Cameras with interchangeable lens devices

A video camera has a body (1) with an imager therein for providing a video signal in response to the projection of a light image thereon by a selected interchangeable lens device (2) removably mounted on the camera body (1), and first and second microcomputers (3,4) in the camera body (1) and lens device (2), respectively, which are programmed so that, in an initial communication sequence therebetween after the selected lens device (2) is mounted on the camera body (1), the second microcomputer (4) transmits optical characteristic data for the respective lens device (2) to the first microcomputer (3) in response to a data transmission request signal from the latter, and further so that, in a control communication sequence which follows the initial communication sequence, the first microcomputer (3) transmits a control signal to the second microcomputer (4) on the basis of the received optical characteristic data and controlled status signal supplied to the first microcomputer (2) from the second microcomputer (4). Further, upon the mounting of the selected lens device (2) on the camera body (1), the existence of adequate electrical connections therebetween is detected.