Camera and range finder

A range finder using sensor arrays, comprising:

• a switching means capable of bundling outputs of each of said sensor arrays as outputs of a plurality of light-receiving surfaces;
• a light projecting means for projecting signal light on an object;
• and
• a control means for controlling said switching means so as to switch a first range finding mode, in which outputs of said sensor arrays are detected in order to measure a distance to an object, and a second range finding mode in which when said light projecting means projects light, outputs of blocks, into which a sensor array is divided, are detected in order to measure a distance to an object.

A camera, comprising:

• a light projecting means for projecting light on an object;
• a light receiving means including a plurality of sensors for receiving light projected by said light projecting means and reflected from the object;
• and
• resistive elements, placed among output lines extending from said adjoining sensors, for making it possible to provide two output currents dependent on the position of light incident on said light receiving means.

A camera having a range finder including sensor arrays, comprising:

• a first circuit for bundling signals output from elements constituting one sensor array as one output or dividing the signals into a plurality of groups and bundling signals belonging to each group as one output;
• a second circuit for outputting signals output from elements constituting one light-receiving sensor array one by one;
• and
• a first switch for selecting either of said first circuit and second circuit.

A camera, comprising:

• a pair of light-receiving sensor arrays used for range finding for passive AF;
• a light-projecting device used for range finding for active AF;
• a first circuit for outputting pulsating signals contained in output signals provided by at least one of said light-receiving sensor arrays;
• a second circuit for outputting output signals of elements constituting a light-receiving sensor array one by one;
• and
• a switch for selecting either of said first circuit and second circuit to which output signals of the light-receiving sensor array are output,
• wherein said switch selects said first circuit for the purpose of range finding for active AF and selects said second circuit for the purpose of range finding for passive AF.