Nikon N90s (F90x)

This is a review of the Nikon N90s which is the same as the Nikon F90X in Europe. I came across this camera while I was browsing on that big auction site for a Nikon lens for the F4s. An online retailer was selling it for £23 including postage so I thought it would be silly to ignore it. The camera is in mint condition except from a small depression on the prism that has created a scratch. Everything else is shining new!

Without going into too much details about the history of this model, the early 90's where still quite difficult for the AF Nikons as they where not the fastest systems around although they were offering backward compatibility with older lenses. In 1992, Nikon released the plain F90 which was an improvement over the older F-801s but still it wasn't a match for the Canons or Minoltas of that era. The F90x came in 1995 and placed Nikon back on the AF SLR map. It was the first Nikon with an AF module which was just as good - and at times better - than competition.

The Nikon F90x is a well made although a bit bulky camera. It weights a significant weight and this is partly due to the fact that it uses 4 AA batteries. I see this as a positive, AA batteries are readily available on every corner of the planet. Fit and finish is suburb and all buttons and dials have a nice quality feel to them. All buttons fall comfortably on my hands. The interface of the camera stems from the older F-601/F-801 models and it is a "two hands" interface, i.e. you need to push a button with one hand and rotate the input dial with the other. Canons of that era are doing better. Having said that, the interface is simple and well thought out and I doubt it will ever cause you any frustration. The viewfinder is beautifully big and bright, one of the best I've seen in a SLR. The camera comes with the usual modes (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority and programme) and Nikon also added some subject-biased programmes (portrait, sports, landscape.. etc) which I think they have no place on a camera of this calibre. Metering consists of Matrix, centre-weighted and spot. So far, so good, the camera has all the things you need and probably a few more that you probably don't.

Switch on the camera and take a few test shots. The AF snaps quickly into focus and it is a bit noisy but nothing too much. With sufficient light and contrast, the camera's AF flies through any subject you'll point it towards. Low contrast subjects and low light seem to pose difficulties to this camera and it is then when you realise how much this camera would have been benefited by an IR-assist lamp. Oh, well.... Noise and vibration levels are well controlled in this Nikon.

It has been well recorded on the internet that the Nikon F90x's metering system is performing flawlessly time and time again. Reading this review by Thom, it says at some point that the camera lacks the hydraulic switch which detects when the camera is held on a vertical position and that this has an impact on the metering system's performance. I compared the F90x's meter with the one from the Canon EOS 5 and the Nikon F4s which do have that switch and the light readings I got were identical (even when the top 1/3 of the frame was sky). I don't know if that has any impact on the camera's performance but so far, I don't think so.

Ok, so what's the catch. Quite a few things. First of all, the horrid plastic back that deteriorates and becomes sticky. Actually, it becomes so sticky that it can easily hold, kitchen tissue, toilet paper, a piece of A4 paper etc. There are numerous remedies on the net but before you try any of these, do what I did. I removed the back and gave it a good scrub with a....... baby wipe! It will remove all the sticky plastic, it will not scratch the back and most importantly all the letterings and icons on the back of the camera will remain intact. Denatured alcohol is another popular suggestion but I am under the impression that it will remove the lettering and the icons too. So, be mindful of that. Apart from that, there are some other ergonomic issues. First of all, it is almost impossible to lock both AF and exposure at the same time. You need one finger on the AF-lock button (front of the camera), keep the AE-lock pushed with your thumb (back of the camera) and have your fore-finger on the shutter button. Do this two, three times and you will dislocate one of your fingers. Another thing that I don't like is the fact that you need to keep the AE-lock button pushed all the time in order to maintain the exposure. Finally, Nikon offered subject-biased programmes with this camera (which is a pile of rubbish) and did not offer any custom functions. And I don't mean 30 custom functions that you end up forgetting anyway, I mean 2 or 3 important custom functions such as leaving the film lead outside the canister or a mirror lock up before firing in self timer.. etc.

Using the camera has been a very pleasant experience. I have shot a film with it so far and the camera performed flawlessly. All frames were well exposed and focused. In terms of performance, there is nothing that I can criticize this camera for.

Canon EOS 5 Vs Nikon F90x

Another battle of the titans. So who wins? Let's see point by point. Also remember that the Nikon F90x is 3 years younger than the Canon

• Build quality: The Nikon is a much better build camera. Full stop. Having said this, both cameras a renowned for their reliability and they both have been used by professionals under all difficult conditions.
• Noise: The Canon wins hands down. It is dead silent.
• Viewfinder: Both cameras have excellent viewfinders but the one on the Nikon feels bigger and brighter.
• AF speed: It is very difficult to say which one is faster. Both are just as fast although i would say that the Nikon is noticeably faster on Continuous Focus mode. The Canon has the advantage of having an IR- assist lamp which means that it will focus on all subjects no matter what the contrast or the light levels.
• Exposure metering: I have shot only one film with the Nikon but there are plenty of reports on the internet about how good it performs. On the other hand, the Canon hasn't disappointed me for the last 17 years.
• Ergonomics/Customisation : For me, the Canon really shines in this respect. On the other hand, I have been using the Canon for ages so it might be that I am used to it. The jury is out for this one.
• Compatibility: The Nikon of course. 

Nikon F4 Vs Nikon F90x

Ok, out of the two, the Nikon F4s is the better camera for a few reasons.

The Nikon F4s has:

• Superior build quality: The Nikon F90x is very well build but the F4s can bring walls down
• Modularity: Interchangable viewfinders, screens, backs etc.. means that the F4s is a system
• Metering Compatibility: Matrix metering with every with every lens you can imagine from as far back as the 1959
• Noise: The Nikon F4s is noticeably more quiet.
• Ergonomics: Highly subjective but i think this is where the F4s shines through.

The Nikon F90x has:

• A faster AF module
• A shiftable programme
• Less weight
• Better value for money 

Nikon F90x Vs Nikon F90

Not great difference between the two. The F90x sports a faster motor drive and exposure
compensation in 1/3 stop intervals. Also AF seems to be a bit faster in AF-C mode but that is minimal. In real life, there is very little to choose between the two and you should be happy with either model. 

Summary

Ok, this is one hell of a camera that your money can buy. The fact that most of the people go for the newer (and in some respects more refined F100) means that you can pick up a F90x for peanuts. That is something to ponder about, these cameras where sold new in the price region of £700 in the 90's. It performs flawlessly and the build quality is a cut above good. If you are looking for a AF-SLR Nikon and you cannot afford any of the above-£100 models, then this camera should be on the top of your list. Actually, this camera should be on the top of your list no matter how much money you are willing to spend. It's just fantastic.

Highly recommended.