Nikon N90s Page by Liang-Wu Cai

The Hype

Official words from Nikon USA, where it was categorized in the "Professional 35mm SLR Cameras" group. Brochures of this camera calls it "Fast, Accurate, Professional", and the "most advanced professional 35mm camera" before there was an F5.

In Nikon's tradition, only the F-series are professional cameras, and all the N-series are amateur cameras. By that classification, obviously the N90s is the top-of-the-line AMATEUR camera. The original Nikon's slogan for this camera is "Fast and Accurate". Nikon USA later added the word "professional" to acknowledge the fact that many professionals are using the camera, as this camera is much more technologically advanced than the then top-of-the-line professional F4.

However, Nikon Corp. in Japan never acknowledges this classification. No word of "professional" appears in its official description of the F90X camera.

Features and Specifications

• Specifications:
  The latest specifications that contain Nikon's official approval of using AA-type lithium batteries in the camera. Note that the camera's features are significantly expanded by adding an MF-26 Multi-Control Back.
• Lens compatibility:
  The N90s can take all Nikon F mount lenses of AI type or later, including AI, AIs, P, AF, AF-D, AF-I and AF-S. When used with AI or AIs lenses, the camera loses the matrix metering capability, as well as displaying the aperture setting in the viewfinder. For more details, check out the Lens Compatibility Chart
• Feature Comparisons:
  • Comparison with other Nikon N-series cameras
  • Comparison with other Nikon F-series cameras
  • Comparison with flagships of other brands
• Tech-nerdy Notes
  • How does "3-D Matrix Metering" work? (according to Nikon)
  • How does "3-D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash" work? (according to Nikon)

Reviews

• Review of Nikon N90s and N6006, by me.
• N90s Review in Phillip Greenspan's photo.net, reviewed by a man who switched from Minolta Maxxum.

Dedicated Accessories

My definition of the dedicated accessories include those can only be used with N90s/N90 (such as camera backs) and those are specifically designed for N90s/N90 but can also be used with other cameras (such as SB-26 which is currently Nikon's top-of-the-line speedlight, and is also the matching flash for F-5.) For non-dedicated accessories, check out the Nikon Equipment Interchange Page.

(Note the following format: Product Code: official name --- main features)

• MF-25: World time data back --- date imprinting
• MF-26: Multi-control back --- data imprinting, exposure bracketing, long exposure, multiple exposure, etc.
• MB-10: Multi-power vertical grip --- alternative power source and secondary shutter release
• MS-10: Battery tray for MB-10 --- use 4 AA' size batteries; part of MB-10 but spares can be ordered separately
• MS-11: Lithium battery adaptor for MB-10 --- use 2 CR123 lithiums
• DB-6: External battery pack for MB-10
• MC-29: External power cord for DB-6
• NB-100: Cold battery pack --- NiCad battery pack
• NC-100: Charger for NB-100
• SB-26: Speedlight --- high-speed sync, strobe effect, 3-D metering, slave mode etc.
• ML-3: Modulite remote control unit --- remote via infrared LED signal, up to 8 meters
• MC-20: Remote cord --- remote release with timer, via 10-pin socket
• MC-21: Remote cord --- remote release extension cable for MC-20 or MC-30
• MC-22: Remote cord --- used to connect the camera to other shutter triggering device
• MC-23: Connection cord --- connects 2 N90s cameras to fire simultaneously or in synchronization
• MC-25: Adaptor cord --- 2 pin or 3 pin socket to 10 pin socket adaptor, enabling used of remote cords designed for other cameras such as F4
• MC-26: Adaptor cord --- 10 pin socket to 2 pin or 3 pin socket adaptor, the reverse of MC-25
• MC-27: Electronic organizer connecting cord --- camera to Sharp Wizard electronic organizer connecting cable, to used with AC-2E Data Link System
• MC-30: Remote cord --- remote release via 10-pin socket
• MC-31: Personal computer connection cord --- camera to personal computer (this PC is not that PC) connecting cable, available only with purchase of software (DataView 2.0 or Photo Secretary)

Nikon Softwares for N90s

• Nikon AC-2E Data Link System --- To be used with Sharp OZ-8xxx and 9xxx series electronic organizer for downloading shooting data, and perform camera operations and custom settings. Too bad Sharp has discontinued the hardware part.
• Nikon DataView v2.0 Software --- Available only in the U.S.A. (developed by Nikon USA) for downloading shooting data. Now obsolete.
• Nikon Photo Secretary Software AC-PW-E --- Have combined features of above 2 softwares. It was announced in February 1997 in the PMA, finally available in June 1997. Here is the official information from Nikon Corp. in Japan.

Freewares & Sharewares

• SlideLabel Printing Program for Nikon Photo Secretary by me --- print shooting data stored by N90s as slide labels using Avery labels #5267
• OptN90s shareware by Dean Gibson --- custom settings for the camera
• SoftTALK freeware and HarTALK cable by Jaco Mostert --- Similar to Photo Secretary + MC-31, with some extra features.
• N90s Buddy for Pilot by Ken Hancock --- Similar to Photo Secretary, use MC-31 to connect to Pilot, a palm-top computer. Somewhere hidden in that site, there is a instruction on how to make your own MC-31 cable.
• N90s Protocols by Ken Hancock --- Nuts and bolts for communication with N90s. This is a series of "must have" documents for those who wish to write their own softwares for N90s.

N90s Trivia

Originally, I planned to compile a "N90s FAQ" by going through Nikon mailing list's archieve. After searching through mailing list regarding this camera, I found that this is quite an intuitive camera and no much technical aspect of the camera has been asked. Instead, there are quite some ittzy-bittsy trivial things. Thus the change of the title.