Optical connector and an optical connector ferrule

The optical connector ferrule guide pins positioning method are retractably housed in a tubular housing. Ferrule includes a thinned portion having a base and a thickness smaller than the base. If the ferrule is advanced butt connection direction, movement in the thickness direction of the ferrule is restricted by the proximity and the regulating portion and the base portion is a projection projecting into the housing interior surface. If the ferrule is retracted in the butt connection direction, ferrule, reaches the position where the thinned portion is opposed to the regulating unit, the movement restriction in the thickness direction of the ferrule is released.