Nikon N90S / Nikon F90X Review

[@depaja]

The camera does have custom settings. You can use the Meta35 cable and software to custom setup your camera and even get exif data that you can attach to your scanned files. Just search for Meta35. You can download the software and see which settings you can set on the camera for free with their trial software. There is also a MF-26: Multi-control back that lets you do, data imprinting, exposure bracketing, long exposure, multiple exposure, etc. This is a fantastic camera for anyone shooting film and it's built like a tank.

[@HaiTran]

Interesting concept, but for something that costs as much as the camera, I'd rather just write the info down on a piece of paper, if I cared enough about it in the first place.

[@depaja]

If you don't shoot a lot of film then yes, it's a bit steep at $150. I shoot only b&w film and a lot of it so it saves time over writing down the settings. I only scan the negs to organize them in Lightroom. It's way easier to search Lightroom for an image I want to print than go through my piles of neg files. I print all my negs in my darkroom. Plus I love being able to change the custom settings with Meta35. Great review BTW. Cheers!

[@HaiTran]

Lol I shoot around 200 rolls a year and still find Meta35 to not be worth it. Especially when it’s only limited to a few cameras. As someone who collects a bunch of random cameras, it would be useless. Also, you know you can tag photos in Lightroom, right? That’s free and would let you search for whatever tags you want.

[@walterfink7869]

I purchased two brand new N90s cameras and two motors as well, back when they were selling new. I really wasn't interested in the F4 at the time. I used those two cameras for thousands of rolls of film, when film was basically still in the know. Then, in November 2001, I traded up for 2 of the Nikon F5. One was used, but in mint condition, and the other was brand new in the box. I still have and use them. I just can't afford the D850 now. The N90s was a delight to use. So was the F5. I was doing a lot of sports. For my weddings, I used the RB67 Pro S. Then switched to 35mm. The Nikon FA was another delight to use. Before I went to Nikon, I had Canon. The first model of the F1, then I had the EF, the A1 with the motor and a lot of lenses with Canon. I only switched because I was hired by Nikon, and decided to use their equipment when not on the road. All this many years ago. I loved my Nikons, and also loved my Canons. I've used almost all of the brands, due to the jobs I had in the photo industry. All this is behind me now. Just memories. Thanks for reviewing the N90s. I miss that camera.

[@HaiTran]

Thanks for watching. If you're still interested in using the camera, they are often available on eBay and other sites 👍

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

I also bought my N90S brand new.... It was about 1000 dollars!!! LOL I am old... But it was and still is a great camera and I still use it from time to time.

[@HaiTran]

Did you mean that you bought the camera brand new when it came on the market? If so, I'm glad to know that the camera can stand the test of time 👍

[@peoriavideosltd6822]

@@HaiTran Yep, brand new in 1996. Its been a great reliable camera for 22 years!

[@HaiTran]

Glad to hear it! Hopefully, mine will last as long!

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

The F100 miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight be a "better" camera, but, without a doubt the F90x/N90s is the best value in 35mm film photography. You can buy these used, all day long for $30 and, as you say, you can buy a mint one for $100. The "better" autofocus of the F100 is almost irrelevant, as, I cannot imagine who is shooting action/sports and/or 5+ frames per second, on film, in 2018. For a 'minute', I wanted a Nikon F6, but then I had to ask myself, "Self, what the hell can an F6 do for you, that a F90x cannot?" The answer (for me), was "Nothing." About the only substantive advantage of an F100 (or F6) that I can see, is the ability to use the full functionality of G lenses (including VR), and even then, I think Nikon's "D" lenses are a much better value, especially for 35mm film. If you really 'needed' the absolute pinnacle of image quality, you'd be shooting medium or large format film.

[@HaiTran]

For the price that I got my N90s for, I really regret not getting another one while the seller had it available. For me, the F100 has a few advantages over the N90S. First, is ergonomics. I find the N90s body to be somewhat oddly shaped. It's nothing that I can't deal with, but I notice it every time I use the camera. Second, the F100 has two adjustment dials. Both the shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted with the right hand whereas only one or the other with the N90s. Third, I find the button layout of the F100 to be more intuitive. Overall, the F100 gives me a better user experience, but the N90s is more aesthetically pleasing. If my F100 were to break down, I'd probably invest in a new F6.

[@AldermanFredCDavis]

You raise some interesting points. I have never held or used a Nikon F100, so I can't speak to its ergonomics. But I definitely agree with you RE: being able to adjust the shutter speed and aperture with one hand, on the F100. I have a Nikon DSLR that allows the one handed operation. It's not an issue for me, but I can see where it could be for some people. I miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight also be changing my mind about buying an F6. I surely do not 'need' another film camera, but at the same time, I am intrigued by the thought of owning the last, and arguably best and most refined, 35mm SLR ever made. One thing I have noticed is that when I read "Nikon F6 user reviews", people who have owned the camera, seem to rave about it...........................literally to the point of being like 100 positive reviews/experiences for every bad one. It's a lot of money for a 35mm film camera, but I could justify it (in my own mind), by saying that you will very likely go through 2, 3, or even 4 DSLR's, during the time period that the F6 is still viable and the pinnacle of 35mm film photography. I have several 35mm film cameras, dating back to the 1980's, and have yet to have one fail.

[@HaiTran]

Lol that's a good find! Enjoy it and take lots of photos!

[@19Photographer76]

@@HaiTran place an MB-10 on the N90s, it will feel/carry much better.

[@HaiTran]

That’s something that I wouldn’t personally do because it’ll make the camera bigger than I would want it. I would’ve bought an F5 if I wanted a full bodied camera.

[@shelliecarlson7015]

I picked mine up at a thrift store, last weekend, for 10 bucks. 20 minutes scrubbing the battery holder and some Amazon rechargables, and I'm shooting. Takes my Sigma, Quantaray, and D40 lenses. Frackin heavy though. Put a really long lens on it and it's becomes a useful bludgeon.

[@HaiTran]

You got a steal!

[@neilspector9221]

nice

[@saifulazri5841]

Thanks for this. Really enjoyed the video. Already own an F90X but wish I could get a mint in box one like yours!

[@HaiTran]

The seller that I bought it from actually had quite a few new ones. I really regret not buying another one while I can just to keep in storage for the future. It’s a nice camera 👍🏽

[@milesian1]

Very nice review. I moved a few years ago, and misplaced or lost my F100 (along with my Mamiya C330 : ( as a result. With the prices for F100s going through the roof I still wanted an AF with similar functionality. I'm astounded that I was able to find an F90X for under 30 bucks. What a bargain!

[@HaiTran]

Enjoy your camera!

[@milesian1]

@@HaiTran Thanks! Do you still use yours? I have a shoot this afternoon. Using the F90X, F4S, and a Rolleiflex 3.5E.

[@HaiTran]

I used it periodically when I want to switch it up. I’m more of a fan of the N2020 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ3SZqV8gL2Imck

[@ElLuigiGrande]

Just bought this camera based on your awesome review, but only came with the body. What type of 50mm lense would you recommend to use with it?

[@HaiTran]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it. If you’re looking for an auto focus 50mm lens, you can go with either of these kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2KVf6isgLKFi80

[@francescosisto7131]

Nikon 50mm 1.8D, Great lens, fast, sharp, light and inexpensive. On e-bay a clear copy for around $50

[@Dezdirectz]

How do you chose your focus point when using a manual focus lens? Considering the fact there's no joystick to move the focus point on where your subject is at.

[@HaiTran]

If you’re using a manual lens, then you don’t choose a focus point via the lens/camera. You can’t because it doesn’t auto focus. You manually focus via the focusing ring on the lens.

[@depaja]

There is only one focus point and it's in the center. With a manual focus lens you point at what you want to focus on and the green light in the viewfinder will come on when it's focused. No worries about moving the focus point since there is only one.

[@vonfilm]

All very true. I love my N90S. Mine was $40 with a AF zoom.

[@HaiTran]

Woah very good deal 👌

[@francescosisto7131]

Just got 1 on e-bay for $29 in near mint conditions, can't wait to go out and shoot with this old beauty!

[@HaiTran]

Great deal! Hope you enjoy it 👍🏽

[@j.fontaine2491]

My dad gave me his N90s. I've gotten some great shots with it. Fun camera!

[@HaiTran]

I've been shooting with mine a lot recently. There's a new video with it in use being published on this channel, this upcoming Monday, 1/29/18. Check it out! 👍

[@RobMoses]

One of my favourites too!

[@HaiTran]

Glad to hear it 👍🏽

[@robertosupertramp9322]

Great video! I'm about to buy one!

[@HaiTran]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it 👍

[@stevea5985]

I bought a used N-90s for 41.00 it's in better condition then advertised , I also have an n8008s in mint condition . All my lens work on both bodies , I learned to do 35mm on an Olympus om-10 back in 1983 I still have it and it still works .

[@finch0seven]

the nikon n90s with the mf-26 back can do all that stuff, multiple expusures, bracketing, time intervals shoothing, and put the date on the film, a little bit complicated but you get used to it.

[@HaiTran]

As long as you enjoy the camera and it gets you shooting 👍

[@dsammo169]

It would be great if someone did a how to on the mf-26 cause i've read the manual and it's not the easiest to work out.

[@arnonart]

this camera was my first AF body. I survived with a pentax LX mf body till 98. than i became a pro and started to shoot for magazines. I was really happy with this camera and replaced it only with dslr. a great body indeed!

[@HaiTran]

It's a great camera and still lots of fun to use!

[@arnonart]

@@HaiTran since 2007 I'm into digital. I do scan and photograph my slides. I've been to photography since 81 and I have thousands of lab hours behind me. I can't afford film photography anymore as it became so expensive and ii can hardly believe I can find time to sit in the lab. I did a lot of color Works by myself and I'm glad I don't have to do it anymore due to health risks. Anyway, it's always good to look back.

[@HaiTran]

Film isn’t for everyone. Digital became a thing for a reason.

[@arnonart]

@@HaiTran photography is not for everyone. Period. Today we see mass photography but most of it is junk. Another thing is that because tweaking pictures became available people tend to overdo their photos, something we couldn't do during the film era.

[@HaiTran]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean someone else feels the same. Photographers are making names for themselves using a variety of different cameras and a variety of shooting/editing styles. Also, the darkroom allowed for an enormous amount of tweaking and editing. Just look at some political propaganda from the film days and you'll be able to see things that were removed/cloned and a host of other tweaks. Many famous photographers regularly tweaked their images to the point that they are unrecognizable from the original.

[@jackmandora1]

You can get high speed sync on this camera!

[@HaiTran]

Great feature to have but I doubt many people would use this camera for flash photography in modern times.

[@milesian1]

@@HaiTran I do!

[@legin6487]

How does it compare to the N8008S ?

[@HaiTran]

It's more advanced and is its replacement.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Is it plasticky?

[@HaiTran]

It is partially made of plastic...

[@bashizzle3737]

I have a f90x. It is not an everyday carry. It weighs a fuckton.

[@HaiTran]

Perhaps sticking to a smartphone may be a better option.