Finder optical system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6973266
  • Patent Number
    6,973,266
  • Date Filed
    Monday, December 13, 2004
    19 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, December 6, 2005
    18 years ago
Abstract
A finder optical system includes an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The eyepiece optical system includes an optical unit with a positive refracting power and a lens unit with a positive refracting power, In the eyepiece optical system, a refracting surface that is located most distant from an eyepoint of the eyepiece optical system has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on a periphery thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention


This invention relates to a real image mode finder optical system suitable for use in a lens shutter camera or an electronic still camera which is constructed so that a photographing optical system is independent of a finder optical system, and in particular, to a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is best adapted for mounting to a compact camera.


2. Description of Related Art


In general, finders constructed to be independent of photographing optical systems, used in lens shutter cameras, are roughly divided into two classes: virtual image mode finders and real image mode finders.


The virtual image mode finder has the advantage that an image erecting optical system is not required, but has the disadvantage that since an entrance pupil is located at the same position as an observer's pupil, the diameter of a front lens must be increased or the area of a visual field is not defined. An Albada finder of this type allows the area of the visual field to be definitely set, but has the problem that a half mirror coating is applied to the surface of a lens and thus the transmittance of the lens is reduced or flare is increased.


In contrast to this, the real image mode finder is such that the position of the entrance pupil can be located on the object side, and hence the diameter of the front lens can be decreased. Moreover, by placing a field frame in the proximity of the imaging position of an objective lens, the area of the visual field can be defined without reducing the transmittance.


A conventional real image mode finder, however, dose not provide a sufficient angle of apparent visual field (hereinafter referred to as an angle of emergence). Specifically, an object to be observed can be viewed only in small size. Thus, when the object is a person, there is the problem that it is difficult to view the expression of the person. A finder with a relatively large angle of emergence is disclosed, for example, in each of Japanese Patent Preliminary Publication Nos. Hei 6-51201 and Hei 11-242167. However, even such a finder does not provide a sufficiently large angle of emergence.


A so-called telescope has a large angle of emergence. However, the telescope, which has a high magnification, namely a small angle of visual field, cannot be applied to a finder constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system, used in a common lens shutter camera which has a wide angle of view.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a real image mode finder optical system in which the angle of emergence can be increased and compactness can be attained.


In order to achieve this object, the real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, and the focal length of the objective optical system can be made shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system. In this case, the real image mode finder optical system satisfies the following condition:

0.52<mh/fe<1  (1)

where mh is the maximum width of the field frame and fe is the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system includes three of reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means, and the eyepiece-optical system includes one of reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means so that an image is erected through four reflecting surfaces comprised of three reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system and one reflecting surface of the eyepiece optical system. The focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder optical system is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths. The focal length of the objective optical system at the wide-angle position thereof is shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system. In this case, the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (1).


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system includes three of reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means, and the eyepiece optical system includes one of reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means so that an image is erected through four reflecting surfaces comprised of three reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system and one reflecting surface of the eyepiece optical system. The focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder optical system is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths. The focal length of the objective optical system at the wide-angle position thereof is shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system. The image erecting means including the three reflecting surfaces is constructed with two prisms so that each of the prisms has at least one reflecting surface and one of the entrance surface and the exit surface of each prism is configured as a curved surface with finite curvature.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The objective optical system has an image erecting means including four reflecting surfaces. The focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder optical system is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths. The focal length of the objective optical system at the wide-angle position thereof is shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system. In this case, the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (1).


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The objective optical system has an image erecting means including four reflecting surfaces. The focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder optical system is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths. The focal length of the objective optical system at the wide-angle position thereof is shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system.


This and other objects as well as the features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing of a first embodiment of the real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention;



FIG. 2 is a plan view of the real image mode finder optical system of FIG. 1;



FIG. 3 is a side view of the real image mode finder optical system of FIG. 1;



FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a field frame used in the real image mode finder optical system of the first embodiment;



FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in the first embodiment;



FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the first embodiment;



FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the first embodiment;



FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the first embodiment;



FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a second embodiment;



FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the second embodiment;



FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the second embodiment;



FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are diagrams showing-aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the second embodiment;



FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are sectional views showing arrangements developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a third embodiment;



FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the third embodiment;



FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the third embodiment;



FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the third embodiment;



FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a fourth embodiment;



FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fourth embodiment;



FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fourth embodiment;



FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fourth embodiment;



FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a fifth embodiment;



FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fifth embodiment;



FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fifth embodiment;



FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, and 24D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the fifth embodiment;



FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a seventh embodiment;



FIGS. 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the seventh embodiment;



FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the seventh embodiment;



FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C, and 33D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the seventh embodiment;



FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34C, and 34D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the seventh embodiment;



FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C, and 35D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in an eighth embodiment;



FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the eighth embodiment;



FIGS. 37A, 37B, 37C, and 37D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the eighth embodiment;



FIGS. 38A, 38B, 38C, and 38D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the eighth embodiment;



FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C, and 39D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the eighth embodiment;



FIGS. 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a ninth embodiment;



FIGS. 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the ninth embodiment;



FIGS. 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the ninth embodiment;



FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C, and 43D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the sixth embodiment;



FIGS. 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the ninth embodiment;



FIGS. 45A, 45B, 45C, and 45D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a tenth embodiment;



FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the tenth embodiment;



FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C, and 47D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the tenth embodiment;



FIGS. 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image mode finder optical system in the tenth embodiment;



FIGS. 49A, 49B, 49C, and 49D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the tenth embodiment;



FIGS. 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions and with respect to an eyepiece optical system, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in an eleventh embodiment;



FIGS. 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the wide-angle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the eleventh embodiment;



FIGS. 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the middle position of the real image mode finder optical system in the eleventh embodiment;



FIGS. 53A, 53B, 53C, and 53D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics at the telephoto position of the real image-mode finder optical system in the eleventh embodiment;



FIGS. 54A, 54B, 54C, and 54D are diagrams showing aberration characteristics of the eyepiece optical system of the real image mode finder optical system in the eleventh embodiment;



FIGS. 55A, 55B, and 55C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twelfth embodiment;



FIGS. 56A, 56B, and 56C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a thirteenth embodiment;



FIGS. 57A, 57B, and 57C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a fourteenth embodiment;



FIGS. 58A, 58B, and 58C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a fifteenth embodiment,



FIGS. 59A, 59B, and 59C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a sixteenth embodiment;



FIGS. 60A, 60B, and 60C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a seventeenth embodiment;



FIGS. 61A, 61B, and 61C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in an eighteenth embodiment;



FIGS. 62A, 62B, and 62C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto-positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a nineteenth embodiment;



FIGS. 63A, 63B, and 63C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twentieth embodiment;



FIGS. 64A, 64B, and 64C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twenty-first embodiment;



FIG. 65 is a plan view of the real image mode finder optical system in the twenty-first embodiment;



FIG. 66 is a side view of the real image mode finder optical system of FIG. 65;



FIG. 67 is a rear view of the real image mode finder optical system of FIG. 65;



FIGS. 68A, 68B, and 68C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twenty-second embodiment;



FIGS. 69A, 69B, and 69C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twenty-third embodiment;



FIGS. 70A, 70B, and 70C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of the real image mode finder optical system in a twenty-fourth embodiment;



FIG. 71 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of an electronic camera in an embodiment of a photographing apparatus using the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention:



FIG. 72 is a rear perspective view of the electronic camera of FIG. 71;



FIG. 73 is a sectional view showing the structure of the electronic camera of FIG. 71; and



FIGS. 74A, 74, and 74C are sectional views showing arrangements, developed along the optical axis, at wide-angle, middle, and telephoto positions, respectively, of a photographing zoom lens used in a compact camera for a 35 mm film (the maximum image height of 21.6 mm).





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to the present invention, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


Condition (1) in the present invention is related to the angle of emergence. In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


By constructing the finder optical system to be independent of the photographing optical system, the value of a maximum width mh of the field frame can be set, irrespective of the size of an imaging plane. This is particularly advantageous for compact design of the eyepiece optical system and for the placement of an image erecting means.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following condition:

12.0 mm<fe<18.0 mm  (2)


Condition (2) is provided for the purpose of ensuring a space for placing the image erecting means and compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system in a state where Condition (1) is satisfied.


If the lower limit of Condition (2) is passed, a distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame will be reduced and at the same time, the finder magnification will be as low as 1× or less. Therefore, a distance on the optical axis between the rear principal point of the objective optical system and the field frame is also reduced, and it becomes difficult to place the image erecting means, which is not favorable.


On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (2), the maximum width mh of the field frame must be enlarged to increase the angle of emergence. In this case, the objective optical system becomes bulky and the balance between the angle of emergence and the size of the real image mode finder ceases to be kept, which is unfavorable.


It is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies the following condition:

13.5 mm<fe<16.5 mm  (3)


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system is constructed so that the objective optical system includes three reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means and the eyepiece optical system includes one reflecting surface of the image erecting means to erect an image with four reflecting surfaces comprised of the three reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system and the one reflecting surface of the eyepiece optical system.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When three of four reflecting surfaces constituting the image erecting means are placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is lessened, and the number of optical elements constituting the eyepiece optical system can be reduced.


Thus, according to the present invention, a real image mode finder optical system with a large angle of emergence can be constructed in a state where the arrangement of the eyepiece optical system is simplified.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the objective optical system has the image erecting means including four reflecting surfaces to erect the image with the four reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system.


In this case, at least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When the image erecting means is placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is eliminated, and the eyepiece optical system can be constructed with a small number of lenses. Consequently, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved. Thus, according to the present invention, a real image mode finder optical system with a large angle of emergence can be constructed in a state where the arrangement of the eyepiece optical system is simplified.


As mentioned above, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased. Condition (1) in the present invention is related to the angle of emergence.


Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When three of four reflecting surfaces constituting the image erecting means are placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is lessened, and the number of optical elements constituting the eyepiece optical system can be reduced. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved. Also, the objective optical system has a large number of lenses because of the magnification change, and hence can be designed to ensure a space for incorporating three reflecting surfaces in the objective optical system. Consequently, a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be constructed in a state where the arrangement of the eyepiece optical system is simplified.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the objective optical system comprises, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative power, fixed or moved when the magnification is changed; a second unit with a positive power, moved when the magnification is changed; a third unit with a negative power, moved when the magnification is changed; and a fourth unit with a positive power, fixed when the magnification is change and including three reflecting surfaces.


According to the present invention, it becomes easy to achieve compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system and to obtain favorable aberration and a large angle of emergence.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the fourth unit includes at least one prism having at least one reflecting surface, and one of the entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism is configured as a curved surface with finite curvature.


According to the present invention, a lens function, such as a contribution to the focal length or correction for aberration, as the fourth unit of the objective optical system and an image erecting function can be exerted in the same space.


Furthermore, it is desirable that the real image mode finder optical: system of the present invention is constructed so that one of the reflecting-surfaces of the prism is configured as a totally reflecting surface.


If total reflection is utilized as far as possible with respect to the reflecting surfaces of the prism, the transmittance of the entire finder can be improved accordingly.


In the real image mode finder optical system, it is desirable that each of the first-unit, the second unit, and the third unit is constructed with a single lens.


According to the present invention, it becomes easy to achieve compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system.


Moreover, it is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the eyepiece optical system includes optical elements having two lens functions, providing air spacing between them and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, and it becomes difficult to hold good performance with a single lens. If three or more optical elements are used, it becomes difficult to obtain compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system. Hence, in order to diminish the size of the entire system including the objective optical system, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image erecting means is narrowed.


Thus, in view of good performance, space for placing the image erecting means, and compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system, it is desirable that the eyepiece optical system, as mentioned above, is constructed with the optical elements having two lens functions, providing air spacing between them.


Furthermore, it is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is designed so that the eyepiece optical system includes, in order from the object side, a prism which has the lens function, at least, with respect to the exit surface and bears a part of an image erecting function and a single positive lens component.


As mentioned above, when an optical element on the field frame side of the eyepiece optical system is constructed with the prism which bears a part of the image erecting function, space can be effectively utilized. Moreover, when the lens function is imparted to the prism separated from the field frame, the degree of a contribution to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is increased, and it becomes easy to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is designed to impart the lens function to the entrance surface of the prism of the eyepiece optical system.


Since the entrance surface of the prism of the eyepiece optical system is located close to the field frame, the degree of a contribution to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is low. However, correction for aberration, notably for distortion, and a pupil combination of the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system are favorably compatible.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system is designed so that the reflecting surface of the prism of the eyepiece optical system is configured as a totally reflecting surface.


As described above, when total reflection is utilized for the reflecting surface of the prism, the transmittance of the entire system of the finder can be improved accordingly.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the positive lens of the eyepiece optical system is capable of making diopter adjustment in accordance with an observer's diopter.


According to the present invention, a change of the diopter required is obtained with a small amount of adjustment. Since the diopter can be adjusted by the positive lens, unlike an element in which the optical axis is bent as in the prism, the adjustment can be easily made.


In this case, it is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies Condition (2).


Condition (2) is provided for the purpose of ensuring a space for placing the image erecting means and compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system in a state where Condition (1) is satisfied.


If the lower limit of Condition (2) is passed, a distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame will be reduced and at the same time, the finder magnification will be as low as 1× or less. Therefore, a distance on the optical axis between the rear principal point of the objective optical system and the field frame is also reduced, and it becomes difficult to place the image erecting means, which is not favorable.


On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (2), the maximum width mh of the field frame must be enlarged to increase the angle of emergence. In this case, the objective optical system becomes bulky and the balance between the angle of emergence and the size of the real image mode finder ceases to be kept, which is unfavorable.


It is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (3).


According to the present invention, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When three of four reflecting surfaces constituting the image erecting means are placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is lessened, and the number of optical elements constituting the eyepiece optical system can be reduced. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved. Also, the objective optical system has a large number of lenses because of the magnification change, and hence can be designed to ensure a space for incorporating three reflecting surfaces in the objective optical system. Consequently, a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be constructed in a state where the arrangement of the eyepiece optical system is simplified.


The image erecting means including the three reflecting surfaces is constructed with two prisms so that each of the prisms has at least one reflecting surface and one of the entrance surface and the exit surface of each prism is configured as a curved surface with finite curvature.


When the image erecting means including the three reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system is constructed with two prisms so that one of the entrance surface and the exit surface of each prism has a curvature, a lens function, such as a contribution to the focal length or correction for aberration, and an image erecting function can be exerted in the same space.


As mentioned above, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased. Condition (1) in the present invention is related to the angle of emergence.


Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When the image erecting means is placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is eliminated, and the eyepiece optical system can be constructed with a small number of lenses. Consequently, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved.


Also, the objective optical system has a large number of lenses because of the magnification change, and hence the image erecting means can be constructed with comparative ease.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the objective optical system comprises, in order from the object side, s first unit with a negative refracting power, moved when the magnification is changed; a second unit with a positive refracting power, moved when the magnification is changed; a third unit with a negative refracting power, moved when the magnification is changed; and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power, fixed when the magnification is change and including four reflecting surfaces.


According to the present invention, it becomes easy to achieve compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system and to obtain favorable aberration and a large angle of emergence. Also, the four reflecting surfaces of the fourth unit constitute the image erecting means.


In the real image mode finder optical system, it is desirable that the fourth unit includes two prisms so that each of the prisms has at least one reflecting surface and one of the entrance, surface and the exit surface of each prism is configured as a curved surface with finite curvature.


According to the present invention, a lens function, such as a contribution to the focal length or correction for aberration, as the fourth unit of the objective optical system and an image erecting function can be exerted in the same space.


Furthermore, it is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that one of the two prisms has totally reflecting surfaces.


As mentioned above, when total reflection is utilized as far as possible with respect to the reflecting surfaces of the prism, the transmittance of the entire finder can be improved accordingly.


In the real image mode finder optical system, it is desirable that each of the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit is constructed with a single lens.


According to the present invention, it becomes easy to achieve compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the eyepiece optical system has a lens which is capable of making diopter adjustment to an observer's diopter.


According to the present invention, a change of the diopter required is obtained with a small amount of adjustment, with little deterioration of performance. Since the diopter can be adjusted by the lens, unlike an element in which the optical axis is bent as in the prism, the adjustment can be easily made.


In this case, it is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies Condition (2).


Condition (2) is provided for the purpose of ensuring a space for placing the image erecting means and compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system in a state where Condition (1) is satisfied.


If the lower limit of Condition (2) is passed, a distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame will be reduced and at the same time, the finder magnification will be as low as 1× or less. Therefore, a distance on the optical axis between the rear principal point of the objective optical system and the field frame is also reduced, and it becomes difficult to place the image erecting means, which is not favorable.


On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (2), the maximum width mh of the field frame must be enlarged to increase the angle of emergence. In this case, the objective optical system becomes bulky and the balance between the angle of emergence and the size of the real image mode finder ceases to be kept, which is unfavorable.


In this case, it is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (3).


According to the present invention, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When the image erecting means is placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is eliminated, and the eyepiece optical system can be constructed with a small number of lenses. According to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved. Also, the objective optical system has a large number of lenses because of the magnification change, and hence the image erecting means can be constructed with comparative ease.


It is favorable that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention has the photographing optical system and the real image mode finder optical system which has been described.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system is capable of having the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, and the eyepiece optical system has at least one lens. In this case, a most observer's pupil-side lens satisfies the following condition:

v>70  (4)

where v is the Abbe's number of the most observer's pupil-side lens.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system is capable of having the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, and the eyepiece optical system has at least one lens. In this case, the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Conditions (1) and (4).


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system is capable of having the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, and the eyepiece optical system has a cemented lens component including a positive lens element and a negative lens element at the most observer's pupil-side position.


When the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


When Condition (4) is satisfied, chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system can be suppressed.


By constructing the finder optical system to be independent of the photographing optical system, the value of a maximum width mh of the field frame can be set, irrespective of the size of an imaging plane. This is particularly advantageous for compact design of the eyepiece optical system and for the placement of an image erecting means.


When the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased. Condition (1) in the present invention is related to the angle of emergence. In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


When Condition (4) is satisfied, chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system can be suppressed.


By constructing the finder optical system to be independent of the photographing optical system, the value of a maximum width mh of the field frame can be set, irrespective of the size of an imaging plane. This is particularly advantageous for compact design of the eyepiece optical system and for the placement of an image erecting means.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly-constant.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies Condition (2).


Condition (2) is provided for the purpose of ensuring a space for placing the image erecting means and compactness of the whole of the real image mode finder optical system in a state where Condition (1) is satisfied.


If the lower limit of Condition (2) is passed, a distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame will be reduced and at the same time, the finder magnification will be as low as 1× or less. Therefore, a distance on the optical axis between the rear principal point of the objective optical system and the field frame is also reduced, and it becomes difficult to place the image erecting means, which is not favorable.


On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (2), the maximum width mh of the field frame must be enlarged to increase the angle of emergence. In this case, the objective optical system becomes bulky and the balance between the angle of emergence and the size of the real image mode finder ceases to be kept, which is unfavorable.


It is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (3).


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system is constructed so that the objective optical system includes three reflecting surfaces of the image erecting means and the eyepiece optical system includes one reflecting surface of the image erecting means to erect an image with four reflecting surfaces comprised of the three reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system and the one reflecting surface of the eyepiece optical system.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When three of four reflecting surfaces constituting the image erecting means are placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is lessened, and the number of optical elements constituting the eyepiece optical system can be reduced. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improvised. In particular, where the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, the objective optical system, which has a large number of lenses, can be designed to ensure a space for incorporating three reflecting surfaces in the objective optical system. Consequently, a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be constructed in a state where the arrangement of the eyepiece optical system is simplified.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the objective optical system has the image erecting means including four reflecting surfaces to erect the image with the four reflecting surfaces of the objective optical system.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. When the image erecting means is placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is eliminated, and the eyepiece optical system can be constructed with a small number of lenses. According to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be completely reduced, and aberration characteristics are easily improved. In particular, where the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, the number of lenses constituting the objective optical system is large and hence the image erecting means can be constructed with comparative ease.


According to the present invention, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


When the cemented lens component including the positive lens element and the negative lens element is placed on the observer's pupil side of the eyepiece optical system, chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system can be suppressed.


Also, by constructing the finder optical system to be independent of the photographing optical system, the value of a maximum width mh of the field frame can be set, irrespective of the size of an imaging plane. This is particularly advantageous for compact design of the eyepiece optical system and for the placement of an image erecting means.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention is constructed to be independent of the photographing optical system and has, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting means, the objective optical system is capable of having the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, and the eyepiece optical system has a cemented lens component including a positive lens element and a negative lens element on the observer's pupil side. In this case, it is favorable to satisfy Condition (1).


When the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode: finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased. Condition (1) in the present invention is related to the angle of emergence. In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


When the cemented lens component including the positive lens element and the negative lens element is placed on the observer's pupil side of the eyepiece optical system, chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system can be suppressed.


Also, by constructing the finder optical system to be independent of the photographing optical system, the value of a maximum width mh of the field frame can be set, irrespective of the size of an imaging plane. This is particularly advantageous for compact design of the eyepiece optical system and for the placement of an image erecting means.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification of the finder is changed, at least two lens units are moved along different paths.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


It is also favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following condition:

vp−vn>10  (5)

where vp is the Abbe's number of the positive lens element constituting the cemented lens component on the observer's pupil side of the eyepiece optical system and Vn is the Abbe's number of the negative lens element constituting the cemented lens component.


As mentioned above, when the finder optical system is designed to satisfy Condition (5), chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system can be suppressed.


It is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following condition:

vp−vn>20  (6)


It is favorable that that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention has the photographing optical system and the real image mode finder optical system which has been described.


Also, in the above description, where the reflecting surface is configured as a roof reflecting surface, it is assumed that the roof reflecting surface is constructed with two reflecting surfaces.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means, and the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative refracting power, a second unit with a positive refracting power, a third unit with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power so that the magnification of the finder is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece optical system. In this case, the finder optical system satisfies Condition (2).


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means, and the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative refracting power, a second unit with a positive refracting power, a third unit with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power so that the magnification of the finder is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece optical system. In this case, the finder optical system satisfies Condition (1).


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means and the objective optical system is capable of having the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system. The eyepiece optical system includes, in order from the object side, a prism unit with a positive refracting power and a lens unit with a positive refracting power so that a most field-frame-side surface of the prism unit with a positive refracting power has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on the periphery thereof.


In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the objective optical system must be also enlarged. Moreover, since the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, it becomes difficult that good performance of the eyepiece optical system and compactness due to a simple arrangement are compatible with each other. Thus, in order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image erecting means is narrowed. Consequently, it is necessary that the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased to place the image erecting means there.


Thus, in the present invention, the objective optical system is designed to have, in order to the object side, the first unit with a negative refracting power, the second unit with a positive refracting power, the third unit with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit with a positive refracting power. In this way, the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased.


When the objective optical system is constructed as mentioned above, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be reduced, and a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be obtained.


Condition (2) defines a condition for maintaining the balance of size between the angle of emergence and the finder. Below the lower limit of Condition (2), the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is reduced, and it becomes difficult to ensure the space for placing the image erecting means. In addition, a diopter shift due to the position shift of the field frame in the direction of the optical axis is increased.


On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (2), the objective optical system becomes bulky because the image formed by objective optical system must be enlarged to increase the angle of emergence. Consequently, the balance between the angle of emergence and the size of the finder ceases to be kept, which is unfavorable.


When the magnification of the finder is changed, it is necessary that a variable magnification function is chiefly imparted to one of at least two moving lens units and a diopter correcting function involved in the magnification change is chiefly imparted to the other. In this case, the amount of movement of the lens unit having the variable magnification function becomes larger than that of the lens unit having the diopter correcting function, and a mechanism for movement is liable to be complicated and oversized.


Thus, in the present invention, the finder optical system is constructed so that the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece side.


By doing so, both the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function can be shared between the second unit and the third unit. Hence, the amount of movement of each of the second and third units where the magnification is change can be kept to a minimum, and compactness of the mechanism for movement is obtained.


In this case, it is more desirable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies Condition (3).


As mentioned above, in order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the objective optical system must be also enlarged. Moreover, since the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, it becomes difficult that good performance of the eyepiece optical system and compactness due to a simple arrangement are compatible with each other. Thus, in order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image erecting means is narrowed. Consequently, it is necessary that the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased to place the image erecting means there.


Thus, in the present invention, the objective optical system is designed to have, in order to the object side, the first unit with a negative refracting power, the second unit with a positive refracting power, the third unit with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit with a positive refracting power. In this way, the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased.


When the objective optical system is constructed as mentioned above, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be reduced, and a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be obtained.


Condition (1) is related to the angle of emergence. Below the lower limit of Condition (1), the image can be seen only in small size. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (1), it becomes difficult to grasp the entire area of the visual field, for example, to quickly determine a picture composition.


When the magnification of the finder is changed, it is necessary that the variable magnification function is chiefly imparted to one of at least two moving lens units and the diopter correcting function involved in the magnification change is chiefly imparted to the other. In this case, the amount of movement of the lens unit having the variable magnification function becomes larger than that of the lens unit having the diopter correcting function, and a mechanism for movement is liable to be complicated and oversized.


Thus, in the present invention, the finder optical system is constructed so that the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece optical system.


By doing so, both the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function can be shared between the second unit and the third unit. Hence, the amount of movement of each of the second and third units where the magnification is change can be kept to a minimum, and compactness of the mechanism for movement is obtained. In this case, it is more desirable that the present invention satisfies the following condition:

0.57<mh/fe<1  (7)


As described above, when the objective optical system is designed to have the focal length shorter than that of the eyepiece optical system, the magnification of the real image mode finer optical system can be reduced to 1× or less, and as a result, the angle of visual field can be increased.


When the eyepiece optical system is designed to have the prism unit, a part of the image erecting means can be shared to the eyepiece optical system, and space can be effectively utilized. When the eyepiece optical system is constructed with the unit having a positive refracting power, the diopter can be adjusted in accordance with the observer's diopter.


In order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. Further, in order to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, it is desirable to increase the positive refracting power of the optical element constituting the eyepiece optical system.


However, if the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system is configured so that the positive refracting power is increased, and a marginal beam in the proximity of the field frame is rendered nearly parallel to the optical axis, the size of the eyepiece optical system in its radial direction will be increased. On the other hand, if the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system is configured so that the positive refracting power is increased, and at the same time, the size of the eyepiece optical system in its radial direction is diminished, the angle of inclination will be increased. Consequently, the marginal beam of the first unit at the wide-angle position is separated from the optical axis, and hence the diameter of the first unit must be enlarged.


Thus, when the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on its periphery, the diameter of the first-unit can be diminished. Moreover, correction for aberration, notably for distortion, is favorably compatible with a pupil combination of the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system, notably in an off-axis.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is desirable that the eyepiece optical system includes, in order from the object side, a prism unit with a positive refracting power and a lens unit with a positive refracting power so that a most field-frame-side surface of the prism unit with a positive refracting power has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on its periphery.


As mentioned above, when the eyepiece optical system is designed to have the prism unit, a part of the image erecting means can be shared to the eyepiece optical system, and space can be effectively utilized. When the eyepiece optical system is constructed with the lens unit having a positive refracting power, the diopter can be adjusted in accordance with the observer's diopter.


In order to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, it is desirable to increase the positive refracting power of the optical element constituting the eyepiece optical system.


However, if the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system is configured so that the positive refracting power is increased, and a marginal beam in the proximity of the field frame is rendered nearly-parallel to the optical axis, the size of the eyepiece optical system in its radial direction will be increased. On the other hand, if the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system is configured so that the positive refracting power is increased, and at the same time, the size of the eyepiece optical system in its radial direction is diminished, the angle of inclination will be increased. Consequently, the marginal beam of the first unit at the wide-angle position is separated from the optical axis, and hence the diameter of the first unit must be enlarged.


Thus, when the most field-frame-side surface of the eyepiece optical system has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on its periphery, the diameter of the first unit can be diminished. Moreover, correction for aberration, notably for distortion, is favorably compatible with a pupil combination of the objective optical system and the eyepiece optical system, notably in an off-axis.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the negative refracting power on the periphery of the most field-frame-side surface of the prism unit with a positive refracting power satisfies the following condition:

−0.7(1/mm)<φ(mh/2)<0(1/mm)  (8)

where φ(mh/2) is a refracting power at a height mh/2 in a direction normal to the optical axis of the aspherical surface.


As described above, when Condition (8) is satisfied, the negative refracting power on the periphery of the most field-frame-side surface of the positive prism unit can be optimized.


Also, a refracting power φ(y) at a height y of the aspherical surface is obtained as follows. When z is taken as the coordinate in the direction of the optical axis, y is taken as the coordinate normal to the optical axis, r denotes the radius of curvature, K denotes a conic constant, and A4, A6, A8, and A10 denote aspherical coefficients, the configuration of the aspherical surface is expressed by the following equation:

z=(y2/r)/[1+√{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}]+A4y4+A6y6+A8y8+A10y10


Also, first-order differential dz/dy and second-order differential d2z/dy2 are given from the following formulas:

dz/dy=(y/r)/[√{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}]+4A4y3+6A6y5+8A8y7+10A10y9
d2z/dy2=(1/r)/[{1−(1+K)(y/r)2}3/2]+12A4y2+30A6y4+56A8y6+90A10y8


In this case, the refracting power φ(y) at the height y of the aspherical surface is obtained from the following formula:

φ(y)=(n2−n1)/rasp

where n1 is the refractive index of the aspherical surface on the object side thereof and n2 is the refractive index on the image side.


Also, rasp is defined as

rasp=[{1+(dz/dy)2}3/2]/(d2z/dy2)


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention is constructed so that the objective optical system has at least two lens units, the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification is changed, the at least two lens units are moved along different paths.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that its focal length can be changed, a constant angle of emergence can be obtained, without changing the size of the field frame, even when the magnification is changed.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the phenomenon of a so-called diopter shift will occur if the back focal position is shifted. However, when at least two lens units are moved along different paths to change the magnification, the back focal position of the objective optical system can be kept to be nearly constant.


It is favorable that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention has the photographing optical system and the real image mode finder optical system which has been described.


Also, in the above description, where the reflecting surface is configured as a roof reflecting surface, it is assumed that the roof reflecting surface is constructed with two reflecting surfaces.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system which has a positive refracting power and changes the magnification of the finder, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means, and the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a front unit with a negative refracting power and a rear unit with a positive refracting power. The front unit is constructed with a plurality of lens units so that the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by moving at least two of the plurality of lens units. The rear unit is constructed with a plurality of prism units with positive refracting powers so that at least one of surfaces opposite to one another, of the plurality of prism units is configured to be convex.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system which has a positive refracting power and changes the magnification of the finder, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means, and the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative refracting power, a second unit with a positive refracting power, a third unit with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power. The fourth unit is comprised of a fourth front sub-unit with a positive refracting power and a fourth rear sub-unit with a positive refracting power, and the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by moving the second unit and the third unit. Each of the first, second, and third units is constructed with a lens, and each of the fourth front and rear sub-units is constructed with a prism so that at least one of surfaces opposite to each other, of the fourth front and rear sub-units is configured to be convex.


In the above construction, the real image mode finder optical system is such that the fourth front sub-unit is comprised of a single prism and has a single reflecting surface.


In order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the objective optical system must be also enlarged. Moreover, since the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, it becomes difficult that good performance of the eyepiece optical system and compactness due to a simple arrangement are compatible with each other. Thus, in order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image erecting means is narrowed, so that the reflecting surface to be placed is limited to one. Consequently, it is necessary that the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased to place the image erecting means there.


Thus, in the present invention, the objective optical system is designed to have, in order to the object side, a front unit with a negative refracting power, including a plurality of lens units and changing the magnification by moving at least two lens units thereof and a rear unit with a positive refracting power comprised of a plurality of prism units with positive refracting powers.


As mentioned above, when the objective optical system is designed to be of a retrofocus type, the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be increased. Moreover, when the rear unit with a positive refracting power is constructed with the prism units, the image erecting means can be shared. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be reduced, and a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be achieved.


In the case where the variable magnification ratio of the finder optical system is increased to particularly extend the variable magnification range to the wide-angle side, a high refracting power is required for the rear unit with a positive refracting power. The inclination of the marginal beam with respect to the optical axis where the magnification is changed at the wide-angle position is large immediately after the beam emerges from the front unit with a negative refracting power. Hence, in order to make this inclined beam parallel in the proximity of the field frame, a great positive refracting power is required on the rear side of the front unit with a negative refracting power. In this case, it is desirable that the great positive refracting power is shared among a plurality of surfaces because the performance of the objective optical system is improved.


The rear unit with a positive refracting power comprised of a plurality of prism units with positive refracting powers is placed on the eyepiece side of the front unit with a negative refracting power, and at least one of surfaces opposite to one another, of the plurality of prism units with positive refracting powers is configured to be convex. By doing so, the positive refracting power can be shared to the entrance or exit surface of each of the plurality of prism units with positive refracting powers, and thus the performance of the objective optical system can be improved.


When the magnification is changed by moving at least two lens units, the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function involved in the magnification change can be exercised.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the diopter shift is liable to occur. However, by moving at least two lens units of the front unit, the diopter shift involved in the magnification change can be corrected.


As mentioned above, in order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the objective optical system must be also enlarged. Moreover, since the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, it becomes difficult that good performance of the eyepiece optical system and compactness due to a simple arrangement are compatible with each other. Thus, in order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image erecting means is narrowed, so that the reflecting surface to be placed is limited to one. Consequently, it is necessary that the back focal distance of the objective optical system is increased to place the image erecting means there.


Thus, in the present invention, the objective optical system is designed to have, in order to the object side, the first unit with a negative refracting power, the second unit with a positive refracting power, the third unit with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit with a positive refracting power so that the fourth unit includes the fourth front sub-unit with a positive refracting power and the fourth rear sub-unit with a positive refracting power.


As described above, when the positive refracting power is imparted to each of the fourth front sub-unit and the fourth rear sub-unit, the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be increased. Moreover, when the fourth front and rear subunits are constructed with prisms, the function of the image erecting means can be shared. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be reduced, and a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be obtained.


In the case where In the case where the variable magnification ratio of the finder optical system is increased to particularly extend the variable magnification range to the wide-angle side, high refracting powers are required for the units with positive refracting powers on the eyepiece side of the third unit. The inclination of the marginal beam with respect to the optical axis where the magnification is changed at the wide-angle position is large immediately after the beam emerges from the front unit with a negative refracting power. Hence, in order to make this inclined beam parallel in the proximity of the field frame, a great positive refracting power is required on the rear side of the front unit with a negative refracting power. In this case, it is desirable that the great positive refracting power is shared among a plurality of surfaces because the performance of the objective optical system is improved.


When the prism units of the fourth front and rear sub-units with two positive refracting powers are arranged on the eyepiece side of the third unit and at least one of opposite surfaces of the fourth front and rear sub-units is configured to be convex, the positive refracting power can be shared to at least one of opposite surfaces of the fourth front and rear sub-units, and hence the performance of the objective optical system can be improved.


When the magnification is changed by moving at least two units, the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function involved in the magnification change can be exercised.


When the angle of emergence is increased, the diopter shift is liable to occur. However, by moving the second and third units, the diopter shift involved in the magnification change can be corrected.


In order that the thickness of a camera is reduced to provide a compact camera, it is desirable that a position where the most object-side optical axis of the image erecting means, that is, the position of a reflecting surface, is brought close to the object side. When the magnification is changed, the image erecting means remains fixed and thereby the arrangement of the finder is simplified. Thus, it is desirable that the fourth front sub-unit with a positive refracting power has a reflecting surface.


On the other hand, in order to increase the back focal distance of the objective optical system, it is desired that most of the reflecting surfaces having positive refracting powers shared between the fourth front and rear sub-units are arranged together at a distance away from the field frame.


When the objective optical system is constructed so that the fourth front sub-unit has a single reflecting surface as mentioned above, the opposite surfaces of the fourth front and rear sub-units can be arranged along the length of the fourth front sub-unit including one reflecting surface. Consequently, compactness of the camera and the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be ensured.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the fourth rear sub-unit is constructed with a single prism and has two reflecting surfaces.


At least four reflecting surfaces are required for the image erecting means, and thus if the image erecting means is constructed with four reflecting surfaces, space efficiency can be improved. In this case, when three of four reflecting surfaces constituting the image erecting means are placed in the objective optical system, the burden of a space for placing the image erecting means to the eyepiece optical system is lessened, and the number of optical elements constituting the eyepiece optical system can be reduced.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following condition:

−1.0<MG45<−0.5  (9)

where MG45 is a combined imaging magnification of the fourth front sub-unit and a fourth rear sub-unit at an object distance of 3 m.


When Condition (9) is satisfied, the balance between performance and size of the objective optical system can be held. Below the lower limit of Condition (9), a combined refracting power of the first, second, and third units must be increased, and thus the fluctuation of aberration becomes heavy by movement of the second and third units for changing the magnification. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (9), a combined refracting power of the first, second, and third units must be reduced, and thus the diameter of the first unit will be particularly enlarged.


When the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, it is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system satisfies the following condition:

−1.2<β3 <−0.8  (10)

where β3 is the imaging magnification of the third unit in a state where the imaging magnification of the second unit is −1× at an object distance of 3 m.


The second and third units bear the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function, but if the diopter correction is not completely made, the diopter shift will be produced. In particular, when the angle of emergence is increased, the diopter shift is liable to occur.


When the finder optical system is designed to satisfy Condition (10), a state where the imaging magnification of the second unit is −1× at an object distance of 3 m practically coincides with a state where the imaging magnification of the third unit is ×1× at an object distance of 3 m when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position. As a result, diopter correction can be favorably made over the whole range in which the magnification is changed.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the second unit is constructed with a single lens and satisfies the following condition:

−0.6<SF2<0.6  (11)

    • where SF2=(r3+r4)/(r3−r4), which is the shape factor of the second unit, r3 is the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the second unit, and r4 is the radius of curvature of the eyepiece-side surface of the second unit.


When the finder optical system is designed to satisfy Condition (11), the fluctuation of performance where the magnification is changed can be suppressed. If the upper or lower limit of Condition (11) is passed, the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is desirable that each of the second and third units is constructed with a single lens and satisfies the following condition:

−1.9<f2/f3<−1.0  (12)

where f2 is the focal length of the second unit and f3 is the focal length of the third unit.


Condition (12) defines a condition relative to the refracting powers of the second and third units for suppressing a change in performance where the magnification is changed. Below the lower limit of Condition (12), the refracting power of the third unit is increased, and the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy. Beyond the upper limit of Condition (12), the refracting power of the second unit is increased, and the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following conditions at the same time:

−1.0<fw/fFw<−0.4  (13)
−1.0<f/fFT<−0.4  (14)

where fFw is a combined focal length of the front unit with a negative refracting power at the wide-angle position, fFT is a combined focal length of the front unit with a negative refracting power at the telephoto position, fw is the focal length of the objective optical system at the wide-angle position, and fT is the focal length of the objective optical system at the telephoto position.


When Conditions (13) and (14) are satisfied at the same time, the balance between the performance and the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be maintained. If the lower limit of Condition (13) or (14) is passed, a negative combined refracting power of the front unit will be strengthened, and thus the fluctuation of aberration caused by the movement of the second and third units for changing the magnification becomes heavy.


On the other hand, if the upper limit of Condition (13) or (14) is exceeded, the negative combined refracting power of the front unit will be diminished, and hence a long back focal distance caused by the retrofocus arrangement will cease to be completely obtainable.


It is desirable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following condition:

2.7<mT/mW<7.0  (15)

where mW is the finder magnification of the entire system at the wide-angle position and mT is the finder magnification of the entire system at the telephoto position.


The present invention provides a preferred zoom ratio in the real image mode finder optical system described above.


Below the lower limit of Condition (15), the performance of the finder optical system cannot be completely exercised. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (15), the refracting power of each unit becomes too strong and aberration is liable to occur.


It is favorable that that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention has the photographing optical system and the real image mode finder optical system which has been described.


Also, in the above description, where the reflecting surface is configured as a roof reflecting surface, it is assumed that the roof reflecting surface is constructed with two reflecting surfaces.


The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system which has a positive refracting power and changes the magnification of the finder, a field frame located in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power. The real image mode finder optical system has an image erecting means, and the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative refracting power, a second unit with a positive refracting power, a third unit with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power. The magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece side. A combined focal length of the first, second, and third units is negative, and when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, a combined imaging magnification of the second and third units is 1×.


In this case, it is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system constructed as mentioned above satisfies Condition (10).


Furthermore, in the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the second unit is constructed with a single lens and satisfies Condition (11).


As described above, in order to increase the angle of emergence, it is only necessary to increase the size of an image obtained by the objective optical system, that is, the size of the field frame, or to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system. However, if the field frame is enlarged with respect to the focal length of the eyepiece optical system, the objective optical system must be also enlarged. Moreover, since the burden of correction for aberration to the eyepiece optical system will be increased, it becomes difficult that good performance of the eyepiece optical system and compactness due to a simple arrangement are compatible with each other. Thus, in order to keep the size of the finder compact and increase the angle of emergence, it is desirable to reduce the focal length of the eyepiece optical system.


However, when the focal length of the eyepiece optical system is reduced, the distance on the optical axis between the front principal point of the eyepiece optical system and the field frame is diminished, and, for example, space for arranging the optical elements of the image-erecting means is narrowed. Consequently, it is necessary that the back focal distance; of the objective optical system is increased to place the image erecting means there.


Thus, in the present invention, the objective optical system is designed to have, in order to the object side, the first unit with a negative refracting power, the second unit with a positive refracting power, the third unit with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit with a positive refracting power so that the combined focal length of the first, second, and third units is negative.


By doing so, the objective optical system is arranged to be of a retrofocus type, and therefore, the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be increased. Thus, according to the present invention, the focal length of the eyepiece optical system can be reduced, and a real image mode finder optical system which has a large angle of emergence and is compact in design can be achieved.


When the magnification of the finder is changed, it is necessary that a variable magnification function is chiefly imparted to one of at least two moving lens units and a diopter correcting function involved in the magnification change is chiefly imparted to the other. In this case, the amount of movement of the lens unit having the variable magnification function becomes larger than that of the lens unit having the diopter correcting function, and a mechanism for movement is liable to be complicated and oversized.


Thus, in the present invention, the finder optical system is constructed so that the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece side.


By doing so, both the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function can be shared between the second-unit and the third unit. Hence, the amount of movement of each of the second and third units where the magnification is change can be kept to a minimum, and compactness of the mechanism for movement is obtained.


In order to achieve compactness of the objective optical system, it is only necessary to increase the refracting power of each of the second and third units for changing the magnification. In this case, however, the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy.


Here, in the whole range in which the magnification is changed, if an attempt is made so that the combined imaging magnification of the second and third units becomes lower than 1×, there is a tendency that the refracting power of the third unit is increased. In this case, since the refracting power of the first unit must be diminished, the diameter of the first unit must be increased.


On the other hand, if an attempt is made so that the combined imaging magnification of the second and third units becomes higher than 1×, there is a tendency that the refracting power of the second unit is increased. In this case, since the refracting power of the first unit must be increased, the diopter shift caused by a change of space between the first and second units becomes particularly considerable.


Thus, if the combined imaging magnification of the second and third units is changed so that it becomes 1×, the balance between the performance and the size of the objective optical system can be optimized.


The second and third units bear the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function, but if the diopter correction is not completely made, the diopter shift will be produced. In particular, when the angle of emergence is increased, the diopter shift is liable to occur.


When the finder optical system is designed to satisfy Condition (10), a state where the imaging magnification of the second unit is −1× at an object distance of 3 m practically coincides with a state where the imaging magnification of the third unit is −1× at an object distance of 3 m when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position. As a result, diopter correction can be favorably made over the whole range in which the magnification is changed. When the finder optical system is designed to satisfy Condition (11), the fluctuation of performance where the magnification is changed can be suppressed. If the upper or lower limit of Condition (11) is passed, the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that each of the second and third units is constructed with a single lens and satisfies Condition (12).


Condition (12) defines a condition relative to the refracting powers of the second and third units for suppressing a change in performance where the magnification is changed. Below the lower limit of Condition (12), the refracting power of the third unit is increased, and the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy. Beyond the upper limit of Condition (12), the refracting power of the second unit is increased, and the fluctuation of aberration where the magnification is changed becomes heavy.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies the following conditions at the same time:

−1.0<fw/fw123<−0.4  (16)
−1.0<fT/fT123<−0.4  (17)

where fw123 is a combined focal length of the first, second, and third units at the wide-angle position and fT123 is a combined focal length of the first, second, and third units at the telephoto position.


When Conditions (16) and (17) are satisfied at the same time, the balance between the performance and the back focal distance of the objective optical system can be maintained. If the lower limit of Condition (16) or (17) is passed, a negative combined refracting power of each of the first, second, and third units will be strengthened, and thus the fluctuation of aberration caused by the movement of the second and third units for changing the magnification becomes heavy.


On the other hand, if the upper limit of Condition (16) or (17) is exceeded, the negative combined refracting power of each of the first, second, and third units will be diminished, and hence a long back focal distance caused by the retrofocus arrangement will cease to be completely obtainable.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system is constructed so that when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, the fourth unit remains fixed.


By doing so, the number of units to be moved can be lessened, and cost can be reduced accordingly.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the fourth unit is constructed with two optical units with positive refracting powers.


In the case where the variable magnification ratio of the finder optical system is increased to particularly extend the variable magnification range to the wide-angle side, a high refracting power is required for the unit with a positive refracting power on the eyepiece side of the third unit. The inclination of the marginal beam with respect to the optical axis where the magnification is changed at the wide-angle position is large immediately after the beam emerges from the third unit. Hence, in order to make this inclined beam parallel in the proximity of the field frame, a great positive refracting power is required on the rear side of the third unit. In this case, it is desirable that the great positive refracting power, is shared among a plurality of surfaces because the performance of the objective optical system is improved.


As explained above, when the two optical units with positive refracting powers are arranged on the eyepiece side of the third unit, the lens function can be shared between opposite surfaces of the two optical units with positive refracting powers, and hence the performance of the objective optical system can be improved.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the fourth unit has a plurality of reflecting surfaces.


Thus, when at least half of the image erecting function is shared to the objective optical system, an increase in thickness along the optical axis of incidence of the objective optical system can be suppressed and at the same time, the distance between an intermediate image and an eyepiece is reduced. Consequently, a finder which has a large angle of emergence can be obtained.


In the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention, it is favorable that the two optical units are prisms having reflecting surfaces.


When at least half of the image erecting function is shared to the objective optical system, an increase in thickness along the optical axis of incidence of the objective optical system can be suppressed and at the same time, the distance between an intermediate image and an eyepiece is reduced. Consequently, a finder which has a large angle of emergence can be obtained.


It is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system is constructed so that the magnification is changed, ranging from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, by moving the first unit as well.


The second and third units bear the variable magnification function and the diopter correcting function, but if the diopter correction is not completely made, the diopter shift will be produced.


Where the units for changing the magnification are obstructed with only the second and third units, diopter correction cannot be favorably made over the whole range in which the magnification is changed, unless a state where the imaging magnification of the second unit is −1× practically coincides with a state where the imaging magnification of the third unit is −1× when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position.


However, when the first unit is also moved to change the magnification, restrictions on imaging magnifications of the second and third units are eliminated, and the performance of the objective optical system can be easily improved.


The real image mode finder optical system of the present invention may be constructed so that when the magnification is changed over the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, the first unit remains fixed.


By doing so, the number of units to be moved can be lessened, and cost can be reduced accordingly.


In this case, it is favorable that the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention satisfies Condition (15).


The present invention provides a preferred zoom ratio in the real image mode finder optical system described above.


Below the lower limit of Condition (15), the performance of the finder optical system cannot be completely exercised. On the other hand, beyond the upper limit of Condition (15), the refracting power of each unit becomes too strong and aberration is liable to occur.


It is favorable that that the photographing apparatus according to the present invention has the photographing optical system and the real image mode finder optical system which has been described.


Also, in the above description, where the reflecting surface is configured as a roof reflecting surface, it is assumed that the roof reflecting surface is constructed with two reflecting surfaces.


In accordance with the drawings and numerical data, the embodiments of the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention will be explained below.


In any of the embodiments, the real image mode finder optical system includes, in order from the object side, an objective optical system with a positive refracting power, a field frame placed in the proximity of the imaging position of the objective optical system, and an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power, and has an image erecting means.


First Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1–3 and 5A–5C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, a second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, a third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with a prism P and a positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole. Also, in FIG. 5A, symbol EP represents an eyepoint.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the first embodiment, an intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by moving the second unit G2 and the third-unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have finite curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P, as shown in FIGS. 1–3, are provided with reflecting surfaces P11, P21, P22, and P1 along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the reflecting surface P11 provided in the prism P1 bends the optical axis in a Y-Z plane; as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the two reflecting surfaces P21 and P22 provided in the prism P2 bend the optical axis in the Y-Z plane and an X-Z plane in this order from the object side; and as shown in FIG. 2, the reflecting surface P1 provided in the prism P bends the optical axis in the X-Z plane. In this way, an erect image is obtained. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces P11 and P1 of the prism P1 and the prism P are smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces P21 and P22 of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces P11 and P1 of the prism P1 and the prism P are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces P21 and P22 of the prism P2 utilize total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface P22 of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by, the reflecting surface, P1 of the prism P2 may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive, lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the first embodiment are shown in FIGS. 6A–6D, 7A–7D, and 8A–8D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the first embodiment are shown below. In the numerical data of the first embodiment, m denotes a finder magnification; ω denotes a field angle; f denotes the focal length of the objective optical system; r1, r2, . . . represent radii of curvature of the surfaces of individual lenses or prisms; d1, d2, . . . represent thicknesses of individual lenses or prisms or spaces therebetween; nd1, nd2, . . . represent refractive indices of individual lenses or prisms; and vd1, vd2, . . . represent Abbe's numbers of individual lenses or prisms; mh represents the maximum width of the field frame; fe represents the focal length of the eyepiece optical system; f123 represents a combined focal length of the first to third units; m23 represents a combined imaging magnification of the second and third units where an object distance is 3 m; m2 represents an imaging magnification of the second unit at the middle position where the object distance is 3 m; and m3 represents an imaging magnification of the third unit at the middle position where the object distance is 3 m.


Also, the configuration of the aspherical surface, as already described, is expressed by the following equation:

z=(y2/r)/[1+√{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}{square root over ({1−(1+K)(y/r)2})}]+A4y4+A6y6+A8y8+A10y10


These symbols are also applied to the embodiments to be described later.












Numerical data 1



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.536
1.016
2.075


ω (°)
33.541
17.525
8.746


f (mm)
8.047
15.253
31.147







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 83.6172











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.0913 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.3392 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3149
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −21.0217 (aspherical)









d4 = D2 (variable)







r5 = −10.0239 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3239 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.2869











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −23.2085 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.7633 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.5495
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.2605







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 15.9503 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5600
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −38.8890









d13 = 1.7500







r14 = 25.2612











d14 = 5.3200
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.9795 (aspherical)









d15 = 17.0491







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2950




A4 = 2.10279 × 10−6
A6 = −2.71836 × 10−7
A8 = 1.45499 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2610


A4 = −9.12395 × 10−5
A6 = −3.93632 × 10−7
A8 = −6.31136 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0224


A4 = 8.97235 × 10−5
A6 = −4.73271 × 10−7
A8 = −1.37810 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2143


A4 = 6.18253 × 10−4
A6 = −3.45137 × 10−5
A8 = 7.99836 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0423


A4 = 1.66996 × 10−6
A6 = −2.60860 × 10−5
A8 = 6.01778 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1568


A4 = 2.22420 × 10−4
A6 = −1.28141 × 10−6
A8 = 3.95727 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0140


A4 = −1.11940 × 10−5
A6 = −1.42736 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 4.29178 × 10−5
A6 = 1.34232 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.6242
7.1879
3.4246


D4
1.2500
8.2976
16.2705


D6
7.8209
5.2097
1.0000







mh = 10.139 mm










f123
−10.436
−19.857
−41.578


m23
0.529
1.000
2.044


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.773
−0.775
−0.776








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.676


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.009 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.377955 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.341


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.619


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.771


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.749


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.871


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.771


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.749









Second Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A–9C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with a positive lens L and the prism P1. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with a prism P and a positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prism P1 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the second embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P1 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1 the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 have finite curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have finite curvatures.


The prism P1 and the prism P are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis twice in the Y-Z plane and once in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) and the prism P is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the X-Z plane) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by one reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the remaining two reflecting surfaces are larger than 90 degrees, while the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. However, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P1 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the second embodiment are shown in FIGS. 10A–10D, 11A–11D, and 12A–12D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the second embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 2



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
 0.685
 1.176
 2.016


ω (°)
26.680
15.434
 8.985


f (mm)
10.290
17.649
30.256







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 37.0457











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 9.2320 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.5256 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.4760
d23 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = −22.0049









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.2911











d5 = 0.7000
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 9.8912 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 36.5176











d7 = 3.5263
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 −11.2570 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 17.5358











d9 = 29.0967
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −218.6484









d10 = 2.7527







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.9177







r12 = 19.1732 (aspherical)











d12 = 17.0445
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −20.5269









d13 = 1.4765







r14 = 39.9369 (aspherical)











d14 = 3.4455
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −20.1555 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients









Second surface




K = −1.3017


A4 = 4.40512 × 10−5
A6 = 1.04845 × 10−6
A8 = −4.86973 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.1847


A4 = −1.74316 × 10−4
A6 = −2.38197 × 10−7
A8 = −6.24988 × 10−9


Sixth surface


K = −0.0683


A4 = −4.82178 × 10−4
A6 = 3.96724 × 10−6
A8 = −3.64804 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1808


A4 = 9.81681 × 10−5
A6 = 8.46115 × 10−7
A8 = 8.50642 × 10−9


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −5.68528 × 10−4
A6 = −1.76882 × 10−7


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −5.49243 × 10−5
A6 = 1.22082 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.37429 × 10−5
A6 = 1.03731 × 10−6


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.6070
8.0586
4.1006


D4
1.1067
7.0086
13.2454


D6
6.3793
4.0397
1.6737








mh = 9.765 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.650


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.011 mm









Third Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A–13C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with a negative lens L1 and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2. In the real image mode finder optical system of the third embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the negative lens L1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is placed in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of each of the prisms P1 and P2 have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane) and the prism P2 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees, while the angles of the optical axis bent by two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees and the angle of the optical axis bent by the remaining one reflecting surface is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the third embodiment are shown in FIGS. 14A–14D, 15A–15D, and 16A–16D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the third embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 3



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.692
1.181
2.018


ω (°)
26.656
15.374
8.976


f (mm)
10.375
17.709
30.248







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = −37.0118











d1 = 1.6264
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 15.0266 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 13.6624 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2776
nd3 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = −19.7350









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −23.9768











d5 = 0.6800
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 15.4052 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 64.0979











d7 = 14.4273
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −16.0524 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 46.4363











d9 = 39.5267
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −21.0120









d10 = 3.7943



r11 = ∞ (field frame)



d11 = 6.9095







r12 = −9.9877 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.6912
nd12 = 1.58423
νd12 = 30.49







r13 = −15.7572









d13 = 0.9421







r14 = 19.1293 (aspherical)











d14 = 7.8836
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −10.9574 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3019




A4 = −1.08535 × 10−4
A6 = 1.48477 × 10−6
A8 = −7.37060 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.1784


A4 = −1.38562 × 10−4
A6 = 1.91486 × 10−7
A8 = −9.59282 × 10−10


Sixth surface


K = −0.0760


A4 = −4.70450 × 10−5
A6 = −2.11500 × 10−6
A8 = 3.61544 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1930


A4 = 4.06798 × 10−5
A6 = −8.51164 × 10−8
A8 = 3.41981 × 10−9


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −4.97284 × 10−4
A6 = −5.19125 × 10−6


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.11128 × 10−4
A6 = −2.84749 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.70029 × 10−4
A6 = −6.56818 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
25.7084
12.8854
7.7602


D4
1.0000
9.0863
19.8650


D6
2.8644
5.0585
1.4948








mh = 9.621 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.642


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 14.990 mm









Fourth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17A–17C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the negative lens L1 and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2. In the real image mode finder optical system of the fourth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the negative lens L1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is placed in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of each of the prisms P1 and P2 have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane) and the prism P2 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees, while the angles of the optical axis bent by two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees and the angle of the optical axis bent by the remaining one reflecting surface is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the fourth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 18A–18D, 19A–19D, and 20A–20D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the fourth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 4



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.574
0.980
1.680


ω (°)
26.946
15.541
9.003


f (mm)
8.612
14.706
25.218







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = −27.7265











d1 = 0.7033
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 12.5528 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 11.3610 (aspherical)











d3 = 3.8444
nd3 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = = −15.8341









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = 18.1098











d5 = 0.7000
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 11.6071 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 53.8289











d7 = 12.8726
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −14.5655 (aspherical)









d8 = 1.0000







r9 = 23.4433











d9 = 34.8807
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −28.7418









d10 = 1.4329







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 6.9526







r12 = −12.6182 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.6221
nd12 = 1.58423
νd12 = 30.49







r13 = −15.2579









d13 = 31.1803







r14= 24.0716 (aspherical)











d14 = 8.3376
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −11.3348 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3022




A4 = −2.00833 × 10−4
A6 = 3.41784 × 10−6
A8 = −1.63261 × 10−8


Third surface


K = −0.1825


A4 = −2.54261 × 10−4
A6 = 5.60513 × 10−7
A8 = −3.79136 × 10−9


Sixth surface


K = −0.0762


A4 = −1.57743 × 10−4
A6 = −3.09431 × 10−6
A8 = 4.76542 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1928


A4 = 4.63808 × 10−5
A6 = −2.97595 × 10−7
A8 = 8.60163 × 10−9


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −6.08556 × 10−4
A6 = −8.85765 × 10−6


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.52011 × 10−4
A6 = −1.19503 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.06106 × 10−4
A6 = 8.55846 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
21.4497
10.4751
6.4304


D4
1.0000
7.7777
16.8353


D6
1.9906
3.8269
1.3800








mh = 8.107 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.540


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm









Fifth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21A–21C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the negative lens L1 and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2. In the real image mode finder optical system of the fifth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the negative lens L1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is placed in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis. Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of each of the prisms P1 and P2 have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane) and the prism P2 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees, while the angles of the optical axis bent by two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees and the angle of the optical axis bent by the remaining one reflecting surface is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the fifth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 22A–22D, 23A–23D, and 24A–24D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the fifth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 5



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.873
1.293
2.418


ω (°)
24.751
16.220
8.611


f (mm)
13.110
19.409
36.290







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = −39.3543











d1 = 2.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 20.1886 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 17.8228 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.5550
nd3 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = −20.6969









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −26.5948











d5 = 0.9712
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 21.3842 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 49.7469











d7 = 16.0933
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −23.8038 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.6446







r9 = 38.3198











d9 = 43.7612
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −63.9202









d10 = 2.7501







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 7.1509







r12 = −7.9810 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.6432
nd12 = 1.58423
νd12 = 30.49







r13 = −11.3215









d13 = 1.2765







r14 = 16.6904 (aspherical)











d14 = 7.6344
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −13.2210 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3021




A4 = −3.80325 × 10−5
A6 = 5.97449 × 10−7
A8 = −2.67271 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.1774


A4 = −7.61365 × 10−5
A6 = 1.22273 × 10−7
A8 = −3.41547 × 10−10


Sixth surface


K = −0.0759


A4 = −3.60399 × 10−5
A6 = −1.18573 × 10−7
A8 = 9.28811 × 10−10


Eighth surface


K = 0.1900


A4 = 1.33964 × 10−5
A6 = 5.39206 × 10−8
A8 = −9.03386 × 10−11


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.69230 × 10−4
A6 = −2.03083 × 10−6


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 8.14903 × 10−5
A6 = −1.34641 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.81061 × 10−4
A6 = −6.24901 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
29.0804
15.7590
8.2552


D4
1.0000
8.0891
22.1773


D6
3.1755
8.1368
2.0110








mh = 11.006 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.733


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm









Sixth Embodiment

The arrangement of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1–4. FIGS. 25A–25D show the arrangement of the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, low-dispersion glass is used for the positive lens E1 to suppress chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system.


Also, aberration characteristics in the sixth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 26A–26D, 27A–27D, 28A–28D, and 29A–29D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the sixth embodiment are shown below.












Numberical data 6



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.743
1.016
2.072


ω (°)
23.854
17.511
8.739


f (mm)
11.156
15.252
31.104







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 81.9112











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.0742 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.3535 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3238
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −20.9984 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0333 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3333 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.3130











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −23.1581 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.7417 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.5485
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.2615







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 15.2310 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5600
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −39.1300









d13 = 1.7500







r14 = 24.5529











d14 = 5.3200
nd14 = 1.49700
νd14 = 81.54







r15 = −15.8669 (aspherical)









d15 = 17.0491







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2950




A4 = 5.82582 × 10−6
A6 = −2.91852 × 10−7
A8 = 1.53866 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2618


A4 = −8.99427 × 10−5
A6 = −3.14079 × 10−7
A8 = −8.23133 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0224


A4 = 8.74333 × 10−5
A6 = −3.77249 × 10−7
A8 = −3.31925 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2138


A4 = 6.11164 × 10−4
A6 = −3.28266 × 10−5
A8 = 7.55363 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0425


A4 = 2.44411 × 10−5
A6 = −2.80434 × 10−5
A8 = 6.70880 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1564


A4 = 2.36396 × 10−4
A6 = −1.54507 × 10−6
A8 = 3.28513 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0138


A4 = 7.48388 × 10−6
A6 −1.90449 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 5.20019 × 10−5
A6 = 1.50643 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
9.1623
7.1846
3.4243


D4
4.9049
8.2975
16.2619


D6
6.6190
5.2041
1.0000








mh = 10.121 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.674


Condition (4) ν
= 81.54


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm









Seventh Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 30A–30D, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, a second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, a third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the prism P and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the seventh embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by moving the second unit G2 and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have finite curvatures, that is, are configured as lens surfaces. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P, as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1–3, are provided with the reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. For example, one reflecting surface provided in the prism P1 bends the optical axis in the Y-Z plane; two reflecting surfaces provided in the prism P2 bend the optical axis in the Y-Z plane and the X-Z plane in this order from the object side; and one reflecting surface provided in the prism P bends the optical axis in the X-Z plane. In this way, an erect image is obtained. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 utilize total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Also, aberration characteristics in the seventh embodiment are shown in FIGS. 31A–31D, 32A–32D, 33A–33D, and 34A–34D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the seventh embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 7



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.743
1.015
2.070


ω (°)
23.875
17.526
8.746


f (mm)
11.146
15.237
31.075







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 81.9602











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.0611 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.3753 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3253
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −20.8601 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0315 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3315 (aspherical)









d6 = D6







r7 = 11.2984











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −23.0708 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.8095 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.5530
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.2570







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 15.4188 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5600
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −37.3902









d13 = 1.7500







r14 = 20.4078











d14 = 5.3200
nd14 = 1.43389
νd14 = 95.15







r15 = −14.4726 (aspherical)









d15 = 17.0491







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2949




A4 = 6.66017 × 10−6
A6 = −2.62591 × 10−7
A8 = 1.12121 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2625


A4 = −7.97190 × 10−5
A6 = −6.29748 × 10−7
A8 = −1.17464 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0226


A4 = 9.61346 × 10−5
A6 = −6.24988 × 10−7
A8 = −2.63996 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2132


A4 = 6.22361 × 10−4
A6 = −3.35122 × 10−5
A8 = 7.43683 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0427


A4 = 3.84712 × 10−5
A6 = −2.91300 × 10−5
A8 = 6.92795 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1561


A4 = 2.24263 × 10−4
A6 = −1.03011 × 10−6
A8 = 3.32247 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0135


A4 = −5.19982 × 10−6
A6 = −1.46612 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 7.35154 × 10−5
A6 = 2.26014 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
9.1683
7.1925
3.4339


D4
4.8993
8.2891
16.2507


D6
6.6171
5.2031
1.0000








mh = 10.133 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.675


Condition (4) ν
= 95.15


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm









Eighth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 35A–35D, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, a second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, a third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed, with a cemented lens component CE comprised of a positive lens element CE1 and a negative lens element CE2 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the eighth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by moving the second unit G2 and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have finite curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P are provided with the reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane), the prism P2 is provided with two reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane and the X-Z plane), and the prism P is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the X-Z plane) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 utilize total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The cemented lens component CE is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


In the eighth embodiment, the cemented lens component CE including, in order from the object side, the positive lens element and the negative lens element is used to suppress the chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system.


Also, aberration characteristics in the eighth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 36A–36D, 37A–37D, 38A–38D, and 39A–39D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the eighth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 8



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.743
1.020
2.076


ω (°)
23.954
17.549
8.727


f (mm)
11.160
15.304
31.158







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 75.9203











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.0850 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.2485 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2776
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −21.9093









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0501 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3501 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.5799











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −21.8697 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.8360 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.6385
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.1715







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 18.8734 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5600
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −20.0934









d13 = 1.7500







r14 = 36.0448











d14 = 5.3393
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −13.2074











d15 = 1.0000
nd15 = 1.58423
νd15 = 30.49







r16 = −18.5585 (aspherical)









d16 = 17.0491







r17 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2950




A4 = −2.88906 × 10−5
A6 = 1.81910 × 10−7
A8 = −1.52765 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2463


A4 = −1.12182 × 10−4
A6 = −6.22353 × 10−7
A8 = 2.82153 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0226


A4 = 8.40588 × 10−5
A6 = −7.72274 × 10−7
A8 = 6.21797 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2122


A4 = 1.04005 × 10−3
A6 = −6.22976 × 10−5
A8 = 1.48889 × 10−6


Sixth surface


K = −0.0428


A4 = 4.20510 × 10−4
A6 = −5.35363 × 10−5
A8 = 1.24406 × 10−6


Eighth surface


K = 0.1561


A4 = 2.78620 × 10−4
A6 = −1.75114 × 10−6
A8 = 1.84964 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0138


A4 = 7.75842 × 10−5
A6 = −2.54066 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Sixteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.54561 × 10−5
A6 = 6.06156 × 10−8


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
9.1388
7.1293
 3.3607


D4
4.9642
8.4021
16.3723


D6
6.6307
5.2010
 0.9994








mh = 10.095 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.673


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm


Conditions (5), (6) νp − νn
= 25.29









Ninth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40A–40D, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, a first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, a second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, a third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the cemented lens component CE comprised of the positive lens element CE1 and the negative lens element CE2 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the ninth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by moving the second unit G2 and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have finite curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P are provided with the reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane), the prism P2 is provided with two reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane and the X-Z plane), and the prism P is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the X-Z plane) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 utilize total-reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The cemented lens component CE is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


In the ninth embodiment, the cemented lens component CE including, in order from the object side, the positive lens element and the negative lens element is used to suppress the chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system.


Also, aberration characteristics in the ninth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 41A–41D, 42A–42D, 43A–43D, and 44A–44D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the ninth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 9



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.745
1.019
2.078


ω (°)
23.864
17.523
8.748


f (mm)
11.179
15.288
31.185







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 83.1968











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 =1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.0574 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.4051 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3247
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −20.6708 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0283 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3283 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.0837











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −23.2992 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 16.1348 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.5851
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.2249







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 15.1194 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5600
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −32.9857









d13 = 1.7500







r14 = 22.3114











d14 = 1.0000
nd14 = 1.58423
νd14 = 30.49







r15 = 13.0456











d15 = 5.4129
nd15 = 1.52542
νd15 = 55.78







r16 = −18.6581 (aspherical)









d16 = 17.0491







r17 = ∞ (eyepiece)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2945




A4 = 9.89743 × 10−6
A6 = −4.30715 × 10−7
A8 = 2.58833 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2627


A4 = −6.69210 × 10−5
A6 = −9.19006 × 10−7
A8 = 6.64337 × 10−10


Fourth surface


K = −0.0228


A4 = 1.06273 × 10−4
A6 = −8.28362 × 10−7
A8 = 3.85729 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2133


A4 = 6.06366 × 10−4
A6 = −2.97302 × 10−5
A8 = 5.98935 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0427


A4 = 4.82034 × 10−5
A6 = −2.89969 × 10−5
A8 = 6.72146 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1560


A4 = 2.50445 × 10−4
A6 = −1.47471 × 10−6
A8 = 4.11057 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0136


A4 = 5.39717 × 10−6
A6 = −1.68771 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Sixteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.44659 × 10−5
A6 = 1.08095 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
9.1868
7.2088
 3.4518


D4
4.8856
8.2783
16.2383


D6
6.6129
5.1982
 0.9952








mh = 10.217 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.681


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.006 mm


Conditions (5), (6) νp − νn
= 25.29









Tenth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 45A–45D, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the negative lens L1 and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2. In the real image mode finder optical system of the tenth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the negative lens L1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is placed in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of each of the prisms P1 and P2 have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane) and the prism P2 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees, while the angles of the optical axis bent by two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees and the angle of the optical axis bent by the remaining one reflecting surface is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


In the tenth embodiment, low-dispersion glass is used for the positive lens E1 to suppress chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system.


Also, aberration characteristics in the tenth embodiment are shown in FIGS. 46A–46D, 47A–47D, 48A–48D, and 49A–49D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the tenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 10



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.686
1.177
2.019


ω (°)
26.700
15.294
8.889


f (mm)
10.290
17.650
30.261







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = −35.4073











d1 = 1.3547
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 15.7324 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 14.1173 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2036
nd3 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = −19.7136









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −21.3268











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 15.4585 (aspherical)









r6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 47.9547











d7 = 14.7087
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 −16.9222 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 40.5011











d9 = 39.7256
nd9 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −22.4670









d10 = 4.0295







r11 = ∞ field frame)









d11 = 7.6484







r12 = −6.8411 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.0616
nd12 = 1.58423
νd12 = 30.49







r13 = −9.5101









d13 = 1.9354







r14 = 16.4813











d14 = 5.2395
nd14 = 1.49700
νd14 = 81.54







r15 = −12.4181 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3019




A4 = −1.03082 × 10−4
A6 = 1.18309 × 10−6
A8 = −3.69689 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.1784


A4 = −1.31901 × 10−4
A6 = 1.62576 × 10−7
A8 = −5.25998 × 10−10


Sixth surface


K = −0.0760


A4 = −7.29856 × 10−5
A6 = −1.57784 × 10−6
A8 = 2.85950 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1940


A4 = 3.47928 × 10−5
A6 = 5.46298 × 10−8
A8 = 1.40140 × 10−9


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.29965 × 10−4
A6 = −5.49255 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.23613 × 10−4
A6 = 7.32239 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
25.8585
12.8666
7.9000


D4
1.0000
9.3310
20.3050


D6
3.2733
5.0026
1.7063








mh = 9.539 mm



Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.636


Condition (4) ν
= 81.54


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 14.990 mm









Eleventh Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 50A–50D, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit 62 with a positive refracting power, the third unit 63 with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit 64 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit 64 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the negative lens L1 and the cemented lens component CE comprised of the negative lens element CE 2 and the positive lens element CE1, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2. In the real image mode finder optical system of the eleventh embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the negative lens L1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is placed in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit 64 and by moving the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of each of the prisms P1 and P2 have finite curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with one reflecting surface (for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane) and the prism P2 is provided with three reflecting surfaces (for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side) to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees, while the angles of the optical axis bent by two reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees and the angle of the optical axis bent by the remaining one reflecting surface is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection. The cemented lens component CE is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


In the eleventh embodiment, the cemented lens component CE including, in order from the object side, the negative lens element and the positive lens element is used to suppress the chromatic aberration of magnification produced in the eyepiece optical system.


Also, aberration characteristics in the eleventh embodiment are shown in FIGS. 51A–51D, 52A–52D, 53A–53D, and 5454D.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the eleventh embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 11



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position














m
0.685
1.175
2.016


ω (°)
26.509
15.216
8.803


f (mm)
10.289
17.629
30.259


Pupil dia.
4.000


(mm)










r1 = −31.2936











d1 = 1.3442
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 16.8814 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 14.1167 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.5120
nd3 = 1.49241
υd3 = 57.66







r4 = −20.4840









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −20.2406











d5 = 0.9963
nd5 = 1.58423
υd5 = 30.49







r6 = 14.9676 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 41.4899











d7 = 14.6927
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −17.9428 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 34.5533











d9 = 39.7402
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = −28.4392









d10 = 4.5510







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 7.9719







r12 = −9.6322 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.1829
nd12 = 1.58423
υd12 = 30.49







r13 = −10.6815









d13 = 1.6105







r14 = 19.4893











d14 = 1.0000
nd14 = 1.58423
υd14 = 30.49







r15 = 13.6490











d15 = 5.4672
nd15 = 1.49241
υd15 = 57.66







r16 = −12.4053 (aspherical)









d16 = 15.7651







r17 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface


K = −1.3018









A4 = −1.08269 × 10−4
A6 = 9.30175 × 10−7
A8 = −1.42679 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.1791


A4 = −1.31719 × 10−4
A6 = 1.67274 × 10−7
A8 = −6.28754 × 10−10


Sixth surface


K = −0.0761


A4 = −1.10385 × 10−4
A6 = −3.75495 × 10−7
A8 = 2.90075 × 10−9


Eighth surface


K = 0.1945


A4 = 3.40022 × 10−5
A6 = −8.32444 × 10−8
A8 = 2.90545 × 10−9


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.80853 × 10−4
A6 = −6.97108 × 10−6


Sixteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.07353 × 10−5
A6 = 9.18614 × 10−7










Zoom data











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position





D2
25.8073
13.2103
8.2556


D4
0.9957
9.3832
20.5408


D6
3.5101
4.5817
1.6440










mh = 9.486 mm


Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe = 0.632


Conditions (2), (3) fe = 15.010 mm


Conditions (5), (6) υp − υn = 27.17









Twelfth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 55A–55C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twelfth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 12



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position





m
0.530
1.007
2.050


ω (°)
33.694
17.618
8.796


f (mm)
8.482
16.100
32.782


Pupil dia.
4.000


(mm)










r1 = 52.6894











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 9.9227 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.2741 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2589
nd3 = 1.52542
υd3 = 55.78







r4 = −23.8681 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.3480 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
υd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.6480 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.1372











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −26.1339 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.5869 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.3572
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.4528







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 3.0665







r12 = 15.8132 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.9408
nd12 = 1.52542
υd12 = 55.78







r13 = −75.7570









d13 = 2.0915







r14 = 27.2996











d14 = 4.8098
nd14 = 1.52542
υd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.0615 (aspherical)









d15 = −16.8220







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2951




A4 = 2.66909 × 10−5
A6 = −2.25605 × 10−7
A8 = 9.99104 × 10−11


Third surface


K = −0.2614


A4 = −8.86459 × 10−5
A6 = −2.02523 × 10−7
A8 = −5.25729 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0224


A4 = 6.51575 × 10−5
A6 = −1.53327 × 10−7
A8 = −1.18392 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2138


A4 = 4.33241 × 10−4
A6 = −1.93785 × 10−5
A8 = 4.02985 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0427


A4 = 9.91769 × 10−5
A6 = −1.51811 × 10−5
A8 = 3.40669 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1565


A4 = 2.28575 × 10−4
A6 = −1.22359 × 10−7
A8 = 3.27751 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0140


A4 = 4.56644 × 10−6
A6 = −9.81069 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −7.24335 × 10−4
A6 = 3.64409 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 4.99493 × 10−5
A6 = 9.74998 × 10−8










Zoom data











Wide-angle
Middle
Telephoto



position
position
position





D2
 11.4582
6.8773
3.0038


D4
 1.2808
8.5674
16.7674


D6
 8.0121
5.3064
0.9799


mh = 10.692 mm


f123
−11.144
−21.243
−44.469


m23
 0.529
1.000
2.038


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
 −0.763
−0.765
−0.767


Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe =
 0.669


Conditions (2), (3) fe =
 15.991 mm


Condition (8) φ(mh/2) =
 −0.406970 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3 =
 −1.000


Condition (11) SF2 =
 −0.389


Condition (12) f2/f3 =
 −1.618


Condition (13) fw/fFw =
 −0.761


Condition (14) fT/fFT =
 −0.737


Condition (15) mT/mW =
 3.865


Condition (16) fw/fw123 =
 −0.761


Condition (17) fT/fT123 =
 −0.737









Thirteenth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 56A–56C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the thirteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 13



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.533
1.007
2.050


ω (°)
33.897
17.661
8.803


f (mm)
7.468
14.111
28.722







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 166.7316











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.3218 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.2841 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3636
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −19.9166 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −9.8214 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.1214 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 13.2873











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −17.5762 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.4406 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.6932
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.1168







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.4325







r12 = 28.5591 (aspherical)











d12 = 14.7924
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −24.5754









d13 = 1.2620







r14 = 27.5003











d14 = 4.1395
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.2956 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.6524







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2951




A4 = −9.85470 × 10−6
A6 = −3.31289 × 10−7
A8 = 3.00060 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2607


A4 = −9.27092 × 10−5
A6 = −8.01222 × 10−7
A8 = 2.80942 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0224


A4 = 1.02300 × 10−4
A6 = 7.73167 × 10−7
A8 = 5.82839 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2137


A4 = 5.86855 × 10−4
A6 = −2.95943 × 10−5
A8 = 6.45936 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0425


A4 = −2.30372 × 10−5
A6 = −2.55725 × 10−5
A8 = 6.22366 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1564


A4 = 1.56106 × 10−4
A6 = −7.63871 × 10−8
A8 = 4.09536 × 10−9


Ninth surface


K = 0.0137


A4 = 9.52536 × 10−7
A6 = −1.05084 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.23450 × 10−3
A6 = 1.00000 × 10−5


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.90391 × 10−5
A6 = 1.54761 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.7540
7.4253
3.7541


D4
1.2500
8.1247
15.8923


D6
7.6424
5.0964
1.0000







mh = 9.279 mm










f123
−10.011
−18.982
−39.511


m23
0.531
1.000
2.036


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.748
−0.749
−0.751








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.662


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 14.010 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.395473 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.319


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.622


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.746


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.727


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.846


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.746


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.727









Fourteenth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 57A–57C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the fourteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 14



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.530
1.011
2.054


ω (°)
33.791
17.591
8.810


f (mm)
7.962
15.170
30.830







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 82.9717











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58425
νd1 = 30.35







r2 = 10.0913 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.3969 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2911
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −21.6082 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −11.4300











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 9.3984 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.1076











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −24.3057 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.7603 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.4265
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.2691







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.5500







r12 = 15.9134 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5881
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −39.1000









d13 = 1.7582







r14 = 25.7997 (aspherical)











d14 = 5.1865
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.7689 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.8782







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2943




A4 = −9.84819 × 10−6
A6 = −2.39182 × 10−8
A8 = 4.94427 × 10−10


Third surface


K = −0.2438


A4 = −1.13792 × 10−4
A6 = −6.83279 × 10−8
A8 = −6.63089 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0218


A4 = 6.76356 × 10−5
A6 = −1.19790 × 10−7
A8 = −2.64472 × 10−9


Sixth surface


K = −0.0422


A4 = −5.28848 × 10−4
A6 = 2.13243 × 10−6
A8 = 1.98353 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1608


A4 = 1.86541 × 10−4
A6 = 1.81579 × 10−7
A8 = 3.74182 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0115


A4 = −3.79724 × 10−5
A6 = −6.23075 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 1.76029 × 10−5
A6 = 3.42514 × 10−7


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 6.14363 × 10−5
A6 = 4.37825 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
12.0419
7.5075
3.7196


D4
1.1332
8.3326
16.3538


D6
7.8982
5.2332
1.0000







mh = 10.098 mm










f123
−10.392
−19.874
−41.387


m23
0.526
1.000
2.034


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.768
−0.770
−0.772








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.673


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.377550 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.350


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.615


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.766


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.745


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.872


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.766


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.745









Fifteenth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 58A–58C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the fifteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 15



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.429
0.813
1.663


ω (°)
33.665
17.724
8.889


f (mm)
7.384
13.997
28.641







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 107.4567











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.2589 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.2029 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.4631
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −20.4728 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −9.3096 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3604 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 16.9815











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −13.8071 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.6162 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.4902
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.3198







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 3.8080







r12 = 24.6624 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.9445
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −144.7239









d13 = 2.0644







r14 = 37.1434











d14 = 4.1276
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −14.1033 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.7947







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2993




A4 = 5.71536 × 10−5
A6 = −1.74731 × 10−6
A8 = 9.48321 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2562


A4 = −1.82646 × 10−5
A6 = −1.79005 × 10−6
A8 = 5.13165 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0200


A4 = 1.47200 × 10−4
A6 = −1.56976 × 10−6
A8 = 1.27897 × 10−8


Fifth surface


K = 0.2127


A4 = 5.41270 × 10−4
A6 = −3.32639 × 10−5
A8 = 5.81147 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0433


A4 = −1.09499 × 10−4
A6 = −2.68424 × 10−5
A8 = 6.74415 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1546


A4 = 2.00697 × 10−4
A6 = −1.61566 × 10−6
A8 = −3.13569 × 10−9


Ninth surface


K = 0.0164


A4 = 6.95918 × 10−5
A6 = −2.13186 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −4.54314 × 10−4
A6 = −3.43968 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 4.97954 × 10−5
A6 = 1.10003 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.2714
6.9682
3.2721


D4
1.6105
8.4616
16.2351


D6
7.6649
5.1170
1.0397







mh = 9.349 mm










f123
−10.318
−19.605
−41.020


m23
0.530
1.000
2.042


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.717
−0.720
−0.722








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.543


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 17.226 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.390191 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.335


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.656


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.716


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.698


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.879


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.716


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.698





@






The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 59A–59C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the sixteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 16



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.429
0.809
2.024


ω (°)
33.860
17.674
7.199


f (mm)
7.439
14.047
35.124







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 244.6491











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.7182 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.8239 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.5281
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −19.6580 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −9.4259 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 9.7259 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 13.6837











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −17.5090 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.6690 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.4657
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.3443







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 4.2463







r12 = 24.2774 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.9476
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −225.2944









d13 = 2.0463







r14 = 37.1333











d14 = 3.6458
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −14.1787 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.8295







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3022




A4 = 1.94109 × 10−5
A6 = −1.53742 × 10−6
A8 = 9.18621 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2549


A4 = −7.62311 × 10−5
A6 = −2.11044 × 10−6
A8 = 9.22506 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0175


A4 = 1.18065 × 10−4
A6 = −1.28525 × 10−6
A8 = 1.15858 × 10−8


Fifth surface


K = 0.2594


A4 = 7.73262 × 10−4
A6 = = −4.07569 × 10−5
A8 = 6.35774 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0434


A4 = 2.49683 × 10−5
A6 = −3.63701 × 10−5
A8 = 8.31505 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1534


A4 = 1.67581 × 10−4
A6 = −1.34210 × 10−6
A8 = 5.76435 × 10−9


Ninth surface


K = 0.0177


A4 = 9.17386 × 10−6
A6 = −1.80151 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −3.02442 × 10−4
A6 = −2.91068 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 5.38216 × 10−5
A6 = 6.59977 × 10−8


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
10.3532
6.2169
1.8288


D4
1.2500
7.8558
17.6530


D6
8.8787
6.4091
1.0000







mh = 9.259 mm










f123
−10.214
−19.332
−50.207


m23
0.532
1.000
2.500


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.730
−0.732
−0.735








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.534


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 17.354 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.263294 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.334


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.638


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.728


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.700


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 4.722


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.728


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.700









Seventeenth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 60A–60C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the seventeenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 17



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.427
0.806
2.149


ω (°)
34.100
17.683
6.723


f (mm)
7.358
13.901
37.053







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = −713.7698











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 11.0797 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.7135 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.6200
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −18.4096 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −9.1335 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 9.4327 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 13.0353











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −18.2574 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.8017 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.4291
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.3809







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 4.1914







r12 = 23.7178 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.9419
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −188.7242









d13 = 2.0225







r14 = 38.0414











d14 = 3.6351
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −14.0922 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.8589







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3025




A4 = −3.21798 × 10−5
A6 = −7.78889 × 10−7
A8 = 5.08606 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2547


A4 = −1.33313 × 10−4
A6 = −1.48099 × 10−6
A8 = 7.55992 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0172


A4 = 1.11743 × 10−4
A6 = −9.24392 × 10−7
A8 = 9.33552 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2714


A4 = 1.27697 × 10−3
A6 = −8.18736 × 10−5
A8 = 1.94631 × 10−6


Sixth surface


K = −0.0432


A4 = 3.65213 × 10−4
A6 = −6.62961 × 10−5
A8 = 1.63076 × 10−6


Eighth surface


K = 0.1534


A4 = 1.31305 × 10−4
A6 = −7.77237 × 10−7
A8 = 1.72405 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0176


A4 = −4.34110 × 10−5
A6 = −9.40302 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.47396 × 10−4
A6 = −3.97394 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 5.72418 × 10−5
A6 = 3.57168 × 10−8


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
10.0156
5.9870
1.4776


D4
1.2500
7.6739
17.9124


D6
9.1244
6.7292
1.0000







mh = 9.156 mm










f123
−9.916
−18.774
−52.236


m23
0.532
1.000
2.667


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.744
−0.746
−0.748








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.531


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 17.239 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.251090 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.309


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.647


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.742


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.709


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 5.035


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.742


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.709









Eighteenth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 61A–61C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the eighteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 18



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.435
0.824
1.691


ω (°)
33.426
17.596
8.847


f (mm)
7.656
14.498
29.743







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 99.5495











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.1706 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.3729 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.4126
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −19.6559 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (aspherical)







r5 = −9.5997 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 9.8997 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 14.3933











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −15.6309 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.7116 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.4940
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.3160







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 3.6826







r12 = 27.7932 (aspherical)











d12 = 16.0681
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −173.7673









d13 = 2.3552







r14 = 35.5235











d14 = 4.0389
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −14.3073 (aspherical)









d15 = 22.5403







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3005




A4 = 6.14835 × 10−5
A6 = −1.68311 × 10−6
A8 = 8.77195 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2546


A4 = −2.04009 × 10−6
A6 = −1.97626 × 10−6
A8 = 8.97003 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0188


A4 = 1.56534 × 10−4
A6 = −1.56324 × 10−6
A8 = 1.26722 × 10−8


Fifth surface


K = 0.2126


A4 = 4.66912 × 10−4
A6 = −3.86240 × 10−5
A8 = 1.14314 × 10−6


Sixth surface


K = −0.0436


A4 = −2.20422 × 10−4
A6 = −2.72889 × 10−5
A8 = 8.43830 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1534


A4 = 2.24324 × 10−4
A6 = −3.90532 × 10−6
A8 = 2.12435 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0178


A4 = 4.50620 × 10−5
A6 = −3.09867 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −7.56343 × 10−4
A6 = 8.42941 × 10−7


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.82666 × 10−5
A6 = 2.37037 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.1798
6.8982
3.2011


D4
1.7379
8.5495
16.3243


D6
7.6797
5.1496
1.0719







mh = 9.800 mm










f123
−10.319
−19.589
−41.128


m23
0.530
1.000
2.048


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000


Condition (9) MG45
−0.744
−0.746
−0.749








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.557


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 17.593 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.484313 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.000


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.309


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.663


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.742


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.723


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.885


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.742


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.723









Nineteenth Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 62A–62C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the prism P and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the nineteenth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the prism P1 and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the fourth unit G4 and by moving the first unit 0G, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 along the optical axis. In this case, the second unit G2 is simply moved toward the object side, and the third unit G3 toward the eyepiece side.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P are provided with the same reflecting surfaces as the reflecting surfaces P11, P21, P22, and P1 in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1–3, along the optical path, so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. For example, one reflecting surface provided in the prism P1 bends the optical axis in the Y-Z plane; two reflecting surfaces provided in the prism P2 bend the optical axis in the Y-Z plane and the X-Z plane in this order from the object side; and one reflecting surface provided in the prism P bends the optical axis in the X-Z plane. In this way, an erect image is obtained. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 are larger than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 and the prism P are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The two-reflecting surfaces of the prism P2 utilize total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the nineteenth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 19



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.528
1.033
2.073


ω (°)
33.663
17.287
8.778


f (mm)
7.927
15.503
31.114







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 38.8071











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 8.9754 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.9087 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.3628
nd3 = 1.52542
νd3 = 55.78







r4 = −23.7155 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0428 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
νd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3428 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.5157











d7 = 9.9000
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −22.7435 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 15.4370 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.2718
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.1155







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.3895







r12 = 18.2155 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.5672
nd12 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −36.4337









d13 = 1.8054







r14 = 26.1660











d14 = 4.9762
nd14 = 1.53542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.4971 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.9055







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.2947




A4 = 2.38204 × 10−5
A6 = 4.87600 × 10−7
A8 = −3.73584 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2620


A4 = −1.35699 × 10−4
A6 = 4.65011 × 10−7
A8 = −1.87327 × 10−8


Fourth surface


K = −0.0225


A4 = 4.04582 × 10−5
A6 = 7.12976 × 10−8
A8 = −9.76450 × 10−9


Fifth surface


K = 0.2139


A4 = 6.19005 × 10−4
A6 = −3.14679 × 10−5
A8 = 7.58697 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0424


A4 = 4.58626 × 10−5
A6 = −2.40512 × 10−5
A8 = 5.34729 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1566


A4 = 2.05649 × 10−4
A6 = 2.93949 × 10−7
A8 = 2.68796 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0143


A4 = 7.12313 × 10−6
A6 = −6.74794 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.15138 × 103
A6 = 8.42829 × 10−6


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 4.56110 × 10−5
A6 = 1.18793 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.7539
7.0573
3.4654


D4
1.2500
8.5614
16.1337


D6
8.1857
5.3729
1.0000







mh = 10.076 mm










f123
−10.700
−21.016
−43.277


m23
0.529
1.032
2.072


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.032


Condition (9) MG45
−0.743
−0.744
−0.746








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.671


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.009 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.451821 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.032


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.411


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.625


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.741


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.719


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.925


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.741


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.719









Twentieth Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 63A–63C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the nineteenth embodiment with the exception of lens data. A substantial difference with the nineteenth embodiment is that the exit surface of the prism P2 has a curvature in twentieth embodiment.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twentieth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 20



















Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position


m
0.557
1.038
2.023


ω (°)
32.360
17.517
9.010


f (mm)
8.356
15.584
30.363







Pupil dia. (mm)  4.000


r1 = 59.2465











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
νd1 = 30.49







r2 = 8.3310 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 8.3856 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.1672
nd3 = 1.49241
νd3 = 57.66







r4 = −17.8798









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −13.7008











d5 = 0.7000
nd5 = 1.58423
νd5 = 30.49







r6 = 8.6409 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.7739











d7 = 9.8661
nd7 = 1.52542
νd7 = 55.78







r8 = −29.5195 (aspherical)









d8 = 1.0000







r9 = 15.0708











d9 = 22.3752
nd9 = 1.52542
νd9 = 55.78







r10 = −416.8001









d10 = 2.0410







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.4340







r12 = 15.7244 (aspherical)











d12 = 18.3578
nd12 = 1.52542
νd12 = 55.78







r13 = −20.5538









d13 = 1.2739







r14 = 30.8079 (aspherical)











d14 = 3.4263
nd14 = 1.52542
νd14 = 55.78







r15 = −24.2754 (aspherical)









d15 = 15.7651







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface









K = −1.3070




A4 = −5.42129 × 10−5
A6 = 2.66433 × 10−6
A8 = −1.96586 × 10−8


Third surface


K = −0.2445


A4 = −3.33944 × 10−4
A6 = 3.11379 × 10−7
A8 = −1.64750 × 10−8


Sixth surface


K = −0.0650


A4 = −5.31385 × 10−4
A6 = 4.99350 × 10−6
A8 = −6.09994 × 10−8


Eighth surface


K = 0.1673


A4 = 2.10857 × 10−4
A6 = 1.83918 × 10−7
A8 = 3.12747 × 10−8


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.45924 × 10−3
A6 = 1.59291 × 10−5


Fourteenth


K = 0.0000


A4 = 7.03020 × 10−5
A6 = 4.89240 × 10−7


Fifteenth


K = 0.0000


A4 = 8.28668 × 10−5
A6 = 3.99233 × 10−7


Zoom data











Wide-angle





position
Middle position
Telephoto position


D2
11.8115
7.0078
2.9081


D4
1.0094
6.6799
14.3532


D6
7.7860
4.6744
1.0000







mh= 9.992 mm










f123
−12.274
−23.044
−46.120


m23
0.734
1.370
2.676


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.370


Condition (9) MG45
−0.683
−0.683
−0.683








Conditions (1), (7) mh/fe
= 0.666


Conditions (2), (3) fe
= 15.010 mm


Condition (8) φ (mh/2)
= −0.322195 (l/mm)


Condition (10) β3
= −1.370


Condition (11) SF2
= −0.361


Condition (12) f2/f3
= −1.364


Condition (13) fw/fFw
= −0.681


Condition (14) fT/fFT
= −0.658


Condition (15) mT/mW
= 3.634


Condition (16) fw/fw123
= −0.681


Condition (17) fT/fT123
= −0.658









Twenty-First Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 64A–64C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with two prisms P1 and P2. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the prism P and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the twenty-first embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P2 and the positive lens E1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by simply moving the second unit G2 toward the object side and the third unit G3 toward the eyepiece side along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P1 and the entrance surface of the prism P2 have curvatures. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have curvatures.


The prisms P1 and P2 and the prism P, as shown in FIGS. 65–67, are provided with reflecting surfaces P1, P21, P22, and P1 along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to erect an image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 66, the reflecting surface P11 provided in the prism P1 bends the optical axis in a Y-Z plane; as shown in FIG. 67, the two reflecting surfaces P21 and P22 provided in the prism P2 bend the optical axis twice in the X-Y plane in this order from the object side; and as shown in FIG. 66, the reflecting surface P1 provided in the prism P bends the optical axis in the Y-Z plane. In this way, an erect image is obtained. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces P11, P21, and P22 of the prism P1 and the prism P2 are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surface P1 of the prism P utilizes total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by one reflecting surface of the prism P2 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the other reflecting surface of the prism P2 may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twenty-first embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 21











Wide-angle
Middle
Telephoto



position
position
position














m
0.394
0.659
1.049


ω (°)
32.118
19.007
12.091


f (mm)
6.866
11.492
18.288







Pupil dia. (mm) 5.000


r1 = −59.3919











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 10.3748 8 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 14.1522 (aspherical)











d3 = 3.7000
nd3 = 1.52542
υd3 = 55.78







r4 = −9.2660 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −7.5095 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
υd5 = 30.35







r6 = 13.7636









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 20.3870











d7 = 10.0000
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −13.4385 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.4000







r9 = 12.4702 (aspherical)











d9 = 22.0000
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.0000







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 7.9991







r12 = 18.8914 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.1688
nd12 = 1.52542
υd12 = 55.78







r13 = −15.1681









d13 = 2.0000







r14 = −13.4956 (aspherical)











d14 = 12.2000
nd14 = 1.52542
υd14 = 55.78







r15 = −10.7971 (aspherical)









d15 = 13.5000







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface


K = −1.8801









A4 = 8.93195 × 10−5
A6 = −1.59803 × 10−5
A8 = 2.26734 × 10−7


Third surface


K = −26.0761


A4 = 8.01991 × 10−4
A6 = =1.09865 × 10−4
A8 = 4.19307 × 10−6


A10 = −1.65929 × 10−7


Fourth surface


K = 0.7079


A4 = 1.90150 × 10−4
A6 = −3.87917 × 10−5
A8 = 8.76025 × 10−7


A10 = −3.24756 × 10−8


Fifth surface


K = −0.4742


A4 = 4.50016 × 10−4
A6 = 4.48738 × 10−5
A8 = −3.79556 × 10−6


Eighth surface


K = 0.8140


A4 = −1.12430 × 10−3
A6 = 5.37408 × 10−5
A8 = −1.01121 × 10−6


Ninth surface


K = −2.4434


A4 = −1.05938 × 10−3
A6 = 4.60167 × 10−5
A8 = −8.38383 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 4.97477 × 10−4
A6 = −3.14535 × 10−5
A8 = −3.04078 × 10−8


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −8.27827 × 10−4
A6 = 5.41341 × 10−5
A8 = −6.06561 × 10−7


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −4.89807 × 10−6
A6 = 7.07749 × 10−6
A8 = −9.70475 × 10−8


Zoom data










D2
8.2666
5.9354
3.4477


D4
0.8000
5.6220
10.2589


D6
5.3399
2.8492
0.7000







mh = 8.240 mm










f123
−9.787
−16.419
−26.311


m23
0.651
1.088
1.729


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.088











Condition (9)
MG45
−0.703
−0.704
−0.705









Conditions (1), (7)
mh/fe
= 0.473


Conditions (2), (3)
fe
= 17.434 mm


Condition (10)
β3
= −1.088


Condition (11)
SF2
= 0.209


Condition (12)
f2/f3
= −1.379


Condition (13)
fw/fFw
= −0.702


Condition (14)
fT/fFT
= −0.695


Condition (15)
mT/mW
= 2.663


Condition (16)
fw/fw123
= −0.702


Condition (17)
fT/fT123
= −0.695









Twenty-Second Embodiment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 68A–68C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with the positive lens L1 and the prism P1. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the prism P and the positive lens E1 and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prism P1 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the second embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P1 and the prism P, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by simply moving the second unit G2 toward the object side and the third unit G3 toward the eyepiece side along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface of the prism P1 has a curvature. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have curvatures. The prism P1 and the prism P are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with three reflecting surfaces for bending the optical axis twice in the Y-Z plane and once in the X-Z plane in this order from the object side, and the prism P is provided with one reflecting surface for bending the optical axis in the X-Z plane to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angle of the optical axis bent by one reflecting surface of the prism P1 is smaller than 90 degrees and the angles of the optical axis bent by the remaining two reflecting surfaces are larger than 90 degrees, while the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P is smaller than 90 degrees. The reflecting surfaces making angles smaller than 90 degrees are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surfaces of angles larger than 90 degrees utilize total reflection.


However, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P1 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surface of the prism P may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twenty-second embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 22











Wide-angle
Middle
Telephoto



position
position
position














m
0.710
1.045
2.031


ω (°)
26.166
17.592
9.011


f (mm)
10.647
15.663
30.438







Pupil dia. (mm) 4.000


r1 = 94.9717











d1 = 0.9721
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 9.3965 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.8091 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.2874
nd3 = 1.52542
υd3 = 55.78







r4 = −25.4274 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −16.9121











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58423
υd5 = 30.49







r6 = 15.2040 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 40.9744











d7 = 3.5824
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −14.7461 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 21.4998 (aspherical)











d9 = 28.4133
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 1.8195







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 2.3065







r12 = 15.5002 (aspherical)











d12 = 15.7893
nd12 = 1.52542
υd12 = 55.78







r13 = −35.0088









d13 = 1.9666







r14 = 27.5692 (aspherical)











d14 = 5.0860
nd14 = 1.52542
υd14 = 55.78







r15 = −16.2713 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.9035







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface


K = −1.2960









A4 = 2.42034 × 10−5
A6 = −4.03294 × 10−7
A8 = −3.85761 × 10−10


Third surface


K = −0.2523


A4 = −1.40079 × 10−4
A6 = 9.09631 × 10−8
A8 = −7.25698 × 10−9


Fourth surface


K = −0.0226


A4 = 2.34829 × 10−5
A6 = 6.60458 × 10−7
A8 = −6.09388 × 10−9


Sixth surface


K = −0.0504


A4 = −1.07083 × 10−4
A6 = 1.32744 × 10−6
A8 = −4.22406 × 10−9


Eighth surface


K = 0.1637


A4 = 5.89020 × 10−5
A6 = 2.51165 × 10−7
A8 = 1.03528 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0039


A4 = −3.04882 × 10−6
A6 = 4.78283 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.19998 × 10−3
A6 = 1.07234 × 10−5


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.35581 × 10−5
A6 = −1.60128 × 10−7


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 7.31972 × 10−5
A6 = 9.93972 × 10−9


Zoom data










D2
8.3076
6.0828
3.0961


D4
1.1490
6.5799
16.8299


D6
11.9688
8.7628
1.4995







mh = 9.844 mm










f123
−21.628
−32.011
−64.323


m23
1.204
1.771
3.458


m2

−1.328


m3

−1.333











Condition (9)
MG45
−0.495
−0.495
−0.495









Conditions (1), (7)
mh/fe
= 0.657


Conditions (2), (3)
fe
= 14.990 mm


Condition (11)
SF2
= −0.443


Condition (12)
F2/f3
= −1.038


Condition (13)
fw/fFw
= −0.492


Condition (14)
fT/fFT
= −0.473


Condition (15)
mT/mW
= 2.859


Condition (16)
fw/fw123
= −0.492


Condition (17)
fT/fT123
= −0.473









Twenty-Third Embodiment

The real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 69A–69C, has nearly the same arrangement as that of the twenty-first embodiment with the exception of lens data.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twenty-third embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 23











Wide-angle
Middle
Telephoto



position
position
position














m
0.574
0.905
1.568


ω (°)
24.652
15.498
8.841


f (mm)
10.617
16.725
28.996







Pupil dia. (mm) 4.000


r1 = −920.9537











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 9.9330 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 9.6882 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.1510
nd3 = 1.52542
υd3 = 55.78







r4 = −23.0106 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −14.4812 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
υd5 = 30.35







r6 = 14.7812 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 11.6881











d7 = 10.4000
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −44.1162 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 19.0394 (aspherical)











d9 = 21.0918
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.9577







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 8.6051







r12 = 18.8914 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.0466
nd12 = 1.52542
υd12 = 55.78







r13 = −19.3762









d13 = 2.5000







r14 = 22.1615 (aspherical)











d14 = 14.0000
nd14 = 1.52542
υd14 = 55.78







r15 = −13.1330 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.9541







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface


K = −1.2958









A4 = −1.37883 × 10−4
A6 = 3.49813 × 10−6
A8 = −2.85996 × 10−8


Third surface


K = −0.2610


A4 = −2.84178 × 10−4
A6 = 2.18425 × 10−6
A8 = 1.89724 × 10−8


Fourth surface


K = −0.0222


A4 = −3.94404 × 10−5
A6 = 2.36146 × 10−6
A8 = 1.07129 × 10−8


Fifth surface


K = 0.2136


A4 = 7.49839 × 10−4
A6 = −3.41182 × 10−5
A8 = 9.01815 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0419


A4 = 6.33920 × 10−4
A6 = −3.96052 × 10−5
A8 = 1.13002 × 10−6


Eighth surface


K = 0.1567


A4 = 1.02994 × 10−4
A6 = 3.46598 × 10−6
A8 = 6.31270 × 10−9


Ninth surface


K = 0.0129


A4 = −6.13561 × 10−5
A6 = 1.96098 × 10−6


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.14754 × 10−4
A6 = 2.96268 × 10−6
A8 = −4.33585 × 10−8


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −1.44350 × 10−4
A6 = −3.21946 × 10−6
A8 = 6.14512 × 10−8


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −7.32422 × 10−6
A6 = 5.88495 × 10−7
A8 = −9.09150 × 10−10


Zoom data










D2
8.4479
5.9380
3.5969


D4
2.3409
8.3613
16.2888


D6
10.0702
6.5597
0.9733


mh = 9.332 mm


f123
−20.012
−31.646
−56.048


m23
1.168
1.864
3.229


m2

−1.365


m3

−1.365











Condition (9)
MG45
−0.533
−0.535
−0.537









Conditions (1), (7)
mh/fe
= 0.505


Conditions (2), (3)
fe
= 18.490 mm


Condition (11)
SF2
= −0.407


Condition (12)
F2/f3
= −1.097


Condition (13)
fw/fFw
= −0.530


Condition (14)
fT/fFT
= −0.517


Condition (15)
mT/mW
= 2.731


Condition (16)
fw/fw123
= −0.530


Condition (17)
fT/fT123
= −0.517









Twenty-Fourth Embodment

In the real image mode finder optical system of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 70A–70C, the objective optical system includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G6 with a negative refracting power, the second unit G2 with a positive refracting power, the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power, and the fourth unit G4 with a positive refracting power, and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The fourth unit G4 is constructed with the positive lens L1 and the prism P1. The eyepiece optical system is constructed with the positive lens E1 and the prism P and has a positive refracting power as a whole.


The image erecting means includes the prism P1 and the prism P. In the real image mode finder optical system of the twenty-fourth embodiment, the intermediate image formed by the objective optical system is interposed between the prism P1 and the positive lens E1, and the field frame, such as that shown in FIG. 4, is provided in the proximity of its imaging position.


The magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position by fixing the first unit G1 and the fourth unit G4 and by simply moving the second unit G2 toward the object side and the third unit G3 toward the eyepiece side along the optical axis.


Each of the first unit G1, the second unit G2, and the third unit G3 is constructed with a single lens. The entrance surface of the prism P1 has a curvature. The entrance surface and the exit surface of the prism P also have curvatures.


The prism P1 and the prism P are provided with reflecting surfaces along the optical path so that the optical axis is bent to obtain an erect image. For example, the prism P1 is provided with three reflecting surfaces for bending the optical axis once in the Y-Z plane and twice in the X-Y plane in this order from the object side, and the prism P is provided with one reflecting surface for bending the optical axis in the Y-Z plane to erect the image. Also, the arrangement of the reflecting surfaces is based on that of a Porro prism. Angles made with the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are such that, for example, the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 are smaller than 90 degrees. The three reflecting surfaces of the prism P1 are coated with metal films, such as silver and aluminum. The reflecting surface of the prism P utilizes total reflection.


However, the ways of bending the optical axis through the prisms and the angles of the optical axis bent by the reflecting surfaces are not limited to the above description. For example, the angle of the optical axis bent by the most field-frame-side reflecting surface of the prism P1 may be made smaller than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface is coated with a metal film. Moreover, the angle of the optical axis bent by the second reflecting surface, from the field frame side, of the prism P1 may also be made larger than 90 degrees so that this reflecting surface utilizes total reflection.


The positive lens E1 is constructed so that diopter adjustment can be made in accordance with an observer's diopter.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the real image mode finder optical system according to the twenty-fourth embodiment are shown below.












Numerical data 24











Wide-angle
Middle
Telephoto



position
position
position














m
0.457
0.775
1.602


ω (°)
30.208
17.858
8.701


f (mm)
8.505
14.412
29.797







Pupil dia. (mm) 4.000


r1 = 75.2465











d1 = 1.0000
nd1 = 1.58423
υd1 = 30.49







r2 = 8.8816 (aspherical)









d2 = D2 (variable)







r3 = 10.2728 (aspherical)











d3 = 4.1473
nd3 = 1.52542
υd3 = 55.78







r4 = −18.0037 (aspherical)









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = −10.0864 (aspherical)











d5 = 1.0000
nd5 = 1.58425
υd5 = 30.35







r6 = 10.3864 (aspherical)









d6 = D6 (variable)







r7 = 19.6921











d7 = 4.3014
nd7 = 1.52542
υd7 = 55.78







r8 = −13.1461 (aspherical)









d8 = 0.5000







r9 = 21.4624 (aspherical)











d9 = 27.5577
nd9 = 1.52542
υd9 = 55.78







r10 = ∞









d10 = 2.1330







r11 = ∞ (field frame)









d11 = 8.3794







r12 = 18.8914 (aspherical)











d12 = 3.1249
nd12 = 1.52542
υd12 = 55.78







r13 = −18.8429









d13 = 2.5000







r14 = −19.8984 (aspherical)











d14 = 14.0000
nd14 = 1.52542
υd14 = 55.78







r15 = −12.6982 (aspherical)









d15 = 16.9541







r16 = ∞ (eyepoint)


Aspherical coefficients


Second surface


K = −1.2958









A4 = 3.44925 × 10−6
A6 = 4.20426 × 10−7
A8 = −7.66223 × 10−9


Third surface


K = −0.2616


A4 = −2.70426 × 10−4
A6 = 1.77644 × 10−6
A8 = −2.00847 × 10−7


Fourth surface


K = −0.0223


A4 = −7.38297 × 10−5
A6 = 6.70806 × 10−7
A8 = −1.54652 × 10−7


Fifth surface


K = 0.2135


A4 = 3.49998 × 10−4
A6 = −1.71207 × 10−5
A8 = 3.68862 × 10−7


Sixth surface


K = −0.0430


A4 = −1.78394 × 10−4
A6 = −7.98576 × 10−6
A8 = 1.76981 × 10−7


Eighth surface


K = 0.1579


A4 = 4.99038 × 10−6
A6 = 8.82927 × 10−7
A8 = 1.18585 × 10−8


Ninth surface


K = 0.0120


A4 = −1.28730 × 10−4
A6 = 5.21275 × 10−7


Twelfth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = −2.49634 × 10−4
A6 = 1.72455 × 10−7
A8 = 2.31794 × 10−9


Fourteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 8.06332 × 10−6
A6 = 4.07603 × 10−7
A8 = −1.41628 × 10−8


Fifteenth surface


K = 0.0000


A4 = 3.96776 × 10−5
A6 = 5.11111 × 10−8
A8 = −1.38979 × 10−10


Zoom data










D2
11.4348
8.0329
4.3575


D4
1.2500
6.8862
14.8224


D6
8.1779
5.9436
1.6828


mh = 9.391 mm


f123
−10.255
−17.402
−36.720


m23
0.592
1.000
2.070


m2

−1.000


m3

−1.000











Condition (9)
MG45
−0.831
−0.834
−0.837









Conditions (1), (7)
mh/fe
= 0.505


Conditions (2), (3)
fe
= 18.603 mm


Condition (8)
φ(mh/2)
= −0.118345 (1/mm)


Condition (10)
β3
= −1.000


Condition (11)
SF2
= −0.273


Condition (12)
F2/f3
= −1.524


Condition (13)
fw/fFw
= −0.829


Condition (14)
fT/fFT
= −0.811


Condition (15)
mT/mW
= 3.503


Condition (16)
fw/fw123
= −0.829


Condition (17)
fT/fT123
= −0.811









The real image mode finder optical system according to the present invention constructed as mentoned above can be used in any of various photographing apparatuses, such as compact cameras, for example, 35 mm film cameras and APS film cameras; digital cameras using electronic image sensors, for example, CCDs and CMOS sensors; and video movies. A specific application example of this finder optical system will be described below.



FIGS. 71–73 show an example of an electromic camera incorporating the real image mode finder optical system of the present invention.


As shown in FIGS. 71–73, an electronic camera 200 includes a photographing optical system 202 having a photpgraphing optical path 201, a finder optical system 204 of the present invention having a finder optical path 203, a release button 205, a stroboscopic lamp 206, and a liquid crystal display monitor 207. When the release button 205 provided on the upper surface of the electronic camera 200 is pushd, photographing is performed through the photographing optical system 202 in association with the release button 205. An object image formed by the photographing optical system 202 falls on an image senser chip 209, such as a CCD, through various filters 208, such as an IR (infrared) cutoff filter and a low-pass filter.


The object image received by the image sensor chip 209 is displayed, as an electronic image, on the liquid crystal display monitor 207 provided on the back surface of the electronic camera 200 through a processing means 211 electrically connected with terminals 210. The processing means 211 controls a recording means 212 for recording the object image received by the image sensor chip 209 as electronic information. The recording means 212 is electrocally connected with the processing means 211. Also, the recording means 212 may be replaced with a device for writing the record in a recording medium, such as a floppy disk, a smart medium, or memory card.


Where the photographing optical system 202 is constructed as a zoom lens, the finder optical system 204 having the finder optical path 203 may use the real image mode finder optical system of any of the above embodiments. Where the photographing optical system 202 is a single focus optical system, the objective optical system in the finder optical system 204 may be replaced with a single focus objective optical system in which a photographing area can be observed.


For the image erecting means, any means which is capable of erecting an image, not to speak of the Porro prism, is satisfactory. For example, when a roof reflecting surface is used as the image erecting means so that the objective optical system includes the roof reflecting surface and one planar reflecting surface and the eyepiece optical system includes one planar reflecting surface, compactness of the entire camera can be achieved. The reflecting surfaces are not limited to planar surfaces and may be configured as curved surfaces.


Even when a photographing film is used instead of the image sensor chip 209, a compact film camera with an excellent view can be obtained.



FIGS. 74A–74C show a specific example of a photographing zoom lens used in a compact camera for a 35 mm film (the maximum image height of 21.6 mm).


The photographing zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, the first unit G1 with a positive refracting power; the second unit G2 with a negative refracting power, having an aperture stop S which is variable in aperture diameter, at the most object-side position; and the third unit G3 with a negative refracting power. When the magnification of the finder is changed in the range from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position, a space between the first unit and the second unit is continuously widened, and a space between the second unit and the third unit is contunuously narrowed, so that the first unit and the third unit are integrally constructed and the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are continuously moved toward the object side, thereby forming the object image on a film surface.


Subsequently, numerical data of optical members constituting the photographing zoom lens are shown below. In the numerical data, f represents the focal length of the photographing zoom lens, ω represents a half angle of view, Fno represents an F-number, and bf represents a back focal distance. Other symbols are the same as those used in the numerical data of the embodiments.












Numerical data (photographing zoom lens)











Wide-angle position
Middle position
Telephoto position














f(mm)
29.31
72.87
135.00


ω (°)
28.3
16.1
9.0


Fno
4.1
6.8
11.5


bf (mm)
9.47732
31.48343
71.3185







r1 = −180.6198











d1 = 1.2001
nd1 = 1.76182
υd1 = 26.52







r2 = 180.6198









d2 = 0.2286







r3 = 21.6168











d3 = 3.1212
nd3 = 1.49700
υd3 = 81.54







r4 = −380.8986









d4 = D4 (variable)







r5 = ∞ (stop)









d5 = 1.0000







r6 = −16.3795











d6 = 1.0004
nd6 = 1.77250
υd6 = 49.60







r7 = 12.8963











d7 = 3.1001
nd7 = 1.72825
υd7 = 28.46







r8 = −134.5936









d8 = 0.4702







r9 = 31.9527











d9 = 3.3010
nd9 = 1.56016
υd9 = 60.30







r10 = −24.8940 (aspherical)









d10 = 0.7899







r11 = −80.7304











d11 = 1.0020
nd11 = 1.80518
υd11 = 25.43







r12 = 21.6465











d12 = 4.0740
nd12 = 1.69680
υd12 = 55.53







r13 = −17.2293









d13 = D13 (variable)







r14 = −48.1099 (aspherical)











d14 = 0.2501
nd14 = 1.52288
υd14 = 52.50







r15 = −65.5251











d15 = 1.3535
nd15 = 1.80610
υd15 = 40.95







r16 = 47.5056









d16 = 0.2911







r17 = 41.0817











d17 = 3.5899
nd17 = 1.80518
υd17 = 25.43







r18 = −76.4471









d18 = 3.8912







r19 = −14.7089











d19 = 1.6801
nd19 = 1.69680
υd19 = 55.53







r20 = −488.7372









d20 = D20 (variable)







r21 = ∞ (film surface)


Aspherical coefficients


Tenth surface


K = 1.5373









A4 = 8.3473 × 10−5
A6 = 5.1702 × 10−7
A8 = −1.3021 × 10−8


A10 = 1.5962 × 10−10


Fourteenth surface


K = −18.4065


A4 = 2.4223 × 10−5
A6 = 1.3956 × 10−7
A8 = −1.8237 × 10−10


A10 = 3.9911 × 10−12


Zoom data







When an infinite object point is focused:










D4
3.6815
10.0332
14.0700


D13
11.5705
5.2188
1.1820


D20
9.4773
31.4834
71.3185







When the object point distance is 0.6 m:










D4
2.3504
8.3489
11.9918


D13
12.9016
6.9031
3.2602


D20
9.4773
31.4834
71.3185








Claims
  • 1. A real image mode finder optical system comprising, in order from an object side: an objective optical system with a positive refracting power;a field frame located in the proximity of an imaging position of the objective optical system; andan eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power,wherein the real image mode finder optical system includes an image erecting device,wherein the objective optical system is capable of having a focal length shorter than a focal length of the eyepiece optical system, andwherein the eyepiece optical system includes, in order from the object side, a prism unit with a positive refracting power and a lens unit with a positive refracting power a most field-frame-side surface of the prism unit with a positive refracting power having a positive refracting power and being configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on a periphery thereof.
  • 2. A real image mode finder optical system according to claim 1, wherein the objective optical system has at least two lens units, the focal length of the objective optical system is variable, and when the magnification is changed, the at least two lens units are moved along different paths.
  • 3. A real image mode finder optical system according to claim 1, wherein the objective optical system comprises, in order from the object side, a first unit with a negative refracting power, a second unit with a positive refracting power, a third unit with a negative refracting power, and a fourth unit with a positive refracting power so that a magnification of the finder optical system is changed, ranging from a wide-angle position to a telephoto position, by simply moving the second unit toward the object side and the third unit toward the eyepiece optical system to satisfy the following condition: 0.52<mh/fe<1
  • 4. A real image mode finder optical system according to claim 3, wherein the prism unit with a positive refracting power has a positive refracting power on an optical axis thereof.
  • 5. A photographing apparatus comprising a real image-mode finder optical system according to claim 1.
  • 6. A finder optical system comprising an eyepiece optical system with a positive refracting power, the eyepiece optical system comprising an optical unit with a positive refracting power and a lens unit with a positive refracting power, wherein, in the eyepiece optical system, a refracting surface that is positioned most distant from an eyepoint has a positive refracting power and is configured as an aspherical surface with a negative refracting power on a periphery thereof.
  • 7. A finder optical system according to claim 6, wherein the optical unit is a prism unit.
  • 8. A finder optical system according to claim 6, further comprising a field frame positioned more distant from the eyepoint than the aspherical surface is, wherein the aspherical surface satisfies the following condition: −0.7(1/mm)<φ(mh/2)<φ(1/mm)
  • 9. A finder optical system according to claim 8, further comprising an objective optical system that forms an image in a proximity of the field frame.
  • 10. A photographing apparatus comprising a finder optical system according to claim 6.
Priority Claims (5)
Number Date Country Kind
2000-122413 Apr 2000 JP national
2000-127652 Apr 2000 JP national
2000-159584 May 2000 JP national
2000-166523 May 2000 JP national
2000-172018 Jun 2000 JP national
Parent Case Info

This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,911, filed on Oct. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,411 which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/836,391, which was filed on Apr. 18, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,461, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. This divisional application also relies for priority on Japanese Patent Application Nos. JP 2000-122413, filed Apr. 18, 2000, JP 2000-127652, filed Apr. 24, 2000, JP 2000-159584, filed May 25, 2000, JP 2000-166523, filed May 31, 2000, and JP 2000-172018, filed Jun. 5, 2000, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (7)
Number Name Date Kind
6041193 Aoki Mar 2000 A
6175455 Kato et al. Jan 2001 B1
6411783 Takase et al. Jun 2002 B2
6515797 Koyama Feb 2003 B2
6671461 Tochigi Dec 2003 B2
6862411 Tochigi Mar 2005 B2
6865032 Hankawa et al. Mar 2005 B2
Foreign Referenced Citations (5)
Number Date Country
06-051201 Feb 1994 JP
08-136806 May 1996 JP
09-211547 Aug 1997 JP
10-206933 Aug 1998 JP
11-242167 Sep 1999 JP
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20050163500 A1 Jul 2005 US
Divisions (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 10687911 Oct 2003 US
Child 11009084 US
Parent 09836391 Apr 2001 US
Child 10687911 US