Real value is out there.

Ten years ago, I worked at the photo service department at my university. They had several Nikon N90ses (US version of the reviewed model) for official use. Body only, these cameras had cost over $1,000 US each. They were a delight to use compared to what I was used to. They delivered consistent and perfect exposure, and were extra special to use with the dedicated Nikon flash. They delivered consistent and fast autofocus as well. All around, they were a joy to a poor college student.

At the time, the N90s was the workhorse of Nikon's lineup. The F4s cost quite a bit more, and the F5 bettered even that when it came out. In some ways, the N90s outperformed the F4, as it was newer and benefited from development time. When Kodak and Fuji built early digital SLRs, they often used an N90s for the body foundation. It was an excellent and versatile camera, which delivered the speed, durability, and precision pros require. They were still selling brand-new ones as late as 2004, despite the original model having debuted many years before. The D series AF Nikkors that debuted with the F90 are still the basis of the matrix metering that Nikon continues to use today. The F100 did vanquish the F90x, but cost more. The F100 continues to sell for higher prices used today. When I bought an AF SLR in 1998, I wanted an N90s badly, but just couldn't afford one. I bought a Canon Elan IIe, which I still enjoy using to this day.

Fast-forward to 2010. I found a used but functional F90x on eBay. As sold through Canadian eBay and being the international model, it might've escaped notice of other US buyers. I got it for $35 US. How could I pass that up? A real working pro-spec Nikon AF body for $35? It was like seeing a childhood crush selling tricks...I couldn't pass it up even though I didn't need it.

Ergonomically, the F90x is an excellent camera for a knowledgeable but lazy shooter. It can do everything for you, but it also allows all creative control as needed for the user. They've since changed their interface a bit, but I think that Nikon had it about right with the N90s/F90x without copying Canon's control dials outright. There are even a few bits that Nikon got decidedly better. The LCD on the top of the camera is indiglo-lit and very convenient in the dark. There's a built-in shutter to block light from the viewfinder window from biasing the exposure. The grip is less comfortable than Canon's, but it holds 4 AA batteries-so easy and cheap.

Nikon AF in the nineties was really quite good. The N90s has only one zone, but it rarely fails. It does an excellent but noisy job tracking focus with the body screw driven AF Nikkors of the time. Canon's AF of the time was superior in speed, noise, and choice of zones. Nikon didn't falter in accuracy, though. My used and slightly ugly F90x worked as well as they ever did.

Nikon's versatility to use obsolete lenses is second to none. It still properly exposed all shots (with fewer modes) even with old AI lenses. It will use some of the latest lenses with no aperture rings, albeit in program mode only.

Lastly, the F90x sounds like a serious piece. It is the stereotypical "paparazzo" sound when the shutter goes off. It's kind of cool to hear it, though it's intrusive in some situations. The motor drive is brisk.

The F90x is a 35mm bargain right now. Cheap, but pro-worthy. Perfect for a young hobby photog, and finally cheap enough for him/her to have one.

Really great film camera

I have a Nikon F4 and I think I like the N90 better. Weight has a lot to do with this opinion since I think the performance of the two cameras is pretty close in things that really matter to the average photographer. For example, they both have a fastest shutter speed of 1/8000 second, both have high speed motor drives, and are built tough (although there's a lot more metal in the F4).

The major feature missing from the N90 is mirror lock-up. I suppose I can live without it since the shutter on the N90 is sooooo smooth that there's really so little vibration that unless you are doing some kind of scientific work it probably makes little or no difference anyway.

Something I like better that the N90 has that the F4 doesn't is the self timer that lets you choose how many seconds you need before the shutter fires. It also lets you stop down the lens to check depth of field and the camera is remarkably quick and accurate to focus. Compared to lower order Nikon Autofocus film cameras like the N8008, N70 and N6006 the controls are very logical and intuitive. Just easier to use and not too intimidating. It is thicker and heavier than any of these other cameras, though and does not have a built-in flash like the N6006 and N70 (which can be useful and convenient when you are traveling light.

In the last two years the price of these on ebay have come down a lot. I just picked another one up for under $50 (including shipping) and this even came with the MB-10 grip.

And last, I know no self respecting pro would say this, but I really like that the N90 has seven program settings for things like Portrait, Landscape, Sports photography, and close-up/macro photography. These settings chosen by the engineers will consistently deliver fabulous pictures that even a pro could be satisfied with.

Finally, here is a camera sold less than ten years ago for well over a thousand dollars that can now be picked up on ebay for around $50 for the camera body. Really a great deal for a first class camera. Good Luck getting one. I have three because I like them so much and each was a bargain.

Nikon's Classic Semi-pro Workhorse

The Nikon N90 35mm film body was Nikon's first true 'prosumer' film camera and was an in instant hit with consumers wanting a camera with features closer to the flagship pro F4 model, but with a more managable price. The N90 was the first model, but after listening to reviewers and consumers, Nikon quickly added spot metering and named the new model the N90s. Buyers and users definitely prefer the N90s over the N90 model and you should expect to pay a bit more for the N90s.

Nikon's approach to this crossover product was to add a lot of the rugged features of the F4, including faster motor drive, heavier frame and mirror box, and an improved viewfinder system with high-eyepoint viewing, but allow the owner to opt for a vertical grip/heavy-duty battery pack rather than building the camera with an integrated vertical grip and HD battery pack. The result was a camera that was smaller and lighter than the F4 but quickly convertible in the field to a full pro-style body with integral vertical grip.

Nikon also made sure the N90s was equipped with the latest autofocus system, which has performance similar to the F4s. Remember, though, that this system was developed in the early 1990's and does not have the blazing speed of Nikon's latest AF systems. However, the F4s and N90s are two of Nikon's most compatible F-series lens mount cameras, and can mount a wider variety of old and new Nikon lenses than just about any other models.

With digital cameras now dominating the market, there is a good supply of N90s cameras and accessories at bargain prices. Look for a camera with light consumer use (no heavy wear at the corners) and expect to shoot many, many rolls of film with this rugged, reliable prosumer workhorse.

I LOVE THIS Nikon N90S 35mm Camera and You Will TOO!

I love my Nikon N90S 35mm Camera! I am an AVID picture taker that loves to take pictures of family, friends, and everything else that can be captured on film. I own a few SLR cameras (Minolta, Pentax and Canon) but this camera, the Nikon N90S, is by far the best 35mm Camera I have every owned! This camera is not a “Professional” camera per say but it’s pretty close to being one. I did a bit of research and I‘ve read quite a bit of reviews and all of them all say and highly praise this camera. After I’ve had a chance to personally take this camera and take it for a TEST drive, I was in awe in how well this CAMERA performed! THIS NIKON N90S takes awesome pictures and how easy it is to learn this SLR camera. Furthermore, this camera has a rugged feature…“but with a faster motor drive, heavier frame and mirror box, and an improved viewfinder system with high-eye point viewing, but allowing the owner to opt for a vertical grip/heavy-duty battery pack rather than building the camera with an integrated vertical grip and HD battery pack.” My suggestion is to add the MB-10 because it will give you a better grip/hold of the camera for those vertical shots and your batteries will last longer; Lithium batteries work the best. This camera can be found here on eBay, in used condition and at reasonable prices. What is reasonable? It depends what you want to pay!

I bought my camera without an owner’s manual and pretty much figured out on my own how to use it. Later, I did obtain an owner’s manual on eBay and if you search enough you can find one at a reasonable price. Actually, you can find quite a bit of accessories on eBay at reasonable prices you just have to search. Searching for A NIKON Camera Strap? A: avoid the “Velour” Camera Straps; They are very cheap and not a pretty sight to look at.

This camera is perfect if you want to take FANTASTIC, sharp, clear, with perfect contrast photos! I am very much and perfectly pleased overall with the performance of this camera and absolutely have NO complaints about this CAMERA! ACCESSORIES, search on your own of the various accessories for this BEAUTY such as: Nikon SC-17, Nikon MF-26, Nikon SB-28 Flash, Nikon SB-25 Flash, Nikon 24-120mm Lens, Nikon MC-20 and much more. These are a few of my favorites.

In this day and age of digital cameras, still there is something about 35mm that to me is far superior than Digital Cameras. I love the clarity of every picture that I take with this camera. This N90S will not disappoint you!

I don’t want to bore you with who said this and who said that. TRY it for yourselves and you will be amazed, LIKE ME! THIS CAMERA is worth what ever YOU pay FOR ‘IT.”

AMAZED and with REGARDS TO YOU,

Nikon 35mm film wonder!!!

Hey everybody! I am reviewing the Nikon N90s film camera body. This is a great, incredible and indispensable tool in 35mm film technology. I shoot B&W film (and sometimes Chrome & Color Negative- I know, old school!!) which I develop at home in my darkroom. This jewel of a camera features an excellent auto-focus system, great metering, depth of field preview, TTL multi-sensor flash control, and exposure info inside the viewfinder, and on top of the camera, in an LCD screen. This LCD screen is a cool addition, since you can check your exposure in dark, no light conditions by pushing a button which activates a cool-blue backlight. You can also customize your N90s using Sharp Wizard Organizer and a special ten jack cable, over riding the camera's on board computer. Another great feature is the fact that this camera uses plain old AA batteries, not a specialized battery that you have to buy at Radio Shack. It auto-loads your film at the touch of the shutter and rewinds almost at the blink of an eye, pushing two buttons, for security. A two latch system insures that you don't open the camera on accident. If you are taking a conventional photography class at your local community college, this is the camera to own! Nikon offers world-class optics, and the Nikon F mount allows lenses recently made to those made in 1953 to be mounted.(Nikon has made & designed many, many, many lenses!!!) In a nut shell, this "pro-sumer" film camera is great for a seasoned professional and for the beginning consumer who shoots on the weekend. Well, I hope this review helps!!!