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

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

PTL2 discloses an accessory according to the preamble portion of claim <NUM>. Further conventional accessories are disclosed in PTL3 to PTL6.

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

For the purpose of achieving the above described objects, an accessory includes all features of claim <NUM>. Further advantageous developments are subject-matter of the dependent claims.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In <FIG>, a focus operation ring (first operation member) <NUM> is a focus operation ring that moves the focusing lens unit FLU in a direction (optical axis direction) parallel to the optical axis O.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The focus mode setting switch <NUM> and the image capturing distance range setting switch <NUM> are arranged at positions closer to the image than the focus operation ring <NUM>. Specifically, the focus operation ring <NUM> is arranged between the custom operation ring <NUM> and the focus mode setting switch <NUM> and the image capturing distance range setting switch <NUM>.

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

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

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

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second wall portion <NUM> covers a portion (near an object-side end portion) of the second exterior member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first wall portion <NUM> also covers a portion (near the object-side end portion) of the second exterior member <NUM>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the area of the surface of the second exterior member <NUM> that is covered by the first wall portion <NUM> is larger than the area of the surface of the second exterior member <NUM> that is covered by the second wall portion <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

An image stabilization (IS) selection switch <NUM> is for switching an image stabilization function on and off. As illustrated in <FIG>, a line L5 passing through a portion of the IS selection switch <NUM> and being parallel to the optical axis O passes through a portion of the second wall portion <NUM> (a portion of the depressed portion between the first wall portions <NUM>). Thus, the IS selection switch <NUM> is also easy to find similarly to the switches <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the second interchangeable lens 100B, not the second annular member <NUM> but the lens holding frame <NUM> includes the cap attachment mark <NUM>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adaptor <NUM> includes the custom operation ring <NUM>, the lens attachment mark <NUM>, and the lens mount <NUM>. Further, the adaptor <NUM> includes a lock pin <NUM> and a pin operation portion <NUM>. The lock pin <NUM> is to be inserted into a depressed portion of the lens mount portion of the interchangeable lens <NUM>. The pin operation portion <NUM> moves the lock pin <NUM> forward and backward in the optical axis direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the interchangeable lens <NUM> includes the focus operation ring <NUM> having a straight-shaped groove structure. Further, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adaptor <NUM> includes the custom operation ring <NUM> having a diamond-shaped groove structure. Thus, in a case where image capturing is performed using the interchangeable lens <NUM>, the adaptor <NUM>, and the camera body <NUM>, the focus operation ring <NUM> of the interchangeable lens <NUM> and the custom operation ring <NUM> of the adaptor <NUM> are discriminated with ease.

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

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

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

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

Claim 1:
An accessory comprising:
a focusing lens unit (FLU) that is to be moved in an optical axis direction for focusing;
a first operation member (<NUM>) that is operated to move the focusing lens unit (FLU) in the optical axis direction; and
a second operation member (<NUM>) that is operable with respect to one of a function selectively assigned among a plurality of functions different from the focusing,
characterized in that
a width of the first operation member (<NUM>) in the optical axis direction is greater than a width of the second operation member (<NUM>) in the optical axis direction,
a surface of the first operation member (<NUM>) has a straight-shaped groove structure, and a surface of the second operation member (<NUM>) has a mesh-shaped groove structure, and in that
a material of the surface of the first operation member (<NUM>) is more elastically deformable than a material of the surface of the second operation member (<NUM>).