JPH03126018A - Stroboscope controller for camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability in switching of an automatic flashing and a forcible flashing by allowing the mode to be the automatic flashing mode when a flashing part is in a housing position and the forcible flashing mode when the flashing part is in the flash position. CONSTITUTION:In the case of operating a releasing button 31 when the flashing part 12 is in the housing position, whether the stroboscope is allowed to flash or not is judged based on the calculated exposure factor. When the camera judges the stroboscope is to be used, proper exposure is carried out by moving the flash part 12 to the flash position, and then flashing the stroboscope; the flash part 12 is moved to the housing position after flashing. On the other hand, in the case of operating the releasing button 31 when the flashing part 12 is in the flash position, the stroboscope functions and the forcible flash mode whereby the stroboscope is allowed to flash forcibly irrespective of the exposure factor. Thus, the need for a switching means which carries out switching the automatic flashing mode and the forcible flashing mode is eliminated, and the operability can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a strobe control device for a camera having a built-in strobe whose light emitting section moves between a storage position and a light emitting position.

"Prior Art and its Problems" Recently, cameras with built-in auto-flash flashes have been increasing in consideration of ease of use.

Some cameras with built-in strobes have a support mechanism such as a retractable mechanism or a pop-up mechanism that allows the strobe's light-emitting part to be moved between a stowed position within the camera body and a light-emitting position that protrudes from the camera body. There are also those whose movement is driven by an electric member (for example, a motor).

Control and driving of such a conventional strobe is generally performed based on the brightness of the subject. That is, if the measured brightness of the subject is lower than a certain value, the light emitting section is moved to the light emitting position to emit light, and then returned to the storage position. On the other hand, if the brightness of the subject is higher than a certain value, there is no need to emit light from the strobe, so the light emitting section is held in the storage position and does not emit light.

Furthermore, when it is desired to cause the strobe to emit light regardless of the brightness of the subject, a separate forced flash switch is provided, and the flash mode is changed by operating this forced flash switch. Therefore, the increase in the number of operation switches has made operations cumbersome.

``Purpose of the Invention'' The present invention was made to solve the problems of conventional cameras with built-in strobes, and it is possible to switch between automatic flash and forced flash without the need for a special switch. The object of the present invention is to provide a strobe control device that can perform switching operations.

"Summary of the Invention" The present invention, which achieves this object, provides a camera with a built-in strobe, which includes a support mechanism for movably supporting the light emitting part of the strobe between a storage position and a light emitting position in the camera body, and a drive mechanism that moves the light emitting unit between a use position and a storage position via a photometer; a photometer that calculates an exposure factor when the first switch is turned on; control means for activating the drive mechanism to move the light emitting section to the light emitting position on the condition that the determining means has determined that a strobe is to be used; an exposure means that performs an appropriate exposure operation based on the amount of strobe light at the time, and the exposure means is provided with an exposure means that when the first switch is turned on while the light emitting section is in the light emitting position, regardless of the exposure factor. The feature is that the strobe is forced to fire to ensure proper exposure.

According to the above configuration, when the light emitting section is in the storage position, the automatic light emitting mode is set, and when the light emitting section is in the light emitting position, the forced light emitting mode is set, so that an operation switch for switching the light emitting mode is not required.

"Embodiments of the Invention" The present invention will be described below based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power retractable strobe to which the present invention is applied, and Fig. 2 shows a single-lens reflex camera equipped with a camera strobe control device of the present invention, in which the light emitting part is moved to the light emitting position. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which an external strobe is attached. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the strobe control device of this embodiment.

At the top of the camera body 10 (above the pentaprism 11), the light emitting unit 12 of the strobe is located at a storage position where it is stored in a housing 10a inside the camera body 10 by a support mechanism, and at a light emitting position where it protrudes from the housing 10a. It is movably supported. The figure shows a lever 13 that constitutes a support mechanism.
Only shown.

Two limit switches 18 and 19 are provided between the lever 13 and the camera body 10, and are turned on (or turned off) when the light emitting section 12 reaches the storage position and the light emitting position, respectively. The operation of the strobe motor 16 is controlled by the camera control circuit 20, and its stop is performed by detecting 0N10FF of one of these switches 18.

A bottle 14a is installed in the fan-shaped gear 14, and this bottle 14
a fits into an arcuate groove 10b formed in the camera body 10 and centered on the shaft 13b.

The rotation angle of the sector gear 14 (lever 13) is regulated by the pin 14a and the arcuate groove 10b. In other words,
The rotation limit position of the lever 13 becomes the light emitting position and storage position of the light emitting section 12, respectively.

Furthermore, this embodiment includes an overload detection circuit for the strobe motor 16, and when the movement of the light emitting section 12 is blocked by an external force or the like, the overload detection circuit detects this and stops the strobe motor 16.

Note that this overload detection circuit is included in the camera control circuit 20 in this embodiment. Note that the overload detection means normally stops the strobe motor 16 when the overload detection means detects that the lever 13 cannot be rotated from the light emitting position or the storage position due to the bottle 14a coming into contact with the end of the arcuate groove 10b. The configuration may be such that the process is performed separately.

Furthermore, the gear train 15 of this embodiment has a clutch means (not shown), and the photographer can manually move the light emitting section 12 between the light emitting position and the storage position.

Next, the circuit configuration of the strobe control device of this embodiment will be explained. The camera control circuit 20 shown in FIG.
This is a circuit that comprehensively controls all operations of the camera, and is usually composed of a microcontroller.

The camera control circuit 20 is connected to a photometry circuit 22 that amplifies the output of a photometry sensor 21 that receives subject light and processes it into a predetermined photometry signal. The camera control circuit 20 uses a predetermined algorithm to control the exposure factor (
(subject brightness, shutter speed TV, aperture value, manual shutter limit shutter speed, etc.). The camera control circuit 20
, a photometric sensor 21, and a photometric circuit 22 constitute a photometric means.

Further, the camera control circuit 20 reads lens information from the lens ROM 23 (or CPU) provided in the attached photographic lens through serial communication. Based on this read lens information, the type of lens attached,
Know the focal length, minimum aperture value, maximum aperture value, etc. Here, the camera control circuit 20 functions as lens information input means. Note that this serial communication is performed through connections between a plurality of contacts provided on the mount section 24.

Furthermore, the camera control device 20 has an external strobe 25.
The contacts of the hot shoe 26 that attaches are connected.

The external device attached to this hot shoe 26 is a strobe 25.
If the camera control circuit 2o has a communication function, the camera control circuit 2o inputs strobe information from the external strobe 25 via the hot shoe 26. Strobe information includes the strobe type, guide number, and whether charging is complete. On the other hand, externally connected from the camera control circuit 20 is the strobe 2.
5, a light emission permission signal, a trigger signal, a quench signal, etc. are sent.

The distance measurement unit 27 includes a distance measurement sensor that converts a subject image formed by a photographing lens into a predetermined electrical signal, and receives a distance measurement signal necessary for measuring the subject distance (defocus amount) from this distance measurement sensor. Output. The camera control circuit 20 is
A defocus amount is calculated based on this distance measurement signal and lens information, and AF processing is performed to drive the focusing lens of the photographic lens to the in-focus position via the AF mechanism.

The LCD panel 29 is provided on the outer surface of the camera body 10 and within the field of view of the finder, and its display is performed by the display circuit 2.
8 and is controlled by the camera control circuit. The LCD panel 29 of this embodiment displays at least whether the mode is automatic flash mode or forced flash mode. Of course, it is also possible to display various other information related to the camera's photographic functions, such as whether or not a strobe can be used, exposure program mode, shutter speed, aperture value, and focus/out of focus.

The camera control circuit 20 includes switches such as a photometry switch SWS as a first switch, a release switch SWR as a second switch, and a selfie switch SWI.
, a lens inappropriateness release switch SW3, and a strobe up detection switch SW4 are connected.

The photometry switch SWS and the release switch SWR are switches that operate in conjunction with the release button 31, and when the release button 31 is pressed halfway, the photometry switch SWS is turned on.
Pressing the button fully turns on the release switch SWR. When the photometry switch SWS is turned on, the photometry circuit 22, distance measuring unit 27, etc. start operating, and when the release switch SWR is turned on, the camera shifts to a release operation.

The self-switch SWI is a switch that operates a self-timer. When the self-timer switch SW1 is turned on, a self-timer mode is entered, and when the release switch SWR is turned on in this self-timer mode, a self-operation is started, and a release operation is performed after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The lens inappropriateness release switch SW3 is a switch for switching whether or not the lens information read from the lens ROM 23 is used for determining strobe light emission. This lens unsuitability release switch SW3 is operated, for example, when you want to force the strobe to fire even though it is known that the angle of view of the attached lens is wider than the strobe illumination angle. Ru.

Further, the strobe up detection switch SW4 is a switch that is turned on when the light emitting section 12 of the strobe shown in FIG. 1 is completely raised (reaches the light emitting position). Note that the same switch can serve as both the strobe-up detection switch SW4 and the limit switch 19.

Furthermore, the camera control circuit 20 includes a strobe (emission tube 36).
) is connected to a strobe circuit 35 that emits light and an auxiliary light emitting LED 37 provided adjacent to the arc tube 36. The camera control circuit 20 is connected to this strobe circuit 35.
It outputs a light emission permission signal, a trigger signal, and a quench signal. Here, the camera control circuit 20 functions as a strobe control means.

Further, the above-mentioned light emission permission signal is a signal that permits light emission when conditions are met that allow the strobe to emit light,
Upon receiving this signal, the strobe starts light emission preparation operations such as charging. The trigger signal is a signal that causes the strobe to emit light, and the quench signal is a signal that causes the strobe to stop emitting light when the amount of light emitted by the strobe reaches a proper light amount.

Note that the auxiliary light emitting LED 37 assists the distance measurement by the distance measurement circuit 27 by illuminating the object with a contrast pattern when the object has low brightness or contrast.

The camera control circuit 2o further includes a release switch SW.
A release magnet 39 that releases the mechanical charge of the mirror and shutter curtains (front and rear curtains) when R is turned on, and a release magnet 39 that locks the front and rear curtains instead of mechanical locking, and sequentially locks the front and rear curtains. A front curtain magnet 40 and a rear curtain magnet 41 are connected to each other, and the front curtain magnet 40 and the rear curtain magnet 41 are connected to each other so that the front curtain and the rear curtain are moved so that a predetermined shutter speed can be obtained. Above camera control circuit 20, magnet 39.
40, 41, a shutter, an aperture, etc. (not shown) constitute an exposure means.

The X contact switch SWX in the figure is a switch that causes a low-function (no communication function) external strobe to emit light. Make it emit light.

The camera flash control device of the present invention configured as described above operates as follows based on the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, before explaining this flowchart, the general operation of the above device will be explained.

In the camera flash control device of the present invention, the light emitting section 12 is normally held in the storage position. When the photometry switch SWS is turned on in this state, the brightness of the subject
Exposure factors are calculated using information such as film sensitivity and a predetermined algorithm. When the shutter speed Tv calculated here is slower than a certain value, strobe light emission is permitted, and when shutter speed TV is faster than the certain value, strobe light emission remains prohibited.

On the other hand, when the photometry switch SWS is turned on and the calculated shutter speed is slower than the predetermined speed and the strobe light emission conditions are met, the light emitting section 12 moves to the light emitting position, and when the release switch SWR is turned on, the strobe Emits light.

However, if the light metering switch SWS is once turned off and then turned on again with the light emitting unit 12 moved to the light emitting position, the strobe will emit light regardless of the calculated shutter speed, that is, even when the shutter speed is high. During this forced light emission, if the shutter speed at the time of release is faster than the strobe synchronization speed, it is reset to the strobe synchronization speed, and the exposure operation is performed at the appropriate exposure value with the strobe light emission. In other words, when the photometry switch SWS is turned off and on while the light emitting section 12 is protruding to the light emitting position, the forced light emission mode is entered. Further, when the light emitting unit 12 is manually moved to the light emitting position, the forced light emitting mode is also set as described above.

In addition, if you turn on the lens unsuitability release switch SW3,
Regardless of the photographic lens attached, control is performed as to whether or not to use a strobe based on the calculated shutter speed. An LCD panel 29 provided on the outer surface of the camera body 10 and in the viewfinder field displays whether the strobe is automatically firing or forced firing, and whether the attached photographic lens is appropriate or not. The status, such as whether or not it is appropriate, is displayed.

Although the general operation is as described above, the operation of this embodiment will be explained in detail below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that this operation is performed by the camera control circuit 2.
The microcomputer 0 executes the program based on the program written in its memory.

First, when the program starts under predetermined conditions such as turning on the main switch, the camera control circuit 20 enters switch information (on or off) for each of the switches SWS, SWR, and SWI in step S'l. )
, waits for the photometry switch SWS to be turned on (S3).

When the photometry switch SWS is turned on, the state of the up detection switch SW4 is input to check whether it is turned on (S5, S7). If it is on, the light emitting part 1
2 is up to the flashing position, the strobe flash mode is set to forced flash mode in step S9, and the process proceeds to Sll. If it is not turned on, step S
Step S: Skip 9 and proceed to step Sll
In step 11, the lens information stored in the lens ROM 23 is read out, and in step S13, information is exchanged with the external strobe 25 via the hot shoe 26. The lens information stored in the lens ROM 23 includes information such as the type of lens and focal length. The information from the external strobe 25 includes the characteristics of the external strobe 25, such as whether or not it prevents the light emitting unit 12 from moving to the light emitting position when attached to the camera body 10, or a guide number. Note that when a strobe is attached to an external device that does not have the communication function, the external device detects that a strobe is attached based on the level of the electrical contact with the hot shoe.

Next, the camera control circuit 20 calculates exposure factors such as shutter speed based on the photometry signal output from the photometry circuit 22, film sensitivity information, etc. (S15.517)
. Then, the camera control circuit 20 displays various setting values set in the camera on the LCD panel 29 via the display circuit 28 (S19). This display content includes the strobe light emission mode.

Then, the camera control circuit 20 checks whether or not the self-switch SW1 is turned on (whether or not it is in self-timer mode), and if it is not in self-timer mode, it jumps to step S33, and if it is in self-timer mode, it jumps to step S24. The process proceeds to (S23).

In step S24, it is checked whether the camera is in self-operation or not, and if it is not in self-operation, the release switch SW is
It is checked whether R is turned on or not, and if it is turned on, a self counter is started, that is, a self operation is started (S25.826). Note that this release switch SWR ON status is stored while the self-timer operation continues.

Then, the fact that it is operating in the self-timer mode is displayed by blinking the external LED 32 (see Figure 3), and the self-counter is decremented (S27.52).
9). Note that if the self-operation has already started in step S24, the self-operation should be continued (step S24).
Fly to 27. Further, even in the self-timer mode, if the release switch SWR is not turned on, the process returns from step S25 to step S20. Note that step S2
At 0, information on the photometry switch SWS, release switch SWR, and self mode SWI is input, and if the photometry switch SWS continues to be on, the process returns to step S11, and if not, the process returns to S1.

Then, in step S31, it is checked whether the self counter has become 0, and if it is not 0, step S20
returns to step S33, and if it becomes O, the process advances to step S33 (S
31).

On the other hand, if it is not the self-timer mode, that is, if it is the normal shooting mode, steps S23 to S3
Proceed to step 3.

In step S33, it is checked whether the calculated shutter speed is slower than a predetermined speed (the camera shake limit shutter speed). autofocus) jump to processing.

On the other hand, if the calculated shutter speed is low, the camera checks whether an external flash is attached (S3
5). If the external strobe is not attached, the process proceeds to step S39; if it is attached, the process proceeds to step S37, and the external device checks whether the characteristics of the strobe are compatible; if they are, the process returns to step S39. , if not compatible, the process jumps to step S45. Here, the external strobe compatibility means that it does not prevent the light emitting unit 12 from moving up to the light emitting position.

In step S39, a light emitting unit up process is performed to move the light emitting unit 12 to the light emitting position, and the up detection switch S
When W4 is turned on (when the light emitting unit 12 is raised to the light emitting position), turn on the auxiliary light emitting LED 37, and then proceed to step S.
If the up detection switch SW4 is not turned on, the process proceeds to AF processing without emitting light (S4
1.543).

In step S45, the distance to the subject is measured via the distance measuring unit 27, and the measured distance value (defocus amount)
Based on the AFi, AF processing is performed to move the focusing lens (not shown) of the photographing lens to the in-focus position laterally. If the subject is in focus through this AP processing, the process proceeds to the next step S49, but if the subject is not in focus, the process returns to step S20 and the above process is repeated until the subject is in focus (S47).

Above steps S1 to S23, S24, S31, S33
In the self-timer mode, the processes from S47 to S20 are repeated from when the self-counter reaches O until the camera is in focus. On the other hand, in normal shooting mode, the above steps 5l
- Repeat steps S23, S32, S33 to S47, and S20 until focus is achieved. Note that the above is a case where priority is given to focus, but when priority is given to release, the process proceeds from step S47 to step S49 regardless of whether or not focus is achieved.

In step S49, it is checked whether the flash mode is forced flash mode or not. If the flash mode is forced flash mode, the built-in strobe will fire regardless of whether the photographing lens or external strobe is used, so the process jumps to step S61. If the flash mode is not forced flash mode, the process goes to step S51. Proceed.

In step S51, it is checked whether the calculated shutter speed is lower than a predetermined speed. Since the strobe does not emit light when the speed is not low, the process jumps to step S77, prohibits the strobe from emitting light, and sets the shutter speed at the time of release to the calculated shutter speed, and then proceeds to step S68, where the release switch SWR is turned on. Under this condition, the exposure process of step S69 is performed.

Note that when the camera is in the self-timer mode, the release switch SWR is in the on state.

If the calculated shutter speed is lower than the predetermined speed, the strobe light will be emitted, so first a check is made to see if an external strobe light is attached (353). If an external strobe is attached, check whether the external strobe is compatible (554); if it is not compatible, the light emitting unit 12 cannot be moved to the normal light emitting position, so the process jumps to step S75. After prohibiting the built-in strobe from emitting light and setting the shutter speed at the time of release to the strobe synchronization speed, the process proceeds to step 868 and performs the exposure process of step S69 on the condition that the release switch SWR is turned on.

If the external strobe is compatible in the check in step S54, it is checked whether the characteristics of the attached photographic lens are compatible with the characteristics of the built-in strobe (S
55). If the built-in strobe does not match, normal irradiation cannot be achieved even if the built-in strobe is turned on, so the process advances to step S75 in which the built-in strobe is prohibited from emitting light. On the other hand, if it is compatible, the process advances to step S56, where the built-in strobe is allowed to emit light and the shutter speed at the time of release is set to the strobe synchronization speed, and then the process advances to step S63.

Further, when it is determined in step S53 that there is no strobe on the external device, it is checked whether the attached photographic lens is compatible (S57). If the lens is compatible, the process advances to step S61, and if the lens is not compatible, it is checked whether the lens unsuitability release switch SW4 is turned on (S5
9).

If the lens inappropriateness release switch SW4 is not on, the built-in strobe will not emit light, so the process advances to step S77, and if it is on, the built-in strobe will be emitted, so the process returns to step S61.

In step S61, the built-in strobe is allowed to emit light, and the shutter speed at the time of release is set to the strobe synchronization speed. Then, it is checked whether the up detection switch SW4 is turned on, that is, whether the light emitting section 12 is up to the light emitting position. If it is not up, the strobe motor 26 is started and the light emitting section 12 is moved up to the light emitting position. After that, it is checked again whether the up detection switch SW4 is turned on (S63, S65.567).

When the up detection switch SW4 is turned on, check whether the release switch SWR is turned on (S
68). Since it is on in the self-timer mode, the process proceeds to step S69, and in the normal shooting mode, it may not be on, and if it is not on, the process returns to step S20 and the above process is repeated.

In step S69, exposure processing is performed under the conditions set in step 561 (or steps S56, S75, 577) (S69), and when the exposure is completed, if the light emitting unit 12 is up, it is lowered and the process ends ( S
71).

On the other hand, in the process of raising the light emitting unit 12 (S65), the light emitting unit 12 does not move up to the light emitting position for some reason.
When the up detection switch SW4 is not turned on,
The process advances from step S67 to step S73.

In step S73, the external device checks the presence or absence of a strobe, and if the external device does not have a strobe installed, step S73
In step 77, the firing of the inner and outer strobes is prohibited, and the shutter speed at the time of release is set to the calculated shutter speed, and exposure processing is performed without firing the inner and outer strobes (S69).
).

On the other hand, if an external strobe is attached, step S
At step 75, the built-in strobe is prohibited from emitting light, and the shutter speed at the time of release is set to the strobe synchronization speed, and then the external strobe is emitted to perform exposure processing (S69).

When the exposure process is completed, if the light emitting unit 12 is up to the light emitting position, it is lowered to the storage position and the process is ended (S71).

As described above, in this embodiment, once the light emitting section 12 is raised to the light emitting position, the light emitting section 12 is maintained at the light emitting position unless the strobe is activated or the power switch is turned off. When the release switch SWR is pressed, exposure processing is performed as a forced flash mode.

FIG. 5 shows a blue routine to be displayed. When it is determined that the strobe flash is in automatic flash mode and when it is determined that it is in forced flash mode, the mode is displayed on the LCD panel 29 (881
~587). Note that the automatic flash mode is displayed on the condition that light emission is permitted, and the forced flash mode is displayed when the up detection switch SW4 is turned on and the light emitting unit 12
projecting to the light emitting position) and the photometry switch SWS is turned on.

Further, in this display blue routine, camera setting information and the like as described above are displayed (S89).

As described above, according to the flash control device of this embodiment, when the light emitting unit 12 is in the retracted position, the release button 31 (
When the photometry switch 5WS) is pressed, it functions as an automatic light control mode that controls the flash light emission according to the calculated shutter speed TV. On the other hand, when the light emitting unit 12 is in the light emitting position, the release button 31 (photometering switch 5WS
) is pressed, the forced flash mode is set, and processing is performed in this forced mode unless the photometry switch SWS is turned off. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate light emission changeover switch (although it is possible to switch between automatic light emission mode and forced light emission mode).

In this embodiment, the light emitting section 12 is supported by a retractable link mechanism using the lever 13, but the supporting mechanism for the light emitting section 12 is not limited to this, and may be a pop-up mechanism. The mechanism for driving the light-emitting part I2 between the storage position and the light-emission position may be replaced by a gear mechanism or other mechanism such as a cam mechanism, and the movement from the storage position to the light-emission position or vice versa is performed using a spring force. It may also be done by

Further, in this embodiment, whether or not to use a strobe is determined based on the shutter speed calculated by photometric calculation, but the determination may also be made simply based on the brightness of the subject.

"Effects of the Invention" As is clear from the above explanation, according to the camera flash control device of the present invention, when the release button is operated while the light emitting unit is in the retracted position, It determines whether or not to fire the strobe, and when it is determined that it is to be used, moves the light emitting part to the light emitting position and fires the strobe for proper exposure. After firing, the light emitting part is moved to the storage position, but if the light emitting part is If the release button is operated while in the flash position, it will function as a forced flash mode that forces the strobe to fire regardless of the exposure factor, so there is no need for a switch to switch between automatic flash mode and forced flash mode. This improves performance and allows the camera to be made more compact.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a retractable strobe whose operation is controlled by the camera strobe control device of the present invention, and Fig. 2 shows a single-lens reflex camera equipped with the camera strobe control device of the present invention. , a front view showing the light emitting unit moved to the light emitting position and an external strobe attached; FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the circuit configuration of an embodiment of the camera strobe control device of the present invention; 4A, 4B, 40, and 5 are operational flowcharts of the same embodiment. 0... Camera body, 12... Light emitting unit, 3... Lever (support mechanism) 6... Strobe motor (driving member), 0... Camera control circuit (photometry means, strobe judgment means, light emission) (part control means, exposure means), 21... Photometric sensor, 22... Photometric circuit (photometric means), 23... Lens ROM, 28... Display circuit, 29.
...LCD panel (display means), 31...release button,

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) a support mechanism that supports the light emitting unit of the strobe in a movable manner between a storage position of the camera body and a light emission position; a drive mechanism that moves the light emission unit between the use position and the storage position via the support mechanism; a photometering device that calculates an exposure factor when a first switch is turned on; a strobe determining device that determines whether or not to use a strobe based on the exposure factor calculated by the photometric device; a light emitting unit control means that activates the drive mechanism to move the light emitting unit to a light emitting position on the condition that it is determined to be used; an exposure unit that performs an appropriate exposure operation based on the amount of strobe light, and the light emitting unit control unit is configured to control the light emitting unit regardless of the exposure factor when the first switch is turned on while the light emitting unit is in the light emitting position. A control device for a strobe, characterized in that the exposure means performs proper exposure by forcibly causing a strobe to emit light. (2) In claim 1, at least when the first switch is turned on, the light emitting unit control means activates the drive mechanism to move the light emitting unit to the light emitting position when the strobe determination means determines that a strobe is to be used. the exposure means sets the shutter speed in the exposure factor to the strobe sync speed, and when the second switch is turned on after the first switch means is turned on, the exposure means The light emitting unit control means causes the strobe to emit light based on the settings to achieve proper exposure, and after emitting the strobe light, the light emitting unit control means moves the light emitting unit to the storage position, and after the light emitting unit moves to the light emitting position, the first When the switch is turned off, the light emitting unit control means forcibly causes a strobe to emit light regardless of the exposure factor to cause the exposure means to perform proper exposure. . (3) A strobe control means for a camera according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display means for displaying whether the strobe is an automatic flash or a forced flash.