarized in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.

(Leaving space below) Table 3 Table 4 In the above-described embodiments, the internal flash IFL was fired in the t & curtain resync mode, but even in the f&curtain resync mode, the external flash ○FL was used. For this purpose, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

First, we will explain the hardware changes. First, delete the synchro switch SX. And the microcomputer CPUB
A signal line dedicated to the light emission start signal 5XON is provided from 1 to 5, and this is connected to the terminal PF3 of the microcomputer CPUF in the external flash via the connection terminal TMI.

Next, software changes will be explained. First, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, step #s22 (OUT
F-〇) is deleted and the process proceeds from #s21 to #S12. Then, in #5118 of Figure 11, the 0 light emission routine calls the subroutine of the "light emission routine" (Figure 12), and if 0UTF = 1 in #5128, it outputs the light emission start signal 5XON to the external flash ○FL. Change it as follows.

Alternatively, only the software may be changed as follows.

First, in #3136 (Fig. 13), the flash emission mode is also set to the external flash ○FL as flash data.
Output to. Then, in #5118 (Fig. 11), the flag 0UTF is determined, and if 0UTF=1, the light emission start signal 5TAR,T (different from SX○N) is sent to the interface circuit INF as well as other flash data. Change to output to external flash OFL via. And in the flash microcomputer CPUF, #F2
After step 6 (FIG. 17), a step of determining whether the light emission start signal 5TART has been issued is provided.

If the signal 5TART is issued, a signal is sent to the flash dimming control circuit FLCC to cause the flash to emit light regardless of whether light emission is permitted or not, and to return. If the signal 5TART is not being issued, proceed to #F27. and,
A step is provided between #F29 and #F30 to determine whether or not the light emission mode is the rear curtain synchronization mode, and if it is the rear curtain synchronization mode, the process proceeds to #F31 and prohibits flash emission. change.

It is also possible to change the hardware as shown in FIG.

When the flag 0LITF is set, microcontroller C
“H” from terminal P1° of PUB to NAND circuit N circuit D1
In the second curtain synchronization mode, the NOR circuit NOR1 (indicated by negative logic) and the ANDNO circuit NORHigl- level are output from the terminal P1.The synchro switch SX outputs the NOR circuit N0RI.
It is connected to the. The release switch S2 is connected to the AND circuit D1 via a one-shot circuit O81.

The one-shot circuit O81 outputs a "High" level one-shot pulse having a predetermined time width when the switch S2 is turned off. NOR circuit N0R1, ANDNO
The circuit NOR powers are both input to the OR circuit RI, and the OR
The output of the circuit OR1 is input to the NAND circuit N circuit D1. The outputs of the NAND circuits NA and NDl are input as a light emission start signal 5XON to the external flash OFL via the terminal TMI.

During normal flash photography using an external flash OFL, a ``High'' level is output from the terminal P1° and a ``Low'' level is output from the terminal Pl+, so when the front curtain has finished running, the switch is turned off. When SX is turned on, the output of NAND circuit N circuit D1 becomes "Low" level. Therefore, the signal 5XON is input to the external flash OFL, and the external flash OFL emits flash light. Since a “Low” level is being output from the
Even if the one-shot circuit O3I outputs a "High" level pulse at F, the AND circuit circuit DI is "
Continue to output low level. Therefore, signal SX again.

N is never output.

When in rear curtain synchronization mode using an external flash OFL, terminal P,. + P l From 1, both “High
h" level signal is output. Therefore, even if the synchro switch SX is turned on, the NOR circuit N0R
I does not output 'High' level and no light emission start signal is output. When the shooting is completed and the switch S2 is turned OFF, the one-shot circuit os1 outputs ''I-(high').
A level one-shot pulse is output. Since the "High" level is output from the terminal Pz, the AND circuit D1 outputs the Hilly level, and the OR circuit OR1 outputs the High' level. Terminal P
Since the "'I(igl+" level) is output from IG, the output of OR circuit OR1 is "High" level/L4:
6) NANDFHIANDl outputs a "Low" level, and this output is input to the external flash OFL as a light emission start signal 5XON. Then, the external flash OFL emits light.

When the external flash OFL is not used, that is, when the flag 0UTF=O, a "Low" level is output from the terminal 21o, so the NAND circuit N circuit D1
continues to output “High” level.

Therefore, even if the switch SX is turned ON, even if the switch S2 is turned OFF, the light emission start signal 5XON is
is not output, therefore, the external flash ○FL does not emit light.

In this way, by configuring a circuit that outputs the light emission start signal 5XON, the external flash OFL only needs to emit a flash when the light emission start signal 5XON is input, regardless of the flash mode. Therefore, it is not a dedicated flash device, but a conventional flash device. It is possible to perform flash photography (rear-curtain synchronization, switching between internal flash and external flash) similar to that of the flash photography device of the present invention using a normal flash device known from the present invention.

In addition, if TTL direct metering is performed using the flash dimming control circuit FCC and an appropriate exposure amount is obtained before switch S2 is turned OFF in rear curtain synchronization mode, the flash will flash even if switch S2 is ON. The rear curtain of the shutter may run without emitting light. By doing this, it is possible to obtain proper exposure even when shooting in rear curtain synchronization mode under relatively bright conditions. In this case, the flash may be emitted in response to the start of the movement of the shutter trailing curtain, and the effect of the flash may be reflected in the photograph.

Further, in the above embodiment, the exposure values for the peripheral area and the central area can be freely set by combining the exposure correction amount ΔSV and the CV value.

However, the invention is not limited to this, and either the central part or the peripheral part may always be properly exposed.

In order to ensure that the center area is always properly exposed, delete the exposure compensation amount setting circuit EMC and set Δ in the control program.
It is sufficient to set 5V=O. Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 21(a), the mark EV may be fixed at the center of the scale. Generally, the main subject is often located in the center of the shooting screen. Therefore, by ensuring that the center is always properly exposed, the main subject can always be properly exposed, especially for beginners. This is convenient for people who are new to photography.

In order to ensure that the peripheral area is always properly exposed, the exposure compensation amount setting circuit EMC is deleted and the calculation in step #575 (FIG. 9) of the control program is changed to A V p= B V
All you have to do is change it to AM+SVTVx. As a result, the peripheral area is properly exposed to only natural light. Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 21(b), mark E
VA should be fixed at the center of the scale.

Here, we will consider the amount of light required to properly expose the peripheral area.

Since the periphery is properly exposed, in order to achieve a contrast between the periphery and the center of C■, the center only needs to be underexposed by C■ compared to the appropriate exposure. The scene is 2T V x + A V p
It becomes a CV. Therefore, the required flash light amount is 2T.
Vx+ A VF CV B Vs+ SV, and the proportion of the flash light in the amount of light in the center is 1 2 BVs 10 SV (TVx+AVF C
V)=1-2CV-ΔBV','AVF=BVAM+SV TVX.

ΔBV=BVA, 4 BVs, which is the same formula as explained in the previous example. In other words, contrast is relative and has nothing to do with absolute values. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the photograph was taken in direct light, the proportion of the flash light was set to 1/2 or more, thereby reflecting the effect of the flash on the photograph as much as possible. However, steps #S72 and #873 (FIG. 9) may be deleted and the CV value may be freely set regardless of the brightness distribution of the subject (however, as described above, if Cv≦ΔBV ).

In addition, when implementing the present invention, it is possible to add various modifications such as those described below.
By pre-flashing the flash and measuring the amount of incident light when adding the flash light to natural light, it is possible to freely set the amount of flash light that will give the subject an appropriate exposure, thereby determining the exposure value of the subject under flash irradiation. It is also possible to control the difference in the exposure value of the background due to natural light.Also, by providing a manual setting member for the irradiation range on the external flash OFL, you can freely adjust the areas that are illuminated by the flash and the areas that are not illuminated. In addition, even if the difference in exposure values between the two groups can be adjusted, the data about the flash irradiation range set on the flash side can be input from the flash to the camera, and the data can be input to the camera's viewfinder. The irradiation range of the flash may be displayed within the range. Furthermore, the photometry ranges for the center and periphery of the photographic screen may be automatically switched based on data regarding the flash irradiation range. Furthermore, the exposure value step setting means may be provided on the flash side instead of on the camera side, and data regarding the exposure value step set on the flash side may be input from the flash to the camera. It doesn't matter if it is fixed. Note that the present invention can also be applied to a camera with a built-in zoom flash. In addition, the flash irradiation range and the metering range for the center of the shooting screen are automatically set according to the shooting magnification, and the flash light control amount is adjusted to obtain the set (or fixed) exposure level difference. It may be controlled.

In the above embodiment, the irradiation range of the flash light was changed depending on the photographing magnification regardless of whether the camera was backlit or frontlit. By the way, when flash light is emitted in front light, the field of view is usually very dark and the aperture aperture is set large.

Therefore, the flash light reaches relatively far. On the other hand, when the subject is backlit, the field of view is usually bright, so the aperture aperture is set small. Therefore, when the subject is backlit, the distance that the flash light reaches is relatively small.

Considering the above, narrowing the irradiation range of the flash light and increasing the guide number GNo is very meaningful in backlighting, but it is meaningless in frontlighting or backlighting. Furthermore, if the irradiation range is narrowed when the brightness is low, only the subject in the center will be exposed, and the subjects in the periphery may not be exposed at all. Therefore, it is possible to change the irradiation range of the flash light according to the photographing magnification only when backlighting.To change it in this way, in the irradiation angle calculation routine (Figure 13), set the backlight flag before step #5131. A step may be provided to determine the RLF, and when RLF=1, the process proceeds to #5131, and when RLF=O, the process returns directly.

Furthermore, in the forced flash mode, the photographer intends to reflect the effect of flash light on the photograph. Therefore, in the forced-on mode, it is desirable to make the flash light reach as far as possible. Therefore, in the above modification, the irradiation range of the flash light is changed according to the shooting magnification even in the forced-on mode. To make this modification, in the above modification example, when RLF=0, the flash mode register F
Check MR, and if FMR=OO, step #513
1, and if FMR≠00, just return.

When transformed in this way, when the intensity is low (frontlight), by setting the automatic flash mode (FMR = 01), everything within the shooting range and within the reach of the flash light will be exposed to the flash light. can do. and,
By setting the forced flash mode (FMR=00), it is possible to irradiate only the main subject with flash light and expose only the main subject.

Further, in the above embodiment, the flash that was charged first among the internal flash unit FL and the external flash OFL was emitted, but the present invention can also be applied when two external flashes are used. . It can also be applied to cameras with two built-in flashes. or,
If three or more flashes are used (regardless of whether they are built-in or external), the flash that has completed charging the earliest may be set to emit light.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, when performing rear curtain synchronization photography in an exposure control mode in which the shutter speed is automatically set,
Since the shutter speed is automatically set to bulb, the effect is that even in exposure control mode where the photographer cannot manually set the shutter speed, it is possible to take photos with the desired rear-curtain synchronization effect. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a camera system as an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an external flash used in the same, and FIGS. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the same operation as above, the first
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the change over time in the charging voltage of the internal flash used in the same as above, Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the amount of dimming of the flash used in the same as above, and Figure 20 (a), (b)
) is a diagram showing the relationship between the step in the exposure value of the peripheral part and the central part and the ratio of the flash light amount in backlighting and frontlighting, respectively, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the finder display used in the above, FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flash irradiation range on the subject, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of display of the flash irradiation range on the infinder display section, and FIG. 24 is an example of a part of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a first selection means, 2 is a second selection means, and 3 is a valve setting means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A first selection means for selecting a first curtain synchro mode in which the flash fires in synchronization with the movement of the front curtain of the shutter and a rear curtain synchro mode in which the flash fires in synchronization with the movement of the rear curtain of the shutter, and a shutter speed that is automatic. a second selection means for selecting a mode to be set and a mode in which the shutter speed is manually set; the first selection means selects a trailing curtain synchronization mode; and the second selection means automatically sets the shutter speed. A flash photographing device comprising: bulb setting means for setting a shutter speed to bulb when a mode is selected. (2) The second selection means is the program AE mode in which both the aperture value and shutter speed are automatically set, the aperture priority AE mode in which the aperture value is manually set and the shutter speed is automatically set, and the shutter speed is manually set. 2. The flash photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the means selects between a shutter speed priority AE mode in which the aperture value is automatically set and a manual mode in which both the aperture value and the shutter speed are manually set.