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Nikon F90x / N90x camera

The Nikon F9OX was designed to help you achieve consistently superb results through the entire roll of film, roll after roll. With its AF breakthroughs, three exposure metering systems and incomparable 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, plus its overall superb handling, the F9OX is, in all respects, a superior tool of the photographer's trade and the number 1 choice for underwater photographers to house

Focusing

Focus tracking With the F90X, focus tracking is automatic—there's no need to set the camera to a special mode to activate this function. Whether you're taking one shot or a series, in the Single Servo or Continuous autofocus mode, the instant the F9OX detects that your subject is moving, its computerised system instantaneously switches on, precisely anticipating subject movement and driving the autofocus lens to the subject's position at the exact moment of exposure to deliver a sharp picture. And it will work precisely even if the moving subject is distant.

Wide-Area and Spot Autofocus

The F9OX's Wide-Area AF sensor really works its wonders in action photography. With narrower-area sensors, you always worry about keeping the moving subject dead-centre to keep it sharp. But with the F9OX's cross-type sensor's 7mm horizontal focus detection area—the widest—you cover a larger amount of information, thus making autofocus operation more precise. Of course, for situations where you want to emphasise your main subject or only a portion of it, just switch to the F9OX's Spot Autofocus. A tiny area at the centre of the finder allows you to isolate a specific part of the subject.

Focus Priority and Release Priority

Single Servo AF lets you lock focus, which is useful for recomposing a shot while keeping the subject in focus. To release the shutter at any time, you use the Continuous Servo AF mode. The F9OX's autofocus system works the instant you touch the shutter release button, so virtually every picture is sharp. With either mode, focus tracking activates automatically the moment the sensor detects subject movement. You can also lock focus on Continuous Servo with the F9OX's AF-L button.

Manual Focus

And when you want to focus the lens yourself, there's the F9OX's thoughtful Electronic Rangefinder. Whichever focus detection mode you pick, Wide-Area or Spot, arrows in the viewfinder indicate which direction to turn the focusing ring and, when your subject is in focus, a small circle lights up to confirm it. The viewfinder's clear matte field also makes checking focus status easy.

Metering

3D Matrix Metering

The F9OX uses Nikon's field-proven Matrix Metering sensor. Nikon call this system "3D" because it uses three types of basic data: scene brightness, scene contrast, and subject-to-camera distance. The first two parameters are obtained through the eight segment sensor, while the third data is obtained through the D-type AF Nikkor lens in use. In addition, the information sent by the camera's autofocus system, indicating whether the main subject is centred or not, is also considered in exposure computation. The result is optimum exposure for every frame, even in complex lighting situations. Of course, non-D-type AF Nikkor lenses will also work well with the F9OX's advanced eight-segment Matrix Meter. Nikon's Matrix Meter—you can trust it to do its job unerringly.

Centre-Weighted Metering

Another celebrated Nikon meter and a favourite among photographers accustomed to more personal metering. Nearly 75% of the meter's sensitivity is concentrated at the centre of the viewfinder, with the rest feathered out to the edges for a balanced-looking exposure.

Spot Metering

Nearly 100% of the meter's sensitivity is concentrated in the 3mm circle at the centre of the viewfinder. This is recommended for really selective exposure control.

Speedlite 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

With the F9OX, flash output is controlled by Nikon's performance-proven five-segment TTL Multi Sensor. Before the main flash fires, the TTL Multi Sensor tests the entire scene with imperceptible Monitor Pre-flashes. Distance information from the D Type lens is integrated into the exposure calculation. This makes it possible to detect which segments to ignore and in which segments the main subject is located. Flash output is then controlled by the selected segment(s). The result is TTL flash with a level of precision not possible with other systems.

3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

The most advanced format of the Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash is made possible by the combination of the Nikon F-series, D Type AF Nikkor lens and the SB-25. Just after the mirror goes up but before the shutter moves, the SB-25 fires a series of barely perceivable Monitor Pre-flashes that are detected by the camera's TTL Multi Sensor. Moreover, distance information from the D type lens in use is integrated with exposure control information, thus automatically compensating flash output level.

When the F-series and SB-25 are used with a non-D-type AF or AI-P Nikkor lens, (non-3D) Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash which offers the same flash output control system but without Distance Information is performed. Multi-Sensor Balanced fill flash, minus Monitor Pre-flash, is also performed with the SB-23122/2011 6B—an operation superior to single-sensor systems.

Sync

Slow sync

When flash pictures are taken at high shutter speeds in dim light, the background may come out dark. With the Nikon F90-series, F-601 orF-601M, setting Slow Sync extends the automatically controlled shutter speed range, enabling background details to stand out.

Rear-Curtain Sync

With Nikon Speedlites, it is possible to fire the flash just before the shutter curtain closes. This results in available light turning into a stream of light trailing the flash-illuminated subject. When Rear-Curtain Sync is set in the Auto-Multi Program or Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Slow Sync is automatically activated to extend the controlled shutter speed range, which is great because rear-curtain sync works especially well at low shutter speeds.

An exposure meter outputs an exposure value which translates into certain combinations of shutter speed and aperture.

You may select the combination you want manually. With the F9OX, along with this option, you also have several other ways to perform correct exposure control in a creative way.

Specifications

Exposure Modes

Shutter-Priority Auto

With the full range of shutter speeds available—from 1/8000 to 30 seconds—and the option you have of fine-tuning speed in 1/3 EV steps, you can have the precise effect you want in an action-freezing or motion effect picture.

Aperture-Priority Auto

This mode gives you ideal control over depth of field. Or you can use it to have the fastest shutter speed available at full-aperture settings. Choose smaller apertures for great depth of field. Or use larger ones to isolate your subject by blurring the background.

Manual Exposure

You set aperture and shutter speed. The viewfinder LCD indicates how much you have deviated from the metered exposure value. You can set shutter speed in fine 1/3 EV steps for precise exposure control. A Bulb setting is provided for long time exposures. AK-L (Auto Exposure Lock) Works with Centre-Weighted or Spot Metering to memorise a metered exposure value. Great for when you want to change picture composition or creatively emphasise a specific part of the picture. Exposure Compensation Ranges from -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV—fine enough for delicate exposure control. Useful for unusual lighting conditions or if you want to creatively control the tone (i.e., for high- or low-key effects).

Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash

Fill-flash adds an exciting new look to your pictures not only in daylight, but also in twilight and at night. Using this technique, flash power is automatically controlled to put the foreground subject's brightness in balance with the background. This automatic method makes fill-flash point-and shoot easy.

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

In this technique, the Matrix Meter adjusts exposure for the background and the TTL flash exposure, so flash illumination is balanced and won't overpower the foreground subject. This system operates automatically, based on a combination of general scene brightness and contrast. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flashes available with Nikon F4, F-801 s, F-601, F-6O1M and F-401x.

FP High-Speed Sync

With the F-series, the flash output continues from the start of the shutter curtain opening until it is fully closed, thus allowing flash synchronisation with fast shutter speeds from 1/250 to 1/4000 sec. You can capture fill-flash pictures even with film that has a high ISO rating, and still maintain wide aperture settings for expanded control of depth of field.

Speedlites

Whether you are a beginner, advanced amateur or professional, Nikon offers a full line of dedicated electronic Speedlights to meet your individual requirements. And, as you'd expect, the high-tech styling and performance of all Nikon Speedlights match the advanced capabilities of Nikon cameras.

With Nikon Speedlights, you'll be able to create brilliant flash pictures by using advanced flash techniques, including a variety of fill-flash options. With fill-flash photography, you'll be able to remove shadows in pictures shot in bright sunlight, resulting in a more natural, pleasing effect.

In dim light or even where there's no light at all, you'll be able to overcome complex lighting conditions as you experiment creatively, and you'll always be assured of great-looking pictures.

The following Speedlite features offer you a wealth of exciting flash photography capabilities.

Modes

  • 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with Monitor Pre-flashes (w/F90-series and D Type AF Nikkor)
  • Multi-Sensor Balanced fill Flash (w/F90-series and none D-type AF Nikkor)
  • Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash (w/F4-series, F-801s, F-601, F-6O1M or F-401x, and CPU lens*)
  • Slow Sync (w/F90-series, F-601 or F-6O1M)
  • Rear-Curtain Sync (w/F4series, F-series, F-801s, F-601 or F-6O1M)
  • Red-Eye Reduction (w/F90series)
  • FP High-Speed Sync (w/F90series)
  • AF-Assist Illuminator (w/any AF SLR)
  • Repeating Flash
  • Manual flash output level compensation

Features

  • Automatic power zoom coverage from 24mm to 85mm
  • Built-in wide flash adapter to cover 20mm
  • Built-in bounce card
  • Tilting/rotating flash head
  • LCD panel

*AF Nikkor or Al-P Nikkor lens has a built-in microcomputer and CPU contacts. With the F4-series, Al-S or Al Nikkor lens are also usable.

Rear-Curtain Sync

This makes it possible for the flash to fire at the end of the exposure, instead of at the beginning especially effective at slow shutter speeds. This results in the available light turning into a stream of light following the flash-illuminated subject.

Repeating Flash

This feature provides a strobe effect which fires the flash continuously at selected rates. The length of time between flashes, the number of flashes per second and the flash output power can be chosen.

3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

With the SB-26 or SB-27 AF Speedlite and D-type AF Nikkor lenses, the F9OX uses the five-segment TTL Multi Sensor to its maximum potential—the ultimate in balanced fill-flash control. This is how it works:

  • The D-type Nikkor lens sends subject-to-camera distance information to the F9OX.
  • The SB-26 or SB-27 fires a series of weak flashes,
  • just after the mirror goes up but before the shutter moves, as a Monitor Pre-flash for the TTL Multi Sensor.
  • The TTL Multi Sensor meters the light reflected from the grey shutter curtain to each of the five segments.
  • The camera's computer compares the amount of light actually metered by each segment of the TTL Multi Sensor with the theoretical light amount calculated from the Distance Information from the lens, the guide number of the Monitor Pre-flash and the lens aperture in use.
  • The camera's computer analyses and decides which segment of the TTL Multi Sensor to use for TTL flash control according to a relative reading of the reflected light amount, and what amount of flash is necessary to balance with ambient light according to the exposure meter used, be it 3D Matrix, Centre-Weighted or Spot.
  • The shutter opens, the main flash fires and the camera's computer controls flash output based on data from 5).
  • This function ensures correct exposure even in difficult situations which ordinary methods can not accommodate, that is, scenes that include a very reflective object such as a mirror, white wall, or something very close to the camera other than the main subject. It also accounts for the sun being part of the scene, a very distant background and other similar conditions.

Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

Type 1 With the SB-26 or SB-27 and a non-D-type AF or an Al-P Nikkor lens: Without distance information, computation is less refined than when using a D-type lens. However, results are much superior to single TTL flash sensor systems.

Type 2 Without Monitor Pre-flash: The F9OX's Matrix sensor provides the information on any too bright or too-dark area included in the scene; the TTL Multi Sensor then controls the main flash output. This method is superior to single TTL sensor systems, but not as effective as when the Monitor Pre-flash is used.

Specifications

  • Electronic construction
  • Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry
  • Flash exposure control
  • TTL automatic control with Nikon F4-series, Fee-series, F-801s, F-601, F-601 M or F-401 x; non-TTL automatic control with any Nikon SLR (with Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7 required with Nikon F3-series). Manual control: full, ½, ¼, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64 output
  • Guide number (ISO 100 in metres) 36 (with zoom head set at 35mm)
  • Angle of coverage
  • 60 ° horizontal and 45 ° vertical (with zoom head set at 35mm)
  • Film speed range in TTL auto flash mode
  • ISO 25 to 1000 with Nikon F4-series, F90-series, F-801s, F-601, F-6OIM and F-401x
  • Recycling time Approx. 7 sec.
  • Number of flashes Approx. 100
  • AF assist LED Automatically fires LED beam toward subject when performing autofocus with Nikon F4-series, F90-series, F-801s, F-601 or F-401x in insufficient light
  • Power source Four l.5V AA-type penlight batteries; DC Unit SD-7; Battery Pack SD-8
  • Dimensions (excluding mounting foot) Approx. 79mm (W) x 135mm (H) x 101mm (D)
  • Weight (excluding batteries) approx. 380g
  • Other features Ready-light, open-flash button, sync/ multiple flash terminal, LCD panel illumination Accessory provided Soft Case SS-24

Nikon MF-26 Multi-Control Back

Your photographic system can be a great tool in the new era of high-tech picture taking. The Nikon MF-26 Multi-Control Back, for example, provides various photographic techniques like exposure bracketing which works with all exposure control modes, flash exposure bracketing, interval timer, and freeze-focus capability. Also, Nikon's unique Data Link System takes photography to a new height in computer enhancement: Nikon is the first manufacturer to link the SLR camera to a palm sized Electronic Organiser (EO).

Every photographer will appreciate how the Multi-Control Back enhances the F9OX's capabilities:

Specifications

  • Data Imprint: Date, time, frame number, serial count number, fixed number, shutter speed/aperture. World Clock: 24 time zones, daylight saving
  • Timer: Specified intervals up to 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds, and up to 99 frames.
  • Long Time Exposure: Exposure duration up to 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds
  • Auto-Sequence Shooting: Stop film advance after desired number of frames in continuous shooting.
  • All-Mode Exposure Bracketing: Shoot from 3 to 19 frames, each with a different exposure. Compensation values range from 1/3 to ½, 2/3, 1, 1-1/3, 1-1/2, 1-2/3 and 2 EV steps. All auto modes and manual exposure control modes can be used.
  • Flash Bracketing: Allows bracketing with flash by varying the flash output over a variable range from 1/3 to ½, 2/3, 1, 1-1/3, 1-1/2, 1-2/3 and 2 EV steps.
  • Multiple Exposure: Up to 19 exposures on one frame.
  • Focus Priority: Camera waits until subject is at pre-focused distance and shutter is automatically released the moment the subject is in focus. Also known as Freeze Focus.
  • AE/AF-Lock: Enables simultaneous or independent operation of AE and AF Lock functions from one control button
  • Custom Reset: Lets you select either a custom setting or the original factory setting for the Instant Reset Operation.
  • Flash Output Compensation: Lets you compensate the flash output amount by -3EV to +EV in 1/3 steps.
  • Nikon MF-25 World Time Data Back This accessory imprints selected date and time information in your picture. Its world alarm clock tells you the time anywhere in the world. Timing is quartz-controlled for greater precision.

Data Link System Linked with the SHARP Electronic Organiser (EO) IQ-8000/IQ-9000 series, the new Nikon AC-2E card increases your control of the F9OX's functions. The card incorporates various data that tell you, for example, how to operate the F9OX, the SB-26 and the Multi-Control Back MF-26. It even includes general information about photography in a special glossary—all accessible through the EO's LCD panel. Among the many functions available with Nikon's unique Data Link System— Remote camera operation Includes choice of metering system, exposure mode, film speed setting, exposure compensation, etc. You can also use the EO to control all MF-26 Multi-Control Back functions, as well as to release the shutter.

You can personalise the camera's standard settings. Choose a double beep, for example, to tell you that focus is sharp. Or change an autofocus mode from focus-priority to release-priority. You can even change the lowest limit of the automatically controlled flash sync speed in the Programmed and Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes. You can also get a viewfinder LCD readout that indicates the deviation value between Matrix Metering and Centre-Weighted metering for the same scene. You can create your own Program lines. And you can change the direction of the command dial's rotation. Also, quick exposure compensation via the command dial is possible in the Aperture-Priority Auto (A) mode. In fact, you can have an F9OX like no other. Memorising shoot data The Data Link System's Memo Holder function can be used to store all shooting data, including shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, metering mode, lens focal length in use, frame number, film roll number and ISO film speed. The F90X's computer can store data on up to 34 rolls of 36-exposure film; the AC-2E card itself, data on up to 52 rolls. And you can view all this on the EO's screen. Functions like a database, too. Besides the F9OX's instruction manual, the AC-2E IC card provides other information. There's a glossary for useful photographic terms, and the equations often required for shooting, such as those for Speedlite guide numbers, flash shooting distance, etc.