JP2000075370A - Stroboscope camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable more distinct stroboscope photographing of a subject by controlling the stroboscope light quantity at the time of exposure in accordance with the result obtd. by measuring the object reflected light by the stroboscope light of a selected main photometrical area by a photometrical means. SOLUTION: When a camera microcomputer 100 first detects an SW1 to be turned on by the first stroke of a release button, the object luminance information of the plural areas within a screen is obtd. by a photometrical circuit 106 which executes A/D conversion. The shutter speed, aperture value and stroboscope light quantity used for exposing operation are determined by this luminance information. The camera microcomputer 100 judges in which focus detection area the main subject exists from the defocus quantity of the respective obtained focus detection areas and determines this focus detection area as a main point. When there are no areas where the photometrical areas exactly correspond to the main focus detection area, the area where the object reflected light quantity of the pre-light emission is max. is selected as the main photometrical area from the photometrical areas near the main detection area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a flash camera system which performs light exposure toward an object and adjusts the amount of light emission so as to obtain an appropriate exposure automatically.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of strobe camera systems have been proposed which emit light toward a subject and adjust the amount of light emission so as to obtain an appropriate exposure automatically and perform an exposure operation.

[0003] Among them, one that divides the screen into a plurality of areas, measures the reflected light of the object for each area, and controls the amount of strobe light emission based on the result of the light measurement, is suitable for various situations on the shooting screen. It can be said that it is an excellent method because it can respond.

Further, preliminary light emission is performed on the subject prior to the exposure operation, and main light emission is performed based on the photometric value of the area of the main subject among the photometric values of the reflected light from each of the divided objects in the screen. Methods for determining the amount have been proposed.

[0005]

In these systems, there is a correspondence between a photometry area obtained by dividing the screen and a focus detection area to be focused, but the focus detection area does not correspond to the photometry area. If the gaze point information of the photographer does not match the metering area on the screen, or if the main subject is determined by image recognition, it does not match the metering area, etc. Absent.

An object of the invention according to the present application is to provide a strobe camera system capable of strobe photographing a subject more clearly.

[0007]

One configuration of a strobe camera system for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application includes a means for irradiating a subject with strobe light, and a plurality of photometric areas in a finder screen of a camera. Photometric means for dividing and measuring the subject brightness in each of the divided photometric areas,
Means for recognizing or setting that a main subject is present at an intermediate point between a plurality of photometric areas in the divided photometric areas, main photometric area selecting means for selecting a main photometric area among the plurality of photometric areas, Light amount control means for controlling the amount of strobe light at the time of exposure based on the result of photometry of the subject reflected light by the strobe light in the selected main photometry area by the photometry means.

Another structure of a strobe camera system for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is a means for irradiating a subject with strobe light at the time of exposure, and irradiating the subject with strobe light prior to an exposure operation. Preliminary light emitting means,
Dividing the inside of the viewfinder screen of the camera into a plurality of photometric areas, measuring the subject brightness in each of the divided areas, and determining that the main subject exists at an intermediate point between the plurality of photometric areas in the divided photometric areas. Means for recognizing or setting, main light metering area selecting means for selecting a main light metering area among the plurality of light metering areas, and subject light reflected by the strobe light by the preliminary light emitting means for the selected main light metering area being metered by the light metering means. Light amount control means for controlling the amount of strobe light at the time of exposure based on the result obtained.

The means for recognizing or setting the existence of the main subject is a means for automatically selecting a subject to be focused from a plurality of points on the screen, or a means for focusing from a plurality of points on the screen. A means for manually selecting a subject to be detected and detecting a focus state of the subject at that point, or a means for selecting a main subject by detecting a gazing point of the photographer from within the screen, or an image of the shooting screen A means for selecting a main subject by image processing based on information.

An effect of the present invention is to realize a strobe camera system in which a strobe light amount is always appropriately controlled in any photographing scene and no failure occurs.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view mainly illustrating an optical configuration of a strobe camera system implemented by applying the present invention to a single-lens reflex camera. .

Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body in which optical parts, mechanical parts, electric circuits, films, and the like are housed so that a photograph can be taken. Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror which is inclined or retreated to a photographing optical path according to an observation state and a photographing state. Also, when the main mirror 2 is a half mirror and is inclined, the main mirror 2 transmits about half of the light beam from the subject to a focus detection optical system described later. Reference numeral 3 denotes a focusing plate arranged on a predetermined imaging plane of the photographing lenses 12 to 14, 4 denotes a pentaprism for changing a finder optical path, 5 denotes a finder, and a photographer observes the focusing plate 3 from this window to take a picture. You can observe the screen. Reference numerals 6 and 7 denote an imaging lens and a multi-segment photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the subject in the observation screen. The imaging lens 6 connects the focus plate 3 and the multi-segment photometry sensor 7 via a reflection optical path in the penta roof prism 4. Related to conjugate.

FIG. 4A shows a photometric area division diagram on the photographing screen. The shooting screen is divided into 23 areas A0 to A22. The multi-segment photometric sensor 7 can measure the luminance of each area associated with the imaging screen and the conjugate.

Referring back to FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes a shutter, and 9 denotes a photosensitive member, which is made of a silver halide film or the like. Even when the main mirror 2 is inclined, it transmits about half of the light rays from the subject.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a sub-mirror, which bends a light beam from a subject downward and guides it toward the focus detection unit 26. The focus detection unit 26 includes the secondary imaging mirror 2
7, a secondary imaging lens 28, a focus detection line sensor 29, and the like. A secondary imaging mirror 27 and a secondary imaging lens 28 form a focus detection optical system, and a secondary imaging surface of the imaging optical system is connected to a focus detection line sensor 29. The focus detection unit 26 realizes an automatic focus detection device by detecting a focus state of a subject in a shooting screen by a known phase difference detection method by processing of an electric circuit described later and controlling a focus adjustment mechanism of a shooting lens. ing.

As shown in FIG. 4B, this automatic focus detection device detects the focus state of 19 points p00 to p18 in the photographing screen.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a photometric lens for photometry of the film surface, and reference numeral 24 denotes a film surface photometric sensor. These are used for so-called TTL light control, in which the amount of exposure is measured by utilizing the diffuse reflection of light that has reached the film surface during exposure to obtain an appropriate amount of strobe light.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a mounting contact serving as an interface between a known camera and a photographing lens, and reference numeral 11 denotes a lens barrel mounted on the camera body. Reference numerals 12 to 14 denote photographing lenses. Reference numeral 12 denotes a first-group lens, which can adjust the focus position of the photographing screen by moving on the optical axis right and left in the figure. Reference numeral 13 denotes a two-group lens, which moves the optical axis in the horizontal direction in the figure to change the magnification of the photographing screen and changes the focal length of the photographing lens. 14 is a fixed lens in the third group,
Reference numeral 15 denotes a photographing lens stop.

Reference numeral 16 denotes the first lens drive motor.
The focus position can be automatically adjusted by moving the first lens unit to the left or right in accordance with the automatic focus adjustment operation. Reference numeral 17 denotes a lens aperture drive motor, which can open or reduce the aperture of the taking lens.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an external flash which is attached to the camera body 1 and controls light emission according to a signal from the camera. A xenon tube 19 converts current energy into luminous energy. Reference numerals 20 and 21 denote a reflection plate and a Fresnel, respectively, which serve to efficiently condense light emission energy toward a subject. Reference numeral 22 denotes a known strobe contact which serves as an interface between the camera body 1 and the external strobe 18.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a glass fiber, which monitors the light emitted from the xenon tube 19 for a monitor sensor (PD1) 31.
Leading to. The sensor (PD1) 31 directly measures the amount of pre-flash light emission and main light emission of the strobe, and is a sensor for controlling the amount of main light emission. A sensor 32 (P) monitors the light emitted from the xenon tube 19.
D2). The light emission current of the xenon tube 19 is limited by the output of the sensor (PD2) 32, and the strobe can emit flat light.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a switch for detecting whether the flash is used for bounce photography. Numeral 34 denotes an irradiation angle (strobe zoom) adjustment mechanism for moving the reflection plate back and forth, and adjusting the irradiation angle of the strobe light emission to match the focal length of the photographing lens and the screen.

Reference numerals 50 to 53 denote members constituting a so-called line-of-sight detecting mechanism for detecting the point of gaze of the photographer. Reference numeral 54 denotes an eyeball of a photographer.

When the photographer looks at the photographing screen through the focus plate 3 while looking through the viewfinder 5, an infrared light illumination (IRED) 53 illuminates the eyeball 54. A dichroic mirror 50 reflects only infrared light. Reference numeral 52 denotes an area type photoelectric conversion sensor.
In step 1, the image of the eyeball 54 illuminated by the IRED 53 is formed on the photoelectric conversion sensor 52, and the image data output from the photoelectric conversion sensor 52 is calculated by a microcomputer, which will be described later. Is detected.

FIG. 1 shows only the optical mechanism members among the members necessary for realizing the present embodiment, and other electric circuit members are required, but are omitted here.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show electric circuit block diagrams of the strobe camera system of the present embodiment. 2 is a circuit block on the camera body side and the lens side, and FIG. 3 is a circuit block on the strobe side. Members corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, FIG. 2 will be described.

The camera microcomputer 100 controls operations in the camera by using predetermined software. EEPROM
100b can store a film counter and other photographing information. A / D of 100c is a focus detection circuit 10
5. The analog signals from the photometry circuit 106 and the line-of-sight detection circuit 113 are A / D converted, and the camera microcomputer 100
Various states are set by signal processing of the / D value.

The camera microcomputer 100 includes a focus detection circuit 105, a photometry circuit 106, a shutter control circuit 107,
Motor control circuit 108, film running detection circuit 109,
The switch sense circuit 110, the LCD drive circuit 111, and the visual line detection circuit 113 are connected. Signals are transmitted to the photographing lens via the mount contact group 10. Further, with the strobe, signals are transmitted through the strobe contact group 22 when the strobe is directly attached to the camera body.

The line sensor 29 is for detecting the focus state of 19 points p00 to p18 in the photographing screen on the finder as described above, and is paired with the secondary imaging plane of the photographing optical system (vertical direction). Are arranged corresponding to the respective focus detection areas. The focus detection circuit 105 performs accumulation control and readout control of the line sensor 29 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100, and outputs the photoelectrically converted pixel information to the camera microcomputer 100. The camera microcomputer 100 performs A / D conversion of this information and performs focus detection by a well-known phase difference detection method.

The camera microcomputer 100 adjusts the focus of the lens by exchanging signals with the lens microcomputer 112 based on the focus detection information.

The photometric circuit 106 outputs to the camera microcomputer 100, as a luminance signal of each area in the screen, the output from the multi-segment photometric sensor 7 obtained by dividing the screen into a plurality of areas as described above.

The photometric circuit 106 outputs a luminance signal in both a steady state in which the flash light is not pre-emitted to the subject and a pre-emission state in which the pre-emission is performed. A / D conversion is performed to calculate the aperture value and the shutter speed for adjusting the exposure for shooting, and to calculate the main flash emission amount at the time of exposure.

The shutter control circuit 107 controls the shutter first curtain (MG)
-1) The rear curtain of the shutter (MG-2) is run to perform the exposure operation.

The motor control circuit 108 controls the motor in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100 to move up and down the main mirror 2, charge the shutter, and feed the film. The film running detection circuit 109 detects whether the film has been wound up by one frame when the film is fed, and sends a signal to the camera microcomputer 100.

SW1 is a switch which is turned on by the first stroke of a release button (not shown) to start photometry and AF.
SW2 is a switch that is turned on by the second stroke of the release button to start the exposure operation. A switch SWELK is a switch which is turned on by a push switch (not shown), and is a start switch for performing an operation of performing pre-flash emission of an electronic flash before an exposure operation to determine and lock a flash light amount.

The SWpoint is turned on by pressing a not-shown operation member (focus detection area selection button) when the photographer manually selects a focus detection area. di
al_1 and dial_2 are switches that are turned ON / OFF by the photographer turning and operating a dial (not shown). The ON / OFF phase is reversed depending on the turning direction. After pressing the focus detection area selection button, the photographer can change the focus detection area by turning the dial.

SW1, SW2, SWFELK, SWpo
Signals from int, dial_1, dial_2 and other operation members of the camera (not shown) are detected by the switch sense circuit 110 and sent to the camera microcomputer 100.

SWX is a switch which is turned on when the shutter is fully opened, and sends the emission timing of the main emission at the time of exposure to the strobe side.

The liquid crystal display circuit 111 has an LC in the viewfinder.
D41 and the display on the monitor LCD 42 (not shown) are controlled in accordance with signals from the camera microcomputer 100.

Reference numeral 114 denotes a film surface reflection photometry circuit.
The camera microcomputer 100 can obtain photometric information of the film surface photometric sensor 24.

The film surface photometric sensor 24 divides the screen inside as shown in FIG. 4 similarly to the multi-segment photometric sensor 7, and measures the brightness of each area associated with the photographic screen. Can be done.

Reference numeral 115 denotes a visual line detection circuit, which controls the photoelectric conversion sensor 52 and the IRED 53.

When the photographer is looking through the viewfinder 5, the IRED 53 is irradiated toward the photographer's eyeball. During that time, the photoelectric conversion sensor 52 accumulates electric charges by photoelectric conversion. After the accumulation operation for a predetermined time, the gaze detection circuit 115
Is a photoelectric conversion sensor 5 according to an instruction from the camera microcomputer 100.
2, the camera microcomputer 100 performs A / D conversion and performs signal processing on the pixel signal to detect the point of gaze on the screen of the photographer.

Since a specific method of gaze detection has already been described in several documents, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Next, the structure of the lens will be described. The camera body and the lens are electrically connected to each other through a lens mount contact 10. This lens mount contact 10
L0 is a power supply contact of the focus drive motor 16 and the aperture drive motor 17 in the lens; L1 is a power supply contact of the lens microcomputer 112; a clock contact L2 for performing known serial data communication; , A contact L3 for transmitting data from the lens to the lens, a contact L4 for transmitting data from the lens to the camera, a motor ground contact L5 for the motor power supply, the lens microcomputer 11
It is constituted by L6 which is a ground contact for the power supply for two.

The lens microcomputer 112 is connected to the camera microcomputer 100 via these lens mount contacts 10 and operates the first lens drive motor 16 and the lens aperture motor 17 to control the focus of the lens and control the aperture. . Reference numerals 35 and 36 denote a photodetector and a pulse plate. The lens microcomputer 112 counts the number of pulses to obtain position information of the first lens group, adjusts the focus of the lens, and outputs absolute distance information of the subject. Camera microcomputer 1
00 can be transmitted.

Next, the structure of the strobe will be described with reference to FIG.

The flash microcomputer 200 is a circuit for controlling a flash in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100. The flash microcomputer 200 controls the amount of light emission, the intensity and time of light emission of flat light emission, the emission angle of light emission, and the like.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a DC / DC converter, which boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts according to an instruction from the strobe control circuit 200, and charges the main capacitor C1.

R1 / R2 are voltage dividing resistors provided for the flash microcomputer 200 to monitor the voltage of the main capacitor C1. The strobe microcomputer 200 indirectly monitors the voltage of C1 by A / D-converting the divided voltage by the A / D converter built in the strobe microcomputer, and controls the operation of the DC / DC converter 201. , And controls the voltage of the main capacitor C1 to a predetermined voltage.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a trigger circuit which outputs a trigger signal via the flash microcomputer 200 in response to an instruction from the camera microcomputer 100 or a SWX signal when the flash is fired, and applies a high voltage of several thousand volts to the trigger electrode of the xenon tube 19. As a result, discharge of the xenon tube 19 is induced, and the charge energy stored in the main capacitor C1 is emitted as light energy via the xenon tube 19.

Reference numeral 203 denotes a light emission control circuit using a switching element such as an IGBT. The light emission control circuit 203 is turned on when a trigger voltage is applied at the time of light emission, the current of the xenon tube 19 flows, and the light is turned off when light emission is stopped. The current of 19 is cut off to stop light emission.

Reference numerals 204 and 205 denote comparators.
Is used to stop light emission during flash light emission described later, and 205 is used to control light emission intensity during flat light emission described later. 20
Reference numeral 6 denotes a data selector which selects an input from D0 to D2 in accordance with the selection signals SEL1 and SEL2 from the flash microcomputer 200 and outputs it to Y.

Reference numeral 207 denotes a flash emission control monitor circuit, which logarithmically compresses and amplifies the output of the light receiving element 31.

An integration circuit 208 integrates the output of 207. Reference numeral 209 denotes a flat light emission control monitor circuit, which amplifies the output of the light receiving element 32. An EEPROM 210 is a storage means for storing the flat light emission time and the like.
It is.

Irradiation angle (strobe zoom) adjustment mechanism 34
Is a known motor drive circuit 211 and a zoom drive motor 2
12, a zoom position detection encoder 215 for detecting the positions of the pinion gear 213, the rack gear 214, and the reflection shade 20.
Etc.

An LED 216 indicates that light emission is possible.

SWB is a switch 33 for determining whether or not the flash is in a bounce state.

SWT is a switch linked to a multi-light setting button (not shown). The photographer operates the multi-light setting button at the time of so-called multi-light flash photography in which a plurality of strobes are used for shooting. The flash microcomputer 200 sets a multi-flash strobe.

SWMZ is a switch linked to a manual zoom setting button (not shown). The switch SWMZ is used when a lens that cannot automatically detect focal length information is used, or when the photographer intentionally uses a flash irradiation angle different from the shooting angle of view. When shooting with a special effect such as irradiating a strobe with a strobe to the subject, the strobe microcomputer 200 operates the irradiation angle adjusting mechanism 34 by operating the manual zoom setting button, Set the irradiation angle desired by the photographer.

Next, each terminal of the flash microcomputer 200 will be described.

CK is an input terminal for a synchronous clock for performing serial communication with the camera, DI is an input terminal for serial communication data, DO is a data output terminal for serial communication, and CH is
G is an output terminal for notifying the camera of a strobe light emission enable state as a current to the camera, X is an input terminal of a light emission timing signal from the camera, and ECK is a writing means such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM as storage means connected to the outside of the flash microcomputer 200. An output terminal for outputting a communication clock for performing serial communication with the storage means which can be read in, EDI being a serial data input terminal from the storage means, EDO being a serial data output terminal to the storage means, and SELE being a storage means. Enable terminal for permitting communication with
o: enable, Hi: disable. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the storage means is set outside the flash microcomputer, but it goes without saying that the storage means is the same even if it is built in the flash microcomputer.

POW is an input terminal for inputting the state of the power switch 215, OFF is an output terminal for turning off the strobe when connected to the power switch 215, O
N is an output terminal for turning on the strobe when connected to the power switch 215. In the power ON state, the POW terminal is connected to the ON terminal, in which case the ON terminal is in the high impedance state, and the OFF terminal is Lo. In the power-off state. The LED is a display output terminal that indicates that light emission is possible.

STOP is an input terminal of a light emission stop signal. SEL0, SE
L1 is an output terminal for instructing the input selection of the data selector 206. When the combination of SEL0 and SEL1 is (SEL1, SEL0) = (0, 0), the D0 terminal is connected to the Y terminal. , D1 terminal in case of 1),
In the case of (1, 0), the D2 terminal is selected.

DA0 is a D / A output terminal built in the flash microcomputer 200, and the comparators 204, 20
5 is output as an analog voltage. T
RIG is a trigger signal output terminal for instructing the trigger circuit 202 to emit light. CNT is an output terminal for controlling the start / stop of oscillation of the DC / DC converter 201. For the sake of explanation, charging is started at Hi and stopped at Lo. INT is a terminal for controlling the start / reset of integration of the integration circuit 208. Hi is used to reset integration, and Lo is used to enable integration.

AD0 and AD1 are A / D input terminals,
The input voltage is converted into digital data so that it can be processed inside the microcomputer 200. AD0 monitors the voltage of the main capacitor C1.
D1 monitors the integrated output voltage of the integration circuit 208.

Z0 and Z1 are control output terminals for controlling a motor control circuit 211 for driving the zoom drive motor 212. ZM0, ZM1 and ZM2 are input terminals for inputting a zoom position detection encoder 215, and COM0 is a zoom position detection encoder. 215 is a common terminal for drawing current corresponding to the ground level of 215.

BOUNC is a port for inputting whether or not the flash is in a bounce state. TATOU
Is the input port of the switch for multi-flash strobe setting, M_
Zoom is an input port of a manual zoom setting switch.

Next, the circuit will be described while explaining each operation of the strobe.

<Detection of Light Emittable State> Strobe microcomputer 2
00 is the main capacitor C input to the AD0 port.
When the voltage of the main capacitor C1 is determined to be equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage at which light emission is possible by AD-converting the divided voltage of 1, a predetermined current is drawn from the CHG terminal, and the camera is informed that light emission is possible. When the LED terminal is set to H
i is set, and the LED 216 emits light to indicate that light emission is possible.

When it is determined that the voltage of the main capacitor C1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the CHG terminal is set to non-active, the current is cut off, and the camera is informed that light cannot be emitted. Also, the LED terminal is set to Lo, and the LED 216 is set.
Is turned off to indicate that light emission is disabled.

<Setting of Strobe Irradiation Angle> The current zoom position is read from the ZM0 to ZM2 terminals, and the Z position is set so that the zoom position specified by the camera through serial communication is reached.
The motor drive circuit 211 is driven by outputting a predetermined signal via the 0 and Z1 terminals.

When the photographer manually sets the strobe irradiation angle using a manual zoom setting button (not shown), the motor drive circuit 211 is driven so as to be at a predetermined zoom position in accordance with a signal from the M_Zoom terminal.

<Preliminary flat light emission> When the strobe is in a light emission enabled state, the camera body can communicate the light emission intensity and the light emission time of the pre-light emission and can instruct the pre-light emission.

The flash microcomputer 200 sets a predetermined voltage to DA0 according to a predetermined light emission intensity signal instructed by the camera body. Next, Lo and H are applied to SEL1 and SEL0.
Output i and select input D1. At this time, since the xenon tube 19 has not yet emitted light, the photocurrent of the light receiving element 32 hardly flows, the output of the monitor circuit 209 input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 205 does not occur, and the output of the comparator 205 is Hi. There is a light emission control circuit 2
03 is conductive. Next, when a trigger signal is output from the TRIG terminal, the trigger circuit 202 generates a high voltage, excites the xenon tube 19, and starts emitting light.

On the other hand, the flash microcomputer 200 instructs the integration circuit 208 to start integration after a predetermined time from the generation of the trigger, and the integration circuit 208 outputs the output of the monitor circuit 207, that is, the logarithmic compression of the light receiving element 31 for integrating the light quantity. At the same time as starting integration of the photoelectric output, a timer for counting a predetermined time is started.

When the pre-emission starts, the photocurrent of the light emission intensity control light receiving element 32 for flat emission increases, the output of the monitor circuit 209 increases, and the predetermined value set to the non-inverting input of the comparator 206 is obtained. When the voltage becomes higher than the comparator voltage, the output of the comparator 205 is inverted to Lo, the light emission control circuit 203 cuts off the light emission current of the xenon tube 19, and a discharge loop is formed, but a return loop is formed by the diode D1 and the coil L1. However, the light emission current gradually decreases after the overshoot due to the delay of the circuit stops. Since the light emission intensity decreases with a decrease in the light emission current, the high current of the light receiving element 32 decreases, and the monitor circuit 209
When the output of the comparator 205 falls below a predetermined comparator level, the output of the comparator 205 is again inverted to Hi, the light emission control circuit 203 conducts again, a discharge loop of the xenon tube 19 is formed, and the light emission current increases. The emission intensity also increases. As described above, the comparator 205 repeats the increase and decrease of the light emission intensity in a short cycle around the predetermined comparator voltage set to DA0, and as a result, the flat light emission that continues the light emission at the desired substantially constant light emission intensity is obtained. Can be controlled.

The light emission time timer is counted, and when a predetermined pre-light emission time has elapsed, the flash microcomputer 200
Sets the SEL1 and SEL0 terminals to Lo and Lo, the input of the data selector 206 is D0, that is, the Lo level input is selected, the output is forced to the Lo level, and the light emission control circuit 203 cuts off the discharge loop of the xenon tube 19. The light emission ends.

At the end of light emission, the flash microcomputer 200
Represents the output of the integration circuit 208 which has integrated the pre-emission, to A / D
It reads from the input terminal AD1, performs A / D conversion,
That is, the light emission amount at the time of the pre-light emission is represented by a digital value (INT
can be read as p). <Main flash control> The camera microcomputer 100 calculates the subject reflected light brightness value from the multi-segment photometric sensor 7 during
Find an appropriate relative value (γ) of the main light emission amount to the pre-light emission,
Send to strobe microcomputer 200.

The flash microcomputer 200 obtains a proper integral value (INTm) by multiplying the photometric integral value (INTp) at the time of the pre-flash by the value of the proper relative value (γ) from the camera body, and outputs the proper integral value to the output of DA0. (INTm) is set.

Next, Hi and Lo are output to SEL1 and SEL0, and the input D2 is selected. At this time, since the integration circuit is in the operation-prohibited state, the output of the integration circuit 208 input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 204 is not generated, and the output of the comparator 204 is Hi, so that the light emission control circuit 203 is turned on. Next, when a trigger signal is output from the TRIG terminal, the trigger circuit 202 generates a high voltage, excites the xenon tube 19, and starts emitting light. Further, the flash microcomputer 200 sets the integration start terminal INT to the Lo level a few ten seconds after the trigger noise due to the application of the trigger is reduced and the actual light emission starts, and the integration circuit 208 controls the output from the sensor 31 to the monitor circuit 207. Integrate via When the integrated output reaches a predetermined voltage set by DAO, the comparator 204 is inverted and the data selector 2
The conduction of the light emission control circuit 203 is interrupted via 06, and the light emission stops. On the other hand, the flash microcomputer 200 is STOP
When the terminal is monitored and the STOP terminal is inverted to stop light emission, the SEL1 and SEL0 terminals are set to Lo and Lo to set the forced light emission prohibition state, the integration start terminal is inverted, the integration is completed, and the light emission processing is started. finish.

In this way, the main light emission can be controlled to an appropriate light emission amount.

<First Embodiment> Next, an operation flow of a flash camera system embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[# 101] In FIG. 5, when the operation of the camera starts, the camera microcomputer 100 first detects SW1 which is turned on by the first stroke of the release button. This operation is repeated until SW1 is detected, and when SW1 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step. [# 102] The camera microcomputer 100 converts the subject luminance information of a plurality of areas in the screen into A /
Obtained by D conversion.

Based on the luminance information, a shutter speed and an aperture value used for an exposure operation described later are calculated.

[# 103] The camera microcomputer 100 drives the focus detection circuit 105 to perform a focus detection operation by a well-known phase difference detection method.

Point for focus detection (focus detection area)
As described above, since there are a plurality of
Calculates the defocus amount of each focus detection area.

[# 104] The camera microcomputer 100 determines in which focus detection area the main subject is located by a well-known algorithm based on the obtained defocus amount of each focus detection area. Determine the point.

The well-known algorithm includes a near-point-priority method for making the closest one of the focus detection areas, and a method for selecting the focus detection areas by grouping the focus detection areas with the closest defocus amount. Etc.

[# 105] The camera microcomputer 100 adjusts the focus of the lens by communicating with the lens so that the selected focus detection area is in focus.

[# 106] The camera microcomputer 100 determines whether or not SW2, which is turned on by the second stroke of the release button, is turned on. If it is OFF, step 10
The operations from 1 to 105 are repeated, and if SW2 is ON, the process proceeds to the release operation of step 107 and subsequent steps.

[# 107] The camera microcomputer 100 obtains the subject brightness by the photometry circuit 106 immediately before the pre-emission. The luminance value is stored in the RAM as EVa (i) i = 0 to 22 for each area.

[# 108] The camera microcomputer 100 issues a pre-flash command to the strobe side. In accordance with this command, the flash microcomputer 200 performs the pre-emission operation as described above.

The camera microcomputer 100 measures the subject brightness while the flat light emission of the pre-emission continues.
6 obtained. The luminance value is stored in the RAM as EVf (i) i = 0 to 22 for each area.

[# 109] The camera microcomputer 100
A luminance value of only the pre-emission reflected light is extracted from Va and EVf.

EVdf (i) ← EVf (i) -EVa
(I) Store in the RAM as i = 0 to 22.

[# 110] The camera microcomputer 100 performs an operation for appropriately controlling the amount of strobe light.
Select the main metering area.

This selection method has a subroutine form in the flowchart, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[# 120] The main photometry area selection subroutine is called.

[# 121] First, the camera microcomputer 100
Determines whether there is a photometric area just corresponding to the main point determined in # 104.

This is, for example, as shown in FIG.
For 0, p07, p09, etc., the position of each focus detection area on the screen is located at the center of each photometry area in the position of the photometry area on the screen.

Conversely, for p01, p02, p03, etc., the position of each focus detection area on the screen is the end of each photometry area, and is located at the boundary with the next photometry area. Therefore,
For points such as p00, p07, and p09, it is determined that there is a corresponding photometric area, and the process proceeds to # 122. Also p0
Points such as 1, p02, and p03 do not have a corresponding photometric area, and proceed to # 123.

[# 122] Since there is a photometry area corresponding to the main point, the corresponding area is determined as the main photometry area. A specific example is shown in FIG. In this table, if the main point is p00, the main photometric area is A0, and if the main point is p07, the main photometric area is A1.

[# 123] If there is no photometric area corresponding to the main point, a photometric area close to the main point is selected. A specific example is shown in FIG.

In this table, for example, if the main point is p01, the neighboring photometric areas are A0 and A1, and the main point is p0.
If it is 2, the adjacent photometric areas may be A0 and A2.

[# 124] Among the peripheral photometric areas selected in this way, an area where the subject reflected light of the pre-emission obtained by the calculation in # 109 is found. In this embodiment, since there are only two peripheral areas, the area having the larger EVdf (i) is determined. Of course, if there are three areas and four areas, the area having the maximum EVdf (i) will be found.

[# 125] The selected photometry area is determined as the main photometry area.

[# 126] The main photometry area selection subroutine is returned.

Referring back to FIG.

[# 111] Based on the determined main photometry area, the amount of main flash light emission is calculated.

This calculation is basically performed by the following equation.

P = {TGT-EVa (i)} / EVdf (i) Expression (1) TGT: Appropriate exposure EVa: Luminance of the subject due to external light EVdf: Luminance of only the pre-emission reflected light P: Each In this case, if EVa (i) is approximately equal to TGT or EVa (i) is larger than TGT,
The proper exposure or overexposure is achieved only with natural light without firing a strobe. The value of P in the above equation is almost 0 or negative.

It is impossible for the strobe light amount to be negative, and the fact that the strobe light is not turned on even if the strobe light amount is 0 is uncomfortable for the photographer.
It is calculated by the following equation.

P = TGT / EVdf (i) catch Expression (2) catch: ratio of reducing the amount of strobe light by a fixed ratio from the appropriate exposure amount The actual calculation is performed by Expression (1) and Expression (2).
The above object can be achieved by taking the larger value of.

Now, since the main photometric area is determined as in # 110, P needs to be calculated at least with respect to the main photometric area. The amount of light will be determined. If a white dress or a black dress happens to enter the area, the strobe light exposure will vary.

Therefore, if the area around the main photometry area, for example, A0 is the main photometry area, A1, A2, A3,
P is also obtained for the areas A4, A5, and A6, and each P is weighted and averaged. At this time, the weighting coefficient naturally gives the highest weight to A0, which is the main photometry area. In this manner, the amount of main flash light emission is calculated.

The camera microcomputer 100 performs an operation for converting the value of the weighted average into an appropriate relative value (γ), and sends the value of γ to the strobe by communication.

[# 112] Here, the camera microcomputer 100
Performs a so-called exposure operation.

That is, the main mirror 2 is raised and the sub-mirror 25 is retreated from the photographing optical path, the lens is controlled to control the aperture, and the shutter control circuit 107 is controlled so as to have a predetermined shutter speed value (TV). .

At this time, the SW is synchronized with the full opening of the shutter.
X is turned on and transmitted to the strobe side, and this is the main light emission command.

The flash microcomputer 200 performs the above-described main light emission control to an appropriate amount based on γ sent from the camera.

Finally, the main mirror 2 and the like retreated from the photographing optical path are lowered and inclined again to the photographing optical path, and the film is wound up by one frame by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109.

[# 113] This completes a series of camera operations.

In the first embodiment, the main focus detection area is automatically determined from a plurality of distance measurement points, and if there is no area corresponding to the main focus detection area, the main focus detection area is determined. The main photometry area is selected from the photometry areas close to the area where the pre-emission subject reflected light is the largest.

This is because in normal flash photography, since the probability that the subject closest to the camera is the main subject is very high, the subject reflected light of the pre-emission is maximum for the closest subject. Therefore, the probability of determining the amount of strobe light with the main subject as the main photometry area is extremely high.

Therefore, it is possible to always appropriately control the amount of strobe light.

<Second Embodiment> Next, an operation flow of a strobe camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[# 201] In FIG. 7, when the operation of the camera is started, the camera microcomputer 100 operates the switch microcomputer circuit s shown in FIG.
The focus detection area is determined by determining the states of wPOINT, dial_1, and dial_2. The photographer can manually determine the focus detection area by operating the switches and dials while looking at the liquid crystal display.

[# 202] The camera microcomputer 100 detects SW1 which is turned on by the first stroke of the release button. Until SW1 is detected, # 201 and # 202 are repeated to manually select the focus detection area.
Is detected, the process proceeds to the next step.

[# 203] The camera microcomputer 100 obtains subject brightness information of a plurality of areas in the screen from the photometric circuit 106 by A / D conversion.

On the basis of the luminance information, a shutter speed and an aperture value used for an exposure operation described later are calculated.

[# 204] The camera microcomputer 100 performs a focus detection operation by a well-known phase difference detection method by driving the focus detection circuit 105.

The focus detection area is the point selected in # 201.

[# 205] The camera microcomputer 100 adjusts the focus of the lens by communicating with the lens side so that the focus detection area selected manually is focused.

[# 206] The camera microcomputer 100 acquires the defocus information of the focus detection area other than the focus detection area manually selected by the focus detection circuit 105. This information is used later for selecting the # 208 main photometry area.

[# 207] The camera microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the SW2 which is turned on by the second stroke of the release button is turned on. If OFF, step 20
The operations from 1 to 207 are repeated, and if SW2 is ON, the flow proceeds to the release operation from step 208.

[# 208] The camera microcomputer 100 performs an operation for properly controlling the amount of strobe light.
Select the main metering area.

This selection method is in the form of a subroutine in the flowchart, and will be described with reference to FIG.

[# 220] The main photometry area selection subroutine is called.

[# 221] First, the camera microcomputer 100
Determines whether or not there is a photometric area just corresponding to the main point of distance measurement selected by the photographer in # 201. This operation is the same as that of # 121 in the first embodiment.

[# 222] Since there is a photometry area corresponding to the main point, the corresponding area is determined as the main photometry area. This is also the same as # 122 of the first embodiment.

[# 223] If there is no photometric area just corresponding to the main point, a photometric area close to the main point is selected. (Same as # 123 in the first embodiment)
[# 224] Among the selected photometric areas selected in this way, the one whose defocus information is closer to in-focus is selected. The defocus information is acquired in # 206, and the correspondence between the photometry area and the focus detection area is as described with reference to FIG.

[# 225] The selected photometry area is determined as the main photometry area.

[# 226] The main photometry area selection subroutine is returned.

Returning to FIG.

[# 209] Here, the camera microcomputer 100
Performs a so-called exposure operation.

That is, the main mirror 2 is raised and the sub-mirror 25 is retreated from the photographing optical path, the lens is controlled to control the aperture, and the shutter control circuit 107 is controlled so that the shutter speed becomes a predetermined shutter speed value (TV). .

At this time, the SW is synchronized with the full opening of the shutter.
X is turned on and transmitted to the strobe side, and this is the main light emission command.

Further, at this time, the film surface reflection photometric circuit 114 operates, and the object surface reflected light of the strobe light is incident on the film surface and further reflected, and the film surface photometric sensor 24 measures the light. The film surface photometry sensor 24 is also divided similarly to FIG. 4A, and the film surface reflection photometry is performed around the main photometry area selected in # 208. That is, similar to # 111 of the first embodiment, the main photometry area is weighted and added to the film surface direct photometry value of the peripheral area, and when the weighted addition value reaches a predetermined value. A light emission end signal is sent to the strobe side to control the amount of strobe light.

Finally, the main mirror 2 and the like retreated from the photographing optical path are lowered and inclined again to the photographing optical path, and the film is wound up by one frame by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109.

[# 210] This completes a series of camera operations.

In the second embodiment, when the photographer manually selects a focus detection area from a plurality of distance measuring points, and the photometric area does not correspond to the main focus detection area, the main focus is selected. From the photometric areas close to the detection area, the area where the defocus amount of the distance measurement is closest to the focus is selected as the main photometric area.

As a result, the probability that the main subject is present in the main photometry area becomes extremely high, so that appropriate strobe light amount control can always be performed.

<Third Embodiment> Next, FIGS.
The operation flow of the strobe camera system embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[# 301] In FIG. 9, when the operation of the camera starts, the camera microcomputer 100 first detects SW1 which is turned on by the first stroke of the release button. This operation is repeated until SW1 is detected, and when SW1 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step. [# 302] The camera microcomputer 100 detects the gazing point of the photographer looking through the viewfinder by driving the line-of-sight detection circuit 115. Based on this result, it is determined which point on the screen the photographer is gazing at, and that point is determined as the main focus detection area.

[# 303] The camera microcomputer 100 obtains subject luminance information of a plurality of areas in the screen from the photometric circuit 106 by A / D conversion.

Based on the luminance information, a shutter speed and an aperture value used for an exposure operation described later are calculated.

[# 304] The camera microcomputer 100 performs a focus detection operation by a well-known phase difference detection method by driving the focus detection circuit 105.

The focus detection area is the point selected by the photographer's line of sight in # 302.

[# 305] The camera microcomputer 100 communicates with the lens side to adjust the focus of the lens so that the focus detection area selected by the line of sight is focused.

[# 306] The camera microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the SW2 which is turned on by the second stroke of the release button is turned on. If it is OFF, step 30
The operations from 1 to 305 are repeated, and if SW2 is ON, the operation proceeds to the release operation from step 307.

[# 307] The camera microcomputer 100 obtains the subject brightness by the photometry circuit 106 immediately before the pre-flash. The luminance value is stored in the RAM as EVa (i) i = 0 to 22 for each area.

[# 308] The camera microcomputer 100 issues a pre-flash command to the flash unit. In accordance with this command, the flash microcomputer 200 performs the pre-emission operation as described above.

The camera microcomputer 100 measures the subject brightness while the flat light emission of the pre-emission continues.
6 obtained. The luminance value is stored in the RAM as EVf (i) i = 0 to 22 for each area.

[# 309] The camera microcomputer 100 sets the E
A luminance value of only the pre-emission reflected light is extracted from Va and EVf.

EVdf (i) ← EVf (i) -EVa
(I) Store in the RAM as i = 0 to 22.

[# 310] The camera microcomputer 100 performs an operation for properly controlling the amount of strobe light.
Select the main metering area.

This selection method is in the form of a subroutine in the flowchart, and will be described with reference to FIG.

The operations of # 306 to # 310 are exactly the same as those of # 106 to # 110 of the first embodiment.

[# 320] The main photometry area selection subroutine is called.

[# 321] First, the camera microcomputer 100
Determines whether there is a photometric area just corresponding to the main point of the distance measurement selected by the line-of-sight detection in # 302. This operation is the same as that of # 121 in the first embodiment.

[# 322] Since there is a photometry area corresponding to the main point, the corresponding area is determined as the main photometry area. This is also the same as # 121 of the first embodiment.

[# 323] If there is no photometric area just corresponding to the main point, a photometric area close to the main point is selected. (Same as # 123 in the first embodiment) [# 324] All selected photometric areas are determined as main photometric areas. This is because, for example, the main focus detection area is p
If it is 01, the main photometry area will be two areas A0 and A1.

[# 325] The main photometry area selection subroutine is returned.

Returning to FIG.

[# 311] Based on the determined main photometry area, the amount of main flash light emission is calculated.

This calculation is basically performed by the equations (1) and (2) of # 111 of the first embodiment. The main photometry area may be, for example, only A0, or may be two areas, A0 and A1, and calculate an appropriate amount of strobe light P, respectively. Further, if the strobe light amount is determined only in a small area in the screen, the strobe light exposure may vary, so P of the area around the main metering area is obtained, and the respective P of the main metering area and the surrounding area are obtained. A weighted average of P is performed. At this time, the weighting coefficient naturally gives the first weight to the main photometry area.

A method of determining a peripheral area with respect to the main photometry area is, for example, when the main photometry area is only A0,
As described in # 111 of the first embodiment, the six areas adjacent to the main photometric area may be set as the peripheral areas. However, when the main photometric areas are A0 and A1, the A2 adjacent to the two areas is also used. , A3, A4, A5, A6, A7,
The eight areas A8 and A18 are set as peripheral areas. Even if the main photometry area is another area, the peripheral photometry area may be used in the same way.

In this way, the amount of main flash light emission is calculated.

The camera microcomputer 100 performs an operation of converting the value of the weighted average into an appropriate relative value (γ), and sends the value of γ to the strobe by communication.

[# 312] Here, the camera microcomputer 100
Performs a so-called exposure operation.

That is, the main mirror 2 is raised and the sub-mirror 25 is retreated from the photographing optical path, the lens is controlled to control the aperture, and the shutter control circuit 107 is controlled so as to have a predetermined shutter speed value (TV). .

At this time, the SW is synchronized with the full opening of the shutter.
X is turned on and transmitted to the strobe side, and this is the main light emission command.

The flash microcomputer 200 performs the above-mentioned main light emission control to an appropriate amount based on γ sent from the camera.

Finally, the main mirror 2 and the like retreated from the photographing optical path are lowered and inclined again to the photographing optical path, and the film is wound up by one frame by the motor control circuit 108 and the film running detection circuit 109.

[# 313] This completes a series of camera operations.

In the third embodiment, the main focus detection area is determined by detecting the line of sight of the photographer from a plurality of distance measurement points, and when the photometry area does not have an area exactly corresponding to the main focus detection area. Indicates that the entire photometry area close to the main focus detection area is the main photometry area.

Thus, even if the main subject is near the middle of the photometry area, the amount of strobe light emission is determined based on the pre-flash subject reflected light luminance obtained from all the proximity photometry areas. The probability is increased, and the strobe light amount can be controlled very easily with little variation in the strobe light amount.

In the first, second, and third embodiments, the main light emission is described as flash light emission, but the present invention can also be applied to flat light emission having a uniform peak value. Needless to say, the strobe can be applied not only to a detachable type but also to a type having a built-in camera body.

<Correspondence between Embodiments and Claims> A means for irradiating strobe light according to the present invention comprises the strobe microcomputer 200, the main capacitor C1, the xenon tube 19, the light emission control circuit 203 and the like in the embodiment. Is equivalent. The photometric means of the divided area according to the present invention corresponds to the one configured by the multi-divided photometric sensor 7 and the photometric circuit 106 in the embodiment.

The main photometry selecting means of the present invention corresponds to the one constituted by the camera microcomputer 100 and the like in the embodiment.

The means for automatically selecting a point to be focused from a plurality of points according to the present invention is equivalent to the means constituted by the camera microcomputer 100, the focus detection circuit 105, the focus detection line sensor 29 and the like in the embodiment. I do.

The means for manually selecting a subject to be focused from a plurality of points in a screen according to the present invention includes a camera microcomputer 100, a switch sense circuit 110, and a SW point.
The one composed of t, dial_1, dial_2, and the like corresponds.

The means for detecting the gazing point of the photographer from within the screen according to the present invention is the camera microcomputer 10 according to the embodiment.
0, a line-of-sight detection circuit 115, a photoelectric conversion sensor 52, and the like.

The pre-emission control means of the present invention includes the flash microcomputer 200 and the main capacitor C in the embodiment.
1, a device composed of the xenon tube 19, the light emission control circuit 203, the comparator 205, the data selector 206, and the like.

[0197]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to always carry out strobe light quantity control that is appropriate and has little variation, regardless of the position of the main subject in the multi-segment photometry area. This realizes a high-performance and easy-to-use strobe camera system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a strobe camera system embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electric circuit block diagram of the camera body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an electric circuit block diagram of the strobe light of FIG. 1;

4A is a screen division diagram of a photometric circuit of the camera in FIG. 1, FIG. 4B is a screen division diagram of a focus detection area, and FIG. 4C is a diagram combining (A) and (B).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the flash camera system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the flash camera system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a flash camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a flash camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a flash camera system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a flash camera system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a correspondence table of a focus detection area and a photometry area.

FIG. 12 is a correspondence table of a focus detection area and a photometry area.

[Explanation of symbols]

200: Strobe microcomputer C1: Main capacitor 19: Xenon tube 203: Light emission control circuit 205: Comparator 206: Data selector 7: Multi-segment photometric sensor 106: Photometric circuit 100: Camera microcomputer 26: Focus detection unit 31: Sensor (PD1) 207 ... Monitor circuit for flash light emission control 208 ... Film surface photometry sensor 114 ... Film surface reflection photometry circuit 115 ... Gaze detection circuit 52 ... Photoelectric conversion sensor

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A means for irradiating a subject with strobe light, a photometric means for dividing a viewfinder screen of a camera into a plurality of photometric areas, and measuring a subject luminance in each of the divided photometric areas; Means for recognizing or setting that a main subject exists at an intermediate point between the plurality of photometric areas, main photometric area selecting means for selecting a main photometric area among the plurality of photometric areas, and the selected main photometric area A strobe camera system, comprising: a light amount control unit that controls a strobe light amount at the time of exposure based on a result of photometry of the subject reflected light by the strobe light in the area by the photometric unit. Means for irradiating the object with strobe light at the time of exposure, preliminary light emitting means for irradiating the object with strobe light prior to the exposure operation, dividing the viewfinder screen of the camera into a plurality of photometric areas, Photometric means for measuring the subject brightness of each divided area; means for recognizing or setting that a main subject exists at an intermediate point between the plurality of photometric areas in the divided photometric areas; and A main metering area selecting unit for selecting a main metering area; and a light amount for controlling a strobe light amount at the time of exposure based on a result of metering the subject reflected light by the strobe by the preliminary light emitting unit of the selected main metering area by the strobe metering unit. And a control means. 3. A flash device for irradiating a subject with strobe light, a photometric device for dividing a viewfinder screen of a camera into a plurality of photometric areas, and measuring a subject luminance in each of the divided photometric areas; A focus detection unit that divides the screen into a plurality of focus detection areas and allows the focus detection area to be arbitrarily selectable automatically or by the photographer's intention; and one or a plurality of the photometry corresponding to the selected focus detection area Main metering area selecting means for selecting a main metering area based on the area; and controlling the amount of strobe light at the time of exposure based on the result of metering the subject reflected light by the strobe light of the selected main metering area by the metering means. And a light amount control unit. 4. A strobe means for preliminarily emitting strobe light toward an object prior to an exposure operation for irradiating the object with strobe light; and dividing a viewfinder screen of a camera into a plurality of photometric areas, each of which is divided. A photometric unit that measures the luminance of the subject in the photometric area; Main photometry area selecting means for selecting a main photometry area based on one or more photometry areas corresponding to the selected focus detection area; and subjecting the subject reflected light in preliminary light emission in the selected main photometry area to photometry. Light amount control means for controlling the amount of strobe light at the time of exposure based on the result of photometry by the means. Bo camera system. 5. A strobe device for irradiating a subject with strobe light, a photometric device for dividing a viewfinder screen of a camera into a plurality of photometric areas, and measuring subject brightness in each of the divided photometric areas; A focus detection unit that divides the screen into a plurality of focus detection areas and allows the focus detection area to be arbitrarily selectable automatically or by the photographer's intention; and a photometry area including a photometry area including the selected focus detection area. An area for weighting the main photometry area and the main photometry area as a center, and controlling the amount of strobe light based on at least the output of the main photometry area. The means is, when the selected focus detection area is located at a position covering an intermediate or a plurality of photometric areas between a plurality of photometric areas, Flash camera system and performs any or one for weighting as photometry area of the main, or weighting said plurality of light metering areas as photometric area in the main of a serial plurality of light metering areas. 6. The strobe light according to claim 5, wherein the light quantity control means selects a main photometry area based on outputs of a plurality of photometry areas obtained by pre-flashing the strobe means. Camera system. 7. A light metering area covering a detection area indicating a focus state corresponding to a short-range detection area among detection areas close to the selected focus detection area. The strobe camera system according to claim 5, wherein 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for recognizing or setting the presence of the main subject is a means for automatically selecting a subject to be focused from a plurality of points on a screen. 3. The strobe camera system according to 2. 9. The means for recognizing or setting the presence of the main subject is a means for manually selecting a subject to be focused from a plurality of points on a screen and detecting a focus state of the subject at that point. The strobe camera system according to claim 1, wherein: 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for recognizing or setting the presence of the main subject is a means for selecting a main subject by detecting a gazing point of a photographer from a screen. Or the strobe camera system according to 2.