Camera controller for flashgun operation

A device for providing multi-mode camera shutter control according to flashgun mounting and flashgun charging status, said camera having electrically controlled automatic shutter operating means, manual shutter operation means, and X shutter control means for flashgun operation, said device for providing multi-mode camera shutter control comprising:

• a detection switch means for detecting the presence of a flashgun on said camera;
• an input terminal providing an indication of the charge on said flashgun;
• and
• multi-mode control means for controlling said camera shutter according to one of said automatic shutter operation means and said manual shutter operation means
• (i) when said detection switch means detects a flashgun, said flashgun has a charge output terminal, and said input terminal indicates an insufficient charge on said flashgun in response to said charge output terminal, and
• (ii) when said detection switch means does not detect a flashgun;
• and
• said multi-mode control means controlling said camera shutter according to said X shutter control means
• (i) when said detection switch means detects a flashgun, said flashgun has a charge output terminal, and said input terminal indicates a sufficient charge on said flashgun in response to said charge output terminal, and
• (ii) when said detection switch means detects a flashgun, and said flashgun has no charge output terminal connected to said input terminal,
• whereby said device for providing multi-mode camera shutter control may be used with either a flashgun having a charge output terminal, or a flashgun without a charge output terminal.