Patent ID: 6343189
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A camera comprising:a retractable built-in flash unit that is movable between a retracted position and a discharge position; and a controller that controls said built-in flash unit and provides a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes comprising an auto flash mode in which said controller enables said built-in flash unit to discharge automatically when determined to be necessary based on predetermined conditions; wherein, in the auto flash mode, said controller moves said built-in flash unit from the retracted position to the discharge position when the predetermined conditions are satisfied, and subsequently controls said built-in flash unit to discharge automatically at a time of exposure; and wherein, in the auto flash mode, said controller temporarily prohibits said built-in flash unit from automatically discharging, without being switched to another mode of the plurality of modes, when said built-in flash unit is pushed down to the retracted position after said controller moves said built-in flash unit from the retracted position to the discharge position.