 |
Nikon's film camera technology reached its peak with the F100, N80/F80 and of course the F5 and F6. The N90s/F90x isn't quite up to the level of those cameras but it still has a lot to offer the serious photographer who wants to shoot film, especially at the prices they go for these days! If you want the latest whizbang, the N80/F80 or the F100 are the way to go for "prosumer" gear, but you'll pay more. In some ways, you'll get less, too. The build quality of the F90/N90 series is definitely higher than the newer models -- less plastic in critical places (like the rewind fork) make it clear that these cameras were made for serious work. They've got the heft and feel of the pro F4 and F5, while the N80/F80 feels like a D90 (which it resembles in many ways.) The D90 is a fine camera, it just doesn't feel as solid as I'd like. The F90s/N90s definitely feels solid. The F90/N90 series also had problems with the rubber coating, especially on the film door. It quickly got gummy and sticky, or just started to peel off. I've found the best solution is to remove the door, then remove the rubber coating with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol. It takes a few minutes, but if you don't mind the feel of plastic (as opposed to "rubberized" plastic) it's a permanent solution. On the "pro" side, these are reliable, use standard AA batteries, work with a wide assortment of Nikon lenses, support most pre-iTTL strobes and have a very good user interface. On the "con" side, they are heavier than the later "prosumer" models from Nikon, noisy (but accurate and surprisingly quick) autofocus, and the viewfinder isn't quite as bright as, say, an F4 or F5. I'll take one of these where I wouldn't necessarily want to take my F5, and it'll do pretty much everything I need it to do under most circumstances. Yes, it only has a single AF zone, but I can live with that (and often prefer it.) It has matrix, center-weighted and spot metering, also surprisingly accurate, and easy access to exposure compensation. In fact, most of the useful controls are right where you'd want them to be. Definitely consider this for a backup or "dangerous assignment" body if you have an F4/5/6. I find it good enough to be my regular "walking around" camera. It's that good.Read full review
This camera was great the first time I owned one. I bought this used one twenty years later for the nostalgia of it. I have long since gone digital. I stayed with Nikon because I was used to it. It has always treated me well. I even shot weddings with it. Film has a characteristic of all its own that I have been unable to recreate with digital cameras. I am under the impression that it cannot be done. I shoot almost exclusively digital these days because it is so much less expensive and I have total control over the editing. I edit extensively. It is my art in images.I reserve my film cameras for those rare occasions when I am going for that specific look and I take much longer before I snap each shot. Anyways, the N90 stands up to everything I can throw at it. It has always treated me well and I am surprised that they haven't held their resale value any better than they have. They are well worth the investment.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The good: Heavy duty, well made camera. Well designed with most used features easily accessible. Most Nikon lenses are compatible with this camera. Very good auto exposure modes available. Large, bright viewfinder. The bad: Coating on back of camera becomes sticky with age. I was able to remove this with denatured alcohol and some rubbing. Non AI lenses are not compatible with this camera. If you are looking for a small, light weight camera, this one is not for you!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This camera has the pro-level build quality associated with Nikon's F series, but is not so big or heavy. Its motor drive is suitably fast, but it doesn't matter, as no one uses film for fast sports any more. The ergonomics are better than the F4's for small or medium sized hands. The camera is rubber-wrapped metal alloy; it is much more solid than lesser cameras, such as the N65, N80, etc. It doesn't have a physical control for every feature, like the F4 and previous pro cameras, but the menu system is only one layer deep: For example, to change the mode, press hold down the MODE button with the left hand, then turn the click dial with the right hand while watching the LCD. This allows the N90s' body to be clean and uncluttered due to the lack of switches, but yet to not have a complex menu system at the same time. I like shooting with my manually-wound, manually-focused cameras, but I'm amazed at how much quicker I can make a nice photo with this one. If you like 35 mm film, but don't want to have the family waiting for you when you're out with them, this is a fine choice.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have never owned a film Nikon AF camera. My digital is a D40 and my film cameras are the mecahnical and manual focus Nikkormat FT, FT2 and FM. I love my mechanical and manual focus cameras.I heard that N90s is a good camera, and decided to own one AF. It would not mount mine non AI lenses as the spec said, but I would not mind since i have a couple of AI lenses. I tested the N90S with the 50mm f/1.8 AF, 18-55mm AF-S D, 55-200mm AF-S VR and the image came out reasonably good. I am satisfied with what I purchased for that price USD51. Drop it once from my bag, and there was a crack at the edge but still works wonderful. The AF on film is a good backup if I want to travel or on the move and want to capture images on film without manual focusing on FM or use the digital D40. It serves its purpose, but personal preference is still the old manual FM and FT. The images produced by these old film cameras are much nicer, i do not know why, can't compare with my FT2. Pro: AF on film, fast AF, Cons: Cannot accept my old non AI lens, not as well bult as Nikkormat or FM. It is plastic.Image produced not as good as Nikkormats or FM.Read full review
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
