Lens device and imaging apparatus

Abstract

To improve operability in a lens device having a tilt effect or a shift effect.SOLUTION: A lens device of the present invention has: an optical system that has a plurality of optical elements and forms a subject image on an image pick-up device; a tilt optical element that is at least one optical element of the plurality of optical elements, and moves in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical system to tilt a focus surface with respect to an imaging surface of the image pick-up device; a focus optical element that is at least one optical element of the plurality of optical elements, and moves in a direction along the optical axis of the optical system to focus on the image pick-up device; a tilt operation ring that rotates about the optical axis to operate the movement of the tilt optical element; and a focus operation ring that rotates about the optical axis to operate the movement of the focus optical element. The tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are arranged side by side in the direction along the optical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to a lens apparatus and an imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices such as single-lens reflex cameras have been required to capture images for a variety of purposes. One of these applications is an optical system that has a tilt effect, which tilts an object plane so as to bring the entire object into focus when the object plane is tilted with respect to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes a lens device that obtains a tilt effect that tilts the subject plane relative to the optical axis and a shift effect that shifts the composition by tilting or decentering a part of the lens barrel that supports the photographic optical system relative to the optical axis.

[0004] Patent Document 2 proposes an optical system that obtains tilt and shift effects by driving a part of the lens group of the imaging optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-8061 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-90952 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for improved operability in a lens device and an imaging device having an optical system that obtains a tilt effect or a shift effect by driving a lens group in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis as in Patent Document 2. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A lens device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an optical system having a plurality of optical elements that forms an image of a subject on an image sensor; at least one of the plurality of optical elements being a tilt optical element that moves in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system to tilt a focal plane relative to the image sensor's image sensor; at least one of the plurality of optical elements being a focus optical element that moves in a direction along the optical axis of the optical system to focus on the image sensor; a tilt operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to control the movement of the tilt optical element; and a focus operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to control the movement of the focus optical element, wherein the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are arranged side by side in a direction along the optical axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The operability can be improved in a lens device and an imaging device having an optical system that obtains a tilt effect or a shift effect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a lens device and a camera body that constitute a camera system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of a camera system including a lens device and a camera body. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the Scheimpflug principle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a lens device and a camera body. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for preparing for photography. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the lens device and the camera body during shifting. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the lens device and the camera body during revolving. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] With reference to Fig. 1, the configuration of a camera system (image capture device) equipped with a lens apparatus 001 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the lens apparatus 001 and camera body 002 that constitute the camera system 000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the optical axis direction of the lens apparatus 001 is defined as the X axis, the pitch direction as the Y axis, and the yaw direction as the Z axis. Fig. 1 shows a cross section along the Z axis. The camera body 002 is, for example, a digital camera with interchangeable lenses, such as a single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless camera.

[0012] The camera body 002 has an imaging unit 1106 (image sensor). The lens device 001 is detachably attached to the camera body 002, which has an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor. By controlling a shutter (not shown) with the camera CPU 1100, an image formed through the lens device 001 can be exposed to the imaging unit 1106 for any desired time, and captured. The camera also has a display unit 1108 with a touch panel function that can display captured images and set and change various functions of the camera system 000, and a finder 016 that can be looked into to check the captured image and input gaze information.

[0013] The lens device 001 has lenses as optical elements. The lens device 001 has a first lens group 021, a second lens group 022, a third lens group 023, a fourth lens group 024, a fifth lens group 025, a sixth lens group 026, a seventh lens group 027, and an eighth lens group 028. Details of each lens group are omitted here, and each lens group may include multiple lenses. The optical axis of the optical system consisting of these lenses (multiple optical elements) is designated as optical axis 004. The optical system of the lens device 001 can form a subject image on the image sensor of the camera body 002. Each lens is held by a lens barrel having a cam follower (not shown), and changing the positional relationship along the optical axis 004 can change the focal length of the lens device 001. The lens device 001 also has an aperture mechanism 011 that changes the aperture diameter of the optical system via the lens CPU 1000. The user can change the aperture value of the aperture mechanism 011 by operating an aperture ring 020.

[0014] The first lens 021 can be driven in a direction along the optical axis 004 to adjust the focus. The first lens 021 is held by a lens barrel having a cam follower. The cam follower engages with a linear groove parallel to the optical axis of the guide barrel 007 and a cam groove inclined toward the optical axis of the cam barrel 008. The cam barrel 008 is rotatably supported on the guide barrel 007 by an actuator 031. Rotating around the optical axis 004, the first lens 021 moves along the linear groove provided in the guide barrel 007. The movement distance of the first lens 021 can be detected by a position detection unit (not shown). An autofocus operation that automatically focuses on a subject can be performed by operating a release switch 1102 (shown in FIG. 2) or a display unit 1108 (not shown) provided on the camera body 002. The lens device 001 can also be manually driven to a desired focus position by operating a focus ring 006 provided on the lens device 001. The focus adjustment configuration is not limited to the guide barrel 007 and the cam barrel 008, and may be configured to use a guide bar (not shown) that guides the first lens group 021 in the direction of the optical axis 004.

[0015] The second lens group 022 and the third lens group 023 are fixed groups that do not move along the optical axis. The second lens group 022 and the third lens group 023 are fixed to a base 042. In addition, a guide barrel 007 is fixed to the base 042.

[0016] The fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 are configured to produce a tilt effect, tilting the focal plane relative to the imaging surface, by driving each of them in the same direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. Here, lenses that produce a tilt effect are referred to as tilt optical elements. The tilt effect can also be achieved by moving the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 in opposite directions. The fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 are guided by the conversion member 036 and the first guide member 035 by operating the tilt operation ring 019 (operation member) and move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. The tilt operation ring 019 (operation member) can be rotated around the optical axis of the optical system. In this manner, in this embodiment, the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 are driven mechanically in conjunction with the rotation of the tilt operation ring 019. However, a system may also be used in which the rotation of the tilt operation ring 019 is detected and the fourth lens group 024 and the sixth lens group 026 are driven by an actuator (not shown) as a drive source according to the amount of rotation.

[0017] The fifth group lens 025 is sandwiched between the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026, and is a fixed group that does not move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or along the optical axis. The seventh group lens 027 is also a fixed group that does not move along the optical axis. A base 041 that fixes the fifth group lens 025 and the seventh group lens 027 is also fixed to the lens apparatus.

[0018] The eighth lens group 028 is a fixed group that does not move along the optical axis. The base 300 fixes the eighth lens group 028 and rotatably supports the tilt operation ring 019 together with the base 041.

[0019] The lens device 001 has a mount 005 that can be connected and fixed to a mount (not shown) of the camera body 002. The mount 005 is fixed to a fixed portion 030. A whole rotation unit 029 is provided on the fixed portion 030 so as to be rotatable about the center of the mount 005. Rotation of the whole rotation unit 029 rotates all of the units provided on the lens device 001 closer to the subject than the fixed portion 030. A shift unit 032 is provided on the whole rotation unit 029 as a shift mechanism so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. Operation of the shift operation unit 034 moves part of the lens device 001 or all of the units provided on the subject side of the shift unit 032 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis 004. In this embodiment, the shift operation unit 034 is a knob type, but it may also be a cylindrical operation ring with the optical axis 004 as its center of rotation. A TS rotation unit 033 is provided on the shift unit so as to be rotatable about the optical axis 004. By the rotation of the TS rotation unit 033, the units provided on the subject side of the lens device 001 from the TS rotation unit 033 rotate together.

[0020] In addition, the lens device 001 has a lens side electrical contact 1009 and a camera side electrical contact 1010 that connect the lens CPU 1000 of the lens device 001 and the camera CPU 1100 of the camera body 002, and the settings made on the camera side can be reflected in the lens device 001.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a camera system 000 (image capture device) including a lens device 001 and a camera body 002. As shown in FIG.

[0022] First, we will explain the control flow inside the camera body 002. The camera CPU 1100 is composed of a microcomputer. The camera CPU 1100 controls the operation of each part inside the camera body 002. When the lens device 001 is attached, the camera CPU 1100 also communicates with the lens CPU 1000 provided inside the lens device 001 via the lens side electrical contacts 1009 and the camera side electrical contacts 1010.

[0023] The information (signal) transmitted from the camera CPU 1100 to the lens CPU 1000 includes information on the drive amount and focus error information of the first lens 021. It also includes attitude information of the camera body 002 based on a signal from a camera attitude detection unit 1110 such as an acceleration sensor (not shown). It also includes information on the subject distance to the subject, focus error information, and information indicating the desired shooting range (field of view) based on a signal from a TS instruction unit 1109 that indicates the desired subject on which the photographer wants to focus. It also includes information on the subject distance to the subject, focus error information, and shooting range information indicating the desired shooting range (field of view) based on a signal from the TS instruction unit 1109 that indicates the desired subject on which the photographer wants to focus.

[0024] The information (signal) transmitted from the lens CPU 1000 to the camera CPU 1100 includes optical information such as the imaging magnification of the lens, and lens function information such as zoom (if a zoom lens) and vibration isolation (if an vibration isolation mechanism is present) installed in the attached lens device, as well as orientation information detected by a lens orientation detection unit 1008 such as a gyro sensor or acceleration sensor.

[0025] The lens side electrical contacts 1009 and the camera side electrical contacts 1010 include contacts for supplying power from the camera body 002 to the lens device 001 .

[0026] The power switch 1101 is a switch that can be operated by the photographer, and can start the camera CPU 1100 and start supplying power to the actuators, sensors, etc. within the camera system. The release switch 1102 is a switch that can be operated by the photographer, and has a first stroke switch SW1 and a second stroke switch SW2. A signal from the release switch 1102 is input to the camera CPU 1100. In response to input of an ON signal from the first stroke switch SW1, the camera CPU 1100 enters a shooting preparation state. In the shooting preparation state, the photometry unit 1103 measures the brightness of the subject, and the focus detection unit 1104 performs focus detection.

[0027] The camera CPU 1100 calculates the aperture value of the aperture mechanism 011 and the exposure amount (shutter time) of the imaging unit 1106 based on the photometry result obtained by the photometry unit 1103. The camera CPU 1100 also determines the drive amount (including the drive direction) of the first lens 021 based on focus information (defocus amount and defocus direction), which is the detection result of the focus state of the imaging optical system by the focus detection unit 1104. The drive amount information (drive amount information of the first lens 021) is transmitted to the lens CPU 1000. The lens CPU 1000 controls the operation of each component of the lens device 001.

[0028] Furthermore, the lens device 001 of this embodiment is configured to obtain a tilt effect that tilts the focal plane relative to the imaging plane by driving the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 in directions perpendicular to the optical axis 004. When the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 are electrically driven by actuators (not shown), the camera CPU 1100 calculates the tilt drive amount required to focus on the desired subject specified by the TS command unit 1109. Information about these drive amounts is sent from the camera CPU 1100 to the lens CPU 1000, which controls the drive of the fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026.

[0029] Furthermore, the TS instruction unit may be in the lens device 001 instead of the camera body 002, and its function may be assigned to an existing rotary operation unit, button, switch, etc., of the lens device 001 or camera body 002. Also, a dedicated TS instruction unit may be provided in the lens device 001 or camera body 002. Details of the operation configuration for obtaining the tilt effect in this embodiment will be described later.

[0030] Here, multiple subjects may be specified by the TS specifying unit 1109. Even if the subjects are at different distances, it is possible to focus on them if they are on a tilted subject plane due to the tilt effect described above.

[0031] Furthermore, in the case of a lens device with an anti-shake function, when a predetermined shooting mode is entered, the camera CPU 1100 starts eccentric drive of the anti-shake lens (not shown), that is, control of the hand shake anti-shake operation (eccentric drive control).

[0032] When an ON signal is input from the second stroke switch SW2, the camera CPU 1100 sends an aperture drive command to the lens CPU 1000 to set the aperture mechanism 011 to the calculated aperture value. The camera CPU 1100 also sends an exposure start command to the exposure unit 1105 to open a shutter (not shown) and cause the image sensor of the image capturing unit 1106 to perform photoelectric conversion of the subject image, i.e., an exposure operation.

[0033] The imaging signal from the imaging unit 1106 is converted into a digital signal by a signal processing unit in the camera CPU 1100, and then subjected to various correction processes before being output as an image signal. The image signal (data) is recorded and saved in an image recording medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk by an image recording unit 1107.

[0034] Furthermore, an image captured by the imaging unit 1106 can be displayed on a display unit 1108 that is a display using liquid crystal or organic EL technology during shooting. Furthermore, an image recorded in an image recording unit 1107 can also be displayed.

[0035] This display is equipped with touch operation technology, allowing the subject to be selected and focused on the monitor for live view shooting. In other words, the TS instruction unit 1109 can be configured to be included in the display unit 1108.

[0036] Next, the internal control flow of the lens device 001 will be described. The focus operation rotation detection unit 1002 includes the focus operation ring 006 and a sensor (not shown) that detects its rotation. The aperture operation rotation detection unit 1011 includes the aperture operation ring 020 and a sensor (not shown) that detects its rotation. The zoom operation rotation detection unit 1003 includes a zoom operation ring and a sensor (not shown) that detects its rotation. The focal length of the lens device can be changed by operating the zoom operation ring. This applies when the lens device is equipped with a zoom lens and a zoom operation ring for moving the zoom lens; the lens device of this embodiment does not include a zoom operation ring. The subject storage unit 1012 defines and stores the spatial position of the subject in the shooting range designated by the TS designation unit 1109 or display unit 1108 using subject distance and spatial coordinates.

[0037] The TS operation detection unit 1001 includes a manual operation unit for obtaining tilt and shift effects, and a sensor (not shown) that detects the amount of operation. The IS drive unit 1004 includes a drive actuator for an anti-vibration lens (not shown) that performs anti-vibration operation, and its drive circuit. This structure is unnecessary for lens devices without anti-vibration functions.

[0038] The focus driver 1006 includes a first lens group 021 (focus optical element) that performs focusing operations, and an actuator 031 that moves the first lens group 021 in the optical axis direction according to drive amount information thereof. The drive amount information is determined based on a signal from the camera CPU 1100 described above. Alternatively, the focus operation / rotation detector 1002 can be operated to manually specify the focus position, and the drive amount information can be determined from that signal.

[0039] The electromagnetic diaphragm driver 1005 controls its drive source by the lens CPU 1000, which receives an aperture drive command from the camera CPU 1100, and operates the diaphragm mechanism 011 to an open state corresponding to the specified aperture value. It also operates in the same way when the photographer operates the aperture operation ring 020 to specify a desired aperture value.

[0040] The lens CPU 1000, which receives information on the subject distance, position information, and shooting range from the camera CPU 1100, controls the drive source of the TS driver 1007 to tilt the lens to the desired subject plane (focus plane) and shift the lens to obtain the desired shooting range. It goes without saying that the lens CPU 1000 controls the TS driver 1007 and the focus driver 1006 to operate optimally to obtain the desired focus. Furthermore, the lens device 001 of this embodiment has optical characteristics that allow the focus to change with the shift operation even if the subject distance does not change. It goes without saying that the TS driver 1007 and the focus driver 1006 are optimally controlled in accordance with these characteristics. However, this only applies when the tilt and shift operations of the lens device 001 are electrically driven by an actuator.

[0041] The gyro sensor (not shown) is disposed (fixed) inside the lens device 001 and electrically connected to the lens CPU 1000. The gyro sensor detects the angular velocities of vertical (pitch) and horizontal (yaw) shake, which are angular shakes of the camera system, and outputs the detected values ​​as angular velocity signals to the lens CPU 1000. The lens CPU 1000 electrically or mechanically integrates the angular velocity signals in the pitch and yaw directions from the gyro sensor to calculate the pitch shake amount and yaw shake amount (collectively referred to as the angular shake amount), which are the displacement amounts in the respective directions. The lens CPU 1000 controls the IS driver 1004 to shift and drive the vibration-proof lens based on the combined displacement amount of the angular shake amount and translational shake amount described above, thereby performing rotational shake correction and translational shake correction. As mentioned above, some lens devices do not have a vibration-proof function, in which case this structure / function is unnecessary. Furthermore, the lens CPU 1000 controls the focus driver 1006 based on the amount of focus shake to drive the first lens 021 in the optical axis direction, thereby correcting the focus shake.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the Scheimpflug principle. When the optical axis of the optical system in the lens apparatus 001 is tilted relative to the imaging unit 1106, the in-focus range on the subject side is determined by the Scheimpflug principle. FIG. 3(a) shows the in-focus range when the optical axis of the optical system is not tilted relative to the imaging plane, and FIG. 3(b) shows the in-focus range when the optical axis of the optical system is tilted relative to the imaging plane. The diagrams respectively show imaging plane 1200a, imaging plane 1200b, optical system 1201a, optical system 1201b, in-focus subject plane 1202a, subject plane 1202b, principal plane 1203a, and principal plane 1203b of the optical system. The Scheimpflug principle states that when imaging plane 1200b and principal plane 1203b of the optical system intersect at intersection 1204b on a line, as shown in FIG. 3(b), subject plane 1202b also passes through intersection 1204b.

[0043] When the subject to be photographed has depth, tilting the subject plane 1202b to follow that depth makes it possible to focus on the subject from the foreground to the background. When focusing on a depth area with a lens that does not have a tilt mechanism, the usual method is to narrow the aperture to increase the depth of field, but with a tilt lens, it is possible to focus on the depth even with the aperture wide open by tilting the lens.

[0044] Conversely, by tilting the principal plane of optical system 1201b in the opposite direction to the inclination of the subject with depth, it is possible to make subject plane 1202b intersect with the subject's depth direction at an angle close to a right angle. In this case, the in-focus range can be made extremely narrow, making it possible to obtain a so-called diorama-style image.

[0045] However, the lens apparatus of this embodiment generates a tilt θobj of the object plane 1202c by utilizing the image plane tilt caused by decentering the lens, rather than by tilting the optical system. However, if the Scheimpflug principle is applied to the lens principal plane 1203c and object plane 1202c in which tilt does not occur, an image plane tilt of an angle θimg should occur on the image pickup plane 1200c. Therefore, the lens 1201c of the lens apparatus 001 of this embodiment corrects this angle θimg, allowing the object plane to tilt without tilting the image pickup plane 1200c, enabling the desired object to be focused on.

[0046] On the other hand, if a predetermined imaging surface tilt correction effect is to be achieved, the amount of decentering of lens 1201c increases, resulting in greater compositional deviation. Therefore, this problem is solved by moving another lens designed to reduce aberration fluctuations during decentering, that is, by decentering the fourth-group lens 024 and sixth-group lens 026, which correspond to lens 1201c.

[0047] (Tilt control ring configuration) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lens device and camera body of this embodiment.

[0048] As described above, the tilt ring 019 is supported on the base 300 (and the base 041) so as to be rotatable at a fixed position. Furthermore, the focus ring 006 is supported on the base 041, which is fixed to the base 300, so as to be rotatable at a fixed position. As a result, the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006 are arranged side by side in the direction along the optical axis. While FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006 are adjacent to each other, in this embodiment, another ring may be arranged between the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006, or an exterior ring, a fixed barrel, or the like may be arranged. In this way, the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006, which are rotatable at a fixed position relative to the lens device, are arranged at different positions from each other in the direction along the optical axis.

[0049] In this embodiment, the fourth lens group 024 and the sixth lens group 026 are supported by guide bars and can only be driven in one direction on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Therefore, the subject plane can only be tilted in one direction. Therefore, the tilt of the subject plane can be controlled (adjusted) using the tilt ring 019, which rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the optical axis. Furthermore, by arranging them in parallel with the focus ring 006, which also rotates around the optical axis, the user can smoothly switch between holding the tilt ring and the focus ring without having to visually check their positions.

[0050] Although there is a configuration in which the subject plane is adjusted by rotating an operation knob (not shown) like in conventional lens devices, the rotation direction of the operation knob is different from that of the focus operation ring 006, which requires time and effort in preparation for shooting, such as visually checking the operation knob. Furthermore, when the operation knob is rotated, the relative positions of the operation knob and the focus operation ring 006 may shift. This case may also increase the time and effort required for preparation for shooting.

[0051] The fourth group lens 024 and the sixth group lens 026 can be freely moved not only in one direction on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, but also in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, allowing the subject plane to be tilted in multiple directions. As described above in the explanation of the TS instruction unit 1109, for example, providing an operation unit suitable for multi-directional operation on the lens barrel or camera and configuring the subject plane by operating that unit may be more versatile than the configuration of this embodiment. However, because of the high versatility, there is a degree of freedom in operating the subject plane setting, and this may require a certain amount of effort in preparation for shooting.

[0052] In contrast, by limiting the tilt direction of the subject plane to one direction, the configuration of this embodiment can simplify operations during shooting. Here, the one direction in which the subject plane can be tilted is not limited to, for example, the up-down or left-right direction relative to the captured image, but the direction (orientation of the rotation axis) can be changed by rotating the TS rotation unit 033 or the overall rotation unit 029. In addition, the operation direction using the tilt operation ring 019 can be limited to one direction.

[0053] As mentioned above, functions can be assigned to each control ring. However, the functions of the focus control ring 006 and the tilt control ring 019 can be swapped, and the tilt control ring can be positioned closer to the subject. Although the aperture control ring 020 is not shown in Figure 4, functions can also be assigned to the aperture control ring 020. In this case, the three control rings are arranged in parallel along the optical axis. However, if aperture operation is assigned to the middle control ring, there is a risk of accidentally operating the aperture between tilt and focus operations. For this reason, when assigning functions to the three control rings, it is desirable to assign aperture operation to the control ring closest to the object or the control ring closest to the image. This allows the focus control ring and tilt control ring to be positioned adjacent to each other along the optical axis.

[0054] The base 300 also has a tripod socket (not shown), where a tripod 301 can be attached to position the camera system 000 at a shooting position. The camera body 002 also has a tripod socket, where a tripod 301 can be attached to position the camera system 000 at a shooting position.

[0055] (Tilt shooting flow) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for preparing for shooting when tilting the subject plane, that is, tilt shooting.

[0056] When tilt photography is performed, preparation for photography begins in step 302. In step 303, the photographer sets the photography range. The photography range is set by determining how the photographer will compose the subject and background in the photo. Next, in step 304, it is determined whether the photography range is as desired. If it is determined in step 304 that the photography range is not as desired, in step 303 the photographer resets the photography range by shifting the position of the tripod on which the camera system 000 is installed or by deforming the lens barrel using the shift unit 032 (shift photography).

[0057] If the desired shooting range is set in step 304, it is determined in step 305 whether the subject is in focus. If it is determined in step 305 that the subject is not in focus, it is determined in step 307 whether the shooting range will change due to tilt operation. Existing lens devices that perform tilt shooting deform their lens barrel to tilt the subject plane, so the shooting range changes as the lens barrel deforms. Therefore, since it is determined in step 307 that the shooting range will change, the process returns to step 303 and the shooting range is set. Depending on the shooting conditions, the steps of setting the shooting range and focusing on the subject may be repeated several times.

[0058] However, in this embodiment, the optical system tilts the subject plane by decentering the fourth lens group 024 and the sixth lens group 026 during tilt photography. Therefore, the optical characteristics are such that the imaging range does not change when the subject is focused (i.e., the subject plane is tilted) by operating the tilt ring 019 and the desired focus is achieved by using the focus ring 006 in step 307. Therefore, in this flowchart, even when preparing for photography by tilting the subject plane by operating the tilt ring 019 and achieving the desired focus by using the focus ring 006, it is sufficient to simply return to step 305. Furthermore, as described above, the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006 are arranged in parallel. This allows smooth focusing by switching between the tilt ring 019 and the focus ring 006 while checking the captured image displayed on the display unit 1108. After the desired focus is achieved in step 305, preparations for tilt photography are completed in step 306, and photography can begin after step 306.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the lens device and camera body in a state where the shift unit 032 (shift mechanism) and the entire rotation unit 029 are decentered relative to each other. Even when decentering operation (shift shooting) is performed using the shift unit 032, the positions of the focus ring 006 and tilt ring 019 do not change because the tripod 301 is attached to the base 300 in this embodiment. Therefore, even when operating the shift unit 032 while viewing the display unit 1108 mounted on the camera body 002, the operability of the focus ring 006 and tilt ring 019 does not change, allowing the photographer to concentrate on setting the shooting range and adjusting the focus. If the tripod 301 is attached to the camera, the lens device on the subject side, including the shift unit 032, becomes decentered relative to the optical axis 004. In other words, the positions of the focus ring 006 and tilt ring 019 change relative to each other. This requires the user to visually check the positions of the focus operation ring 006 and tilt operation ring 019, in other words, to take their eyes off the display unit 1108, which can make tilt photography cumbersome.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the shift unit 032 and the camera body 002 are rotated by the revolving mechanism of the TS rotation unit 033. This is a schematic diagram showing the lens device and the camera body during so-called revolving. The rotation by the TS rotation unit 033 as a revolving mechanism rotates around the optical axis 004. Therefore, although this schematic diagram depicts the lens device as if it were not deforming, the shift unit 032 is provided with a shift operation unit 034 (see FIG. 1), and the position of the shift operation unit 034 changes in the rotation direction. Furthermore, when the photographer operates the shift operation unit 034 after operating the TS rotation unit 033, it may be necessary to take the time to confirm the position of the shift operation unit 034. On the other hand, in this embodiment, because the tripod 301 is attached to the base 300, the positions of the focus operation ring 006 and the tilt operation ring 019 do not change even when the TS rotation unit 033 is operated. Therefore, for example, even if the photographer operates the shift unit 032 while looking at the display unit 1108 mounted on the camera body 002, the operability of the focus operation ring 006 and the tilt operation ring 019 does not change, and the photographer can concentrate on setting the shooting range and adjusting the focus.

[0061] On the other hand, a configuration is conceivable in which the tilt operation ring is positioned closer to the image plane than the base 300 or the tripod 301. However, there is a possibility that the position may change due to deformation of the lens barrel caused by operation of the TS rotation unit 033 or the shift unit 032. Furthermore, the tilt operation ring is not positioned parallel to the focus operation ring 006 along the optical axis direction. Therefore, the operation of changing the grip requires time and effort, such as visual confirmation, which may reduce operability.

[0062] For example, if the shift section is operated using a control ring that rotates around the optical axis, it may be operated by mistake, resulting in a change in composition. Even if the lens barrel is tilted by tilting, the position of the tilt control ring may change due to the deformation. In this configuration, if a tripod is attached to the camera body, the positions of all the control sections, including the tilt control ring 019, may change. Furthermore, tilting the lens barrel changes the shooting range. This increases the amount of work required for shooting, as shown in the shooting flowchart in Figure 5.

[0063] That is, from the standpoint of operability, it is preferable to mount a tripod on the base 300 of the lens device 001 as in this embodiment, and to position the focus ring 006 and tilt ring 019 closer to the subject than the tripod. It is also preferable that the lens device 001 be configured to undergo decentering and rotational deformation on the image plane side of the focus ring 006 and tilt ring 019. The sixth lens group 026 and eighth lens group 028 are decentered in one direction on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis to obtain the tilt effect. By operating the tilt ring 019 to obtain the tilt effect, operability is improved and tilt photography can be performed more easily.

[0064] Disclosure of embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations.

[0065] (Configuration 1) an optical system having a plurality of optical elements and forming an image of a subject on an imaging element; At least one optical element among the plurality of optical elements is a tilt optical element that tilts a focal plane with respect to an imaging plane of the imaging element by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical system; At least one of the plurality of optical elements is a focus optical element that moves in a direction along the optical axis of the optical system to focus on the image sensor; a tilt operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to operate the movement of the tilt optical element; a focus operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to operate the movement of the focus optical element, A lens device, wherein the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are arranged side by side in a direction along the optical axis.

[0066] (Configuration 2) 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the tilt optical element moves so as to be decentered in one direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0067] (Configuration 3) 3. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein a tripod socket is disposed closer to the image plane in the direction along the optical axis than the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring.

[0068] (Configuration 4) a revolving mechanism that rotates a part of a lens barrel that holds the plurality of optical elements around the optical axis, The lens device according to configuration 3, wherein the revolving mechanism is disposed closer to the image plane than the tripod mount in the direction along the optical axis.

[0069] (Configuration 5) a shift mechanism that moves a part of a lens barrel that holds the plurality of optical elements in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; The lens device according to configuration 3, wherein the shift mechanism is disposed closer to the image plane than the tripod mount in the direction along the optical axis.

[0070] (Configuration 6) 6. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are disposed adjacent to each other in a direction along the optical axis.

[0071] (Configuration 7) 7. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the tilt operation ring is disposed closer to the image plane side in the direction along the optical axis than the focus operation ring.

[0072] (Configuration 8) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, further comprising a zoom operation ring that can change the focal length of the lens device by rotating around the optical axis.

[0073] (Configuration 9) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, an imaging device comprising an imaging element for capturing an image of a subject through the lens device;

[0074] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 000 Camera System 001 Lens device 002 Camera body 006 Focus control ring 019 Tilt control ring 021 1st group lens (focus optical element) 024 4-group lens (tilt optical element) 026 6-group lens (tilt optical element)

Claims

1. an optical system having a plurality of optical elements and forming an image of a subject on an imaging element; At least one optical element among the plurality of optical elements is a tilt optical element that tilts a focal plane with respect to an imaging plane of the imaging element by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical system; At least one of the plurality of optical elements is a focus optical element that moves in a direction along an optical axis of the optical system to focus on the image sensor; a tilt operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to operate the movement of the tilt optical element; a focus operation ring that rotates around the optical axis to operate the movement of the focus optical element, A lens device, wherein the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are arranged side by side in a direction along the optical axis.

2. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the tilt optical element moves so as to be decentered in one direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

3. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein a tripod mount is disposed closer to the image plane in the direction along the optical axis than the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring.

4. a revolving mechanism that rotates a part of a lens barrel that holds the plurality of optical elements around the optical axis, 4. The lens device according to claim 3, wherein the revolving mechanism is disposed closer to the image plane than the tripod mount in the direction along the optical axis.

5. a shift mechanism that moves a part of a lens barrel that holds the plurality of optical elements in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; 4. The lens device according to claim 3, wherein the shift mechanism is disposed closer to the image plane than the tripod mount in the direction along the optical axis.

6. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the tilt operation ring and the focus operation ring are disposed adjacent to each other in a direction along the optical axis.

7. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the tilt operation ring is disposed closer to the image plane than the focus operation ring in the direction along the optical axis.

8. 2. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a zoom operation ring that can change the focal length of the lens device by rotating about the optical axis.

9. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; an imaging device comprising an imaging element for capturing an image of a subject through the lens device;

Images