All Images And Text On This Site Are Copyright 1999-2000
by
Thomas D. Hill Jr.
My Nikon F90x
This was the first SLR I've purchased in almost 20 years. My previous cameras were old Konica T4s and T3s I inherited from my dad. My next camera system was the Leica M series. I still have it but unfortunately it doesn't support all my needs. The small, lightweight qualities of my Leica M4-P are outstanding. But, there are several very large capabilities that this system simply can not support. Most importantly is long lens photography. I guess I could have gotten into a Leica R system but I couldn't afford their extravagant costs. Lens and accessories costs were just too high. So, since I couldn't extend any of my current systems to support my needs which new manufacturer was I going to use? Essentially it came down to what I had respected back when I sold cameras to support my college activities. Back then (20 years ago) Nikon equipment had an outstanding reputation and I found they still enjoyed the same respect. So, I settled on Nikon as my new system.
The battle to determine which camera body to buy was a bit dramatic to me. Cost and capabilities were the most important factors. I considered a N70 but eventually chose the F90x because of its perceived higher reliability and several important features (i.e. depth of field preview). Also, I didn't need the N70's built-in flash as I knew it wasn't strong enough to suit my needs. I was going to get the SB-28 anyway so why compromise on bodies because of a unsatisfactory flash.
After a extensive year of using the F90x and shooting about 100 rolls of film with it, I can attest to it's reliable meter, excellent features, and robust construction. I've carried it all around Western Canada, hiked dozens of miles through rain, sleet, and snow, and my camera has never failed to live up to it's reputation. What more could you ask for.
When the F90x was my primary camera, I routinely carried it with my SB-28 and 300 F4 ED-IF attached. I'd dangle it over my right shoulder with the flash closer to my body. This allowed quick and immediate use whenever I went for one of those long nature walks. I also configured it with an MB-10. Unlike other cameras, adding a battery pack does nothing to the overall performance of the F90x. Still, the MB-10 improves the camera's handling qualities. The MB-10 adds a vertical shutter button, which comes in handy at times. I know a few people who don't like the increased weight of the MB-10, though I've never noticed it's size and definitely appreciate the significant increase in camera surface area my hands can grab onto.
Though it's not as tough as the F5, the F90x still performs adequately in severe weather. I believe the top is partially water proof--a characteristic that hasn't been lost on me during some torrential downpours I been caught in. I've been soaked to the bone trying to protect the camera and still it performs. It hasn't missed a beat yet.
I've got a lengthy discussion on how I meter with the F90x located here.
Since this was my first auto-focus camera, I was amazed. The camera performed flawlessly, with my first lens (35-70 F2.8 AF-D). Even with my first telephoto, a 180 F2.8 AF-N, it worked as well as anyone could expect. I used the wide auto-focus field predominately and very rarely explored using the narrow field. I was quite satisfied until I began to take in-flight bird shots with my 300 F4 ED-IF. My first indication that trouble was afoot was due to an experience I had with my 300 F4 ED-IF. I took a wonderful set of images of a Sage Grouse at very close range in Banff National Park. I was excited and looked forward to getting the slides back from the processor. Unfortunately, every image was just slightly out of focus. I wonder "can my lens be wrong?" Is its reputation over-rated? Then, I took a flight photo of a Ringed-Billed Gull. Every aspect of the photo was perfect except the eye was just barely out of focus. For most people the error wasn't noticeable. In fact, I have it on my web site (here). But, it wasn't quite as sharp as what I was expecting from a lens with such an excellent reputation.
Believing the lens was okay because of several stationary shots that had excellent results, I decided to checkout the camera's auto-focus system. I shot several dozen images with narrow field and they appeared much sharper. Unfortunately, using this system tended to support "bulls-eye" photography-where every photo's subject is centered in the image. I also began to push my film to support using smaller apertures. Most of the time with my 500 F4 AF-S or 300 F4 ED-IF, I began setting their apertures to F5.6 to expand the depth of field. This hopefully accounted for any slight imperfections my camera may have had. Rarely have I ever used my widest apertures. This again came to light when I used a TC-14e with my 500 F4 AF-S. The images were just oh so slightly soft. Really, it was only noticeable for the most picky observers but it didn't satisfy me. Since then, I started to shoot this combo at F8 (one stop less than wide-open) my results have been much better.
Since setting the lens a little wider and using the narrow focus area seemed to solve my problems, I had to change my shooting style to adjust to the new requirements. That meant I had to push my film more often to compensate for the smaller aperture. Fortunately, I discovered Kodak E100SW and Fuji Provia F III was introduced. Both films had excellent characteristics when pushed with a slight nod going to Fuji. I couldn't solve everything however. Shooting with the narrow focus area was not a bed of roses if you were in a very active situation. I couldn't adjust my composition to avoid the dreaded "bulls-eye" situation. Routinely, I'd miss shots in the small time from focusing the image through the narrow field and then recomposing the scene. I was being limited by technology and I was annoyed. So, began my quest to get a Nikon F5.
Since getting a Nikon F5, I've designated my F90x as my landscape camera. If quick focus wasn't the need, my F90x was the perfect tool for it. Especially because I'd have Fuji Velvia at it's rated ISO in it all the time. In this capacity it worked very well. Now days, I occassionally use my F90x as my primary long-tele body. Under those conditions, I have my F5 strapped to my shoulder waiting for inflight shots while using the F90x to take more static photos with my 500mm f/4 AF-S.
If you're wondering whether it's cost effectively to get the F90x/N90s, I have to say yes. It's significantly cheaper than the F100 and it still has the reliability of a pro camera. Even though it doesn't have the same matrix meter of the F100 or the much improved auto-focus, the F90x/N90s still has an excellent and reliable matrix meter. And, more importantly it has a eye-piece shutter which the F100 doesn't. Having a built in eye-piece shutter means you don't have to carry one more accessory that's waiting to get lost. When compared to the F100, the N90x/F90x stacks up pretty well when you consider the money you spent.
I'm sure I'll eventually move my F90x down to a distant back-up to some supped-up camera of the future. That's far down the road as far as I'm concerned. Someday I expect my son will get a gift form his dad like I did from mine and begin the circle again.
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