ACCESSORY AND CAMERA SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

Interchangeable lenses 100A, B, C, and D include a focusing lens unit FLU that is to be moved in an optical axis direction to focus, a focus operation ring 103 that moves the focusing lens unit FLU in the optical axis direction, and a custom operation ring 104 that realizes one of a function among a first function and a second function different from the focusing, and a surface of the focus operation ring 103 has a first structure and a surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a second structure different from the first structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to accessories and camera systems including the same.

Background Art

A lens apparatus discussed in Patent Literature (PTL) 1 has been known as a lens apparatus that includes a third operation ring for changing a function in addition to a zoom ring and a focus ring. The lens apparatus discussed in PTL 1 includes a zoom operation ring, a focus operation ring, and a custom operation ring arranged in this order from a camera body side. One of an aperture value changing function, a shutter speed changing function, an exposure correction function, and a continuous image capturing speed adjustment function can be assigned to the custom operation ring.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-177294

In the lens apparatus discussed in PTL 1, the custom operation ring and the focus operation ring are arranged near each other, and in a case where the two operation rings arranged near each other have a similar surface structure, it is often difficult for a user to discriminate between the two operation rings. PTL 1 is silent on surface structures of the custom operation ring and the focus operation ring.

The present invention is directed to an accessory where two operation members are easy to discriminate from each other, and a camera system including the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of achieving the above described objects, an accessory includes a focusing lens unit that is to be moved in an optical axis direction to focus, a first operation member that moves the focusing lens unit in the optical axis direction, and a second operation member that realizes one of a function among a first function and a second function different from the focusing, wherein a surface of the first operation member has a first structure, and a surface of the second operation member has a second structure different from the first structure.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a camera system 300.

FIG. 2A is an external view illustrating a first interchangeable lens 100A viewed from a first direction.

FIG. 2B is an external view illustrating the first interchangeable lens 100A viewed from a second direction.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an exterior of the first interchangeable lens 100A.

FIG. 4A is a schematic first cross-sectional view illustrating shapes of a first exterior member 107 and a second exterior member 108.

FIG. 4B is a schematic second cross-sectional view illustrating shapes of the first exterior member 107 and the second exterior member 108.

FIG. 5A is an external view illustrating a second interchangeable lens 100B viewed from the first direction.

FIG. 5B is an external view illustrating the second interchangeable lens 100B viewed from the second direction.

FIG. 6A is an external view illustrating a third interchangeable lens 100C viewed from the first direction.

FIG. 6B is an external view illustrating the third interchangeable lens 100C viewed from the second direction.

FIG. 7A is an external view illustrating a fourth interchangeable lens 100D viewed from the first direction.

FIG. 7B is an external view illustrating the fourth interchangeable lens 100D viewed from the second direction.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a camera system 300A including an adaptor 400.

FIG. 9 is an external view illustrating the adaptor 400.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

(Block Structure of Camera System)

First, a block structure of an interchangeable lens 100 and a camera body (camera body) 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a camera system 300 including the interchangeable lens (optical device, accessory, lens apparatus) 100 and the camera body 200.

(Block Structure of Camera Body)

The camera body 200 includes an image capturing unit 202 that is a photoelectric conversion element or image sensor including a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and converts optical information about subjects that is acquired via the interchangeable lens 100 into electric signals (photoelectrically converts subject images). The camera body 200 further includes a camera mount (first mount portion) 201 that is connected to a lens mount (second mount portion) 101 of the interchangeable lens 100, and a camera housing 205 including the image capturing unit 202 and others.

The camera body 200 further includes a camera communication unit that communicates with a lens communication unit of the interchangeable lens 100, a photometric unit that measures an intensity of light, a distance measurement unit, and a recording apparatus that records data such as captured images and captured moving images, in addition to the image capturing unit 202 and the camera mount 201. The camera body 200 further includes a setting unit that performs settings for, for example, image capturing conditions including shutter speed, a release unit (shutter button) which is operable by a user, a display unit that displays various types of information to a user, and a power source. The setting unit. The camera body 200 further includes a camera central processing unit (camera CPU) that is a control unit for controlling the image capturing unit 202.

(Block Structure of Interchangeable Lens)

The interchangeable lens 100 is attachable to and detachable from the camera body 200. The interchangeable lens 100 includes a lens barrel 102 and the lens mount (camera accessory mount) 101. Electrical communication between the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 is performed via the lens communication unit and the camera communication unit that include a plurality of electrical contact portions to electrically connect to each other. Various types of information, such as power supply information and control information, can be exchanged (transmitted and received) between the camera CPU and a lens CPU.

The interchangeable lens 100 further includes a zooming lens unit ZLU that is moved in zooming, a focusing lens unit FLU that is moved in focusing, and a shift lens unit SLU that is moved to stabilize images, in addition to the lens mount 101. The interchangeable lens 100 further includes a lens unit LU, a diaphragm unit DU, and a neutral density (ND) filter NDF, in addition to the zooming lens unit ZLU, the focusing lens unit FLU, and the shift lens unit SLU. The number of lenses of each lens unit herein can be one or more than one.

The interchangeable lens 100 further includes a zoom driving unit that drives the zooming lens unit ZLU, a focus driving unit that drives the focusing lens unit FLU, and a diaphragm driving unit that drives the diaphragm unit DU. The interchangeable lens 100 further includes a ND driving unit that drives the ND filter NDF, and an anti-vibration driving unit that drives the shift lens unit SLU. The interchangeable lens 100 further includes the lens communication unit and the lens CPU that is a control unit for controlling the lens communication unit and the above-described driving units.

While the interchangeable lens 100 is a zoom lens that includes the zooming lens unit ZLU in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens 100 can be a single focus lens that does not include the zooming lens unit ZLU. Further, the interchangeable lens 100 can be an interchangeable lens that does not include the shift lens unit SLU. The interchangeable lens 100 is configured to be attachable directly to the camera body 200 without an adaptor.

First Exemplary Embodiment

Next, an exterior of a first interchangeable lens 100A, which is an interchangeable lens 100 and is also an accessory according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIG. 3, and FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an exterior of the first interchangeable lens 100A. FIG. 2A is an external view of the first interchangeable lens 100A viewed from a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis O. FIG. 2B is an external view of the first interchangeable lens 100A viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis O and different from the first direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exterior of the first interchangeable lens 100A.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, a focus operation ring (first operation member) 103 is a focus operation ring that moves the focusing lens unit FLU in a direction (optical axis direction) parallel to the optical axis O.

A custom operation ring (second operation member) 104 is a custom operation ring that realizes one of first and second functions different from the focusing. In other words, one of the first and second functions different from the focusing is assigned to the custom operation ring 104.

The display unit of the camera body 200 in FIG. 1 is a touch display and displays buttons corresponding to a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the custom operation ring 104. Then, the function corresponding to a button touched by a user among the buttons displayed on the display unit and corresponding to the plurality of functions is assigned to the custom operation ring 104. Specifically, the touch display of the camera body 200 is a display unit (display unit) and also a selection unit (selection unit). The selecting of a function to be assigned to the custom operation ring 104 is not limited to that described above. The interchangeable lens 100 can include a switch or touch display as a selection unit for selecting a function to be assigned to the custom operation ring 104. Alternatively, the camera body 200 can include a selection unit separately from the touch display.

The first and second functions to be assigned to the custom operation ring 104 are as follows. Specifically, the first and second functions are two of functions of adjusting (changing) parameters relating to image capturing conditions, such as an aperture value, white balance, shutter speed, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sensitivity, and exposure value, and a function of switching between autofocusing and manual focusing. A third function and/or a fourth function can be assigned to the custom operation ring 104, in addition to the first and second functions.

(Structure that Realizes an Accessory with Two Operation Members that are Easy to Recognize)

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 3, a surface of the focus operation ring 103 has a straight-shaped groove structure (first structure, longitudinal rib structure), and a surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a diamond-shaped groove structure (second structure, mesh-shaped groove structure). Specifically, the surface of the custom operation ring 104 includes a structure different from that of the surface of the focus operation ring 103. This realizes an accessory including two operation members that are easy to discriminate from each other. As used herein, the term “straight-shaped groove structure” refers to a structure that has a plurality of grooves 1031 parallel to an optical axis direction as illustrated in FIG. 3, or the term “straight-shaped groove structure” refers to a structure having undergone straight knurling processing. The term “diamond-shaped groove structure” refers to a structure that has a plurality of grooves 1041 intersecting with (tilted with respect to) the optical axis direction as illustrated in FIG. 3, or the term “diamond-shaped groove structure” refers to a structure having undergone diamond knurling processing.

(Other Structures)

In the structure of the surface of the custom operation ring 104, a portion 1042 surrounded by four of the grooves 1041 has a rhombus-based pyramid shape. Thus, the surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a texture different from a texture of the surface of the focus operation ring 103, to make it easier to discriminate between the two operation members.

A material of the surface of the focus operation ring 103 is different from a material of the surface of the custom operation ring 104. The focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 have a different texture in addition to a different surface structure as described above, making it easier for a user to discriminate between the two operation members.

More specifically, since the focus operation ring 103 includes a rubber ring, the material of the surface of the focus operation ring 103 is rubber. Since the custom operation ring 104 includes an injection-molded plastic ring-shaped member, the material of the surface of the custom operation ring 104 is less elastically deformable than the material of the surface of the focus operation ring 103. In other words, the material of the surface of the focus operation ring 103 is more elastically deformable than the material of the surface of the custom operation ring 104. This is because the focus operation ring 103, which is used more frequently than the custom operation ring 104, with a softer surface material than that of the custom operation ring 104 makes it easier to discriminate between the two operation members while an operation burden on a user is reduced.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 3, the width of the focus operation ring 103 in the optical axis direction is greater than the width of the custom operation ring 104 in the optical axis direction. The focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 are also different in size, and this also makes it easier for a user to discriminate between the two operation members. The focus operation ring 103, which is used more frequently than the custom operation ring 104, has a greater size than that of the custom operation ring 104, which makes it easier to discriminate between the two operation members while operability is retained.

The custom operation ring 104 is arranged at a position closer to an object (subject side) than the focus operation ring 103. In other words, the focus operation ring 103 is arranged at a position closer to an image (image sensor side) than the custom operation ring 104. This arrangement relationship is employed since, due to the arrangement of the focus operation ring 103 at a position closer to a hand of a user, it makes easy to operate the focus operation ring 103.

An intermediate cylinder 105 is arranged between the focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104. The rotation of the intermediate cylinder 105 is regulated, and the intermediate cylinder 105 cannot be rotated about the optical axis O (in the optical axis direction). A case where, for example, the focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 are arranged near each other without the intermediate cylinder 105 will be discussed below. In this case, there is a high possibility that fingers of a user touch both the focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 to operate both of the operation rings at the same time. On the contrary, with the intermediate cylinder 105 as in the first interchangeable lens 100A, the possibility that both of the operation rings are operated at the same time decreases.

The intermediate cylinder 105 can be rotatable about the optical axis O, but it is desirable to regulate the rotation of the intermediate cylinder 105 similarly to the first interchangeable lens 100A. This is because if there is a member that is rotatable about the optical axis O besides the operation rings, a user may erroneously understand that the member is also an operation ring.

Desirably, a structure of a surface of the intermediate cylinder 105 is different from the structure of the surface of the focus operation ring 103 and from the structure of the surface of the custom operation ring 104. In the first interchangeable lens 100A, the surface of the intermediate cylinder 105 does not have a groove structure. Thus, the intermediate cylinder 105 exists as a kind of a boundary, and the presence of the intermediate cylinder 105 makes it clearer that the focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 are separate operation rings.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIG. 3, the width of the intermediate cylinder 105 in the optical axis direction is less than the width of the focus operation ring 103 in the optical axis direction and is less than the width of the custom operation ring 104 in the optical axis direction. With this configuration, the widths of the focus operation ring 103 and the custom operation ring 104 can be retained in the optical axis direction while the total length of the first interchangeable lens 100A in the optical axis direction is prevented from increasing.

A first annular member 1061 is arranged at a position closer to the object than the custom operation ring 104, and a second annular member 1062 is arranged at a position closer to the object than the first annular member 1061. The first annular member 1061 and the second annular member 1062 can collectively be referred to as “annular member”. The rotations of the first annular member 1061 and the second annular member 1062 about the optical axis O are also regulated.

The first annular member 1061 has a surface color different from a surface color of the second annular member 1062 and from a surface color of the custom operation ring 104. In the first interchangeable lens 100A, the surface color of the first annular member 1061 is red. The first annular member 1061 functions as a mark member indicating that an interchangeable lens including the first annular member 1061 is a specific interchangeable lens. Specifically, the first annular member 1061 functions as a mark member indicating an accessory type. In other words, the first annular member 1061 includes a type mark indicating an accessory type.

The second annular member 1062 includes a cap attachment mark (first attachment mark) 1091 for attaching a cap that protects a front surface of the first interchangeable lens 100A.

Desirably, at least the second annular member 1062 among the first annular member 1061 and the second annular member 1062 is made of a material other than metals. Specifically, at least the second annular member 1062 is desirably made of a plastic (resin). More desirably, both of the first annular member 1061 and the second annular member 1062 are made of a material other than metals. This is because the amount of static electricity that enters the first interchangeable lens 100A through edges is reduced.

A second exterior member (second exterior unit) 108 is exposed at least partially from a first exterior member (first exterior unit) 107. The second exterior member 108 includes a lens attachment mark (second mark) 1092 for attaching the first interchangeable lens 100A to the camera body 200. A plurality of bayonet nail portions of the lens mount 101 is inserted into notch portions between a plurality of bayonet nail portions of the camera mount 201 with ease by matching phases of the lens attachment mark 1092 and a mark on the camera body 200.

Even when the first interchangeable lens 100A is attached to the camera body 200, the second exterior member 108 is still partially exposed from the first exterior member 107. Further, the second exterior member 108 has a surface color different from a surface color of the first exterior member 107, and in the first interchangeable lens 100A, the surface of the second exterior member 108 is silver-colored (metal surface color), and the surface color of the first exterior member 107 is black.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an image-side end portion of the first exterior member 107 includes a first wall portion 1071 and a second wall portion 1072. The second wall portion 1072 is more depressed than the first wall portion 1071. Specifically, an end surface of the first wall portion 1071 is more projected toward the image side than an end surface of the second wall portion 1072. It can also be considered that the image-side end portion of the first exterior member 107 is partially notched. In this case, a wall portion having the same phase and the same width in a circumferential direction as those of the notched portion is the second wall portion 1072, and the remaining unnotched portion is the first wall portion 1071.

The first exterior member 107 includes the first wall portion 1071 and the second wall portion 1072, and therefore the shape of the portion of the second exterior member 108 that is exposed from the first exterior member 107 differs depending on the direction from which the first interchangeable lens 100A is viewed.

Specifically, the shape of the surface of the second exterior member 108 that is exposed from the first exterior member 107 when viewed from the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction in FIG. 2A will be referred to as “first exposure shape”. Further, the shape of the surface of the second exterior member 108 that is exposed from the first exterior member 107 when viewed from the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and different from the first direction in FIG. 2B will be referred to as “second exposure shape”. At this time, it can be said that the first exterior member 107 has a shape in which the first exposure shape and the second exposure shape are different from each other. This makes it easier to determine an orientation of the first interchangeable lens 100A in the circumferential direction.

For example, in a case where the first interchangeable lens 100A attached to the camera body 200 is in a normal state when viewed from a side surface, whether the first interchangeable lens 100A is in the normal state is determined with ease based on a difference of the exposure shape of the second exterior member 108. More specifically, the first interchangeable lens 100A attached to the camera body 200 is as illustrated in FIG. 2B when viewed from the side surface. Specifically, in a case where the first interchangeable lens 100A is as illustrated in FIG. 2B when viewed from the side surface, it is determined that the first interchangeable lens 100A is in the normal state. As used herein, the term “normal state” refers to a state where the shutter button of the camera body 200 faces upward and a state of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 in that state.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, a predetermined line L1 parallel to the optical axis O when viewed from the second direction passes through a portion of the lens attachment mark 1092 and a portion of the second wall portion 1072. In other words, the line L1 passes through the portion of the lens attachment mark 1092 and a portion of a depressed portion between the first wall portions 1071. That is to say, a portion 1081 of the surface of the second exterior member 108 that is exposed from the first exterior member 107 when viewed from the second direction and is wider than the other portions in the optical axis direction includes the lens attachment mark 1092. This makes the lens attachment mark 1092 larger and more noticeable. In the first interchangeable lens 100A, the shape of the lens attachment mark 1092 has a greater width in the optical axis direction.

A portion of the first exterior member 107 is a switch base portion 112 that holds switches 110 and 111. The focus mode setting switch (focus mode selection unit) 110 is for switching between an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode. The image capturing distance range setting switch 111 is for switching an image capturing distance range.

The focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111 are arranged at positions closer to the image than the focus operation ring 103. Specifically, the focus operation ring 103 is arranged between the custom operation ring 104 and the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, a line L2 being parallel to the optical axis O and passing through a portion of the focus mode setting switch 110 passes through a portion of the second wall portion 1072 when viewed from the second direction. Further, a line L3 being parallel to the optical axis O and passing through a portion of the image capturing distance range setting switch 111 passes through a portion of the second wall portion 1072. Specifically, phases of the second wall portion 1072 and the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111 substantially correspond. A case where, for example, it is difficult to view the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111, e.g., a case where image capturing is performed at night, will be discussed below. In this case, the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111 can be operated with ease by a left hand by, for example, bringing the thumb of the left hand into contact with the depressed portion between the first wall portions 1071 and moving the left hand to the front. The interchangeable lens 100 is structured so that a predetermined line parallel to the optical axis O passes through a portion of the switch base portion 112 and a portion of the second wall portion 1072 (a portion of the depressed portion between the first wall portions 1071) when viewed from the second direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens 100 includes a click mechanism (click feeling producing mechanism). The click mechanism produces a click feeling when the custom operation ring 104 is operated. Specifically, when the focus operation ring 103 of the first interchangeable lens 100A is operated, no click feelings are produced, whereas when the custom operation ring 104 is operated, the click mechanism produces a click feeling. Thus, the two operation rings can be discriminated also based on a difference in operation feelings. The click mechanism includes, for example, a plurality of groove portions on an inner periphery of the custom operation ring 104, an elastic member, and a pin member biased against the groove portions by the elastic member.

The first wall portion 1071 and the second wall portion 1072 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams schematically illustrating a cross section of the image-side end portion of the first exterior member 107 and the second exterior member 108. FIG. 4A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the first interchangeable lens 100A cut along a cross section (first cross section) that is parallel to the sheet and passes through the optical axis O in FIG. 2A. FIG. 4B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating the first interchangeable lens 100A cut along a cross section (second cross section) that is parallel to the sheet and passes through the optical axis O in FIG. 2B.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second wall portion 1072 covers a portion (near an object-side end portion) of the second exterior member 108. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first wall portion 1071 also covers a portion (near the object-side end portion) of the second exterior member 108. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the area of the surface of the second exterior member 108 that is covered by the first wall portion 1071 is larger than the area of the surface of the second exterior member 108 that is covered by the second wall portion 1072.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, an exterior of the second interchangeable lens 100B, which is an interchangeable lens 100 and is also an accessory according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an exterior of the second interchangeable lens 100B. FIG. 5A is an external view illustrating the second interchangeable lens 100B viewed from the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. FIG. 5B is an external view illustrating the second interchangeable lens 100B viewed from the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis O and different from the first direction. Each component having a similar function to that in the first interchangeable lens 100A is given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the second interchangeable lens 100B, similarly, the surface of the focus operation ring 103 has a straight-shaped groove structure (first structure), and the surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a diamond-shaped groove structure (second structure). Thus, the present exemplary embodiment also realizes an accessory that is easy to discriminate between the two operation members.

A zoom operation ring (third operation member) 120 is for moving the zooming lens unit ZLU in FIG. 1 in the optical axis direction. The zoom operation ring 120 is arranged at a position closer to the image than the focus operation ring 103. Specifically, the custom operation ring 104, the focus operation ring 103, and the zoom operation ring 120 are arranged in this order from the object side.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a surface of the zoom operation ring 120 has a straight-shaped groove structure similarly to the surface of the focus operation ring 103. The focus operation ring 103 and the zoom operation ring 120, however, have a different outer periphery shape. More specifically, the zoom operation ring 120 includes a large-diameter portion 121, a small-diameter portion 123 smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion 121, and a connecting portion 122 between the large-diameter portion 121 and the small-diameter portion 123. A surface of each of the large-diameter portion 121, the connecting portion 122, and the small-diameter portion 123 has a straight-shaped groove structure. Thus, three operation rings in total that are the custom operation ring 104, the focus operation ring 103, and the zoom operation ring 120 are easy to discriminate in the second interchangeable lens 100B.

In the second interchangeable lens 100B, when the zoom operation ring 120 is operated, a lens holding frame 130 is moved in the optical axis direction. A lock switch 113 locks operations of the zoom operation ring 120 to prevent the lens holding frame 130 from being moved in the optical axis direction by the weight of the lens holding frame 130 when not in use. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a line L4 passing through a portion of the lock switch 113 and being parallel to the optical axis O passes through a portion of the second wall portion 1072 (a portion of the depressed portion between the first wall portions 1071). Therefore, the lock switch 113 is also easy to find similarly to the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111.

An image stabilization (IS) selection switch 114 is for switching an image stabilization function on and off. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, a line L5 passing through a portion of the IS selection switch 114 and being parallel to the optical axis O passes through a portion of the second wall portion 1072 (a portion of the depressed portion between the first wall portions 1071). Thus, the IS selection switch 114 is also easy to find similarly to the focus mode setting switch 110 and the image capturing distance range setting switch 111.

In the second interchangeable lens 100B, not the second annular member 1062 but the lens holding frame 130 includes the cap attachment mark 1091.

Further, in the second interchangeable lens 100B, the focus mode setting switch 110, the lock switch 113, and the IS selection switch 114 are arranged at a position closer to the image than the zoom operation ring 120. A material of a surface of the zoom operation ring 120 is a rubber similarly to the material of the surface of the focus operation ring 103.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Next, an exterior of a third interchangeable lens 100C, which is an interchangeable lens 100 and is also an accessory according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an exterior of the third interchangeable lens 100C. FIG. 6A is an external view illustrating the third interchangeable lens 100C viewed from the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. FIG. 6B is an external view illustrating the third interchangeable lens 100C viewed from the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis O and different from the first direction. Each component having a similar function to that in the first interchangeable lens 100A or the second interchangeable lens 100B is given the same reference numeral as that in FIGS. 2A and 2B or FIGS. 5A and 5B, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the third interchangeable lens 100C, similarly, the surface of the focus operation ring 103 has a straight-shaped groove structure (first structure), and the surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a diamond-shaped groove structure (second structure). Thus, the present exemplary embodiment also realizes an accessory with two operation members that are easy to discriminate.

Similarly to the second interchangeable lens 100B, the third interchangeable lens 100C includes the zoom operation ring 120. The position of the zoom operation ring 120 in the optical axis direction in the third interchangeable lens 100C, however, is different from the second interchangeable lens 100B. Specifically, in the third interchangeable lens 100C, the zoom operation ring 120 is arranged at a position closer to the image than the focus mode setting switch 110. In other words, the focus mode setting switch 110 is arranged between the focus operation ring 103 and the zoom operation ring 120 in the third interchangeable lens 100C.

With the above-described structure, even in a case where the focus operation ring 103 and the zoom operation ring 120 are similar in shape as in the third interchangeable lens 100C, the focus operation ring 103 and the zoom operation ring 120 are easy to discriminate with the focus mode setting switch 110 being a boundary. Further, as described above, the surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a diamond-shaped groove structure different from the other operation rings. Specifically, in the third interchangeable lens 100C, three operation rings in total that are the custom operation ring 104, the focus operation ring 103, and the zoom operation ring 120 are easy to discriminate. Further, the diameter of the zoom operation ring 120 is greater than the diameter of the custom operation ring 104 in the third interchangeable lens 100C. This makes it easier to discriminate between the custom operation ring 104 and the zoom operation ring 120.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

Next, an exterior of a fourth interchangeable lens 100D, which is an interchangeable lens 100 and is also an accessory according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an exterior of the fourth interchangeable lens 100D. FIG. 7A is an external view illustrating the fourth interchangeable lens 100D viewed from the first direction perpendicular to the optical axis O. FIG. 7B is an external view illustrating the fourth interchangeable lens 100D viewed from the second direction perpendicular to the optical axis O and different from the first direction. Each component having a similar function to that in the above-described interchangeable lenses is given the same reference numeral as in FIGS. 2A and 2B or FIGS. 5A and 5B, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

The fourth interchangeable lens 100D is different from the first, second, and third interchangeable lenses in that the fourth interchangeable lens 100D includes a third annular member 1063 in place of the first annular member 1061. Further, the fourth interchangeable lens 100D does not include the cap attachment mark 1091. While the first annular member 1061 has a red surface, the third annular member 1063 has a color different from red, such as black or gray.

In the fourth interchangeable lens 100D, similarly, the surface of the focus operation ring 103 has a straight-shaped groove structure (first structure), and the surface of the custom operation ring 104 has a diamond-shaped groove structure (second structure). Thus, the present exemplary embodiment also realizes an accessory with two operation members that are easy to discriminate.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

Next, an adaptor (accessory) 400, which is an accessory according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the camera system 300A including the adaptor 400, and FIG. 9 is an external view illustrating the adaptor 400.

Each of the interchangeable lenses 100A to 100D is directly attachable to the camera body 200 without an adaptor. The adaptor 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment is also directly attachable to the camera body 200. The adaptor 400 is an adaptor for using an interchangeable lens 500 that cannot be attached directly to the camera body 200 in combination with the camera body 200 as illustrated in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the adaptor 400 includes the custom operation ring 104, the lens attachment mark 1092, and the lens mount 101. Further, the adaptor 400 includes a lock pin 401 and a pin operation portion 402. The lock pin 401 is to be inserted into a depressed portion of the lens mount portion of the interchangeable lens 500. The pin operation portion 402 moves the lock pin 401 forward and backward in the optical axis direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the interchangeable lens 500 includes the focus operation ring 103 having a straight-shaped groove structure. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the adaptor 400 includes the custom operation ring 104 having a diamond-shaped groove structure. Thus, in a case where image capturing is performed using the interchangeable lens 500, the adaptor 400, and the camera body 200, the focus operation ring 103 of the interchangeable lens 500 and the custom operation ring 104 of the adaptor 400 are discriminated with ease.

Modified Example

While various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention.

The interchangeable lenses according to the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments include the second annular member 1062 and the first annular member 1061, which is a mark member that indicates the type of the interchangeable lens. Alternatively, for example, a portion of the second annular member 1062 that is painted all around the second annular member 1062 can be used as a mark indicating the type of the interchangeable lens in place of first annular member 1061.

Further, the interchangeable lenses (accessories) according to the first, second, third, and fourth exemplary embodiments include the first exterior member 107 and the second exterior member 108 that are different members and have different surface colors from each other. The present invention, however, is not limited to this structure. For example, a single exterior member that is a combination of the exterior members of the first exterior member 107 and the second exterior member 108 can be used in place of the first exterior member 107 and the second exterior member 108. A first region of a surface of one of the exterior members can have a different color from a color of a second region different from the first region. In other words, the color of the first region of the surface of the exterior members of the interchangeable lenses (accessories) according to the first, second, third, and fourth exemplary embodiments is different from the color of the second region different from the first region. In the interchangeable lenses according to the first, second, third, and fourth exemplary embodiments, the first region corresponds to a region of the surface of the first exterior member 107, and the second region corresponds to a region of the surface of the second exterior member 108.

Further, in the interchangeable lenses (accessories) according to the first, second, third, and fourth exemplary embodiments, the custom operation ring 104 is arranged at a position closer to the object than the focus operation ring 103. The present invention, however, is not limited to this structure. The custom operation ring 104 can be arranged at a position closer to the image than the focus operation ring 103. Further, the custom operation ring 104 can be arranged at a position closer to the image than the zoom operation ring 120.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

The present invention realizes an accessory where two operation members are easy to discriminate from each other and a camera system including the same.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An accessory comprising: a focusing lens unit that is to be moved in an optical axis direction to focus;a first operation member that moves the focusing lens unit in the optical axis direction; anda second operation member that selectively performs one of a function among a first function and a second function different from the focusing,wherein a surface of the first operation member has a first structure, and a surface of the second operation member has a second structure different from the first structure.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising: a zoom lens unit that is to be moved in the optical axis direction to zoom; anda third operation member that move the zoom lens unit in the optical axis direction,wherein the second operation member, the first operation member, and the third operation member are arranged in this order from an object side.

3. The accessory according to claim 2, wherein the third operation member includes a large-diameter portion, a small-diameter portion smaller in diameter than the large-diameter portion, and a connecting portion between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion.

4. The accessory according to claim 3, further comprising a focus mode selection unit configured to switch between an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode, wherein the focus mode selection unit is arranged at a position closer to an image than the small-diameter portion of the third operation member.

5. The accessory according to claim 2, further comprising a focus mode selection unit configured to switch between an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode, wherein the focus mode selection unit is arranged between the first operation member and the third operation member.

6. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising a first annular member and a second annular member wherein the first annular member is arranged at a position closer to the object than the second operation member and the second annular member is arranged at a position closer to the object than the first annular member.

7. The accessory according to claim 6, wherein the first annular member includes a type mark indicating a type of the accessory.

8. The accessory according to claim 6, wherein the second annular member is made of a resin.

9. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the first structure is a straight-shaped groove structure, andwherein the second structure is a diamond-shaped groove structure.

10. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein a material of the surface of the first operation member is more elastically deformable than a material of the surface of the second operation member.

11. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising a focus mode selection unit configured to switch between an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode, wherein the first operation member is arranged between the second operation member and the focus mode selection unit.

12. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein a width of the first operation member in the optical axis direction is greater than a width of the second operation member in the optical axis direction.

13. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the second operation member is arranged at a position closer to the object than the first operation member.

14. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising: a first exterior member; anda second exterior member exposed at least partially from the first exterior member and having a surface color different from a surface color of the first exterior member.

15. The accessory according to claim 14, wherein the first exterior member has a shape by which a shape of a surface of the second exterior member that is exposed from the first exterior member when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction is different from a shape of a surface of the second exterior member that is exposed from the first exterior member when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and different from the first direction.

16. The accessory according to claim 15, wherein the first exterior member includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion each covering a portion of the second exterior member, and an image-side end surface of the first wall portion in the optical axis direction is different in position from an image-side end surface of the second wall portion in the optical axis direction, andwherein when viewed from the first and second directions, the image-side end surface of the first wall portion is arranged at a position closer to the image than the image-side end surface of the image side of the second wall portion.

17. The accessory according to claim 16, further comprising a focus mode selection unit configured to switch between an autofocus mode and a manual focus mode, wherein when viewed from the second direction, the focus mode selection unit is arranged so that a predetermined line extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction passes through the focus mode selection unit and the second wall portion.

18. The accessory according to claim 16, wherein the second exterior member includes an attachment mark, andwherein when viewed from the second direction, the attachment mark is arranged so that a predetermined line extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction passes through the attachment mark and the second wall portion.

19. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate cylinder between the second operation member and the first operation member.

20. The accessory according to claim 19, wherein a rotation of the intermediate cylinder about the optical axis direction is regulated.

21. The accessory according to claim 19, wherein a width of the intermediate cylinder in the optical axis direction is less than a width of the second operation member in the optical axis direction and a width of the first operation member in the optical axis direction.

22. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising a click feeling producing mechanism that produces a click feeling when the second operation member is operated.

23. The accessory according to claim 22, wherein the click feeling is not produced when the first operation member is operated, andwherein the click feeling producing mechanism produces the click feeling when the second operation member is operated.

24. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory is an interchangeable lens attachable to and detachable from a camera body.

25. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the accessory is attachable to and detachable from a camera body including an image sensor and a selection unit, andwherein the one of a function is a function that is selected by the selection unit from among the first function and the second function.

26. An accessory comprising: a focusing lens unit that is to be moved in an optical axis direction to focus;a first operation member that moves the focusing lens unit in the optical axis direction; anda second operation member arranged at a position different from a position of the first operation member,wherein a surface of the first operation member has a straight-shaped groove structure, and a surface of the second operation member has a diamond-shaped groove structure.

27. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the first function and the second function are two of an aperture value adjustment function, a shutter speed adjustment function, an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sensitivity adjustment function, and an exposure value adjustment function.

28. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein a surface texture of the second operation member is different from a surface texture of the first operation member.

29. A camera system comprising: the accessory according to claim 1; anda camera body that includes an image sensor.

30. An accessory that is attachable between a camera body including an image sensor and a lens apparatus, not attachable directly to the camera body, including a focusing lens unit configured to be moved in an optical axis direction to focus and a first operation member including a surface having a first structure and configured to move the focusing lens unit in the optical axis direction, the accessory comprising: a second operation member that selectively performs one of a function among a first function and a second function different from the focusing and including a surface having a second structure different from the first structure.

31. The accessory according to claim 30, wherein the second structure is a diamond-shaped groove structure.