Patent ID: 8414205
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: G02B,G03B

Abstract:
1. An intermediate accessory attachable between a camera and an exchange lens which are configured to communicate with each other, the intermediate accessory comprising: an information processor configured to provide predetermined processing for information received from one of the camera and the exchange lens, and to transmit information that has undergone the predetermined processing, to the other of the camera and the exchange lens; a first communication channel configured to enable the camera and the exchange lens to communicate with each other without intervening the information processor; a second communication channel configured to enable the camera and the exchange lens to communicate with each other through the information processor; and a switch configured to switch between a first connection state and a second connection state, the first connection state connecting the first communication channel and disconnecting the second communication channel, and the second connection state disconnecting the first communication channel and connecting the second communication channel, wherein the intermediate accessory sets the second connection state using the switch while the camera and the exchange lens are being attached, wherein the intermediate accessory obtains lens identification information from the exchange lens, which is used to identify the exchange lens, and wherein the intermediate accessory sets the first connection state using the switch and transfers to an operation restricting mode used to restrict at least part of an operation the intermediate accessory, when the lens identification information indicates a specific exchange lens that does not require the predetermined processing.