Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product N90 Nikon
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Nikon INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
CONTENTS FOREWORD ....................... . ..................... .. ..... . .. .. .. . .. . ............ .4 OPE RATI O N IN S HUTIER - PRIORITY AUTO NOMENCLATURE .... . .................................................. 5- 10 EXPOSURE MODE .. .......
LONG TIME EXPOSURE-Using bul b setting .................. 98-99 TO USE NON - DX - CODED FILM .. .. .. ................... .. ................... 1 00 INTERCHANGING FOCUSING SCREENS .. ......................... 1 01-1 02 LENSES ........................
4 FOREWORD Thank you for choosing the new Nikon N90 camera. It's a high-performance camera that offers today's newest and most advanced capabilities, all designed to enable you to take more exciting pictures.
NOMENCLATURE Once you know the names of the parts of your new Nikon N90 , as well as their functions and the camera ' s other controls , you will be surprised how simple and logical the N90 system's operation can be.
LCD panel (p. 9) Shutter release button: To activate exposure meter and autofocus function , lightly press; to release shutter, depress fully; exposure meter automatically switches off after 8 sec. Self-timer indicator LED (pp.95-96) Depth - of-field preview button (p.
Eyepiece shutter lever : Used to pre- vent stray light from entering viewfinder. Viewfinder/LCD panel illumination button : Press to illuminate viewfinder and LCD panel, useful in dim light. Illumination automatically switches off 8 sec. after you remove your finger from button.
Reset button : Press and hold this button and exposure compensation/ reset button together for instant reset of basic camera settings (p. 20) Exposure mode (MODE) button ' : See page 54. Vari-Program (ps) button ' : See pages 70-71 . Flash sync mode (~) button ': See pages 121,123 and 125.
LCD panel i ndicat i ons 1. Focus area 2. Exposure mode 3. Metering system 4. Film speed setting mode 5 . Exposure compensation 6. Shutter speed 7 . Autofocus 8 . Aperture 9 . Release /Foc us priority 6 7 8 DDDLFC D Lf Lf Lf Lf Lf.Lf 9 2 - --h ~ 3 - -+" """"",= 4 5 - ~~~.
Viewfinder indication 2 1. Wide-Area focus brackets 2 . 12mm - dia. reference circle for Center- Weighted Metering 3 . 3mm dia . reference circle for Spot Metering / Spot-Area focus 4 . Clear matte field 5 . Focus area 6 . Focus indicators: • indicates a stationary subject is in focus; .
BASIC OPERATION This section shows you how to prepare the camera for shooting- e.g., how to mount lens, load film , etc.-as well as how to actually take pictures. Whether you ' re a beginner or a seasoned photographer , you should master this section before proceeding further.
MOUNTING THE LENS 1 12 Remo ve camera body cap and front and rear len s caps. 2 Position the lens in the camera's bayonet mount so that the mounting indexes on lens and camera body are aligned. Taking care not to press the lens release button, twist lens counterclockwise until it locks into place .
INSTALLING BATTERIES • Make sure the power switch is set at OFF position . • NiCd batteries that have "+" terminals exceeding 6mm in diameter cannot be used. • Manganese batteries are not recommended for use at low temperatures . • See page 133 for "NOTES ON BATTER I ES.
CHECKING BATTERY POWER Slide power switch to ON or 01)) position, and confirm that a full battery mark appears on LCD panel , indicating sufficient battery power.The battery mark and exposure indications automatically turn off after 8 sec. ~ Sufficient battery power .
About electronic beeper With the power switch set to 0'1) , the beeper is on. Two types of sound are emitted: a double-beep which indicates in - focus position, and continuous beeping which is either an operation signal or an alert.
LOADING FILM • To avoid fogging film (especially high-ISO film), do not load / unload film in direct sunlight. • Usable film speed range for OX-coded film is ISO 25 to 5000 . • For non-OX coded film, see p. 100. Data Link System users You can set the camera to OX-prior i ty .
2 Slide camera back lock re l eases together to open camera back. 4 Pull film leader out to red index mark. 3 I nsert film cartridge. Do not touch the shutter curtains with your finger or with film leader. 5 Check to ensure film is properly posit i oned with no slack (see illustration) .
6 Gently close camera back until lock releases snap closed. 8 Confirm frame counter shows I and <.:l_ symbol appears on LCD panel. 18 7 Full y depress shutter release button to advance film to frame #1. • If non-OX-coded film or film with an unacceptable OX code is loaded, the E,.
BASIC SHOOTING This section features the settings for most common picture-taking situations when AF Nikkor* lenses are used: Rim advance mode: single-frame shooting Metering: Advanced Matrix Metering Focus Area : Wide Focus mode : Single Servo AF Exposure mode: Auto Multi-Program (If you are using AI-P-Nikkor lens, use manual focus {see pp.
3 Press . reset button and . ill button simultaneously for two seconds until P , ~ , [[] and 0 appear in the LCD panel, indicating that the camera settings are automatically reset for basic shooting s.
MF-26 users Pressing the reset buttons also cancels the MF-26 ' s following functions: Auto Exposure Bracketing Multiple Exposure Operation Auto Sequence Shooting Long Time Exposure Interval Time.
5 Lightly press shutter release button to start autofocus operation and switch exposure meter on . Confirm that the in-focus indicator . for a stationary subject or ~.~ for a moving subject appears on the viewfinder's LCD readout. Confirm , too , that the shutter speed and aperture indications are shown.
If shutter speed ind i cated is 1/(lens focal length) sec. or slower , the picture may come out blurred . To avoid this , hold camera firmly or use a tripod . - FE E EJ~ l!:]dJF ' I!JJ ( IJ m:=J e - , If H I appears in the shutter speed position-Overexposure alert : Use Nikon ND or similar filter .
6 To take picture, fully depress shutter release button. Camera automatically advances film by one frame , and LCD frame counter increases by one. 24 Shutter speed / aperture indications in LCD panel and inside viewfinder tum off approx. 2 sec. after you release shutter and take your finger off shutter release button.
REWINDING FILM 1 Film advance st ops automatica l ly at end of rol l with End and Gl_ symbol in LCD panel blinking. (Audible beeper sounds if set.) At the end of fi lm roll, each time you press shutter re l ease button, End and Gl_ blink and audible beeper sounds (if set) , reminding you to rewind film.
3 After rewind automatically stops, confi rm frame counter shows E , and film installation symbol e blinks for a few seconds. 26 4 Open camera back and remove film cartridge. To conserve battery power, turn off the power switch when you are not using the camera.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS This chapter explains the various modes of the N90 camera ' s operation . Please review it thoroughly. 27.
FILM ADVANCE MODE There are three automatic film advance modes . To choose a mode , press and hold the film advance mode button and rotate the command dial. Set I]] for single-frame shooting, Q!jL for continuous low - speed shooting or ~H for continuous high- speed shooting , and so on .
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING Ie'S FS.6 Ie'S FS.6 EJ~ Dr!1iF EJ~ Dr!1iF m:I ~ n n I ( ~H D e _ &UlA Shots are taken continuous ly as l ong as you keep the shutter release button fully depressed. You have a choice of shooting speeds: approx. 3.6 fps (frames per second) in the ~H mode, and approx.
EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM The Nikon N90 has three type of exposure metering systems- Matrix Metering , Center - We igh ted Metering and Spot Metering . MATRIX METERING Thi s system is ideal for quick operation in any exposure mode (pp . 49-66). With D-type AF Nikkor lenses including AF -I Nikkor, 3D Matri x Metering is automatically activated.
CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING With 75% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on the 12mm- dia. circle in the v iewfinder and 25% outside this circle, this meter becomes useful in situations where you want to base exposure on a specific area in the scene.
SETIING METERING SYSTEM I!II ( II m=:J (:l _ _ Matrix Metering fS.6 Center-Weighted Metering "iBP fS . 6 P:; WF I!II ( II m:::::::J (:l _ _ Spot Metering While pressing the metering system (: &ap.
FOCUS FOCUS AREA The N90 ' s autofocus system offers a choice of two focus areas: Wide and Spot. While pressing focus area button, rotate command dial until the desired symbol--E:2J for Wide Area or 0 for Spot Area- appears in the L CD panel.
The Wide-Area focus brackets delineate the focus detecting area in the viewfinder. Subjects of sufficient brightness and detail can be detected within these brackets. In addition to general photography , autofocus using Wide-Area focus brackets is suited to action photography in which the moving subject requires a wide-range focus detection area .
AUTOFOCUS The Nikon N90 has two autofocus modes , Single Servo AF with Focus-Priority and Continuous Servo AF with Release-Priority. In either autofocus mode and in any film advance mode, Focus Tracking automatically activates when the subject starts moving.
:25 fS.6 eJ~ tt€9 (j}J ( IJ ~~_cffBI Single Servo AF with Focus-Priority For Single Servo AF with Focus-Priority, set the focus mode to S . You lightly press the shutter release button, the lens starts adjusting for focus. Because the p ' riority is on correct focus, the shutter cannot be released until the subject is in focus.
Moving subject is expected to be in focus W i th a moving subjec t: Lightly press the shutter release button . Focus Tracking is automatically activated with ~ • indication in the viewfinder. As soon as the subject is expected to be in focus , ~ •• appears , indicating that you can release shutter.
125 F5.6 eJ~ tt@ m:I ( 11 m=::J <:l_.". Continuous Servo AF with Release-Priority Under some conditions , such as very fast action situations, you may want to take a picture even if focus has not been successfully accomplished . In such cases , use this mode.
Moving suject is expected to be in focus With a moving subject: Lightly press the shutter release button and Focus Tracking is automatically activated with . .. indication . As soon as the subject is expected to be in focus , viewfinder shows ••• .
AUTOFOCUS WITH MAIN SUBJECT OFF CENTER 40 • If there is substantial difference of brightness between subject and background , switch to Center-Weighted or Spot Metering and use AE-L lever . See pages 88 to 89. • With a moving subject , focus cannot be locked.
2. Confirm in-focus indicator . appears (and In-Focus Signal beeps if set) in viewfinder. 3. Keeping the shutter release button lightly pressed , recompose, then fully depress shutter release button to take picture.
In Continuous Servo AF mode With an off-center subject, use AF-L button. In the following procedures, Spot-Area AF demonstration photos are used. MF-26 or Data Link System users The MF -26 enables you to set simultaneous lock of autofocus and auto exposure.
2. Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, confirm in- focus indicator . appears in viewfinder. Then press and hold AF-L button to lock focus. Keep holding AF-L button until next step is completed. 3. While holding AF - L button in, recompose , then fully depress shutter release button to take picture.
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS I ~C 1& :,'5 F 5 .6 :J I A. Very dark subject Focus manually with clear matte field , or for autofocus, focus on another brighter subject located at same distance , then use focus lock (pp. 38-43). Or, use a Nikon autofocus Speed light to perform autofocus with Speedlight's AF illuminator.
I n the following situations, ignore i n-focus i ndicator . or ~ •• . • Scene with subject located at different distances. (For example, when shooting a person over a fence or when shooting animals inside a cage) Use Spot Area for autofocus (page 34) or focus manually with clear matte field.
MANUAL FOCUS 125 fS.6 eJ~ ~ m:t ( Il ~ c:l_ offBiJ To focus manually , set the focus mode selector to M. (If the lens has an A-M switch, set it to M. If you are using an AF-I Nikkor lens, set the focus mode ring to M or M I A.
2 . Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, rota t e lens focusing ring in direction indicated by focus-to-Ieft arrow ( ~ or focu s -to-right arrow ( ~ ), until arrow disappears and in- focus indicator .
Manual focus using clear matte field 48 Look through viewfinder and rotate lens focusing ring until image on clear matte field appears sharp ..
EXPOSURE MODE Light reaching the film is controlled by shutter speed and lens aperture. The proper combination results in a correct exposure . Shutter speed and lens aperture settings are based on the ISO speed set for the film in use and the operation of the camera's exposure control system.
SELECTING EXPOSURE MODE Selecting the exposure control mode means deciding if you want the shutter speed and/or lens aperture to be set automatically or manually.
Program chart of Auto Multi-Program To che ck shutter speed and aperture values , follow either the black or red line to where i t intersects the diagonal line. Auto Multi-Program chart (ISO 100) ~ > ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ////////////////// ti l 1.
Shutter - Priority Auto exposure mode You manually set the shutter speed you wa nt. T o freeze the action, use a high shutter speed; to create motion effects, choose a slower shutter speed. The N90's microcomputer automatically sets the proper aperture to match the manually selected shutter speed for correct exposure .
Pictures taken at different shutter speeds Pictures taken at different apertures High shutter speed Wide aperture Slow shutter speed Narrow aperture 53.
SETTING EXPOSURE MODE mH----~~~T/In~ 1 0 P 1,'5 FS.E. While pressing MODE button, rotate command dial. The exposure mode changes as in the following sequence: P Auto Multi-Program _ 5 Shutter-Priority Auto t , M Manual fl Aperture-Priority Auto To activate Vari-Program, use Ps button .
FLEXIBLE PROGRAM If you want to change the shutter speed / aperture combination of Auto Multi-Program . use the Flexible Program function. Flexible Program enables you to temporarily change an automatically set shutter speed / aperture combination in 1 EV steps.
OPERATION IN SHUTTER-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE MODE 1 . Set lens to its minimum aperture setting (highest f-number). With AF Nikkor and AI-P Nikkor lenses , lock lens aperture at minimum setting (refer to lens instruction manual). 56 nnr-=~~~TT~~ FS.S 2 .
:J I 3 . Remove finger from MODE button, and rotate command dia l to select desired shutter speed . Shutter speed indication changes one step at a time in the following sequence: 3~'' IS&quo.
58 60 ( M 11 SJ~ O!ill )-' [jJJ ( :J m=:J El _ _ 500 SJ~ O' [jJJ ( :J m=:J El _ _ If H : appears in the aperture position with electronic analog display * -Overexposure alert **: Select higher shutter speed or use Nikon NO fi lt er.
5. To take the picture, fully depress shutter release button . 59.
OPERATION IN APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE MODE 1 . While pressing MODE button, rotate command dial until A appears on LCD panel and viewfinder. • If using an AF Nikkor or A I- P lens, make sure it is not locked to smallest apertu re before next step.
I f meter h as automatica ll y tumed off and the LC D panel is off , tum meter on again by lightly pressing shutter re l ease button. With lenses having no CPU, F- - appears instead of aperture value in LCD panel and viewfinder. With AI-type lenses includ i ng AI-modified Nikkor lenses: Confirm aperture value on lens barrel.
If the selected shutter speed is 1 /(focallength) sec. or slower , picture blur may occur ". To avoid this , hold camera very steadily or use a tripod.
OPERATION IN MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE 1. While pressing MODE button, rotate command dial until M appears in the LCD panel and viewfinder. I • If using an AF Nikkor or AI-P lens, make sure it is not locked to sma llest aperture before proceeding to next step.
Set aperture by rotating the lens aperture ring. 64 t: :j" V B ) + . .. ~ .. . - ( :J I I f meter has automatically turned off and LCD readout is off, turn meter on again by lightly pressing shutter release button .
3 . Look into the viewfinder , compose and lightly press shutter release button . Adjus t apertu re and / or shu tt er speed unt il elec t ron ic analog disp l ay sh ows "0" or desired amou n t. " / " / _ +1 •• 0 .. 1- _ +1 •• 0 .
66 With lenses having no CPU, F - - appears instead of aperture value in LCD panel and viewfinder. With AI-type lenses including AI-modified Nikkor lenses: Confirm apert u re va lu e on lens barrel, W.
VARI-PROGRAM Here ' s how you can benefit from the N90 ' s Vari - Program options for specific picture - taking situations. 67.
WHAT IS VARI-PROGRAM? Programmed exposure control enables the camera's computer to automatically adjust both lens aperture and shutter speed for the correct exposure. The N90 camera ' s Matrix Metering System determines the correct exposure, applying exposure compensation as deemed necessary by the computer's program.
Portrait Program (P 0) This enables you to take a portrait , with your subject standing out against a blurred background. Portrait Program with Red - Eye Reduction (,. E) Notice how, when taking pictures of people in dim light with flash, sometimes their eyes appear red.
SELECTING VARI-PROGRAM Use N i kkor lenses w i th CPU such as AF Nikkor or AI-P - Nikkor lenses and be sure to set lens aperture to the minimum setting . 1. Set Vari-Program. Press and hold P s button and confirm exposure mode indication ( P, S, R or M) starts blinking.
3. Remove your finger from Ps button. The frame counter appears again in the LCD panel but Vari-Program indicator remains in the viewfiner. When Vari - Program is set , camera settings are automatical.
SHOOTING WITH VARI-PROGRAM PORTRAIT PROGRAM 125 f5.6 BJoo Pc This program selects the widest aperture possible, thus minimizing depth of field and producing a sharply focused main subject against a blurred background and foreground.
Recommended lenses AF Nikkor lenses . To obtain pronounced blurred background effect , use 85mm to 200mm telephoto lenses with a maximum aperture of fl2.
PORTRAIT PROGRAM WITH RED-EYE REDUCTION (with 88-25 exclusively) Ie'S FS.6 8]00 rE Using the same exposure control as the Portrait Program, this program adds the benefit of Red-Eye Reduction in portraits taken with flash.
Recommended lenses AF Nikkor lenses. To blur the background, use a te l ephoto lens with a maximum aperture of f/ 2.8 or brighter. However, in close-range shooting, use wider angle lenses to reduce red- eye. Speed light Nikon S8-25 Speedlight Unit. U se ISO 100 to 400 film.
HYPERFOCALPROGRAM Ie'S fS.6 BJDD HF Although this program does not actually set the hyperfoca l distance, it emulates the effects achieved by using very small lens apertures and short focal length lenses .
Recommended lenses 50mm or wider angle AF Nikkor lenses, or AF Zoom-Nikkor lenses with 50mm or shorter zooming position. Recommended camera settings Metering system ~ for Matrix' Focus area 0 for.
LANDSCAPE PROGRAM Ie'S FS.6 OBJoo LR Similar in concept to the Hyperiocal Program w i th respec t to depth of field and overall sharpness . 78.
Recommended lenses Select l ens according to the desired effect. I f you want an expansive view, use a wideangle AF Nikkor lens . If you prefer to emphasize your subjec t by magnifying it, use a telephoto AF Nikkor lens.
SILHOUETIE PROGRAM Ie'S fS.6 OBJoo SL A silhouette photograph intentionally underexposes the backlit foreground subject so that it appears nearly black against the brighter background. This program works effectively only when the subject is at least 2 EV values lower (i.
Recommended lenses Choose your lens according to the desired effect. If you want to picture a dynamic sunset. for example , use a telephoto AF Nikkor to magnify the sun.
SPORT PROGRAM IcS fS.6 8JDD SP This program is designed to use select shutter speed and aperture combinations that correspond to those of the long lenses typically used for sports photography. It is biased towards higher shutter speeds to freeze action but make the subject ' s arms or legs, for example , appear blurred.
Recommended lenses AF Nikkor lenses. For a more pronounced blurred background effect, use SOmm to 300mm telephoto lenses with a maximum aperture of fl2.
CLOSE-UP PROGRAM 125 F5.6 BJDD r .. LU I n close-up photography, various effects can be achieved w i th different f/stops. A very small aperture increases depth of field and enhances overall apparent sharpness.
Recommended lenses AF Micro-Nikkor lenses or AF Zoom-Nikkor lenses with macro focusing function. Recommended camera settings Metering system ~ for Matrix' Focus area 0 for Spot Focus mode S for S.
86 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS This chapter explains advanced photographic techniques and applications including exposure compensation methods. It also shows you how to use the self-timer, how to perform long time exposure, how to check depth of field and what to do when using non-DX-coded films.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION Exposure compensation is a photographic technique that enables you to vary the final exposure settings from those measured by the camera's light meter . Nikon 's 3D Matrix Metering employs methods of exposure calculation that automatically apply exposure compensation, depending upon scene brightness and contrast.
AE-L (AUTO EXPOSURE LOCK) LEVER In the auto exposure mode, when you want to control exposure based on the brightness of a specific area within the scene , switch the metering system to Center-Weighted or Spot and use the AE - L lever as follows: 1.
3. Keep shutter release button lightly pressed, slide AE-L lever and hold it in . • While AE-L lever is held in , beeper does not sound for picture-blur alert even if a slow shutter speed is selected. Neither does the green ~ mark for dark scene / subject appear .
TO OBTAIN METER READING FOR A PARTICULAR SUBJECT IN MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE In Manual exposure mode , if you want to set exposure as desired on a particular subject , switch metering system to Center - Weighted or Spot and use the following method.
• ;": Eo.:, F S. ( +, .. ~ .. ,- ) 3. Adjust shutter speed and aperture until electronic analog display shows desired exposure . 4 . Recompose the picture and shoot.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION BUTTON To modify exposure control ( i. e ., from the I SO standard) use the exposure compensation button. Compensation from -5EV to +5EV in 1 / 3 steps is possible. After taking your photographs, be sure to reset the control to "0" to resume normal operation.
1 ° ,!=- , " .. .. _ ~.!J C, C, F 3.t: 2. Once set , exposure compensation remains fixed until reset. Although the ili symbol stays on to indicate that exposure c ompensation is on , the compensation value disappears from the readout when you remove your finger from ili button, To confirm compensation value , press ili button again , 3.
SELF-TIMER OPERATION You have a choice of one-shot or two-shot self-timer operation . In one-shot self-timer mode , duration is variable from 2 sec. to 30 sec. 94 When using any auto exposure mode, use eyepiece shutter before setting self-timer to prevent stray light from entering viewfnder and affecting exposure .
ONE-SHOT SELF-TIMER 1. While pressing ~ button, rotate command dial until desired timer duration with ~ symbol appears in LCD panel. Timer duration can be varied from 2 to 30 seconds in one- second increments. • Next to 30 (for 30-sec. duration), 10 with ~~ mark for two - shot self-timer appears in LCD panel.
TWO-SHOT SELF-TIMER 1. While pressing ~ button, rotate command dial counterclockwise until :0 with 00 symbol (next to 30 ) appears in LCD panel. 2. Compose picture, lightly press shutter release button, and confirm focus and exposure. 96 125 F5.6 :eJ[~)(DJWF IilJ [ J L m::=J ~ .
TO CONFIRM SHARPNESS BEFORE SHOOTING-DEPTH-OF-FIELD PREVIEW BUTTON Note that when you're using a lens with an automatic diaphragm, which is what most Nikkor lenses have , the viewfinder image you see is one with the lens fully open (i.e . , lens at maximum aperture).
LONG TIME EXPOSURE-USING b LJ t b SETTING At but b setting, shutter remains open as long as shutter release button remains depressed . To avoid camera shake , which may cause picture blur , use a tripod . Use of remote control accessories such as Nikon Remote Cord MC-20, Modulite Remote Control Set ML-3 , etc.
MF-26 users With the MF-26 ' s Long Time Exposure function, you can set the N90 for a time exposure as long as 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds. Note that exposure duration depends on the life of the batteries inside the N90. MC-20 users You can perform long time exposures of preset duration up to 9 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds.
TO USE NON-OX-CODED FILM The usable range for manual film speed setting is ISO 6 to 6400. Wh i le pressing ISO l e", button , rotate command dial to set fi lm ' s I SO number .
INTERCHANGING FOCUSING SCREENS In addition to the advanced B-type BriteView screen supplied with the N90 camera, the E-type clear Matt / Fresnel screen with focusing brackets and grid is available as an option . Type E screen is suitable for copying and architectural photography.
3 . Remove the screen by grasping the small tab with the tweezers. 4. Carefully position the replacement scree n in place , making sure the flash side is facing down. 102 5. Using the tw eeze r s, pu sh the front edge of the holder upward until it clicks into place.
LENSES Your Nikon N90 uses Nikon's respected, long - established triple- claw F-mount for rugged and reliable performance. Crafted from stainless steel , the camera ' s mount works perfectly with the chromed brass bayonet of each Nikkor lens .
LENS COMPATIBILITY CHART The Nikon N90 is designed for autofocus photography with AF N i kkor lenses (except AF-Nikkor lenses for F3 AF). How ever, most other Nikon lenses can be used for standa rd photography according to the conditions listed in the following chart .
'1 3D Matrix Metering is selected with D-type AF Nikkor lenses and Advanced Matrix Metering is selected with non-D-type lenses . '2 With maximum effective aperture of f15.6 or faster when using the TC-16A Autofocus Converter. (See page 35) .
eThe following Nikkor lenses cannot be attached to the N90 (camera body or lens may be damaged): • Non-AI lenses • Fisheye 6mm fl5 . 6 • Fisheye OP 10mm f / 5.6 • 200-600mm f/ 9 .5 (Factory Serial No . 280001 to 301922) • ED 180-600mm f/ 8 (No.
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY You can enjoy the exc i tement of the Nikon N90 camera ' s advanced flash technology by using Nikon ' s advanced SB-25 AF Speedlight. With the N90 System you ' ll discover the benefits of flash for more picture-taking situations than ever.
NIKON SPEEDLIGHT COMPATIBILITY FLASH MODES AVAILABLE WITH NIKON SPEEDLIGHTS The table below shows the available flash modes for each Nikon 8peedlight. Available flash mode Connection Speed light Non -.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR NIKON SPEEDLIGHT Nikon Speedlights, combined with the N90 camera, offer various features and functions. The main features and functions are l isted below.
TTL AUTO FLASH-AUTOMATIC BALANCED FILL-FLASH AND STANDARD TTL FLASH TYP E OF TI L AUTO FLASH TIL auto is recommended for most common flash shooting situations. With the Nikon Speedlight set for TIL auto flash (see chart on page 108 for compatibility), Automatic Balanced Fill- Flash or Standard TIL Flash is performed.
With S8 - 25 Exposure mode Lens Mete ri ng system Programmed and Aperture-Pr i ority Shutter-Prior i ty Auto Auto and Manual Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TIL Multi AF Nikkor lens (except for AF .
With S8-24 Exposure mode Lens Metering system Programmed and Aperture-Priority Shutter - Priority Auto Auto and Manual D - type AF Nikkor len s, non -D - type Matrix, Center-Weighted AF Nikkor lens (e.
With SB-23, SB-22 , SB-20, SB-21B * 1, SB-16B, SB-15, SB-14 * 2 , SB - 11 * 2 or SB-140 * 2 Exposure mode lens Metering system Programmed and Aperture-Priority Shutter-Prior i ty Auto Auto and Manual .
AUTOMATIC BALANCED FILL-FLASH WITH TIL MULTI SENSOR-3D MULTI - SENSOR BALANCED FILL-FLASH AND MULTI- SENSOR BALANCED FILL-FLASH 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is possible only with the combination of the N90, aD-type AF Nikkor lens and the Nikon SB-25 AF Speedlight.
CENTER-WEIGHTED/SPOT FILL-FLASH If you are using a lens without CPU (a lens other than AF Nikkor and AI-P-Nikkor), Center-Weighted Fill-Flash and Spot Fill - Fl ash are performed as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash. Although the TIL Multi -Sensor is not used, flash output is proper l y compensated to produce a natural fill-flash effect.
SHUTTER SPEED/APERTURE FOR EACH EXPOSURE MODE IN TTL AUTO FLASH When setting shutter speed and aperture, refer to the following table. Camera's exposure mode Shutter speed I f focal length in use is 60mm or shorter: 1/250 sec. to 1 I(foca llength) sec: 1 Programmed Auto ( P , P s) If focal elngth in use is longer than 60mm: 1/250 sec.
Reference : Available maximum aperture for each film spe e d ISO film speed 25 50 100 200 400 BOO 112.B 113.3 1/4 1/4.B 1/5.6 1/6.7 1000 1/7.1 As film speed increases by one step, available maximum aperture is stopped down by 112 flstop.
TTL AUTO FLASH OPERATION The difference between Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash and 8tandard TIL Flash is in whether the flash output level is automatically compensated or not. Operation is the same, 1. 8et camera's metering system and exposure mode, referring to previous table, 2.
In Auto Multi-Program mode If H : appears, background may be overexposed. To give the background a correct exposure, reset to an exposure mode that l ets you choose a faster shutter speed and / or a smaller aperture. If shutter speed indicator shows 6D , backgound may underexposed.
TO MAKE NIGHT BACKGROUND MORE VISIBLE-SLOW SYNC OPERATION When fiash pictures are taken at high shutter speeds in dim light , the background may come out dark. To improve background exposure, use Slow Sync to extend the automatically controlled shutter speed range down to 30 sec.
1. Set camera's exposure mode to P for Auto Multi - Program or A for Aperture-Priority Auto . 2. While pressing the camera's ~ button, rotate command dial until r,l appears in camera's L CD panel. Then follow steps 2-6 of TIL AUTO FLASH OPERATION, on p.
TO CREATE NATURAL-LOOKING STREAM OF UGHT-REAR-CURTAIN SYNC Normally in flash synchronization, the Speedlight fires at the beginning of the exposure. When the shutter speed is low, the result is an unnatural light pattern.
1. Set camera's exposure mode to 5 for Shutter-Priority Auto or M for Manual exposure mode. 2. Set Rear-Curtain Sync. For Speedlight other than S8 - 25 or S8 - 24 : While pressing the camera's ~ button, rotate the command dial until ~ appears in the camera's LCD pane l.
RED-EYE REDUCTION (for use with 58-25 only) When shooting people or animals in dim light using a flash, the subject's eye may sometimes appear red in color pictures or white in B&W pictures. The Red-Eye Reduction function reduces the possibility of "red - eye".
While pressing the camera's rn button , rotate the command dial until ~~ appears in camera's LCD readout. Then follow steps 2-6 of TIL Auto Flash Operation , on p118 . However , with the Red-Eye Reduction function, remember that it is only at the fourth flash that the shutter is released.
NOTES ON FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY • Use only Nikon 8peedlights. Other units may damage the camera's electrical circuits due to incompatible voltage requirements', electric contact alignment or switch phase. • Not compatible with 250 V or higher .
EV CHARTS FOR FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY For your reference, the following charts show sh utter speed/aperture combination at each EV in fiash photography: (a) Auto Multi - P r ogram (b) Shutter - P r iority Auto ( e) Aperture - Prior i ty Auto 111 1.4 2.8 5 .
1 28 MISCELLANEOUS The Nikon N90 is a high-performance, precision instrument, designed to give you superior pictures. You ' ll want to take good care of your camera to ensure the best performance. Take time to review this section thoroughly, and you will add to the pleasure of taking pictures.
ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY The following accessories can not be used with the Nikon N90 camera: PK -1 , PK-2, PK -3, PN-1 , K2 BR-2 Rings Bod y Cap BF-1 Eyepiece Accessories for F3HP/F3T. • PK-1 , PK-11 , BR-4 and K1 Rings cannot be mounted direct ly on AF Nikkor lenses.
CAMERA CARE TIPS 1. Do not touch the camera's ref l ex mirror or focusing screen. Remove dust with a blower brush. 5. Clean glass surfaces, such as the lens or the eyepiece, with a blower brush; do not use lens tissue, silicon type eyeglass tissue , etc.
6. Do not lubricate the camera. 1 O .lf the camera malfunctions, take it immediately to an authorized Nikon dealer or service center. 7. Do not leave the camera in an excessively hot place. 11. Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from naphthalene or camphor (moth repellent).
In certain cases, due to static electricity or poorly loaded batteries, the N90 camera's microcomputer may turn the camera off, even with fresh properly installed batteries.
1. Keep batteries out of children ' s reach. If someone accidentally swallows batteries, call a doctor immed i ately . 5. When replacing batteries, be sure to replace all batteries at the same time . Always use fresh batteries of the same brand. 2.
SPECIFICATIONS Type of camera Pi ctu re format Lens mount Lens Focus modes Autofocus area Autofocus mode Focus Track i ng Autofocus detect i on sys t em Autofocus detection range Autofocus lock 134 In.
Aperture-priority auto exposure control Manual exposure control Vari-Program Exposure compensation Auto exposure lock Shutter Shutter release Shutter speeds Shutter speed automatically selected to mat.
ViewfinderLCD panel illumination Electronic beeper Film speed range Film speed setting Film loading Film advance Frame counter 136 Viewfnder and LCD panel illuminated by pressing button With power swi.
Flash sync control Flash synchronization TTL Multi Sensor Automatic Balanced Fill -Fl ash with TTL Multi Sensor Monitor Preflash Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync and Red-Eye Reduction functions built-in I.
Power source Battery power confirmation D i mensions (WxHxD) Weight (without batteries) Four AA-type batteries ~ for sufficient power; C7iJ indicates batteries are nearing exhaustion ; blinking C7iJ indicates batteries are just about exhausted ; no indication / mark appea rs when batteries are completely exhausted or i mporperly insta ll ed Approx.
GLOSSARY Balanced fill-flash operation A technique in flash photography in which flash illumination is controlled to balance it with the ambient light on the scene. The N90 uses an Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash System with TIL Multi - Senosr for this automatic operation with a compatible Nikon TIL Speedlight.
Exposure control Programmed auto: Camera sets both shutter speed and aperture for correct exposure. Shutter-Priority auto: User selects shutter speed and camera sets matching lens aperture for correct exposure. Aperture-Priority auto: User selects aperture and camera sets matching shutter speed for correct exposure .
ISO film speed The intemational standard for representing film sensitivity. The higher the number, the greater the sensitivity, and vice versa. A film speed of ISO 200 is twice as sensitive as ISO 100, and half that of ISO 400 film. LCD Liquid Crystal Display.
TTL auto flash The camera's light sensor measures flash illumination, as reflected by the subject on the film and shuts off the flash when measurement indicates correct exposure.
LCD PANELIVIEWFINDER INDICATIONS LCD panelNiewfinder Shutter Cause and remedy , ~ No indication appears when Locked Battery power is exhausted. Rep l ace with fresh set camera is turned on. of batteries. Err - Err . ISO and IDJ marks blink· L ocked Non-DX-coded film or film with unacceptab le DX EJB ETI mF code is loaded.
LCD panelNiewfinder Shutter Cause and remedy la s.. f5.6 [t:l] blinks Can be Matrix meter is set even though lens attached has ftl ~ ~ released no CPU ; camera automatically resets meter to Center - Weighted metering. IiIJ I( ) m=J <:) _ _ ~ • blinks Depends on Autofocus is impossible with the subject.
LCD panelNiewfinder Shutter Cause and remedy I!IJ [ IJ m=:J <:l _ _ P . blinks and F- - appears< H : appears in auto exposure mode< l 0 appears in auto exposure mode< • Alert signal sounds if electronic beeper is set . Locked Can be released Can be released Vari-Program is set even though lens attached has no CPU.
LCD panelNiewfinder Shutter Cause and remedy - FE E FE E blinks in programmed auto or Locked Lens is not set to the smallest aperture setting. eJ [ ~H 6J 1!IlI' .
LCD panelNiewfinder Shutter Cause and remedy ~ lights up in green ABOUT LCD Can be released • The N 90 uses a Liquid Crysta l Display (LCD) of the highest quality which, under conditions of normal use , should provide several years of reliable ope r ation .
No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critica l articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from N I KON CORPORATION.
An important point after buying a device Nikon N90 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Nikon N90 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Nikon N90 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Nikon N90 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Nikon N90 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Nikon N90, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Nikon N90.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Nikon N90. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Nikon N90 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
