In a step-up circuit for causing the emission of light of a distance measuring light emitting element, the step-up circuit outputs a step-up voltage from one terminal of a step-up capacitor. A step-up voltage level changeover circuit applies a step-up voltage to the capacitor every time the distance measuring light emitting element emits light that is higher than the step-up voltage in the normal state. The number of parts is reduced by eliminating a separate capacitor for light emission, the space for the circuit is reduced by using the capacitor having a small capacity, the soldering steps for fabrication of the circuit are automated; and the costs for assembly are ameliorated owing to the automation.