Nikon N90 35mm Film Camera

I'm a terminal Nikon user. I've been using Nikon cameras for nearly 10 years and each new camera is a tremendous leap forward. I've used the N90s extensively as both a primary and secondary backup body. I must say, it functions exceptionally well in both roles.

Firstly, if you get one, make sure you get the extended grip battery option. Not only does it give you the vertical shutter release, the battery compartment is the nice slide in/out tray that makes swapping batteries quick and easy, esp in the field. If you're a heavy shooter, I recommend getting a second tray so you can have it ready to swap in a matter of seconds -- very useful at sports events, weddings, etc.

If you've used the N8008s (F-801s) series before, then most of the controls should come naturally to you. The layout is pretty much the same, though the controls themselves are slightly refined. The grip is a bit bigger and the thumb command dial is also dimpled for better control. There is also a viewfinder blind, which comes in handy when you're doing remote-controlled or timer released shots.

Where the N90s really shines is the autofocus speed and the accuracy of the wide-area sensor. When this camera was introduced, Nikon's top pro camera was the F4 which was already seriously lagging in the AF department. People were switching to Canon left and right for the awesome AF speed of the EOS-1n. To help stem the tide of defections, Nikon released the N90s as a stop-gap measure and to buy some time for the release of the F5, which was still a couple years off. It's a good thing it turned out as good as it is, or else many loyal Nikon owners would be trading in their gear for faster Canon bodies.

For everyday shooting, the N90s AF speed and accuracy is great. I've tried to "trick" it by selecting targets with low contrast or targets that have iregular movements, like butterflies. For the most part, once it figures out what you're subject is, it will follow it quite well, even if something like a tree obstructs it temporarily. For sports, it is also quite good, but the motor drive tops out at like 4.3FPS, which may seem like alot, but really isn't. If you've been around pros, they routinely squeeze off 5-6 frames just to get one good one.

If you use the N90s in conjunction with an SB-26 or higher, you'd have to try pretty hard to get bad flash exposures. Nikon has always led the field in terms of flash capability, functionality and exposure quality. Combine its 3D matrix metering with a Speedlite and you're set.

The ergonomics are classic Nikon: excellent. It's just the right size and bulk for most people. The extended battery pack balances quite nicely and gives you more to hold onto. I consider it a must-have accessory.

Couple of caveats: the motor drive can get noisy, esp the film rewind. Granted, you can set the machine to rewind at your command, so that's a minor point. One other: I'd like to have a mirror lock feature to help minimize vibration during long exposures, essential for macro photography.

Overall, a very capable machine. Worthy of the Nikon name.