Nikon F90

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Nikon F90/F90X

Overview
Type	35 mm film single lens reflex (SLR)
Lens
Lens mount	Nikon F-mount
Focusing
Focus	TTL Phase Detection Autofocus (1 zone)
Exposure/metering
Exposure	PSAM autoexposure 3D Matrix Metering
Shutter
Frame rate	4.3 frame/s
General
Dimensions	154 x 106 x 69 mm
Weight	755 g (1.664 lb)
Made in	Japan

The Nikon F90 (known as the N90 in the United States) is a 35mm SLR camera manufactured in Japan between 1992 and 2001 and replaced the earlier Nikon F-801 (N8008 in the U.S.).^[1] At the time of its release it was noted for its fast autofocus speed compared to previous Nikon models, which had lagged behind competitor Canon's. It was thus seen by many as a 'stop-gap' measure to prevent the mass migration of many Nikon-using professional photographers to Canon, as Nikon's next fully professional camera, the F5, was some time away from release. The Nikon F4, the professional model available at the time of the F90's release, had very slow autofocus compared to Canon's autofocus SLRs.

The Nikon F90's autofocus system was driven by a small 'peanut' motor in the camera body that drove the lens via a mechanical link, unlike Canon's autofocus system, which used motors built into each lens. It was also the first Nikon SLR to interoperate with the first generation of Nikkor lenses featuring internal focusing motor.

Despite not being intended for the professional market, the Nikon F90 and its upgrade, the F90x, were built to a high standard and were (and are still^[when?]) used by many professionals^{[citation needed]}.

However, many F90 and F90x bodies had problems with the rubberized back, where the rubberized coating would start peeling or disintegrating into a surface sticky to the touch.^[2] The rubber around the grip and other parts were not affected. This did not affect the functionality of the back but was a nuisance to users. The rubberised coating can however be removed (Once the door has been unclipped and safely removed from the camera body) by rubbing gently with a microfibre towel or similar soaked in plenty of Isopropyl Alcohol. This procedure will remove the rubberised top coating without affecting the surface finish of the underlying plastic or the clear film viewing window. The white printed "Vari Program" icons will remain unaffected also. The end result is a hard semi-gloss finish the same as the camera's top plate.

The Nikon F90x (known in the United States as the N90s) was a slightly upgraded version of the F90. Differences included faster and more accurate autofocus and shutter speed adjustments in thirds of a stop versus the full-stop increments of the F90. Frame rate was also increased, along with several other minor upgrades. Weather sealing was also improved. In addition, it eliminated the beeping function of the F90.^[3]