Nikon

MANUAL
INSTRUCTION c( trf
CONTENTS
*.
F 0 R E W 0 R 0. . , . . . . . . . . . . . : . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 SETTINGEXPOSURE MCDE ...,.,...54 T(
NOMENCLATURE . . , . . , , . . . . , . . . . . . . 5 - 1F0L E X I B LPER O G R A M .,,................,55
BASTCOP E RA T |O N. . . . . .,.., ....1 1 -2 6 OPERATION IN SHUTTER-PRIORIry AUTO L(
MOU NTING THELE NS .......1 2 E X P O S U RM EO D E , . , . . . . . . , . . . . , 5 6 - 5 9T(
T NSTAL LBTANG T T E RT E S ..,..,.,..............13 OPERATION IN APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO IN
C HECKIN BAGT T E RY P O W E R ...... ....,,.,.1 4 E X P O S U RM EO D E ....2........60-62 L
L o A D I NFG
I L M. . . . . . . . . ..15-17 OPERATION lN MANUALEXPOSURE MODE...,,'r,,......63-66F
BASfC SHooTING ........18-24VARI.PROGRAM ..67-85 N
R E W I N DF f Nf 1GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4 WHAT
- 2 6 ISVARI-PROGRAM? ..,.,.,.,...68-69
GENERAL FUNCTIONS .......27-66 S E L E C T I N VGA R I - P R 0 G R.A. .M ....... ..................70-71
FILMADVANCE MODE .28-29 SHOOTING WITHVARI-PROGRAM ,.72-85
S T N G L E - F RS AH MO EO T | N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8 P O R T R A IPTR O G R A M .............72-73
c o N T T N U OSUHSO O T T.N, .G ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2PORTRAIT
9 PROGRAMWITHRED-EYEREDUCTION
EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM .....30-32 ( w i t hS B - 2 8 / S B - 2 7 / 5 , 8 - 2 6 ) . . . . . , . . . . . . ..........74-75
MATRIX METERING .....30 H Y P E R F O C APLR O G R A M ......,....,.. ...........76-77
CEN TRE - W E I G HT M EETDE R IN G '
.................,..31L A N D S C A PPER O G R A M . . . . . . . , . . . . ................78-79
SPOTME T E RI NG .,.,....3 1 S t L H O U E T TPER O G R A M ..,.,......... ..,.,...,....80-81
SETTING METERING SYSTEM ......32 SPORTPROGRAM
F o cu s ,..,.,3 3 -4 8 c L o s E - u P P R O G R A M ,.,..,.......84-85
FOCUS ARE A .........3 3 -3 4S P E C I A L F U N C T | O N S . . . . , . , , . , . . ........,.,.,86-1Or
AUTOFOCUS............... . . . . . . . . . . , . , 3 5 -E 3X 9 P o S U RCEo M P E N S A T | 0 N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7 - e 3
AUTOFOCUS WITHMAINSUBJECT OFFCENTRE.....,40-43 AE-L (AUTOEXPOSURE LOCK)LEVER .....88-89
SPEC IAFO L CUS T S NG
|T U AT | ON S......,.,....., ................4 4 -4 5TO OBTAINMETERREADINGFORA PARTICULAR
MANUAFO L CUS , . . . . , ................4 6 -4 8 S U B J E C TI N M A N U A LE X P O S U RM EO D E . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . 9 0 - 9 1
EXPo SUM RE oDE . . . . . . . . 4 e -6 6 EXPOSURE COMPENSATION BUTTON ...,.92-93
SEL ECT |NG E X P O S URE M OD E .............,...5 0 -53 SELF-T|ME 0RPERAT|oN ......,.,......e4-e5
\ --\-
-.\
www.butkus.us .,;,fiidlr:;,*litr,u,
TO CONFIRMSHARPNESS BEFORE SHOOTING MISCELLANEOUS .......,.....126-146
-D E PTH -0 F - F |E LD V |EBW
P RE UTToN ,..,.,.......e A 6 C C E S S oR Y A Tl B l Ll TY ...,...... ..,.................127
C oMP
LONG TIMEEXPOSURE-USING b.,TbSETIING ...97-98 CAMERA CARE TIPS 128-130
T0usEN o N -D X - CoDE F I LM
D ,,........,.e eN 0 TE0N S B A TTE R | E S .,........... ..130-131
|]{TERCHAN F0GC| NUGS ISNC GR E E N S . . . . . . . , . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . S . 1E0C0I-F1I0C1A T, ,I.o, N
. ,P , , .S. . . ............,132-136

FLASHPH OT O G RA P HY . . . ..............,.,1 0 6 -1L2C5DP A N E W IE W FININ DD

ER ..,........i qt/qa
IC A T| oN S ..,.,....,.,..,
| \ I I K SPEEDLI
ON CoM
G 10 7 -10 8
HT P A T |81 1 | T Y.............,,,..,,,.,.,.....
FLASH MODES AVAILABLE
WITHNIKON SPEEDLIGHTS ..,107
WHATYOUCANDO
N r K OS
w r T HY O U R NP E E D L | G H T . , . . . , . . . . . . . , .1.0. ,8. . . . . . . . , . . . .
nL AUToFIJASH-AUT0MATIC BAI-ANCED
FILL.FI.ASH AND STANDARD TTLFI.ASH. ................,.. 109-.1 17
ryPEOFTTLA UT OF LA S H . . . , . i ...,.,...... .1 0 9 -1 13
SHUTTER SPEED/APERTURE FOREACHEXPOSURE
M OD E tNTT LA UT OF LA S H ..,.......,....1 1 4 -11 5
T T LA U T OF L A S O H P E R A T | O N , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1. 6. .-.1.1. 7. . , . , . . . . ' 1
TOMAKE NIGHT BACKGROUND MORE VISIBLE :I
-slowsYNc0PERAT|0N,........... .....,.118-11e
TOCREATE NATURAL-LOOKING STREAM OFLIGHT
-R E AR-C URT ASIY NNC. , . . . .,., .,.,.,.,.......' 1 2 0 -1 2 1
RED-EYE REDUCTION
(forusewith58-28/58-27158-26) ........,.'1 22-123 #
N OT ES 0 NFIAS H P HoT oG RA PH Y...,.,........ ........j 2 4
EVCHART FORFI.ASH PHOTOGRAPHY.........,... ..j25

3
 Thankyou for choosingthe new Nikon F90Xcamera.lt's a high-performance
camerathat offerstoday's newestand most advancedcapabilities,all designedto
enableyou to take more excitingpictures.
Becausethe F90Xcamerahas a host of new features,many of which you may not
be familiarwith, beforeactuallytaking picturesyou shouldthoroughlyreadthe
instructionmanualsprovided,includingthe "PHOTOGRAPHIC SYSTEM"leaflet'
Thesewill helpyou understandthe technicalterminologyused and how the various
new featureswork.
The F9OX,in its standardconfiguration,iSa powerfulcamerawith important
featuressuch as Nikon'sexclusiveAdvancedMatrixMeter,many autofocusfeatures
includingFocusTracking,and Nikon'slatestinnovation, TTL Multi-Sensorflash
control.To expandthe camera'sperformanceand take full advantageof all its
capabilities,you will want to considerusingthe F90Xwith accessoriessuch as the
NikonMF-26Multi-Control Back,the NikonSB-28AF Speedlight,NikonPhoto
Secretaryfor F9OVF90software and the Nikon Data Link Systemwith Nikon AC-2E
card which works exclusivelywith the sharp@Electronicorganizer.
Pleaseread this manualthoroughly,then enjoyexperimentingwith all of the F90X's
excitingfeatures.Good luck, and havea greattime with this high-techNikon.

trademark
Sharpis a registered CORPORATION'
ofSHARP

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 NOMENCLATURE
Once you know the names of the parts of your new Nikon F9OX,
as well as their functionsand the camera'sother controls,you will
be surprisedhow simpleand logicalthe F90Xsystem'soperation
can be.

iJd&tla{}*id.ffir*.-*ae4tu --..d&L.
LCD panel(p.9) Accessoryshoe: ForNikondedicated
Speedlights. Therearedgeof the shoe
indicatesfilmplane,Exactdistancefromlens
mounting flangeto filmplaneis 46.5mm,
Shutterreleasebutton:To
activateexposuremeterand Sync terminal
autofocus function,lightly
press;to releaseshutter, /.
depressfully;exposure /-
meterautomatically 1O-pinremoteterminal:
switchesoff after8 sec. For ElectronicOrganizer
Connecting CordMC-27,
Self-timerindicatorLED RemoteCordMC-20,
(p.e4) etc. (seeattached
PHOTOGRAPHIC
Depth-of-fieldpreview SYSTEMleaflet).
button (p,96)
Lens releasebutton
AF-L (AutoFocus Lock) Focusmode selector:
button: Locksfocuswhen S for SingleServoAF (pp.
pressedand heldin. 36-37).
Cfor Continuous Servo
AF (pp.38-39).
Minimumaperturelock:
M for Manualfocus(pp.
Settingfor all Programmed 46-48\.
and Shutter-PriorityAuto
exposuremodes, Lensmountingindex

Aperturescale Focusingring
Optionallens illustrated
(AFZoom-Nikkor28-70mmf/3.5-4.5D)

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Eyepieceshutterlever:Usedto pre-
ventstraylightfromenteringvieMinder.

AE-L (Auto ExposureLock)

lever:Slidingand holding
Viewfinder/LGD panel leverin locksaufoexposure.
illumination button: /'
Pressto illuminate Vari-Program list
vieMinderand LCD
panel,usefulin dim Batteryholder MS-8:
light.lllumination Interchangeablewith
automatically switches optionalMulti-Power
off8 sec, afteryou
removeyourfingerfrom
button.
Battery holder
lock screw

Camerastrap eyelet
Tripod socket

Cameraback lock releases:To

CPU contacts:Don'ttouch!
opencameraback,slidecamera
backlockreleases
together.

Filmcartridge Focusingscreentype B:
confirmationwindow Interchangeable with
optionaltype E screen
Viewfindereyepiece ( p p .1 0 0 - 1 0 1 ) .
 Meteringsystem (3€)button*:
Resetbutton: Pressand holdthis Seepage32.
buttonand exposurecompensation/
resetbuttontogetherfor instantreset Filmrewindbutton
of basiccamerasettings(p, 19)

ExposurecorDpensation/
Exposuremode (M0DE)
button*: reset button (Z)": See
Seepage54. pages19 and92,

Vari-Program(Ps)button*:See
pages70-71.

Powerswitch
Flashsync mode (l) button*:
Seepages'119,121and 123.
Focusarea button:See
page33,

Filmadvancemode (DRIVE)
button*:Seepages28-29, Gommandinputcontrol
dial (Gommanddial):
Rotateto set various
functions,
Film speed/fifmrewind (ffi)
button:Seepages 25 and 99. Self-timerbutton ({r)*:See
page94,
* Usedwith commanddial

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 10

'ffira+l
H.H)F
11
12
13
EEE 14

LCDpanelindications
1. Focusarea Organizer.
12. Electronic
2. Exposure mode/FlexibleProgram 13. Custom.
3. Meteringsystem 14. Battery
4. Filmspeedsettingmode 15. Filmadvancemode
5. Exposure compensation speed/Self-timer
16. FramecounterNari-Program/lSO
speed
6. Shutter pensation
duration/com value
7.Autofocus 17. Filmloading
8.Aperture 18. Filmadvanceand rewind
9. Release/Focuspriority 19. Self-timer
10.Flashsyncmode .Appears
11.Red-Eye Reduction onlywhen isinuse.
DataLinkSystem
 Viewfinderindication

56 7 I I 10 1112 13

)o( gf 8fl8$rB.B

1. Wide-Area focusbrackets 7. Exposuremode/FlexibleProgram

2.12mm-dia.reference circlefor Centre- 8. Shutterspeed
WeightedMetering 9. Aperture Lightlypressingthe shutterrelease
3. 3mm dia.reference circlefor Spot 10. Electronic buttonto turnon the exposure
analogdisplay/exposure
Metering/Spot-Area focus difference* meterswitcheson the vieMinder
4. Clearmattefield 11. FramecounterA/an-Program/ illuminatorat a low lightlevel.
5. Focusarea compensation In dim light,whenthe exposure
value/amountof
6. Focusindicators: O indicatesa exposuredifference* meteris on,the illuminator
subjectis in focus;) ( showsFocus 12. Exposure compensation automatically switcheson at full
Tracking,alsoindicatesthat a moving 13. Flashrecommend/ready brightness.
light
subjectis expectedto be in focus;
blinking) ( indicatesautofocusis " Appearsonlywhen theAC-2E
card'slJserCustom
impossible; ( and ) arrowsindicate )ptionletsyousetexposure
difference
indicator.
frontand rearfocus,respectively.

10
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I r#llTlfu0Fr
AUii $111,

BASICOPERATION /
Thissectionshowsyou howto preparethe camerafor shooting-
e.9.,howto mountlens,loadfilm,etc.-as wellas howto actually
t a k e p i c t u r e s .W h e t h e ry o u ' r e a b e g i n n e ro r a s e a s o n e d
photographer, you shouldmasterthis sectionbeforeproceeding
further.

'11
MOUNTING
THELENS

n Positionthe lensin the camera's To remove

Z bavonetmount so that the Pushand hold lensreleasebuttonand
mountingindexeson lensand camera turn lensclockwise.
body are aligned.Takingcare not to
pressthe lens releasebutton,twist lens
counterclockwise untilit locksinto olace.

-l Removecamerabody cap and front

I and rearlenscaos.

rJ{ft {FrP.t{4m*Js{{4t4i,i"a1d}i*rd;4fi
s,/r,tn4F}.iP:iriry!*dt#ii4t#wdtr
:,:
H . Whenmounting/removing
lens,makesurethat the camera'spoweris turned $

12
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 BATTERIES
INSTALLING

Loosenbatteryholderlock screw
witha coinor similarobiect.

Pressholderinto placeas you

e lnstallfour AA-typealkaline-
\) manganese,NiCdor high-
performancemanganesebatterieswith
4 Returnbatteryholderto battery
chamber. 5 tightenlock screwwith coin.

"+" and "-" terminalspositionedas

showninsideholder.
1Q
 BATTERY
CHECKING POWER

Slidepower switchto ON position,
batterymarkappearson LCDpanel,
power.Thebatterymark and
turn off after8 sec.
Aboutexposuremeter
You can check batterypower anytimeby lightlypressing
the shutterreleasebutton,This actionactivatesthe
exposuremeter;the LCD paneland viewfinderLCD show
aperture/shutterspeed indications,and autofocUs
operationstarts (unlesscamerais set for manual.
focusing).The exposureindicationsand batterVfuarkstay
on for approx.8 sec, afteryou take your fingeroff the
shutterreleasebutton,then automaticallyturn off. lf the
shutteris released,these LCD readoutsgo off approx.2
that a full sec. afteryou take your fingeroff the button.
sufficientbattery
automatically

q=a {:
Sufficient power,
battery Batteries
arenearing
exhaustion,
Havea freshsetready,

llll/ Data Link Systemusers

-{:- You can set automaticmeterswitch-offas desired:4
/ltt\ sec,,8 sec.,'16sec.,30 sec.,60 sec, For details,see
lf ca blinks with/without
blinking lf noindication/mark
appears, Nikon AC-2Ecard instructionmanual.
arejustabout
Er r , batteries batteries
arecompletely
exhausted
exhausted. Slidepowerswitchto or improperly Replace.
installed,
OFFandreplace witha
batteries
freshset,

14
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LOADING
FILM

o To avoidfoggingfilm (especiallyhigh-lSOfilm),do not

load/unloadfilm in directsunlight.
o Usablefilmspeedrangefor DX-codedfilm is ISO25 to

Confirmwhether[X for DX-codedfilm is shownon the

LCD oanel.

DataLinkSysternusers
. The AC-2Ecard's UserCustomOptionletsyou set the
camerato DX-priority.
. The AC-2Ecard's UserCustomOptionletsvou activate
the electronicbeeperfor film operationalert.
For details. seeAC-2E card instructionmanual.

lf not, pressand hold ISObuttonin, then rotatecommanddial

untilDXappears.
 Do not touchthe shuttercurtains
with yourfingeror with film leader.
Insertfilmcaftridge.
togetherto opencameraback.fi 3

EEEIOOO

EIEISEE]EIEIgOE

Checkto ensurefilm is properlypositionedwith no slack(seeillustration).

4 Pullfilm leaderout to red index
marK.
6,
\,'

to
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 t.

Gentlyclosecameraback until 7 Fullydepressshutterreleasebutton panelblinkand the shutteris locked.

releasessnao closed. I to advancefilmto frame#1. Set lS0 speedmanually(seep. 99).
o lf non-DX-coded filmor filmwith an
unacceptable DX code is loaded,the
Err, lS0and [X marksin the LCD

To confirmISOnumberof DX-
codedfilm,pressfilmspeed
. lf film is incorrectly button.
B Confirmframecountershows i and
O- symbolappearson LCD panel.
positioned,E
remains,O- symbolblinksand shutter
is locked.Ooencameraback and
reloadfilm properly.
BASICSHOOTING
Thissection featuresthe settingsfor
most common picture-takingsituations
when AF Nikkor*/ensesare used:
Film advance mode: single-frame
shooting
Metering: Advanced Matrix MeterinQ
Focus Area: Wide
Focus mode: SingleServoAF
Exposure mode: Auto Multi-Program
(lf you are usingAl-P-Nikkor/ens, use
manualfocus /see pp. 46-481.lf you are
using other non-AF Nikkor /enses,use 1 Set focus mode selectorto $ for O Set lensto its minimumaperture
Centre-Weightedor Spot Metering/see I SingleServoautofocus.lf lens has Z (highestf-numbermarkedin orange
p. 321,manualfocus, and Aperture- an A-M switch,set switch to A. lf you are on AF Nikkorlenses)and lock lens
PriorityAuto or Manual Exposuremode usingan AF-I/AF-SNikkorlens,set the apertureof AF Nikkorlens at its
[see pp. 60-62 or 63-66]. To confirm lensfocus mode to A or M/A. minimumsetting(seelensinstruction
usablemode by lens, see chart on p. manual).
104.)
. AFNikkorlenses
includes
D-type
AFNikkorlenses
andAF-I/AF-S
Nikkorlenses.

18
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 MF-26 userEi
Pressingthe resetbuttonsalso cancelsthe MF-26's
,15 F5.E followingfunctions:
.Illt t Auto ExposureBracketing
MultipleExposureOperation
t,) Auto SequenceShooting
LongTime Exposure t
O-q: IntervalTimer
FlashExposureBracketing
FocusPriority
e PressO resetbutton and CIZ button simultaneously for
\,1 two secondsuntilP,@, E and E appearin the LCD
panel,indicatingthat the camerasettingsare automatically
resetfor basicshootingshownhere:
Filmadvance: Singleframe(E)
Metering system: Matrix(@)
Exposure control: Auto Multi-Program (P)
Focusarea: Wide (@)
Flexibleprogramsetting: Cancel
Exposure compensation: t0
Flash sync mode: Normal(lfSpeedlightis set at
rear-curtainsync, rear-curtain
sync willbe performed.)
Data Link System users
When activatingCustom Resetwith the Nikon AC-2Ecard's @ also appearswhen "Storeshootingdata" is selected
CustomizedSettingsfunction,pressand holdthe O and and/or"Downloadstored data" is likewiseselectedin the
O% buttonsfor two secondsto retrievethe Custom Reset Memo Holderfunction.In this case,you alsocan make M
settings, disappearfrom the LCD by followingthe instructions given
Whenone or morefunctions/options (including
Custom above.
* When Custom Reset and/or"Simultaneous
LockofAFandAE"ofUser
Reset)of the CustomizedSettingshave been set, IIIEM
appearsin the camera'sLCD panel*,To cancelthe Custom )ptiln is setwiththeMF-26attachedtothecamera,
ElEIildoes
functions/optionsof the CustomizedSettingsand resetyour nztappear. Tocancel Custom 0r "Simultaneous
Reset LockofAFandAE"
camerato the defaultsetting(whichwill make EM withtheMF-26,usetheMF-26's @ buttonandthecamera's
command dial.(Fordetails,
seetheMF-26'sinstruction
manuaL)
disappearfrom the LCD),pressand hold the O and Ol4
buttonsfor more than four secondsuntil @ starts
blinking;then removeyourfingersfrom the resetbuttons
and pressthem againwithintwo seconds.(0M stops
blinkingwhen the resetbuttonsare leftuntouchedfor two
seconds.)

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A Holdcamera,lookthroughviewfinderand positionfocus bracketson mdn
+ subject. Althoughthe viewfindercovers
approx.92o/oof the imageareaof
the actualphotograph,a negative
filmwillshow you an imagelarger
than what you see throughthe
viewfinder.
Note:The imagein a slidefilm
may be partiallycroppedby the
mount,Also,the edgesof
negativefilm are partiallycropped
by most labs.
tr Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton to start autofocus
U operationand switchexposuremeteron. Note on Single Servo AF with a stationary subject
With.astationarysubject,confirmthat the in-focusindicatorO Afterfocusingis achievedand in-focusindicatorO
appearson the vieMinder'sLCD readout.With a moving appears,focus is lockedas long as the shutterrelease
subject,confirmthat FocusTrackingindicator) a appears. buttonis lightlypressed.lf the distancebetweenyou and
Confirm,too, that the shutterspeedand apertureindications the stationarysubjectchanges,removeyour fingerfrom $
are shown.Exposurereadoutsalsoappearin the camera's shutterreleasebutton,then lightlypressit againto lii
externalLCD panel.
. lf ( appears,subjectis locatedcloserthan the lens'closest
refocus.
FordetailsaboutSingleServoAF, see page36, $
i{
focusingdistance.Move away from the subjectand refocus. ,iil
. lf ) appearswhenTC-164 is used,the lensfocusingringis
not set at infinity(-). See p. 36.
$
ii
. lf ) ( blinksin the viewfinder: Autofocusis not possible(p. ):
iii
44). ,rrrli!r'
o lf shutterspeedindicatedis 1/(lensfocallength)sec. or
slower,the picturemay come out blurred.To avoidthis,hold
camerafirmlyor use a tripod.

22
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lf H i appears in the shutter speed
position-Overexposure alert: Use NikonND
or similarfilter. lf I mark in green appears-Flash-
photographyrecommended:lf available
I markappears.ise
lightis insufficient, H
NikonTTL-typeSpeedlight. t.

lf ia appears in the shutter speed position-

Underexposurealert: Usea NikonSpeedlight,
higherISOfilm or lenswith fasterapefture,
whicheveris suitable.

lf rEEblinks in the aperture position-Lens

setting error alert: Lensis not set to smallest
apefturesetting,so shutteris locked.Set lensto
smallestaoefture.
 REWINDING
FILM

Filmadvancestopsautomatically at end of rollwith Fnd

A To take picture,fullydepressshutterreleasebutton.
L/ Cameraautomatically advancesfilm by one frame,and
LCDframecounterincreasesbv one.
I
I and O- symbolin LCDpanelblinking.
At the end of film roll,eachtime you pressshutterrelease
button,Endand @- blink,reminding you to rewindfilm.
o Alertsignalsoundsif "Beepfor FilmOperationAlert"is set
with the NikonDataLinksvstem.

'iii
l!i:'
fiShutterspeed/apertureindicationsinLCDpane|and
turn off approx.2 sec. afteryou release
insideviewfinder
shutterand takeyourfingeroff shutterreleasebutton.

,'1!.iiait

z4
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f) Presso* buttonand 36buttonto startfilm rewind.During
I filmrewind,O- appearson LCD panel,and framecounter
countsbackwardsuntilrewindis complete.
. Youcan rewindfilm,beforeit reachesend of roll,in the same
manner.
. lf filmdoes not startrewindor if film rewindhas stoppedat
mid-roll,checkbatterypower.lf batterypoweris insufficient,
turn power switch off, replacebatterieswith a freshset, turn
poweron, then pressthe film rewindand filmspeed lf film advancestops, the LCD panel shows
setting/filmrewindbuttonsagainto restadfilm rewind. Fr,d,but the frame counter will not indicate
. Do not openthe cameraback duringfilm rewind.lf the
cameraback is opened,film rewindwill stop at mid-roll;to the end of the roll.
restartfilmrewind,pressthe o* and 36buttonsagain. lf c-a blinks,turn the poweroff and replacebatterieswith
a freshset.Thenturn the poweron to continueshooting.
lf s is shown,to resumenormaloperation,turn the
poweroff,then on again.Next,lightlypressthe shutter
releasebuttonto confirmthat Fnd disapoears.

ii
I

25
 *

a After rewindautomaticallystops, confirmframecounter Open cameraback and removefilm cartridge'

\) shows [. and film installationsvmbolQ blinksfor a few 4
seconds.

To conservebatterypower,turn off the power switch

when you are not usingthe camera.Alwaysremove
batteriesbeforestoringa camerato preventdamagedue
to leakingbatteries.

26 www.butkus.us
 ffi '}rr

t-
GENERALFUNCTIONS
rQr
..+

This chapterexplainsthe variousmodesof the F90Xcamera's

Pleasereviewit thoroughly.
operation.
I
I
ta
I

I
I

I
I
I

-
rt 27
.
 MODE
FILMADVANCE
SINGLE-FRAME
SHOOTING
,f,5 F5.h
IJEmr
t,l
O-m

Thereare three automaticfilm advancemodes.To choosea Withthe filmadvancemode at E, fullydepressingthe shutter

mode,pressand holdthe filmadvancemode buttonand rotate
the commanddial.Set E for single-frameshooting,E::r-for
continuouslow-speedshootingor E::Hfor continuoushigh-
speedshooting,and so on.
releasebutton takes one pictureand automaticallyadvances
the film by one frame.Filmis advancedimmediately afterthe
shuttercloseswhetheryou removeyourfingerfrom the shutter
releasebutton or keeo the button deoressed.To take the next
shot, liftyour fingerfrom the button,then fullydepressit again.

28 www.butkus.us
 SHOOTING
CONTINUOUS
lr.5 F5.E ,15 F5.E
@Emr EEmr
mil Ex il

*
Shotsare takencontinuously as longas you keepthe shutter
buttonfullydepressed.You havea choiceof shooting
release
speeds:approx.4.3 fps (framesper second)in the EJHmode,
andapprox.2.0 fps in the s::r mode-with freshalkalineAA-
typebatteriesat normaltemperatureand at shutterspeedof
1/250sec. or higherin the Manualexposureand Manualfocus _4)
modes.Withshutterspeedsslowerlhan 1/250 sec.,the Nikon Multi-ControlBack MF-26 users
framingratebecomesprogressively slowerin proportionto the . Whenimprinting FrameCountor SequenceNumberin
speedin use.
shutter continuousshooting, set the camera'sfilmadvance
lfFocusTrackingis on, the maximumshootingspeedis modeto EJ:r.In the trl::xmode,FrameCountor
approx.4.1 framesper secondin E:-rH mode. SequenceNumbermay be incorrectly imprinted.
. Whenimprinting withan ISO25 or lower-speed filmin
continuousshooting,set the camera'sfilmadvance tl
; modeto El:r. In the E::Hmode,the date and time may 4
I be resetand any otherfunction(s)you haveset may be ,)
I cancelled.
9)

29
EXPOSURE
METERING
SYSTEM
The Nikon F90Xhas threetype of exposuremeteringsystems- MatrixMetering,
Centre-WeightedMeteringand Spot Metering,

MATRIX
METERING
l---]l----l
L__=12"R\___J
t---l\\\u )f-l
L_)<__l !i
Thissystemis idealfor quick operationin any exposurerof" whetherthe mainsubjectis centredis alsoconsideredin the
(pp.a9-66).With D-typeAF NikkorlensesincludingAF-I/AF-S computation.By analysingthesedata,the F9OX'sbuilt-in
Nikkor,3D MatrixMeteringis automaticallyactivated.3D Matrix microcomputer is ableto providecorrectexposureevenin
Meteringusesthree types of data: (1)scene brightness,(2) extremelycomplexlightingsituations.lf a non-D-typelensis
scenecontrastand (3)focusedsubject'sdistance(Distance used,AdvancedMatrixMeteringis performed.Althoughlens'
Information).
Dataon scene brightnessand contrastare DistanceInformation is not given,8-segmentMatrixsensor
detectedby the camera's8-segmentAdvancedMatrixSensor, providesthe correctexposurein most lightingsituations.
whiledata on the focused subject'sdistanceis detectedand Notethat MatrixMeteringsystemcan be usedonlywith lenses
relayedby the D-typeAF Nikkorlensin use.In addition,the that havea built-inCPU (suchas AF Nikkorand Al-P lenses.)
informationsent by the camera'sautofocussystemindicating

DataLink SystemUsers
The AC-2Ecard's UserCustomOptionletsyou check the
exposuredifferencefrom Centre-Weighted
Meteringwhen
MatrixMeteringis activated,

30
www.butkus.us
T

HTEDMETERING
CENTRE-WEIG SPOTMETERING

*
With75% of the meter'ssensitivityconcentratedon the 12mm-{
dia,circlein the vieMinderand 25% outsidethis circle,this
meterbecomesusefulin situationswhereyou want to base
exposureon a specificarea in the scene.In the auto exposure
mode,to measurethe brightnessof the picture'soff-centre
portion,use the camera'sAE-L lever(pp.BB-89).
Nearly1OO%of the meter'ssensitivityis concentratedon the
Usethis meter
3mm-dia.circlein the centreof the viewfinder.
for reallyselectiveexposurecontrol-achievingthe best results
requiresexperience.

31
-"rye; ,,,,,.';t:ti*$,iti$'S*iji
SETTING M ETERING SYSTEM

MatrixMetering Centre-Weighted SootMeterino

Metering

Whilepressingthe meteringsystem(3.!)button,rotate
commanddialuntilthe desiredsymbol-E for MatrixMetering,
@ for Centre-WeightedMeteringor El for Spot Metering-
appearsin the LCD panel.

ir.ir+,tri!,iiii{ii:i1t!i1.::r,:illl::ii\iiiidri:.if!!i:i!'i1i{d!tlllr::tillrliiiriiriiii'i,i-i6!11[:rlxilliia:i!lii*

lf you are using a lens without CPU, or accessoriessuch as bellows or |{

extension rings $
$ | B-segmentMatrixMeteringautomatically switchesoff and Centre-Weighted Meteringswitcheson $j
ii I whilethe El symbolblinks.(lfAuto Multi-Programor Shutter-Priority
Auto is set on the camera, ii}
ti' I the exposuremode alsoswitchesautomatically Auto with F - - and blinking
to Apefture-Priority $
i.}i
l$ I exposuremode indicator.)In this case,use Centre-Weighted Meteringor Spot Metering. $
ltsJ_J \z - 4: li
riri iili
ril lii
r:ri lll
;tr i-rt
iir iii
!1. it

32
www.butkus.us
I

I rocus
FOCUSAREA

s
TheF9OX'sautofocussystemoffersa choiceof two focus
areas:Wideand Spot.
Whilepressingfocusareabutton,rotatecommanddialuntilthe
desiredsymbol-E for Wide Area or E for Spot Area-
appearsin the LCD panel.

When using Nikon dedicated Speedlight

Whena NikondedicatedSpeedlightconnectedto the
camerais turnedon, WideArea is automaticallyswitched
overto Spot Areafocus.In this case,E blinksin the LCD
paneland E appearsinsidethe viewfinder.
The Wide-Areafocusbracketsdelineatethe focusdetecting
areain the viewfinder.
Subjectsof sufficientbrightnessand
detailcan be detectedwithinthesebrackets.In additionto
generalphotography, autofocususingWide-Areafocus
bracketsis suitedto actionphotographyin whichthe moving
subjectrequiresa wide-rangefocusdetectionarea.
However,focusdetectionmay not be possibleif the subjectis
too smallto fullycoverthe Wide-Areafocus brackets.lf various
subjects,eachat a differentdistance,fallwithinthe focus
g,
I
detectionarea,focuswillbe confirmedfor a singlesubjectas
follows:
.For subjectsof equalbrightness:the closerone will be
focused.
.For subjectsof unequalbrightness: the brighterone willbe
focused.
Spot AreaAF, in whichthe focusdetectingareais shown by
the 3mm-dia.circleat the centreof the viewfinder,
is
recommendedin the followinosituations:

a. Subjectconsiderably b. Subjectobscuredby an c. A particularportionof the d. Stronglybacklitsubject,

smallerthan the Wide-Area object,such as a fence,in subjectmust be in focus, such as someonestanding
focus brackets. the foreoround such as the eyesin a besidebrightwindow**
poftrait

. Usefocuslock.See'AUT)F)CUS WITHMAINSUBJECT jFF CENTRE'

0npages40 to 43.
.. Togiveclrrectexplsureonyoursubject,see"AE-LLEVER"
onpages88 to 89 or "T0)BTAINMETER F)R A
RFADING
PARTICUUR
SUBJECT
INMANUAL MODE''
EXPOSURE onoaoes90 to 91.

www.butkus.us
34
AUTOFOCUS
TheNikonF9OXhas two autofocusmodes, SingleServoAF
withFocus-Priority
and ContinuousServoAF with Release-
Priority.
Ineitherautofocusmode and in any film advancemode, Focus
Trackingautomaticallyactivateswhen the subjectstarts
moving. FocusTrackingenablesthe camerato analysethe
speedof the movingsubjectaccordingto the focus data
detected,and to obtaincorrectfocus by anticipatingthe
subject'sposition-and drivingthe lensto that position-at the -
exactmomentof exposure.You can thus obtaincorrectly
J ln addition to AF Nikkor lenses (including D-type AF
focusedpicturesfor manymovingsubjects.
,-
Data Link System users
o You can activatedouble beep for in-focussignal.
o You can giveFocus-Priority to ContinuousServoAF
and/orRelease-Priority to SingleServoAF.
r ForSingleServoAF in continuousshooting,you can
cancelfocus detectionand lens drivingfor the next shot
afterthe first shot is taken so that the subjectfocus
remainslocked.
For details,see fhe NikonAC-2E card's instruction
manual.
Caution
Do not attemptto turn the lensfocusingring or impedeits
rotationwhenthe focus mode selectoris set to S or G.
t
Nikkor and AF-I/AF-S Nikkor lenses except the AF Nikkor
lenses for F3AF), autofocus is possible with AF
TeleconverterTC-164 attached to non-AF Al-Nikkor
'f/3.5
lenses with a maximum apefture of or brighter. Al-
Nikkor lenses that cannot be used with the TC-164 are:
. Al-Stype 20mm f/2.8
r Al-S type ED 4OOmml/2.8\F
o Al-S type ED4OOmm f/3.5 lF
. 28mm I/2 (wilhfactoryserialNo. 540020 or smaller)
o 28mm f/2.8 (No.500000 or smaller)
. 3 5 m mf / 1 . 4
r 35mm f/2 (No.931000or smaller)
r 35mm f/2.8 (No.880000 or smaller)
o SOmmf/1.4 (No.398000or smaller)
r SOmmf/2 (No.364000 or smaller)
o ED 400mmf/3.5 lF
o Micro55mm f/3.5
r All rnodified-Al-Nikkor
and PC-Nikkorlenses
For details, see fhe TC-16A's instruction manuaL

35
 tl5 F5.E
FJ@tr
u til
Itri-lo:ca
Stationary
subject
isin
* focus
Single Servo AF with Focus-Priority With a stationary subject: Lightlypressthe shutterrelease
For SingleServoAF with Focus-Priority,
set the focus mode to button.Whenthe subjectis in focus,the lensstops moving,the
s. in-focusindicationO appearsin the vieMinder,and focus is
You lightlypressthe shutterreleasebutton,the lensstarts locked.You can releaseshutter.
adjustingfor focus. Becausethe priorityis on correctfocus, the lf the subjectmoves beforeshutterrelease,removeyour finger
shutterlocks untilthe stationarysubjectis in focus (withO) or from the shutterreleasebutton,then lightlypress it againto re-
untilthemovingsubjectsexpectedto be in focus (with) (). start autofocus.
Afterfocus is achievedwith a stationarysubject,the focus
remainslockedfor as long as the shutterreleasebutton is
lightlypressed.Thisfeatureis useful,especially when
recomposingthe picturewith the mainssubjectoff centre.
However,if the camera-to-subjectdistancechanges,you have
to refocus. Subjectis locatedcloserthan the closestfocusing
distanceof the lens.Move away from subjectand
refocus.
AppearswhenTC-.164is used,alertingthat the lens
focusingring is not set at infinity(-). Set focus mode
selectorto M, set lensfocusingringto -, set focus mode
$ selectorto S again,then refocus.
Mtt{tksniu\$}$
36
www.butkus.us
 6,i@i@)i@r*Y;;^li1ap,r@),4':

r SingleServoAF with Focus-Priority is convenientfor off-

centresubjects.See pages40 to 41.
. After shootingwith the film advancemode selectorset
at E, you do not haveto removeyour fingerfrom the
your 7i6
shutterreleasebutton for the next shot. Slightly"lift
fingerfrom the button(butmaintaining the buttonin the 'ij
half-depressed position)then fullydepressit to release ft
Movingsubjectis
to bein
expected
focus
$
Witha moving subject: Lightlypressthe shutterrelease
buttonand FocusTrackingis automaticallyactivated.Confirm
) ( appearsin the vieMinder,then fullydepressthe shutter
detectsfocus everytime the shutteris released. ,i
release button. . Witha movingsubject,dependingon subjectstatusand 'l:i
FocusTrackingremainsactivatedas longas you keep lightly pictures may result.
lensin use,slightlyout-of-focus 7a
pressing the shutterreleasebutton.lf subjectstopsand O r"
appears, focus is locked.lf subjectmovesagain,removeyour E
fingerfrom the shutterreleasebuttonand lightlypressit again E

,3
to staft autofocuswith FocusTrackinq. 1?r
tr
i6)
i€
\1

@
)7 17 F
(- lf ) { blinksin the viewfinder:
Autofocusis not .- 'iI
|\ 0
possible(p.44).
f
d
i.@)
tji
t!
jt.i
t)l

l:;,
dl
.a
@
B
.A dlriil Yl *:Ai/st6.dd)@ -@,)

37
 i;'5 F5.F
EE
u t,l
Itri--l@-ca
*
Continuous Servo AF with Release-Priority
Undersomeconditions,such as veryfast actionsituations, you
may want to take a pictureeven if focus has not been
successfullyaccomplished. In such cases,use this mode.Set
focus modeto Cto use ContinuousServoAF with Release-
Priority.
In ContinuousServoautofocusmode,as you lightlypressthe
shutterreleasebutton,focusdetectionbeginsand the lens
focusesfor as long as you keep the shutterreleasebutton
lightlypressed.Sincethe priorityis on shutterrelease,you can
fullydepressthe shutterreleasebutton regardlessof focus
status.
www.butkus.us
ea
I
Stationary is in
subject
focus
With a stationary subject: Lightlypressthe shutterrelease
button to start autofocusoperation,When the subjectis in
focus,the camera'sautofocusmotor (orthe built-inmotor of an
AF-I/AF-SNikkorlens)stops drivingthe autofocuslens and O
lightsup. Unlessyou removeyourfingerfrom the shutter
releasebutton,the motorwillstartdrivingthe lensagainto
obtainan in-focuspictureif the focusdistancechanges.
f ( Subjectis locatedcloserthanthe closestfocusing
distanceof the lens.Move awayfrom subjectand
refocus.
) Appearswhen TC-l64 is used,alerlingthat the lens
focusingringis not set at infinity1-). Set focus mode
liilr
1,?-; yr Xria.ar igt X ar@t
ae
 d
@
Movingsubject
is z t Q
I
ti
to bein *
expected
focus
With a moving subject: Lightlypressthe shutterrelease
buttonand FocusTrackingis automaticallyactivated.To take a
in-focuspictureconfirmthat ) ( appearsin the vieMinderthen
fullydepressshutterreleasebutton
FocusTrackingremainsactivatedas long as you keep lightly
pressingthe shutterreleasebutton.When the subjectstops,
theviewfinderwillshow O indicatingthe stationarysubjectis in
focus.

p:i6tlll,s.Aid.,p,y,lt:dtq.tr,#@l9xn$/,gr:N$i@l.f*lialP:*rd:@.v,aRa*
y,alg^i:;@e-ilx@rlei.v,ji0j

selectorto M, set lensfocusingring to -, set focus

to Cagain,thenrefocus.
modeselector
$
lf ) ( blinksintheviewfinder: is not
Autofocus ft
possible (p.44).
H

tpiliid@:.Vi;tdktlt' n!'s'l'*@,P)

39
AUTOFOCUSWITHMAINSUBJECTOFF CENTRE
In SingleSeruoAF mode
As previouslynoted, in SingleServoautofocus,focus is locked
as long as the shutterreleasebutton is kept lightlypressed.
Use this featurefor off-centresubjects.In the following
procedure,Spot-AreaAF demonstrationphotos are used.

J
.fu

o lf there is substantialdifferenceof brightnessbetween

subjectand background,switchto Centre-Weighted or
Spot Meteringand useAE-L lever.See pages88 to 89.
. Witha movingsubject,focuscannotbe locked, 1. Positionfocusbracketson subjectand lightlypressshutter
releasebutton to start autofocusoperation.

40 www.butkus.us
 *
{
2.Confirmin-focusindicatorO appearsin the vieMinder. 3. Keepingthe shutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed,
recompose,then fullydepressshutterreleasebutton to take
oicture.
ln ContinuousServo AF mode
Withan off-centresubject,use AF-L button.In the following
procedures,Spot-AreaAF demonstrationphotos are used.

1. Positionfocus bracketson subjectand lightlypressshutter

releasebutton to start autofocusoperation,

42 www.butkus.us
2. Keepingshutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed,confirmin- 3. WhileholdingAF-L buttonin, recompose,then fullydepress
focusindicatorO appearsin vieMinder.Thenpressand hold shutterreleasebutton to take picture.
AF-Lbuttonto lockfocus,KeepholdingAF-L buttonuntil
nextstep is completed.
SPECIALFOCUSINGSITUATIONS
Autofocusoperationdependson generallighting,subjectcontrastand detail,and
) (F ir'5 F't.E (,1 othertechnicalfactors.In raresituationswhereautofocus(andmanualfocusw1h
ElectronicRangefinder) is not possible,) ( blinkstellingyou to focusmanuallywith
clear matte field (p. 48) or performautofocuson anothersubjectlocatedat same
distance.

A. Very dark subject
Focusmanuallywith clearmattefield,or
for autofocus,focuson anotherbrighter
subjectlocatedat samedistance,then
usefocuslock (pp.38-43).Or, use a
NikonautofocusSpeedlightto perform
autofocuswith Speedlight's
AF
illuminator.
B. Low contrast subject
Focusmanuallywith clearmattefield,or
for autofocus,focus on anothersubject
at same distancebut with more contrast,
then usefocus lock (pp 38-43),
G. Strongly backlit subject or bright
subject with shiny surface such as
silveror aluminum,or scene in which
there is a pronounceddifferencein
brightness,such as the light patterns
created by blinds.
Focusmanuallywith clearmattefield.

44
www.butkus.us
Inthefollowingsituations,ignorein-focusindicatorO or Focus
Tracking indicator) (.
. Scenewith subject located at different distances. (For
example,when shooting a person over a fence or when
shootinganimals inside a cage)
UseSpot Areafor autofocus(page34) or focus manuallywith
clearmattefield.
r Withan extremely bright object near your subject '
UseSpot Areafor autofocus(page34) or focus manuallywith -
clearmattefield. I'
. Whenusing a linearpolarisingfilter*,or other special filter
such as a soft-focus filter.
Focusmanuallywith clear mattefield.
- Circular
polarising withautofocus
filtercanbeusedinconnection operation.

45
MANUALFOCUS
Manual focus with Electronic Rangefinder
The ElectronicRangefinderenablesyou to see focus status
with the vieMinderindications whileyou are manuallyfocusing.
It workswith most Nikonlenses(including AF Nikkorwhen
operatedmanually)which havea maximumapertureof f/5.6 or
faster,(Fora completelist of usablelenses,see LENS
COMPATIBIUryCHARTon p. 104).

J
,n
To focus manually,set the focus mode selectorto M, (lfthe
lenshas an A-M switch,set it to M. lf you are usingan AF-l/
AF-S Nikkorlens,set the focus mode to M or M/A.)
Thereare two ways of assuringprecisemanualfocus: with the
ElectronicRangefinder or with the vieMinder'sclearmattefield.

1. Lookthroughviewfinderand positionfocusbracketson main

subject.Then lightlypressshutterreleasebutton.

40
www.butkus.us
 . Ar i?5 F5.5 ti) ) )o !15 F5.5 ( 0

2.Keepingshutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed,rotatelens 3. Confirmin-focusindicatorO appears,thenfullydepress

focusingringin directionindicatedby focus-to-leftarrow( () shutterreleasebuttonto take picture.
or focus-to-rightarrow( )), untilarrowdisappearsand in-
focusindicatorO appears.
arrow( () does not disappearwhen you turn
lf focus-to-left
focusringcounterclockwise to the limit,subjectis closer
thanthe distanceat whichthe lensis ableto focus.Move
backfrom subject.

ilti^f
N1?
It-
e {4

Forspecialfocusingsituationsshownon page44, ) ( blinksto indicatethat

v
does not correctlywork. Focuswith clearmattefield
the ElectronicRangefinder ft
(p.48).
d
ft

47
Manualfocus using clear
matte field

LookthroughvieMinderand rotatelensfocusingringuntilimageon clearmattefield

appearssnarp.

48
www.butkus.us
EXPOSURE
MODE
Lightreachingthe film is controlledby shutterspeed and lens
aperture.The propercombinationresultsin a correctexposure.
Shutterspeed and lens aperturesettingsare based on the ISO
speedset for the film in use and the operationof the camera's
exposurecontrolsystem.
Therelationshipbetweenapertureand shutterspeed is as
follows:One changein shutterspeedeitherdoublesor halves
the amountof lighttransmitted.For example,a shutterspeed
of 1/500sec. passeshalfthe lightof 1/250and doublethe light
of 1/1000 sec. The aperturef/B passeshalfthe lightof f/5.6
and doublethe lightof f/11. lf the correctexposurefor a scene
is 1/5OO alf/8, thenwe can alsoselect1/25Oalf/11or 1/1000
at f/5.6 and achievethe same exoosureresults,and so on,

*
f
Meteringrange
(forMatrixand Gentre-Weighted
Meteringwith AF Nikkor50mmf/l.4 lens)
rso6

rs050
rs0r00
rs0200
ts0400
1S0
800
ls0r600
rs03200
ts06400

49
 EXPOSURE
SELECTING MODE ProgrammedAuto exposure mode (P/R)
Selectingthe exposurecontrolmode meansdecidingif you V/iththe F90X'smicrocomputer choosingthe combinationof
want the shutterspeed and/orlensapertureto be set shutterspeed and apertureautomatically, you can concentrate
automaticallyor manually. on picturecomposition,withoutworryingaboutexposure.
The Nikon F90Xcameraofferstwo types of programmedauto Note that programmed auto exposuremodes operate only with
exposuremodes,Auto Multi-Program (P)andVari-Program (Pt, Nikon/ensesthat have a built-in CPU (AF Nikkorand Al-P
Auto (5),Apefture-Priority
as well as Shutter-Priority Auto (H), Nikkor/enses,). ,.
and Manual(li)exposuremodes.
When R for Vari-Programis selected,you havea choiceof
I sevenoptions:(1)PortraitProgram,(2) PodtraitProgramwith
/ Red-EyeReduction,(3)HyperfocalProgram,(4) Landscape
Program,(5)SilhouetteProgram,(6)SportProgramand (7)
Close-UpProgram,
For detailsaboutVari-Program,see pp. 67-85.

Auto Multi-Program(P)is used for most common picture{aking

The chartat rightshowsthe shutterspeed/apefture
situations.
combinations for Auto Multi-Programthat are selectedat each
EV (exposurevalue)brightnesslevel.

In ProgrammedAuto exposuremode, you can use the Flexible

Data Link System users Programfunctionto temporarilyshiftan automatically
selected
You can createan originalprogramlineas your own shutterspeed/aperlurecombinationand obtainthe desired
CustomProgram.For details,see the AC-2Ecard (p. 55).
shutterspeed/aperture
instruction
manual.

50
www.butkus.us r, .
Auto-MultiProgram chart (at ISO 100)
Tocheck shutterspeed and aperturevalues,follow eitherthe
blackor red lineto whereit intersectsthe diagonalline,

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I 9 10 11 12 13 14
eV

il14 tc

2 to

..''161s
2.8 ,,' ' 17

4 18

56 19

8 20

11 21

16

23

32

30 15 I 4 2 1 1/2 1/4 118 1/15 1/30 1/60 11125 t""

174ggo1/8ooo

With50mmf/l.4
.....-With180mmf/2.8
With300mmf/4
WithAFZoom-Nikkor 28-70mm t,13.5-t14.5
at28mmand
70mmfocallengthsettings
-.-.-.. High-brightness
limitforMatrix
Metering

J I
Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure mode
You manuallyset the shutterspeed you want. To freezethe
action,use a high shutterspeed;to createmotioneffects,
ehoose a slowershutterspeed.The F90X'smicrocomputer
automaticallysets the properapertureto match the manually
selectedshutterspeedfor correctexposure.See pp. 56-59 for
Auto operation.
Shutter-Priority
Notethat Shutter-PriorityAuto exposuremode operatesonly'
with Nikon/ensesthat havea built-inCPU (AFNikkorand Al-Po
Nikkor/enses).
/F
Manualexposuremode
Manualexposurecontrolallowsyou to make both apertureand
shutterspeed settings.For a technicallycorrectexposure,
followthe recommendation of the camera'slightmeter,as
indicatedby LCD readout.To achievea specificcreativeeffect
(e.9.,intentional
blur,intentionalurrder-or over-exposure),
disregardthe LCD and modifyth€r,recoffirflendedexposure
'.,
settings.
For Manualexposureoperation,see pp. 63-66,

Aperture-PriorityAuto exposure mode

You can controldepth of field by varyingthe aperture.Smaller
aperturesmakethe backgroundand foregroundsharper
(recommended for landscapepictures)whilelargerapertures
tend to blurthe background(recommended for poftraits).
Your selectedaperturewill determinethe shutterspeed that is
automatically set by the camera'smicrocomputer. When using
smallerapertureswith correspondingly slowershutterspeeds,
rememberthat, generally, any speedbelow 1/(focallengthin
use)second,requiresthe use of a tripodto preventpictureblur
due to camerashake.The higherthe corresponding shutter
speedto the apertureyou set, the easierit is to stop action.
Adjustthe selectedaperlureif the speed is not appropriatefor
conditionsor the specificeffectyou want.
ForAperture-Priority Auto operation,see pp. 60-62.

52
www.butkus.us
Pictures
takenat differentshutterspeeds Picturestakenat differentapertures
 EXPOSURE
SETTING MODE

D For users of lenses that have no CPU, or

F it5 F5.E
accessoriessuch as bellows attachment or
WhilepressingMODEbutton,rotatecommanddial.The extension rings
exposuremode changesas in the followingsequence: UseAperture-Priority Auto or Manualexposuremode.
Auto Multi-Program or Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure
P Auto Multi-Program + Auto
5 Shutter-Priority mode automatically shiftsto Aperture-PriorityAuto
AI
NV exposuremodewith r- - and blinkingexposuremode
fi Manual Auto
fl Aperture-Priority indicator.(lf MatrixMeteringis set on the camera,
meteringsystemis alsoautomatically shiftedto Centre-
Weightedand @ blinks).Vari-Program cannotbe usedfor
. To activateVari-Program, use Psbutton.For details,see pp.
67-85.
. lf yourCustomProgramhas beenstoredin the camera,P
with iP willappearin the LCD betweenfi and P .

54 www.butkus.us
 PROGRAM
FLEXIBLE
Tochangethe shutterspeed/aperture combinationin Auto
Multi-Program, Vari-Program or CustomProgram,use the
FlexibleProgramfunction.FlexibleProgramletsyou temporarily
changean automatically set shutterspeed/aperture
combination in 1/3 EV steps*,whilemaintaining
a correct
exoosure,
FlexibleProgramfunctioncan be usedwith any Nikon
Speedlight. When performingflashphotography,however,you^
cannotshiftshutterspeedover 1/250sec, ( i)
- Atthough shutterspeedindication changesin 1/3 EVsfeps, * o o(F*X60 Ffl)
apertureindicationchanges in 1A/ steps. t
2.furn commanddialuntildesiredshutterspeedor aperture
valueappearsin viewfinderand in LCD panel.The Flexible
Programindicator(P-)appearsto indicatethe programhas
beenshiftedor changed,
o The shiftedprogramis maintained as longas the exposure
meterstayson, unlessyou turn the commanddialto the
previousshutterspeed/aperture.As soon as the meter
switchesoff (i.e.,the vieMinderand LCD paneldisplays
disappear), FlexibleProgramis cancelled.
FlexibleProgramis alsocancelledwhen you switchthe
exposuremodeto anothermode,readjustthe camera
settingsor turn off the powerswitch.
@ P (ir'5 F5.5 (r)
1. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton,

55
OPERATION
IN SHUTTER-PRIORITY
AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE

J
& o F5.6

1. Set lensto its minimumaperluresetting(highestf-number). 2. WhilepressingMODEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntil,,S"

WithAF Nikkorand Al-P Nikkorlenses,lock lensapertureat appearson LCD paneland viewfinoer.
minimumsetting(referto lensinstructionmanual).

lf "bulb"is set on the camera,selectingthe Shutter-

Priority(S)Auto exposuremodewillcausebui-h to
blink-a warningthat the "bulb"settingcannotbe used in
the S mode.

{lfiiritli:iiilj,tiiiiijijj.liiir}i:1{i1:jrili::i:it:ir.iijl irLitiiiiiiiilii:liiti.trllrr itijiljl:liiiiiuiiiirutt!

www.butkus.us
56
 D ,5(l5n) F'1 ( i) *,
3.Removefingerfrom MODE button,and rotatecommanddial composeand lightlypressshutter
4. Look insideviewfinder,
to selectdesiredshutterspeed. set aperturevalue.
releasebutton.Confirmthe automatically
Shutterspeedindicationchanges1/3 step at a time in the
followingsequence:
l [ " i 5 " d n " i \ " l ] " | f i "E " E " 5 " l " J " d , 5 " c " " l , F "
i,J"!"1,J i,5ll,5l{5EH ia il i5 la15
Ja In 5o Fa fio laa ld5 i6a loa d5a lla loa 5oa
61a ffaa laaa il5a iEoa loaa f5aa Jlao laon
5aaa 6Yaa Eaoa

ri i i{Lriliirii:lixl xliiiriiil! r, fi iiixrliiqiiitr ili rj;lr:t

)jiir'.iili

lf meterhas automaticallyturnedoff, alongwith LCD

turn on meter-and LCD readout-againby
indications,
lightlypressingshutterreleasebutton.

il
''f',:,ii,t,.,,-
ijiliil**jiii::iliii:rj+lilriir,iltiriiwrli..,..lriiiiliijlrilillrrliirlJ,.,,inr!
i,rlu,*lltrrlrll,,:r
q7
 lf H i appears in the aperture position
with electronic analog
d isplay*-Overexposure alert: Select
highershutterspeed or use Nikon ND
filter.
lf rEEblinks in the aperture
position-Lens setting error alert:
Lens is not set to smallestaperture
settingand shutteris locked.Set lensto
smallestaperture,and lock setting.

{
s
lf io appears in the aperture position lf t mark in green appears-Flash
with electronic analog photography is recommended: lf
d isplay-Underexposure alert: subjectbrightnessis insufficient,I mark
Selectslowershutterspeed, or use lightsup in green.Use NikonSpeedlight.
accessoryNikonSpeedlight.

* Shows
valuedifference
fromcorrect
exposure.
lf difference
is beyond+lEV,) forunderexposure
ortl foroverexposure
appears.

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 'il
{
5.To take the picture,fullydepress
shutterreleasebutton.

DataLink SystemUsers
The AC-2E card's User Custom Option letsyou activate
the electronicbeeperfor exposurealeft.
OPERATION
IN APERTURE.PRIORITY
AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE
,r5(15.8)

o (Fl)'',
rE)''l rEf
1. WhilepressingM0DEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntilF
appearson LCD paneland viewfinder.
. lf usingan AF Nikkoror Al-P lens,makesure it is not
lockedto smallestapefturebeforenext steo.
,q tl5 (r5.8
2. Removefingerfrom MODE buttonand set lensto desiredf-
numberby rotatinglensaperturering.
Apertureset on lensis indicatedin the LCD paneland
viewfinderas follows:
Fi Fi.r.frd rl.6 FY F5.5FH Fi i r i6 rll rld ry5 r6y
(Availableapertureslimitedto thoseof lensin use.)
o Intermediate figure(e.9.r i.E,Fi.l) displayedindicates
maximumapeftureof lensin use.Also,with zoom lenses,
the maximumaperturefor differentfocallengthsettings
appearsin 1/6 EVsteps.

www.butkus.us
With lenseshaving no CPU, F-- appears 3. Look insidevieMinder,composeand lightlypressshutter
instead of aperture value in LCD panel and releasebutton.Confirmautomatically set shutterspeed.
viewfinder. . lf shutterspeedindicatedis 1/(lensfocallength)sec. or
With Al-type lenses includingAl-modified Nikkor slower,the picturemay come out blurred.To avoidthis,hold
lenses:Confirmaoerturevalueon lensbarrel. camerafirmlyor use a tripod.
With lenseshavingfixed aperture,such as Reflex-
Nikkor lenses:Apefturecannotbe changed.
With lenseshaving no auto diaphragmsuch as PC-
Nikkor lenses:Switchto Manualexposuremode (pp.63-
66)

ol
 lf tf i appears in the shutter speed position with
electronic analog d isplay"-Overexposu re alert: Select
smalleraperture(largerf-number)or use ND filter,

{
&
4. To takethe picture,fullydepress
lf I o appears in the shutter speed position with shutterreleasebutton.
electronic analog display.-Underexposure alert:
Selectwideraperture(smallerf-number),or use a Nikon
Speedlight.

. Showsvaluedifference
frzmclrrectexposure.
lf difference
is beyond+1
EV,,forunderexposure
0r<
foroverexposure
appears.
rd,l. X,9iaY,+9il?.rSld.,9iLi1qhYr..9,.ii3fqia39id3rqA?il6t;Yl{ii;EiKii..{n}iYriS''d{{F..Pri619.i.6ij:961

!r: $ DataLinkSystemUsers
f i mark in green appears-Flash photography ff The AC-2Ecard's UserCustom
ifi
recommended:lf subjectbrightnessis insufficient, Option letsyou activatethe
.{
'fi
ready-lightblinks.Use NikonSpeedlight, electronicbeeperfor exposure
+,t alert.

Llh**r*.*,*rrn***rr**r^"*rrsl*r#ri#!#ayra'#ir*yrb..r*i61'r-,,Layrglsf.lb1d&6r

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 MODE
OPERATION MANUALEXPOSURE

o (t'!) tf 5 r,i,l *,'.9:iil E] t'i (fi o) rl I *"'giiii ( i)

1.WhilepressingM0DEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntilri 2. Removefingerfrom M0DEbutton,set shutterspeedby

appearsin the LCD paneland viewfinder. rotatingcommanddial.
. lf usingan AF Nikkoror Al-P lens,makesure it is not . In Manualexposuremode,you can set shutterspeedto
lockedto smallestaperturebeforeproceedingto nextstep. hul b for longtime exposureby rotatingcommanddial.For
detailsabout bui b setting,see pp. 97-98 .

Data Link System Users

The AC-2Ecard'sUserCustomOptionletsyou change
the directionof commanddialrotationfor settingthe
shutterspeed.
rir
ri
li

i
ili
'\,,:i,,,r,,ll,u
llli,:ilr*ll llil,,ii
h <
 lf meter has automaticallyturned off
and LCD readoutis off, turn meter
on againby lightlypressingshutter
releasebutton.

o ,Fl fifrrE) *,..9..,-

( i)
Set apertureby rotatingthe lensaperturering.

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64
3. Lookintothe vieMinder,composeand lightlypressshutter 'iirii
releasebutton. Examples iiiii
Adjustapertureand/orshutterspeeduntilelectronicanalog
displayshows"fr" or desiredamount.
*1..0..1- *I..0..1- *1..0..1-
<ll tl lill rl
Over+1EV +1EV +1/3EV

Electronicanalogdisplayblinkswhen the shutter *1..0..1- * l. .0r.I -

speed/apertureset on the camerais beyondthe metering lil T II T >
rangeof the F90X. -2t3EU -1EV
Below

\ttt /
- *1..0..I- - l*1,,,[,,'r-'-
/, < l t t l
rrpr / r i"it'
65
{{ Nikkor lenses:Lensis stoppeddown when a smaller
4. To take the picture,fullydepressshutterreleasebutton.
aperture(largerf-number)is selected.Focusmanually
with the lensset at maximumaoerture.

q;ailxjirilliiiiii,,:iilltriJiilriilliir,i:li:ri,tii

ti::t!:jiitlitxini::!:i:i::nii:|t:ir-njNrritsi:isijtrj:rrililt

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66
l llq-lffAtr ' T&

I
r VARI-PROGRAM
t
Here'show you can benefitfromthe F90X'sVari-Program
for specificpicture-taking
situations.
options

ol
WHATIS VARI.PROGRAM?
Programmedexposurecontrolenablesthe camera'scomputer Pleasenote that the effectachievedby usingeach Vari-
to automaticallyadjustboth lensaperlureand shutterspeed for Programcan be reproducedwith the use of other exposure
the correctexposure.The F9OXcamera'sMatrixMetering controlmethodssuch as Shutter-PriorityAuto, Aperture-Priority
Systemdeterminesthe correctexposure,applyingexposure Auto and Manual.But with Vari-Program control,you allowthe
compensation as deemednecessaryby the computer's camera'scomputerto take careof all exposurecontroltasks
program.However,other factorscan affectthe picture, , whileyou concentrateon composition.Thisversatilityis one of
includingthe use of differentshutterspeedsand different the highlightsof the F90Xcamera'sadvancedexposurecontrol
apeftures. - system. n*
The F90X'sAuto Multi-Program is designedto coordinatethe-
selectionof shutterspeedand apefturefor averagesituationS
It guidesthe exposurecontrolsysteminto usingLasonably/
highshutterspeedsto avoidblurdue to camerashake.The
F90Xincorporatesa versatileVari-ProgramSystemthat gives
you the optionto choosefrom differentprograms,each
designedto accommodatedifferentpicturetakingsituations.
Pleasereviewthe conceotbehindand recommendeduse for
each program,usingeach as described,or in a differentway to
expressyour own picture-takingcreativity.Once you
understandhow each programoperates,you'llbe ableto
experiment, usingeach programfor an application different
from its originally
intendeduse.

6B
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Poftrait Program (Po) Sport Program (5P)
Thisenablesyou to take a portrait,with your subjectstanding Selectthis programto captureaction.Greatfor sporls
outagainsta blurredbackground. photographyor for shootinga fast-movingsubject,

PortraitProgram with Red-Eye Reduction (rE) Close-Up Program (iU)

Noticehow, whentakingpicturesof peoplein dim lightwith Perfectfor generalclose-ups,with the subjectappeiaring
flash,sometimestheireyesappearred.Thisprogramreduces- sharplyfocusedagainsta blurredbackground. .2.-
thepossibility
of "red-eye"in colourpicturesor "white-eye"in
B&w'
,. i
{
HyperfocalProgram (HF)
Theprogramto use if you want both your mainsubjectand the
to appearsharper.
background

Landscape Program (i.n)

ldealfor most scenes,with both far and nearobjectsappearing
moresharplyfocuseo.

SilhouetteProgram (5t )
Yoursubjectwillliterally
look likea silhouetteagainstthe sky or
a dramaticsunset,

6e
 NGVARI.PROGRAM
SELECTI
Use Nikkor lenses with CPU such as AF Nikkor or AI-P-
Nikkor /enses and be sure to sef /ens aperture to the
minimum setting.

1. SetVari-Program. 2. Whilekeepingthe Psbuttonpressed,rotatecommanddial

Pressand hold Psbuttonand confirmexoosuremode
indication(P,5, ff or fi) startsblinking,
untilit clicksonce.Psappearsin placeof the blinking
exposuremode indicationand one of the Vari-Program
indicators (Fa,rE, HF,Lfi, 5i, 5P or iU) appearsin placeof
the framecounter.
Withoutremovingyour fingerfrom Psbutton,to select
program,continueto rotatecommanddialuntilthe indication
for your desiredprogramappearson the LCD.

70
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 To confirm selected Vari-Programin the LCD
panel
Pressthe Psbutton.The selectedVari-Program (Pc-,rE, HF,'tfr,
5L,5P or ii,i) is temporarilyindicatedin placeof the frame
counterin the LCD panel.lf you want to changethe Vari-
Programoption,withoutremovingyourfingerfrom the Psbut-
ton, rotatethe commanddial. ,.

o Fs illi F5.ii t l)
To cancel Vari-Program
3.Removeyourfingerfrom Psbutton.The framecounter PressM0DEbuttonand hold it in. ConfirmPsstartsblinking,
appearsagainin the LCD panelbut Vari-Program indicator then rotatecommanddialuntildesiredexposuremode
remainsin the viewfinder.
WhenVari-Program is set, camera aDoears.
resetas follows:
settingsare automatically
Flexible
Program Cancelled
Meteringsystem MatrixMetering*
Focusarea Wide"(orSpot when
attachedSpeedlightis
activated)
Syncmode Normalfor Fa, HF,i-fi, 5i ,
5F or iil or Red-Eye
Reduction for rE
r Ylucanchange
MF-26users
settingasdesired. You can alsoconfirmthe selectedprogramin the MF-26's
LCDoanel.

1 1
tl
 WITHVARI.PROGRAM
SHOOTING
PORTRAITPROGRAM
,15 F5.E
F'JEE
Pa

This programselectsthe widest aperturepossible,thus :

minimisingdepthof fieldand producinga sharplyfocusedmfh
subjectagainsta blurredbackgroundand foreground.lt mdkes
the focusedsubjectseemsharperand minimisesdistracting
elementsthat may appearin the foregroundor background.

72 www.butkus.us
Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.To obtainpronouncedblurredbackground You can followsteps 4-6 oI basicshootingprocedureon pp.
effect,use 85mm to 200mm telephotolenseswith a maximum 21-24.To makea reallygood portrait,makesureyoursubject's
aoerlureof f/2.8 or wider. eyesare in sharpfocus.To achievethis effect-
1, Set focus areato E for Spot.
Recommendedcamera settings 2. Set focus mode to S for SingleServoAF with FocusPriority.
Metering
system @ for Matrix* 3. Set filmadvancemodeto trl for single-frame shooting..
'.
Focusarea E for Wide. or E for Spot 4. Centrethe subject'seye insidethe viewfinder,
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF 5. Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebuttonand confirmin-focus
indicatorO appears.Focusis lockedas longas you keep
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting,or E:JH pressingthe shutterreleasebutton.
E::r.for continuousshooting "5F
. Automatically
selected,
6. Withoutremovingyourfingerfromthe shutterreleasebutton,
recomposethe pictureas desired,
7, Fullydepressthe shutterreleasebuttonto take the picture.
WithNikonSpeedlight . Continuous is convenient
shooting forcapturingthesubject's expressianwhich
UseISO'100 to 400 film,Otherfilmsmay resultin overexposed mayvaryfrommoment tomoment,Hlwever, continuous shooting isnot
background. reclmmended where
fora situation focuslockis needed. ln theSingleServo
AFmode,thecamera focusevery
detects timetheshutter isreleased during
continuous sofocusisnotlocked
shooting afterthefirstshotis taken.

For beautiful portrait pictures

. The fartherbehindthe subjectthe backgroundis,the more
blurredit willappear.
. Back lightingor sidelightingusuallyenhancesa portrait;try
usingfill-flashwith a compensationof from -1 to -3 for
pleasingresults,

73
 PORTRAIT
PROGRAM
WITHRED-EYE (withSB-28/SB-27/38,-26)
REDUCTION
il5 F5.E
FJTD

Usingthe sameexposurecontrolas the PortraitProgram,this -

programadds the benefitof Red-EyeReductionin portraits S
takenwith flash.Usethis programfor both indoorand outdos
portraits,alongwith the SB-28/SB-27/38-26flashwhich offers
AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash for reallyenhancedresults.

H*

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74
 Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.To blurthe background,use a telephotolens procedure,
Forflashshooting seeinstruction
manual
of SB-28/
witha maximumapertureof f/2.8 or brighter.However,in sB-27lSB-26.
shooting,use wideranglelensesto reducered-
close-range
eye. To further reduce red-eye
o Havethesubjectlookawayfromthelens,towarda bright
Speedlight light.
NikonSB-28,SB-27or 58-26 Speedlight Unit. . Whenshootingindoors, maketheroomas brightasFpssible.
UseISO 100 to 400 film.Otherfilmsmay causeoverexposed Notethatred-eyetendsto be morepronouncedwithchildren
reduced.
andcannotbe as effectivelv
1 background.
I lfyouset the PortraitProgramwith Red-EyeReductionwith
otherSpeedlightand turn on the Speedlight,@ mark blinks,

Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix*
Focusarea EJ for Soot*"
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF
Filmadvancemode E for single-frame shooting
I Rasnsync @ for neb-fye Reduction***
r Automatically
selected,
] * Vari-Program
| setsthecamera
automatically to Wide-area focus.However,
whentheNikon58-28/58-27/58-26 AFSpeedlight
is clnnectedt0the
\ camera tyrgAgn,thefocusareaautomatically
ar.A. switchestoSpot.ln this
I case,@blinksin theLCDpanel,with@appearing in thevievvfinder
display.
r-.Automatically andcannot
selected becancelled.
I
I

t 75
sr;gq*,u&a\*##d&djri!ie;,;ddn&fuisdib{&d6"dh*Fe,.d,;;b$d4{;]i;-i*$:4L,..
HYPERFOCAL
PROGRAM
if 5 F5.Ff
FJErI
HF
l-l
Althoughthis programdoes not actuallyset the hyperfocal -
distance,it emulatesthe effectsachievedby usingverysmall$
lensapefturesand shortfocal lengthlenses.The resultwill b6 a
verylargedepth of fieldwhichyieldsa wide rangeof
acceptablesharpnesssurroundingthe focusedplaneof
maximumsharpness. Usethis programwhen photographing
landscapesand othersubjectsthat encompassgreatdepth.
The effectbecomesmore pronouncedif thereis an interesting
foreground withinthe scene.

76
www.butkus.us
Recommendedlenses Procedure
5Ommor widerangleAF Nikkorlenses,or AF Zoom-Nikkor You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
lenseswith 50mm or shorterzoomingposition. 21-24.Ifyou don't want to centreyour mainsubject,alsosee
pp.40-43.
Recommendedcamera settings Hyperfocalprogram tends to select a slow shutter speed and
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix* smallerapertureto assureboth subjectand backEoundin
Focusarea El for Wide. or E for Spot focus.To avoidcamerashake,use a tripod. t.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF or Cfor
ContinuousServoAF i To ensure sharper focused subject and
Filmadvancemode E for single-frame shooting,or E!41Si background
E::r.for continuousshooting . Backgroundmust not be too far from subject.
. Automatically
selected.

With Nikon Speedlight

UseISO 100 to 400 film.Otherfilmsmav resultin overexposed
background.

77
LANDSCAPEPROGRAM
if,5 F5.Fl
FJErI
tn
Similarin conceptto the HyperfocalProgramwith respectto -
depth of fieldand overallsharpness.
J
S

7B
www.butkus.us
Recommendedlenses Procedure
Selectlensaccordingto the desiredeffect.lf you want an You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
expansiveview, use a wideangleAF Nikkorlens.lf you preferto 21-24.
emphasise your subjectby magnifyingit, use a telephotoAF LandscapeProgramtends to selecta slow shutterspeed and a
Nikkorlens, smallerapertureto assuresharplyfocusedlandscapepictures.
To avoidcamerashake,use a tripod
Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem EBfor Matrix* Some ways to increaseapparent sharpn-ess
Focusarea E for Wide. . Use a higherISOfilmto get smallerf/stops.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF F r Choosea scenewherethe foregroundand backgroundare
Filmadvancemode E for single-framesnooting,or E)JHo{ relativelycloseto each other.
c:::r for continuousshooting r Shootfrom the same position,but use a lenswith a wider
. Automatically
selected. angre.

MF-26users
Use the All Mode ExposureBracketingfeatureto take
severalpicturesat differentf/stops.This will giveyou a
varietyof picturesfrom which you can choosethe best
result.

79
SILHOUETTE
PROGRAM
,15 F5.Ff
trJDE
5r
A silhouettephotographintentionally underexposes the backliJ
foregroundsubjectso that it appearsnearlyblackagainstths&
brighterbackground.This programworks effectively onlywlrcn
the subjectis at least2W valueslower(i.e.,darker)thanthe
background.lt cannotbe effectiveif the subjectis frontlitor has
aboutthe samebrightness as the background.

BO
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T
Recommendedlenses To make your main subject beautifully
Chooseyour lensaccordingto the desiredeffect.lf you want to silhouetted
picturea dynamicsunset,for example,use a telephotoAF o Theremust be a difference(at least2 EV)in brightness
Nikkorto magnifythe sun. betweensubiectand backoround.

Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix*
Focusarea E for Wide. or E for Soot
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting,or osx or$
E::r-for continuousshooting r
. Auto
maticallyselected.
ff
Procedure
Youcan followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
z I -z+.
SilhouetteProgramtends to selecta slow shutterspeed to CAUTION!
produceeffectivelysilhouettedpictures.To avoid camera
shake,use a tripod.
The SilhouetteProgramis effectivefor taking picturesof $f
peoplesilhouetted againstthe sun or a brightsky.
WithNikonSpeedlighton, 5[ insidethe viewfinderblinks,telling However,never look at the sun, with your naked eye, a
youto turn off the Speedlight. filter or through a camera.The sun may damagethe
retinaand causepermanentblindness.To protectyour
eyes,use a medicallyapprovedsolarviewingfilter,
ffi

B1
SPORTPROGRAM
tl5 F5.E
FJEE
5F
l-l
This programis designedto use selectshutterspeedand
aperturecombinationsthat correspondto those of the long *
lensestypicallyusedfor sportsphotography.lt is biased J'
towardshighershutterspeedsto freezeactionbut makethe
subject'sarmsor legs,for example,appearblurred.

82
www.butkus.us
 Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.For a more pronouncedblurredbackground 1. Set focus areafocus mode to Gfor ContinuousServoAF
effect,use 80mm to 300mm telephotolenseswith a maximum with ReleasePriority.
I aperture o'ff/2.8 or brighter. 2. Set film advancemode to EUHor EJIr.Continuousshooting
. is recommendedbecausequickresponseis crucialtoaction
Recommendedcamera settings photography. Continuousshootingalsoallowsyouto create ,r
Meteringsystem EDfor Matrix* led sequences.
action-fil
-
3. Centrethe subjectinsidethe viewfinder,lightlypresdthe
Focusarea @ for Wide. or E for Soot
: shutterreleasebutton to start FocusTracking.Focus
Focusmode Gfor ContinuousServoAF
* Trackingremainson as long as you keep the shutterrelease
Filmadvancemode EIIJH
or EIt:r for continuousshooting {
. Automatically button lightlypressedand subjectremainscentredin the
selected.
vieMinder.
I . 4. Confirmviewfindershows ) t, then fullydepressthe shutter
- ' releasebutton.

f
ff

83
CLOSE-UPPROGRAM
if 5 F5.E
frJDtl

In close-upphotography,variouseffectscan be achievedwith
differentf/stops.A very smallapertureincreasesdepth of fie*
and enhancesoverallapparentsharpness.A wideraperturd
decreasesdepth of fieldand makesthe focusedsubjectstand
out from the surroundingarea(foreground and background)
whichwillappearlesssharpdue to the shallowdepthof field.
This programselectsaperturesettingsbetweenf/4 and f/5.6,
providinga rathershallowdepth of field.The resultis a sharply
focusedsubjectagainsta blurredbackgroundand foreground.

B4 www.butkus.us
I il
Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFMicro-Nikkorlensesor AF Zoom-Nikkorlenseswith macro You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
focusing
function, 21-24.However,the areayou want to appearsharplyfocused
may be slightlyout of focus becausedepthof fieldis very
Recommendedcamera settings shallowin close-upshooting.To avoidthis:
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix* 1. Set focusareato E for Soot.
Focusarea E for Spot 2. Set focus modeto S for SingleServoAF with FocusPriority.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF or M for manual 3. Set filmadvancemodeto E for single-frame shootpg.
focus 4, Centrethe desiredareainsidethe viewfinder,
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting
t, 5. Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebuttonand confirmin-focus
i indicatorO appears.Focusis lockedas longas you keep
. Automatically
selected. the shutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed.
6. Withoutremovingyourfingerfrom the shutterreleasebutton,
recomposethe pictureas desired.
7. Fullydepressthe shutterreleasebuttonto take the picture.
To avoidcamerashake,use a Nikonremotecord and a
triood.

85
 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
i,
This chapter explains adu"'ncedphotographictechniquesand
applicationsincludingexposurecompensationmethods.lt 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-codedfilms.

86 www.butkus.us -t*i,--.
I xposuRE
coMPENsATroN
Exposure compensationis a photographictechniquethat
enablesyou to vary the finalexposuresettingsfrom those
measured by the camera'slightmeter.Nikon's3D Matrix
Metering employsmethodsof exposurecalculation that
t automatically applyexposurecompensation, dependingupon
scenebrightnessand contrast.As a result,your subject,
whetherit is centredin the viewfinderor not, is givencorrected
exposurein most lightingsituations.
Wedo not recommendusingany manuallyor automatically
appliedexposurecompensation when usingMatrixMetering.tf *
youidentifyan extremeconditionunderwhich Matrixmay havd
somedifficulty,suchas a severelybacklitsceneor one with About reflectance
extremesof contrast,we recommendusingyour camera's When usingthe Centre-Weighted or Spot Meter,always
otherbuilt-inmeters,Centre-Weighted or Spot. Ultimately,only keep in mindthat the exposureindicatedwillassumethat
'18%.
you know what the subjector a part of it requiresin terms of the subject'sreflectanceis equivalentto lf the
exposuremeasurement. That'swhy the F90Xcamera subjectvariesfrom this reflectance,you must make an
incorporates three metersplus a varietyof exposure adjustmentto exposure,Generally speaking,a white
compensationsystems.The photographer'screativityis always subjectwill haveabout a9Oo/oreflectance,and an
thefinaldecidingand controlling factor.To use the various adjustmentof 2.5 f/stops(furtheropen)will bringthe
exposurecompensation functions,pleasereferto the following. exposureback to the equivalent of an 1B%reading.As
. UsingAE-L (AutoExposureLock)lever(pp. 88-89) anotherruleof thumb,when shootinga landscape,the
. To obtainmeterreadingfor a particularsubjectin Manual lightmeterreadingfrom greengrassis roughlyequivalent
exposuremode (pp.90-91) to 1B%reflectance.
. Usingexposurecompensation button(pp.92-93)
oAll Mode ExposureBracketing(MF-26usersonly)(seeMF-26
instructionmanual)
Resultswillvary,dependingon conditions,so you willwantto
exoerimentwith each method.

87
AE-L (AUTOEXPOSURELOCK)LEVER
In the auto exposuremode,whenyou want to controlexposure
basedon the brightnessof a specificareawithinthe scene,
switchthe meteringsystemto Centre-Weighted or Spot and
usethe AE-L leveras follows:

s.
2. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton,and confirmshutter
soeedand apefturein vieMinder.

1. Centremainsubjectinsideviewfinderand/ormovein closer
untilreferencecirclefor Centre-Weightedmeteringor Spot
meteringis fullycoveredby the subject.

ttt1
www.butkus.us
 *
3. Keepshutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed,slideAE-L lever 4. Recomposethe pictureand shoot.
and holdit in.

In Single ServoAF mode, if recomposingthe picturecould In ContinuousServo AF mode, if recomposingthe picture

changesubject-to-camera distance,refocusby briefly
removingyourfingerfrom the shutterreleasebuttonand
lightlypressingit again.

ii
i:i

i,
ilirl:l
,l :ll:iilt,ritttt,ltirt;r:iir:ittiilti:ttllii:lliriiittit:i,+iit iitr:iilillrltiilrillnifit;irlii:itli:tfiitittliiiitiil,i{riiiitiiiiiliitiiiriilti:,1

B9
TO OBTAINMETERREADING FORA \
PARTICUI-AR
SUBJECTIN MANUAL
EXPOSURE MODE
ln Manualexposuremode, if you want to set exposureas
desiredon a particularsubject,switch meteringsystemto
Centre-Weighted or Spot and use the followingmethod.

.&
I
2. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton.

1. CentremainsubjectinsidevieMinder and/ormove in closer

untilreferencecirclefor Centre-Weightedmeteringor Spot
meteringis fullycoveredby the subject.

90
www.butkus.us
 o o .P! Ea F5.{*,..9..,-)(i)

3.Adjustshutterspeed and apertureuntilelectronicanalogdisplayshows desired 4. Recomposethe pictureand shoot.

exposure.

In Single ServoAF mode, if recomposingthe picturecould In GontinuousServo AF mode, if recomposingthe picture

changesubject-to-cameradistance,refocusby briefly distance,pushand hold
willnot changesubject-to-camera
removingyour fingerfrom the shutterreleasebutton and the AF-L buttonbeforerecomposing.
lightlypressingit again.
EXPOSURE
COMPENSATION
BUTTON
To modifyexposurecontrol(i.e.,from the ISOstandard)usethe
exposurecompensationbutton.Compensation from -5EVto
+SEV in 1/3 steps is possible.After takingyour photographs,
be sure to resetthe controlto '0' to resume normal operation.

(Centre-Weighted
Metering)
S.:
I

E] F r5n Fl.E (+ i.-i

1. Whilepressing14bullon, rotatecommanddial to set desired

compensation value.The followingdisplayappearsin LCD
paneland viewfinder.
% symbol
Compensationvalue from -5 to +5 EV in 113steps:
Without
comoensation Confirmamountof exposurecompensation.
In the examoleabove.+'12lecomoensation is set.

Withcompensation

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 D F ^5n FLE 1 (il% o F il5 F5.r-5 (;-i.rr

2. Onceset, exposurecompensation remainsfixeduntilreset. to

3. Aftershooting,be sureto resetamountof compensation
AlthoughIhe14symbolstayson to indicatethat exposure "O"to resumenormalooeration.
compensation valuedisappears
is on, the compensation
fromthe readoutwhenyou removeyourfingerfrom 14
button.To confirmcomoensation value,pressZ button
agarn.

93
SELF.TIMER
OPERATION

1. WhilepressingN.tbutton,rotatecommanddial untildesired 3. Whilepressing,9 button,fullydepressshutterreleasebutton.

timerdurationwith '9 symbolappearsin LCD panel. Self-timerLEDstartsblinkingand ,9 symbolin LCD panel
Timerdurationcan be variedfrom 2 to 30 secondsin one- blinks.Duringthe finaltwo seconds,LEDlightsup, warning
secondrncrements. you to get readyfor the shot.
. To cancelself-timer,press'Ubuttonat anv time.
2. Composepicture,lightlypressshutterreleasebutton,and
confirmfocusand exposure.

94
www.butkus.us
 Whenusingany auto exposuremode, use eyepiece
shutterbeforesettingself-timerto preventstraylightfrom
enteringviewfinderand affectingexposure.

'f,, ijil rii:i;:

o Regardlessof film advancemode setting,continuous

+ltt

+i
'ii, shootingis not performed. it
li1

# o Longtime exposureat bul b settingcannotbe usedfor iil

ii! self-timeroperation. fii
ii:
'ti:i
ri
:l:iii
j:ir iitll
jjii l;tll

ii liil
ilr lJr
tj:ijj iiii
iiti;l
t:,tt lili;
iitl

i: iiit
,ij; j,i,
jrji 'ir,
:1L
+: i.il
T
jti:t
'i'i
::a:i:i
1:ltjl ll:jli:
.!!..i

lijr i;ii
:::.i:i
tiiit irlil
,l', .,,i

'll l:l'
ii::ii
;lii:

95
TOCONFIRM
SHARPNESS
BEFORE
SHOOTING_DEPTH.OF.FIELD
PREVIEW
BUTTON

n.

Notethat when you'reusinga lenswith an automatic Whilethe depth-of-field

previewbuttonis depressed,shutter
diaphragm,which is what most Nikkorlenseshave,the speedindicationdisappearsand r- - appearsin the LCD
viewfinderimageyou see is one with the lensfullyopen (i.e., apefturereadouts;also,the shutteris locked.
lensat maximumaperture). Thisenablesyou to viewthe depth
of fieldbefcreyou takethe picture,with the FgOX,sAoerture-
Priorityauto or Manualexposuremode.
Depressthe depth-of-field previewbuttonto stop the lens
down to the apertureset,The imageviewedbecomes
progressively darkeras the aperturegets smaller.porlionsof
the picturethat appearin focuswhen the buttonis oushed
down are withinthe depth of field,

96
www.butkus.us
 hut h SETTING
TIMEEXPOSURE-USING
LONG

At bulb setting,shutterremainsopen as longas shutter

releasebutton remainsdepressed.
Toavoid camera shake,which may cause picture blur, use a
tripod.Use of remote controlaccessories such as Nikon
RemoteCord MC-20, Modulite Remote ControlSet ML-3, etc.
is a/sorecommendedto avoid camera shake.

o !'{ h,-,
b t t+5.8
ir)5.8 t i)
",l,
1. PressMODEbuttonand rotatecommanddialto selectlifor
Manualexoosuremode.

2. WithoutpressingMODE button,rotatecommanddial
clockwiseuntilbul b appearsin LCD paneland viewfinder,

3. Fullydepressthe shutterreleasebuttonand hold it as long

as desired.

97
 DataLinkSystemusers
Withthe MF-26'sLongTimeExposurefunction,you can You can use "Time"insteadof "Bulb"for longtime
set the F90Xfor a time exposureas longas 99 hours,59 exposure.For details,see AC-2Ecard instructionmanual.
minutesand 59 seconds.
Notethat exposuredurationdependson the lifeof the
batteriesinsidethe F90X.

batteriesinsidethe F9OX.

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TOUSENON.DX.CODED
FILM

/'
To check ISOnumberafterfilm loading,presslS0/o*
button.

Theusablerangefor manual
filmspeedsettingis ISO6 to
6400.
Whilepressing
lS0/o*button,rotatecommand dialtosetfilm,s
ISOnumber.
Filmspeedsettingdisplaychangesas follows:
6:itqi*I!i.Yr9t-s.ri-Y,'.,
;fri{r$.l*.ri-i.*li61i9
DX 6 I 10 12 16 20 25 32 40 50 64 80 1oO125 160 dl_if4.afNrq:6q.'!!ill6i '*
200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600 2oOO . tt non-DX-coded filmor filmwith an unacceptable
DX
,fi
2500 3200 4000 5000 6400 $ code is loaded,the Err, lS0and EXmarksblinkin LCD fr
S nenal haanar onr rnrJo ann ah' r**ar ia l^^|.^,-J \/^,, ^^+ Tt

q;ei6,it#l9uYl6.:li'6?t9,.id,6i;EGir6le?,$-":q,.a?rt",;9.ir;iet9ip.l{;t
6.il9,.Ji:.l6.i,ii:Eial.:r4:t;-sfay6i;9iky

vv
INTERCHANGING
FOCUSING
SCREENS
In additionto the advancedB-type BriteViewscreensupplied
with the F90Xcamera,the E-typeclear Matte/Fresnelscreen
with focusingbracketsand grid is availableas an option.Type
E screenis suitablefor copyingand architecturalphotography,

1. Removethe lens,

Be sure not to touch the focusingscreenor reflexmirror

withyourfingers.

2. Slip the tip of the specialtweezers(providedwith each

screen)underthe focusingscreenreleaselatch and pull
outwardto springopenthe holder.

100 www.butkus.us
3. Removethe screenby graspingthe smalltab with the 4. Carefullypositionthe replacement screenin place,making
tweezers. surethe flashside is facinodown.

5. Usingthe tweezers,pushthe frontedge of the holder

upwarduntilit clicksinto place.An impropedyplaced
focusingscreenresultsin unreliable focus information,
so
alwaysmakesurethe screenis in its properplace.

101
 LENSES
Your Nikon F90X uses Nikon'srespected,long-established triple-
claw F-mount for rugged and reliableperformance.Crafted from
s t a i n l e s ss t e e l , t h e c a m e r a ' s m o u n t w o r k s p e r f e c t l yw i t h t h e
chromed brass bayonetof each Nikkorlens. For full performance,
alwaysuse Nikon lenses.

Note: Medical-Nikkor120mm t/4 lF lens is not availablein

EU countries.

102 www.butkus.us '..

.The following Nikkor lenses cannot be attached to the F90X(camera About D-type AF Nikkor
body or lens may be damaged): lenses
. Non-Allenses
D-typeAF Nikkorlensesenableyou
. Fisheye6mm f/5,6
to maximisethe F90X's
o FisheyeOP l Ommf/5.6 performance.They send
o 200-600mmf/9.5 (FactorySerialNo. 300490or smaller)
information on lensfocusing,,
o ED 180-60Omm f/B (No.174166or smaller) distance(e.9.,DistanceInformation)
. ED 360-1200mmf/11 (No. 174087or smaller)
to the F90X'smicrocomputer for
.400mm t/4.5 and60Ommf/5.6with Focusing.Unit AU-1 inclusionin the computationsfor
o PC 28mm f/4 (No.180900or smaller)
3D MatrixMetering.lf Nikon
o PC 35mm f/2.8 (No.906200or smaller)
SpeedlightSB-28,SB-27,58-26
o Reflex100Ommf/11 (No.1423611o143000)
or SB-25 is used,this information
o Reflex2000mmf/11 (No.200310or smaller)
willalsocontributeto 3D Multi-
oThe followingteleconvertersand lenses cannot be used with the F90X SensorBalancedFill-Flash. D-type
(correctexposureis unobtainable): AF Nikkorlensesare identifiedby
. AF Teleconverter
TC-16 the letter"D" whichfollows
o AF Nikkor80mmf/2.8 informationon maximumaperture
o AF Nikkor2OOmmf/3.5 lF (e.9.,AF Zoom-Nikkor28-7Omm
t/3.5-t/4.5D),All AF-I/AF-SNikkor
lensesare D-type.
LENSCOMPATIBILITY
GHART
The Nikon F90Xis designedfor autofocusphotographywith AF Nikkorlenses(except
AF-Nikkorlensesfor F3 AF).However,most other Nikon lensescan be used for
standardphotographyaccordingto the conditionslistedin the followingchart.

Focusing Exposure
mode Metering
system

Lens/accessory Manualwith Pro- Shutter- Aperture-

Autofocus electronic
Manualwith grammed
Priority Priority Manual Matrix
Cent#
rangefinder
mattefield
Auto Auto Auto
Weiohted Spot
AFNikkorincluding
D-typeAFNikkor
andAF-I/AF-SNikkorlenses(exceot
AF o o o a) C o o o'1 o (,
Nikkor
forF3AR
Al-P-type
Nikkorlenses Ar2
o o o o o a) o a)
Al-orAl-S-$pe
Nikkor
lenses o.3 o'4 o X X o o X o a)
Al-modified
Nikkor
lenses'4 X c.3 o X X o o X o (,
Medical-Nikkor
120nn tI 4 lF X o a) X X X o.5 X x.6 x.6
Reflex
Nikkor
lenses'7 X X o X X o"B c.B X r) o
PC-Nikkor
lenses-7 X X o X X A*o
o.10 X o L-)
Teleconverter
TC-16A c.l1 X X X X o C X c o
Al-orAl-S-type (except
Teleconverters
TC-l6A)
X o.12 a) X X o o X o t
Bellows
Focusingattachment
PB-6 X c'12 o X X o.15 o.15 X C o
KRingSet(K1,K3,K4andKS1'13 X o12 o X X o.16 o.16 X o C
Rings(11A, 12, 13 and
AutoExtension
PN-11[14 X o.12 o X X o o X C o
.) Compatible
X Incompatible

104
www.butkus.us
 t

',': ':.1

.1
3DMatrixMeteringis selectedwithD-typeAFNikkorlenses andAdvanced MatrixMetering
is
selectedwithnon-D-Upe lenses.
*2 Withmaxinumeffectiveapertureof f/5.6 or fasterwhenusingtheTC-l64Autofocus Converter.
(Seepage35).
*3 Withmaximunapeftureof f/5,6 faster.
or
*4 Al-modification is nolongeravailable.
r5 Setshutterspeedto 1/125sec.orslower.
*6 Because thediaphragm is coupledto thefocusing ring,determining exposureis independent
from
canera'smetering system.
*7 Somelenses cannot beattached to theFg1Xcameras. (Seepage103).
*8 Aperture cannot beselected,
*9 Setpresetring,thenuseAE-lockleverbeforeshifting.
.10 Setpresetring,thendetermine exposure beforeshifting.
.11 WithAl- orAl-S-type Nikkorlenses havingmuimun apefture of f/3,5or faster.However,
some
lensescannot beusedwiththeTC-l6A(p.35),
.12Withmaximum effectiveapertureof f/5,6or faster.
.13Kl Ringcannotbeattached toAFNikkorlenses. Theringmaydamage CPUcontacts, UsePK-|1A
or BR-6instead.
*1 /'l
PK-l, PK-z,PK-3and PN-lRingscannotbeattachedto theFg0Xcameras. PK-l1Ringcannotbe
attachedtoAFNikkorlenses.ThoseringsmaydanageCPUcontacts, UsePK-l1AforAFNikkor
lensesinsteadof PK-11,
.15 Shuttershouldbereleased afterexposure is measured bystopping downPB-6.
.l6 Stop-down expzsure neasurenent willbepeformed, 105
."d6*d;ep;.'*qi$';:haL"=-
 FLASHPHOTOGRAPHY
You can enjoy the excitementof the Nikon F90X camera's
advancedflash technologyby using Nikon'sadvancedSB-28 AF
Speedlight.With the F90X System you'll discoverthe benefitsof
flash for more picture-takingsituationsthan ever. Make fill-flasha
standard part of your photography.Brighten dull scenes and
erase harsh shadows for beautifulportraits.With the F90X
system's automatic operation,you can make better flash pictures
than ever before.There's no other system like it in the world.

Note: NikonSpeedlightSB-21 (SB-21Aor SB-218)is not

availablein EU countries.

106
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I NrKoN coMPATtBtLtTY
SPEEDLTcHT T
WITH NIKONSPEEDLIGHTS
FLASHMODESAVAILABLE
flashmodesfor each NikonSpeedlight.
Thetablebelowshowsthe available
When using Programmed
Auto exposure mode
flashmode
Available OnlyTTL auto flashmode can be
Speedlight Gonnection Non-fi1 used.lf a flashmode otherthan
TTLauto'l Manual-2 TTL auto is set on the speedlight,
Auto-a
turningon the Speedlightlocksthe
sB-28,SB-27,
58-26, shutter.ln this case rEEatfd
SB-22, Direct
sB-25,SB-24, exposuremode indicator(P or R)
Yes Yes blinkin the LCD panel,warningthat
8.3,SB-20,
sB-21
68andSB-1
SB-1 5 the flashmode shouldbe set to
TTL auto.
SB-23 Direct YBS No Yes

A andSB-164-3
SB-21 45-6
ViaFlashUnitCoupler No Yes Yes
ViaTTLRemote
CordSC-23 YeS Yes Yes

S B - 1 1S,B - 1 4 a n d Remote
ViaSensor Cord
sB-140-4 SC-13withsensorunitor No Yes Yes
SyncCordSC-11 or SC-l5

'1 ln TTLautoflashmode,F90Xcamera peformsAutomatic Fill-Flash

Balanced TTLFlash.For
orStandard
seepp.109-1
details, 12.
.2 SettheF90X'sexposure AutoorManuaL
modetoAperture-Priority
.3 Thedifference betuveen SB-21AandSB-21 SB-16AandSB-168,is theUpeofcontroller
B,orbetvveen
attached.(Fordekils,seespecific manuall
Speedlight's
.4 Ultraviolet
andinfrared photography
canbeper-formed
in manualflash
modeonly.
ffi: Automatic Balanced possible.
Fill-Flash

07
tu};'biig
WHATYOU CAN DO WITHYOUR NIKONSPEEDLIGHT
Nikonspeedlights,combinedwith the F90Xcamera,offervariousfeaturesand
functions.The main featuresand functionsare listedbelow.

Autofocus
using Manualflash
Speedlight AFassist SlowSync.2
Rear-Gurtain Repeating FPHigh-Speed Red-Eye
SYnc-3 outputlevel
illuminator-1 Flash-a SYns-6 Reduction.T
compensation-5
SB.2B Yes Yes-8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
SB-26 Yes Yes-8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
SB-25 Yes Yes.8 Yes Yes Yes Yes No
SB-24 Yes Yes.8 Yes Yes Yes No No
SB-27 Yes Yes-8 Yes.8 No Yes No Yes

SB-23,
SB-22
andSB-20 Yes Yes.8 Yes.8 No No No No

SB-168,SB-15,
s B-'1SB-1
1, 4 No Yes.8 Yes.8 No No No No
orSB-140

SB-21B No Yes.8 Yes-8 No No No No

.1 SeeSpeedlight
manuaL .5
.2Seepp.118-119. SeeSpeedlightmanuaL
.3Seepp.120-121. "6 SeeSpeedlightmanual
.7
.4 SeeSpeedlight Seepp. 122-123
manuaL "B Seton the cameraside.

\":::
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l OB
I
I TTL AUTO FLASH-IUToMATIc BALANGED TTLFLASH
ANDsTANDARD
FILL.FLAsH
TYPEOF TTL AUTO FLASH
TTLauto is recommendedfor most common flashshooting The type of TTL auto flashperformedby the F90Xdependson
Withthe NikonSpeedlightset for TTL autoflash(see
situations. the speedlightand lenscombinationin use,as wellas on the
AutomaticBalancedFill-
charton page 107 tor compatibility), meteringsystemand exposuremode you are selected.
Flashor StandardTTL Flashis performed.
UsingStandardTTL Flashcontrol,a Speedlighttendsto give
moreilluminationthan neededon the mainsubject,resultingin
brightsubjectwith a dark background.With
an unnaturally
AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash,flashoutputis automatically
compensated to balancewith ambientlight,resultingin a better
exposurefor both subjectand background,

j
1og
- j;
with s B-28ls B-27| sB -26tSB-25
When using Vari-Program
Exposuremode o Vari-Programcan be usedonly
Lens Metering
system wjth AF NikkorincludingD-type
Programmed and Aperture-Priority
Shutter-Priority
Auto AutoandManual AF Nikkorlensesand Al-P-Nikkor
lenses.Whenotherlensesare
AutomaticBalanced Fill-Flash
withTTLMulti used,the shutteris locked.
r In the Close-UpPrograrn,the
for AFNikkor Matrix,Centre-WeightedSensor-3D
AFNikkorlens(except Multi-Sensor
BalancedFill-Flash
forF3AF)andAl-P-Nikkor withD-typeAFNikkor lensorMulti-Sensor Speedlightdoes not firethe
lens andSpot
BalancedFill-Flash
withnon-D-tvpeAFNikkor MonitorPre-flashes for 3D Multi-
lensandAl-P-Nikkor lens SensorFill-Flashor Multi-Sensor
Fill-Flash.
Centre-Weighted
Fill- Centre-Weiohted
Fill-
Matrix
FIaSn I Flash.2
Otherlenses Centre-Weighted
Fill- Centre-Weighted
Fill-
(orwithaccessories) Centre-Weighted
Flash.3 Flash

Spot SpotFill-flasn.3 SpotFill-Flash

"1Meteringsystem andexposure
modeautomatically
switchto Centre-Weighted
andAperture-Priority,
respectively.
"2Meteringsystem automatically
switches
to Centre-Weighted.
.3 Exposure
modeautomatically
switches
t0Apefture-Prilrity.
. In the Speedlight'sLCD readout,tfll s6f (oIappearsfor AutomaticBalancedFill-
Flashwith TTL MultiSensor,or IIil and E appearsfor Centre-Weighted/Spot Fill-
Flash.
. UnlessProgrammedAuto exposureis selected,by pressingthe Speedlight'sM button
(orMODEbuttonwith the SB-28),you can cancelAutomaticBalancedFill-Flash contror
to performstandardTTL flashoperation.For standardTTL flash,the Speedlight'sLCD
panelshows|ril yyitfieut(.VEl. For details,seethe Speedlightmanual.
110
www.butkus.us
with sB-24
When using Vari-Program
Exposuremode o Vari-Program can be usedonly
Lens Metering
system with AF NikkorincludingD-type
Programmed and Aperture-Priority AF Nikkorlensesand Al-P-Nikkor
Auto
Shutter-Priority AutoandManual
lenses.With otherlenses,shutter
is locked.
,
D-typeAFNikkorlens,non-D-type -
Matrix,Centre-Weighted
AFNikkorlens(exceot
for AFNikkor Multi-Sensor
Balanced
Fill-Flash
andSpot
forF3ADandAI-P-Nikkor lens

Fill-
Centre-Weighted Centre-Weighted
Fill-
Matrix FlasnI F I A S NZ

0therlenses Fill-
Centre-Weighted Fill-
Centre-Weighted
Centre-Weiohted
(orwithaccessories) Flash.3 Flash

Spot SpotFill-Flash.3 SpotFill-Flash

.1 Metering
system andexposure
modeautomatically andApefture-Priority,
switchto Centre-Weighted
respectively.
.2 Metering
system automatically
switches
toCentre-Weighted.
.3 Exposuie
modeautomaticatly toAperture-Priority.
switches
. In all the cases listedabove,lril apl E for AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash
appearin
the SB-24'sLCDoanel.
. By pressingthe SB-24'sM button,you can cancelAutomatic BalancedFill-Flash
controlto performstandardTTL flashoperation,For standardTTL flash,the SB-24's
LCD panelshowsrril 26fl blinkingE, For details,see the SB-24manual.

111
: * rs&*i+i*;'**;J
with sB-23,sB-22, sB-20,SB-21B.1,SB-168, SB-15,SB-14.2, When using Vari-Program
SB-11*2or SB-140.2 o Vari-Programcan be usedonly
with AF NikkorincludingD-type
Exposure
mode AF Nikkorlensesand Al-P-Nikkor
Lens Meteringsystem lenses,
Programmed and Aperture-Priorlty
Manual
Shutter-Priori$Auto Auto

D-typeAFNikkorlens,
non-D{ype AFNikkor
Matrix,
Centre-
lens(except
forAFNikkor Multi-Sensor
Balanced
Fill-Flash
for F3AF) WeightedandSpot
andAl-P-Nikkor
tens

Centre-Weighted
Fill- Centre-Weighted
Fill- Standard
Matrix TTLFlash
Flash-3 Flash-4
Otherlenses Centre-Weighted
Fill- Centre-Weighted
Fill-
(orwithaccessories) Centre-Weighted
F I A S NU Flash

Spot SpotFill-Flash.5 SpotFill-Flash

.1Althoughpossible
withsB-218,Automatic
.2 ViaTTLRemote BalancedFill-Flash
is notrecommended.
CordSC-23
"3Meteringsystemandexposure
modeautomatically
switchtoCentre-Weighted
andApefture-Priority,
respectively.
*4Meteringsystemautomatically
*5Exposure switches
to to Centre-Weighted.
modeautomatically
switches
toAperture-Priority,

112
www.butkus.us
il
AUTOMATICBALANCEDFILL-FLASHWITH
TTL MULTI SENSOR-3D MULTI-SENSOR
BALANCEDFILL.FLASHAND MULTI.SENSOR
BALANCEDFILL.FLASH
3D Multi-Sensor BalancedFill-Flash is possibleonlywith the
combinationof the F9OX,a D-typeAF Nikkorlensand the
NikonSB-28/SB-27lSB-26/38-25 AF Speedlight.In thisflash
mode,just afteryou depressthe shutterreleasebutton and
beforethe shutteris activated,the SB-28/SB-27/S8-26/S8-25
willfire a seriesof scarcelyvisiblepre-flashes(MonitorPre-
flashes)thatare detectedby the F90X'sTTL MultiSensor,then
analysedfor brightnessand contrast.Additionally,Distance
Information from the Dtype AF Nikkorlensin use,alongwith
otherexposurecontrolinformation,is integrated,thus
automaticallycompensatingflashoutput levelso that flash
outputand ambientlightare balanced.The MonitorPre-flashes
enable3D Multi-Sensor BalancedFill-Flash to ensurecorrect
exposureevenin difficultsituations,includingsceneswith a
very reflectiveobject such as a mirroror a white wdl, and
sceneswith a very dark backgrounds.
3D Multi-Sensor is performedwith allthe
Fill-Flash
meters-Matrix, Centre-Weightedand Spot.
Whenthe F90Xcameraand 58-28/S8-27IS8-26/38.25 are
usedwith a non-D-typeAF Nikkorlens,Multi-Sensor Balanced
Fill-Flash, whichoffersthe sameflashoutputcontrolsystembut
withoutDistanceInformation,is performed.
Multi-SensorBalancedFill-Flashcan also be oerformedwith
the SB-24 and other dedicatedSpeedlights(shownon page
112)that do not havethe MonitorPre-flashfeature.
T
HTED/SPOTFILL.FLASH
CENTRE-WEIG
lf you are usinga lenswithoutCPU (a lensotherthan AF
Nikkorand Al-P-Nikkor), Centre-Weighted Fill-Flash
and Spot
Fill-Flashare performedas AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash.
Althoughthe TTL Multi-Sensor is not used,flashoutputis
properlycompensatedto producea naturalfill-flash"effect.
,..
STANDARDTTL FLASH
In StandardTTL Flash,automaticflashoutput level
Thismeansthat,althoughthe
compensationis not available,
main subjectis correctlyexposed,the backgroundmay not be.
With SB-28, SB-27,S8-26, SB-25 or SB-24,StandardTTL
allowsyou manualselectionof flashoutputlevelcompensation
insteadof havingthe computerdo it automatically.
So, with
SB-28,SB-27, 58-26, SB-25 or SB-24,you can intentionally
cancelAutomaticBalancedFill-Flash by pressingthe
Speedlight'sM button(or MODEbuttonwith the SB-28).
113
SHUTTERSPEED/APERTURE
FOR EACHEXPOSUREMODE IN TTL AUTO FLASH
When settingshutterspeed and aperture,referto the following
table.

Gamera's
exposuremode Shutterspeed Apeilure

Auto(P,R)
Programmed 1/250sec.to 1/60sec,.l
Setlenstoitsminimum aperture.
Apertrire
is
automatically
controlled
between
f/2.8andlens
minimum aperture.2
Manually
setasdesired
fron 11250
sec.to 30
Auto(5)
Shutter-Priority
sec..3

Auto(F)
Apefture-Priority 'l160
1/250sec.to sec..1
Manually
setasdesired

Manual(n) Manually
setasdesired
fron 11250
sec.to 30
sec.*3

.1 WthSlowSyncorRear-Curtain Sync,automatically
controlled
shutterspeedrangeis ertendeddownto30
sec.
.2Available
muimumaperture dependsonfilmspeedin use.Seechartonnextpage.
*3lf yousetshufterspeedat 1/500sec,orfaster,cameraautomatically
shiftsto 1/250sec.ass00nas
Speedlightis turnedon.Themanually blinksin theLCDpaneLwhilethe
setshutterspeedindication
vievvfinder
shows ?5o,

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114
I Reference:Availablemaximum
I aperturefor each film
speeo Note for selecting aperture
o Make sure your subjectis withinflashshootingdistance
lS0film speed range.
o The largerthe aperture(thesmallerthe f-number)you
25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 select,the fartherthe maximumshootingdistance,
whereasthe smallerthe aperture(the largerthei
t/2.8 t/3.3 t/4 tl4.8 t/5.6 f/6,7 f/7.1 number),the smallerthe maximumshootingdisiance.
o lf subjectdistanceremainsthe same,the largerapefture
Asfilmspeedincreases byonestep,avaitable
naximumapertureis stopped you select,the lessdepthof field;however,Speedlight
downby 1/2f/stop.lf youareusinga lenswitha muimun aperturesmaller recyclingtime is shorler.On the otherhand,the smiller
thanlisted,of course,theautomaticalty
controlled
aperturerangeis fromthe the aperture,the greaterthe depth of field,but recycling
lensmuimumapertureto itsminimumaperture(i,e., itsentirerange), time is longer.

Note for selecting shutter speed

Witha slowershutterspeed,a smallerapertureis
automatically
selected,resultingin a shorlershooting
distancerange.

DataLinkSystemUsers
The AC-2Ecard's UserCustomOptionletsyou set the
slowestshutterspeedfor the Speedlight,as desired:
1/250sec.,l/125 sec.,1/60sec.,1/30sec.,1/1Ssec..
1/8 sec., 1/4 sec.,1/2 sec,or 1 sec. For details,see
NikonAC-2Ecard instructionmanual.

115
 TTL AUTO FI-ASHOPERATION
The differencebetweenAutomaticBalancedFill-Flashand 5. Confirmexposureand shootingdistance,
StandardTTL Flashis in whetherthe flashoutput levelis Referto shootingdistancebars of SB-28, SB-27,S8-26,
automaticallycompensatedor not. Operationis the same. SB-25 or SB-24,or flashshootingdistancerangetableof
1. Set camera'smeteringsystemand exposuremode, referring SB-23,SB-22or SB-20.For details,see Speedlight's
to previoustable. manuat.
2. TurnSpeedlighton. 6. Confirmthat ready-lightis on, then fullydepressshutter
lf Wide-Areafocus is set on the camera,it automatically releasebutton to take a oicture.
switchesover to Spot Areafocus when the Speedlight .,.
connectedto the camerais turnedon. In this case,E blinks
in the LCD panel,and E appearsinsidethe vieMinder.
e lf Speedlightis not set at TTL auto flashmode, in
Programmed Auto exposuremode,rEEblinksto alertthat
ProgrammedAuto exposurecan be used only for TTL auto
flash.
3. Set Speedlight's mode selectorto TTL.
- o With SB-23,settingmode selectorto TTL simultaneously
turnsSpeedlighton.
4. Lookthroughthe viewfinder, composepictureand lightly
pressshutterreleasebutton,whileconfirmingexposure
indicationin the LCD readout.In autofocusoperation,also
confirmthat in-focusindicator(O)or FocusTracking lf ready-light blinks for a few seconds after shooting:
indicator() () appears. Flashhas firedat maximumoutput,but the lightmight
o For exposurealert,see next page.
have been insufficientfor correctexposureof subject.
o In Programmedor Shutter-Priority Auto exposuremode,if
Confirmshootingdistanceand, if necessary,movecloser
you failto haveset the lensto minimumaperture,rEE
to subject,or selectwideraperture.
blinksand shutteris locked,

lri
116
www.butkus.us
 In Auto Multi-Programmode
lf H i appears, backgroundmay be overexposed.To give
the backgrounda correctexposure,resetto an exposure
mode that letsyou choosea fastershutterspeed and/ora
smalleraoerture.
li shutter speed indicatorshows 5o, backgroundmay
r underexposed.To extendthe automaticallvcontrolled
shutterspeed range,set the camerato the Slow Sync mode
(p.119),or switchto anotherexposuremode that letsyou
choosea slowershutterspeed and/ora wider aperture.
In the Slow Sync or Rear-CurtainSync mode, i. o md!
appearin the LCD readoutto signalthat the background
may come out underexposed,
In Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure mode
lf H i appears, backgroundmay be overexposed.To give
the backgrounda correctexposure,set a highershutter
speed.lf H i remainswith a shutterspeedof l/250 sec.,
backgroundwill be overexposedwithout automaticflash
output levelcompensation.
lf electronic analog display indicates "- (minus)" value,
backgroundmay be underexposed. To givethe background
a correctexposure,set a slowershutterspeed. lf electronic
analogdisplayremainswith a shutterspeed of 30 sec.,the
backgroundwill be underexposedunlessflashoutput levelis
compensated.
In Aperture-Priority
Auto exposuremode
lf H i appears, backgroundmay be overexposed.To give
the backgrounda correctexposure,set a smalleraperture,lf
H i remainswith the lensset to minimumaperture,
backgroundwill be overexposedunlessflashoutput levelis
compensated. )r
lf electronicanalog display indicates"- (minus)'1-value,
backgroundmay be underexposed.To give the background
a correctexposure,set a wider apedureor set Slow Sync to
extendthe automaticallycontrolledshutterspeed range.lf
the electronicanalogdisplayremainswith the lensset to
maximumaperture,the backgroundwill come out
underexposedunlessflashoutput levelis compensated.
In the Slow Sync or Rear-CurtainSync mode, I o rnd!
appearin the LCD readoutto signalthat the background
may come out underexposed.
In Manual exposure mode
lf electronicanalog display indicates"+ (plus)"or',-
(minus)"values,backgroundmay be over-or
underexposed.To givethe backgrounda correctexposure,
adjustshutterspeed/aperture,
lf electronicanalogdisplayindicating"-" valueremainswith
the lens set to maximumaperture,the backgroundwill be
underexposedunlessflashoutput levelis comoensated.
117
 BACKGROUI'ID
TOMAKE]IIIGHT MORE VISIBTE-SIOW
SY]IIC
OPERATION

Whenflashpicturesare takenat highshutterspeedsin dim

light,the backgroundmay come out dark.To improve
backgroundexposure,use Slow Syncto extendthe
automatically controlledshutterspeed rangedown to 30 sec.
WithoutSlow Sync,the automatically controlledshutterspeed
is controlledbetween'1 /250 sec. and 1/60 sec. or'1/(focal
length)sec. Whenflashpicturesare takenwith this rather
narrowshutterspeed rangein dim light,the subjectwillappear
brightand well exposed,but the backgroundmay come out
verydark,almostblack.SettingSlow Sync extendsthe
automaticcontrolledshutterspeed rangedown to 30 sec.,
enablingbackgrounddetailsto come out.

NormalSync

118
www.butkus.us
1. Set camera'sexposuremode to F for Auto Multi-Program
or
F for Aperture-Priority
Auto.
2. Whilepressingthe camera'sI button,rotatecommanddial
untilffl appearsin camera'sLCD panel.

Thenfollowsteps2-6 of TTLAUTOFLASHOPERATION.
on o.
116. Usea tripodtoprevent
camera
shake.
TOCREATE
NATURAL.TOOKING OFLIGHT-REAR.GURTAIN
STREAM SYNC
.:"
Normallyin flashsynchronisation, the Speegiightfiresat the i;
beginningof the exposure.Whenthe shutterspeedis low, th.q
-'
resultis an unnaturallightpattern. .1
WhenRear-Curtain Sync is set, the Speedlight{iresat the en+'
of the exposure,turningavailablelightinto #stream of light.th?t
followsthe flash-illuminated movingsubject;
SinceRear-CurtainSync is especiallyeffectiveat a slow shutte-r
speed,Slow Sync is automatically set at the sametime that \^'
Rear-Curtain Sync is set in the Auto Multi-Program or Apertur€-
PriorityAuto exposuremode. However,to set a desiredshutter
speed,set the F90Xto Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual
exposuremode.
o Whenthe 58-26, SB-25or SB-24is used,notethat the
Rear-Curtain Sync settingon the camerabody is ignored.So
you haveto set the speedlightunit itselffor Rear-Curtain
Sync.
e Rear-Curtain Synccannotbe set with Vari-Program Syncwithlowshutter
Rear-Curtain speed
o Rear-Curtain Sync cannotbe set if Red-EyeReduction(p. I
122)has beenset.

Front-Curtain
Syncwithlowshutterspeed

120 www.butkus.us
1. Set camera'sexposuremode to 5 for Shutter-Priority
Auto or
lifor Manualexposuremode.
2. Set Rear-CurtainSync.
For Speedlightother than 58-26, SB-25 or SB-24:While
pressingthe camera'sI button,rotatethe commanddial
untilEidappearsin the camera'sLCD panel.
For 58-26, SB-25 or SB-24 users:Set the Speedlight's You can use Rear-Curtain
Sync in non-TTLauto or
sync mode selectorto REARposition.(Seeyour Speedlight's manualflashmode.For non-TTLauto or manualflash
instructionmanual).Rear-Syncsettingon camerais ignored. mode,referto your Speedlightmanual.Notethat in either
flashmode,you must use Aperture-Priority
Auto or
Thenfollowsteps2-6 of TTL AUTOFLASHOPERATION, on p. Manualexoosuremode.
'1
16.Whenusinga low shutterspeed,mountthe FSOXon a
trioodto oreventcamerashake. "ri

ii
ii
I
it;ii
rf I
i ! t
a
,1 nil

.;i
l: : ;; d @13,@tE!'::7 l: r'atab,
121
RED-EYE (for usewith 58-28/58-27|S8-26
REDUCTION only)
Whenshootingpeopleor animalsin dim lightusinfa flash,thA
subject'seye may sometimesappearred iq colourpicturesof" '^)
white in B&W pictures.The Red-EyeReductlon '\r''\'L'v'I
' function
rvL'rv" ':'
reducesthe possibilityof "red-eye".
Withthis function,beforethe shutteris releasedthe SB-28/
SB-27ISB-26'sred-eyereductionlamp illuminates to maketh'e
-'
subject'seye pupilsbecomesmaller,thus reducingthe
appearanceof red-eye. \
Red-EyeReductioncan be set in any exposuremode. ln the i
PortraitProgramwith Red-EyeReduction(P'with rF), the Red-
EyeReductionfunctionis automatically set. With otherVari-
Programoptions,Red-EyeReductioncannofbe set.

122
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Whilepressingthe camera'sI button,rotatethe commanddia.
untiltJ and @ appearsin camera'sLCD readout.Thenfollow
steps2-6 cf TTLAuto FlashOperation,on p116.

To further reduce red-eye

o Havethe subjectlook away from the lens,toward a
brightlight.
o Whenshootingindoors,makethe room as brightas
oossible.
Note that red-eye tends to be more pronounced with
childrenand cannot be as effectivelvreduced.
NOTES
ONFLASHPHOTOGRAPHY
. UseonlyNikonSpeedlights. Otherunitsmay damagethe ,', o For multipleflash photographyusingthe FSOX,if the electric
camera'selectricalcircuitsdue to incompatible voltage I cunent in the syncrocircuitexceedsa certainlevel,you may
requirements*, '-)
electriccontactalignmentor switchFhase. not be able to take a second shot aftertakingthe first shot.
o Whenusinga specialSpeedlightduchas a studiosirobe :. Take care that the combinedtotal of the coefficient(numbers
system,with a time-lagprovisionor one with a longflash shown in parentheses below)forall Speedlightsusedat any
duration(i.e.,Medical-Nikkor 12Ommf/4..),adjustshutter one time does not exceed20 aI2O"Cor 13 at 401C.
speeddown to 1/125sec. or slower. s B - 2 8 ( 1 ) S B - 2 7( 1 ) 5 8 - 2 6 ( 1 ) S B - 2 5( 1 )
* Notcompatiblewith250Vorhigher.
'* Notavailable sB-24 (1) SB-23 (4) SB-22 (6) SB-21.{4)
inEUcountries. { sB-20 (e) sB-1e (2) sB-18 (16) SB-17(4)
s B - 1 6( 4 ) S B - 1 5( 4 ) S B - 1 4( 1 ) S B - 1 2( 1 )
s B - 1 1( 1 )
lf you are unableto take a second shot, disconnectthe
masterSpeedlightfrom the camera,or turn each of the
Speedlightsoff and on at once. This resetsthe circuitsso you
can resumeshooting.
Thisalsoapplieswhen usingany non-Nikonstudiospeedlight
system,

124
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 EVCHARTS
FORFLASH?HOTOGRAPHY
I
I ,',
Foryour reference,the followingchartsshow shutter (b)
speed/aperture combinationat each EV in flashphotographv''
t (a)AutoMulti-Program t/1
F , ioisnuttr,-piioirtinuto :.' 't,4
(c) Aperture-Priority
Auto 1
2 .b

l,
2.8
4
\ 5.6
,tlr
.:, 8
1',l
l6
22
32
Sec,30"15" B" 4" z' 1" 2 4 g t5 30 60 1252505001000200040008000

(a) b > F2rs \ cL I !, b b 1 $ q rs{& (c)

t/1 11
1.4 1.4 u
.b
2 2
.b
2.8 2.8
x '1
4 4
.$
5,6 5.6 \$

8 I \g

1l 11
to ID

tz 22
32V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V I'V 32
S e c .3 0 " 1 5 " 8 " 4" 2" 1" 2 4 8 1 5 3 0 6 0 1 2 5 2 5 0 5 0 01 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 Sec.30" 15" B" 4" 2, 1, 2 4 I i5 30 60 125250500100020004000g000
SlowSync

125
.",***i1v*ir;."a --.
 '\'
ti

t )

.)

MISCELLANEOUS
The Nikon F90X is a high-performance,precision instrument,
designedto give you superiorpictures.You'll want to take good
care of your camera to ensurethe best performance.Take time to
reviewthis sectionthoroughly,and you will add to the pleasureof
taking pictures.
We've also included a detailed section with technical
s p e c i f i c a t i o n sa n d a g l o s s a r y o f t e r m s t h a t w i l l h e l p y o u
u n d e r s t a n dt h e F 9 0 X s y s t e m m o r e f u l l y . P l e a s e r e a d t h e m
carefully.

126
www.butkus.us
il nccrssoRY
coMpATrBrlrry
The followingaccessoriescannot be used with the Nikon F96'X
camera: \\
PK-1,PK-2, PK-3,PN-1,K2BR-2 RiNgS . r r J .1
BodyCap BF-1
EyepieceAccessoriesfor F3HP/F3T.
r P K - 1 ,P K - 1 1 B
, R - 4a n d K 1 R i n g sc a n n o tbe mounteddirectly
on AF Nikkorlenses. -
o The advancedNikon Matrixmeter evaluatesscene brightnes's
and contrastusingan eight-segment sensor.Sincecoloured
filtersand neutraldensityfilterswhich havea highexposure.
factorwill also significantlyaffecta scene'scontrastrendition,
they may causethe meterto incorrecflyidentifythe scene's
actualcontrast/brightness condition.The blue(B12),orange
(056) and red (R60)filtersare examplesof such coloured
filters.
o Linearpolarising filtersare not compatiblewith the viewing
systemused in Nikonautofocuscameras.For the best results
and to maintainautofocusand exposureoperation,we
recommendusinga circularpolariser, which is fully
compatiblewith the Nikonsystem.Usinga linearpolariser,
however,willnot damagethe Nikonsystem,and it may be
usedfor fullymanualfocusingand exposuresettingsmade
withoutusingthe built-inmeteror ElectronicRangefinder.
. Specialfilters,such as soft focus filters,cannot be used for
autofocusor for manualfocuswith ElectronicRanqefinder.

'**S*.-4,,
127
.d;e,;4i*.--
CAMERA
CARE
TIPS

1. Do not touchthe camera's 2. Do not touchthe shutter\ 3. Do not touch the DX 4. Cleanthe viewfinder
'..
reflexmirroror focusing curtains. contacts.Keepthem clean eyepiecewith a soft, clean
screen,Removedust with with a blowerbrush. cloth.Do nof use alcohol.
a blowerbrush.

5. Cleanlenssurfacewith a blowerbrush.To removedirt and

smudges,use a soft,cleancottonclothor lenstissue
moistenedwith ethanol(alcohol) or lenscleaner.Wipe in a
circularmotionfrom centreto outeredge,takingcare not to
leavetracesand not to touch the other lens oarts.

128
www.butkus.us
6. Do not lubricatethe 7. Do not leavethe camerai[ 8. Keepthe cameraaway 9. Makesure not tddrop or
camera. an excessivelyhot place. : from wateror moisture. bumo the camera
When usingthe camera body/lensagainsta hard
nearwater, guard against surface.Strongshock may
splashes,especially
salt causemalfunction.
water spray.

10.lfthe cameramalfunctions, 11.Storethe camerain a cool,dry placeawayfrom

take it immediately
to an
authorised Nikondealeror
servicecentre.
naphthalene or camphor(mothrepellent).In a humid
environment, storethe camerainsidea vinylbag with a
desiccantto keepout dust,moistureand salt.Note,
however,that storingleathercasesin vinylbags may cause
the leatherto deteriorate.

129
 NOTES
ONBATTERIES

In certaincases,due to staticelectricityor poorlyloaded Comparedwith regularbatteries,NiCd batteriesprovide

batteries,the FSOXcamera'smicrocomputer mdy turn the.l greaterefficiencyat low temperatures.Beforecharging
cameraoff, evenwith fresh properlyinstalledbatteries. i NiCdbatteries,thoroughlyreadthe instructionsfor
Forthe samereason,film may not advanceproperly.In batteriesand the batterycharger.
eachof thesecases,toresumeoperation,simplyturn the
power off, then turn it on again,or removebatteriesand
installthem again. \

Nikoncannotbe heldresponsible for any malfunction

resultingfromthe use of the cameraotherthan as
soecifiedin this manual,

130 www.butkus.us
1. Keepbatteriesout of
children'sreach.lf
someoneaccidentally
swallowsbatteries,calla
doctorimmediateh,.
ffi€E
--?
ffiF:
5. Whenreplacingbatteries, 6. Do not throw used
be sure to replacea//
batteriesat the sametime.
Alwaysuse freshbatteries
of the same brand.
2. Do not disassemble,sho! 3. lf you do not intendto use 4. Batterypower diininishes
circuitor heatbatteries. the camerafor a longtime, at extremelylow
Do not chargedry cells.. removethe batteries. temperatures-make sure
the batteriesyou buy are
new,and wrap the camera
body in somethingwarm.
7. lf the batterychamberis
batteriesinto a fire contaminatedby battery
leakage,take the camera
to an authorisedNikon
dealer.
131
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of camera Integral-motor
autofocus35mm Electronicrangefinder Availablein Manualfocusmode with
reflex
single-lens \ AF Nikkorand otherAl-typeNikkor
Picture format 24mm x 36mm (standard35mm fiiii
'1. lenseswith a maximumaoertureof
format) f/5.6 or faster
'" '-. '
Lens mount NikonF mount Exposuremetering Threebuilt-inexposuremeters
Lens Nikkorand Nikonlenseshaving -Matrix, Centre-Weightedand Spot
NikonF mount* -. Metering range EV-1to El 21 'forMatrixand
. Withlimitation;
seechartonp. 104 (at ISO 100 with Centre-Weightedmetering;EV 3 to
Focus modes Autofocus,and Manualwith i !- f/l.4 lens) EV 21 for Spot metering ''
ElectronicRangefinder Exposure meter Activatedby lightlypressingshutter
Autofocus area Wideand Spot selectable .' releasebutton;stays on for 8 sec.,
Autofocus mode SingleServoAF with Focus-Priority afterfingerleaves button
and ContinuousServoAF with Exposuremodes ProgrammedAuto (AutoMulti-
Release-Priority Programand Vari-Program), Shutter-
Focus Tracking Automaticallyactivatedwhen subject PriorityAuto, Aperture-Priority
Auto
MOVES and Manual
Autofocus detection NikonCAM 246 autofocus Programmed auto Camerasets both shuttersoeed
system module exposure control and lensapertureautomatically;
Autofocus detection Approx.EV-1 to EV 19 (at ISO 100) FlexibleProgrampossiblein
range incrementsof 1/3 EV
Autofocus lock Possibleonce stationarysubjectis in Shutter-priority auto Apertureautomaticallyselected
focus in SingleServoautofocus;in exposure control to matchmanuallyset shutterspeed
ContinuousServoautofocus,focus
can be lockedwith AF-L (autofocus
lock)button

132
www.butkus.us ,oltx*r*"ta;aaEi&*tfdfr iih,
Aperture-priority auto Shutterspeed automaticallyselected'
exposurecontrol to matchmanuallyset aperture .:
Manualexposure Both apertureand shutterspeed ar{
control set manually :.
Vari-Program Sevenkindsbuilt-in:Portrait
Program,PortraitProgramwith redj
eye reduction,HyperfocalProgram,-.
LandscapeProgram,Silhouette \'
Program,Sport Program,and Close.r
Up Program;each has its own j Vievvfinderinformation LCD shows focus area,focus
programline,and specificcamera -
settingssuch as meteringsystem,
focusarea,etc.,are automatically
selected
Exposure With exposurecompensationbutton;
compensation +5 EV range,in 1/3 EV steps
Auto exposure lock By slidingAE lock leverwhilemeter
rs on
Shutter , Electromagnetically controlled
vertical-travel
focal-olaneshutter
Shutter refease By motor trigger
Shutterspeeds Lithiumniobateoscillator-controlled
speedsfrom 1/8000 to 30 sec (in
1/3 step); electromagnetically
controlledBulbsettingis provided
Viewfinder Fixedeyelevelpentaprismhigh-
eyepointtype;0.78Xmagnification
with SOmmlensset at infinity;
approx.92%6tramecoverage
Eyepoint Approx.19mm
Eyepiece shutter Provided
Focusingscreen NikonadvancedB-type BriteView
screen;interchangeable with Etype
screen
indications,exposuremode,shutter
speed, second mark for shutter
speedslowerthan one second,
aperture,electronicanalogdisplay,
frame counter/exoosure
compensationvalueA/ari-Program,
FlexibleProgrammark and exposure
compensationmark ; flash
recommended/ready light LED is
also shown
LCD panel information Shutterspeed,aperture,exposure
mode,meteringsystem,focusarea,'
autofocusmark with focus-/release-
priorityindication,FlexibleProgram
mark,flashsync,film speed, DX
mark, exposurecompensationmark,
frame counterA/ari - Program/
exposurecompensationvalue,
Custommark,filmadvancemode,
film loading,film rewind,self-timer,
battery power
133
,la;iiid*i;t..,
Viewfinder/LODpanel Viewfinder and LCD oanetittuminabb
illumination by pressingbutton \ durationselectablefrom 2 to 30
Film speed range ISO25 to 5OOO for DX-codeO film;]
ISO 6 to 6400 can be manuallyse-t3.
Film speed setting At DX position,automatically set to' '
ISOspeedof DX-codedfilm used;
manualsettingpossible rr
Film loading Filmautomaticallyadvancesto firs\ -
framewhen shutterreleasebuttonp
depressedonce :'
Film advance In single-frameE shootingmode,"
film automaticallyadvancesone
framewhen shutteris released;in
o;;x (continuous high)or EJlr-(contin-
uous low)shootingmode,shotsare
taken as long as shutterreleasebut-
ton is depressed;in EJHmode,
shootingspeedis approx.4,3 fps,
and in E::r.,approx.2.0 fps.; in
FocusTracking,shootingspeedis
approx.4,1 fps in o::Hmode
Frame counter Additivetype; countsback whilefilm
is beingrewound
134 www.butkus.us
Self-timer Electronicallycontrolled;timer
secondsin one-sec.increments;
blinkingLEDindicatesself-timer
operation;cancelable
Depth-of-field Providesvisualvedficationof depth
preview button of field;can be previewedin
Apefiure-PriorityAuto or,{/anual
/'
exposuremode
Reflex mirror Automatic,instant-return type
Gamera back Hingedback; interchangeable with
NikonMulti-Control Back MF-26or
WorldTimeDataBack MF-25
Accessory shoe StandardISO-typehot-shoecontact;
ready-lightcontact,TTL flash
contact,monitorcontact;Mount
receotaclefor SB-28/SB-27/ SB-26/
SB-25'sPosi-MountSystemis
orovided
. -.-,:k**#is*o *n*&j&*;ax*6&
Flash sync control Slow Sync, Rear-CurtainSync anO', Flash recommended/ No speedlightattached:Lightsup in
Red-EyeReductionfunctionsbuilt-tn ready light greenwhenflashis recommended
Flash synchronisation In ProgrammedAuto or Aperture-{ Speedlightattached:Lightsup in red
PriorityAuto, shutteroperatesfroni' when NikondedicatedSpeedlightis
1/250to 1/60 sec.innormalsync,br readyto fire,or blinksto warn of
1/250to 30 sec, in slow sync;in insufficientlightfor correctexposure
Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual ? Number of 36-exposure film rolls per set of fresh batteries
exposuremode, shutteroperateSqt Forautofocusoperation usingAFZoom-Nikkor 28-70mmf/3.5-f/4.5D
speed set, and when set from 1/25O lenscoveringthefutlrangefrominfinity(-) to the closestdiitanceand
to 1/8000sec.,shutteris : backto infinity(*) beforeeachshot,in Continuous SeryoAFmodewith
automaticallyset to 1/250 sec. filmadvancemodeat CHanda shutterspeedof 1/250sec.or faster.
TTL MultiSensor Five-segment multi-sensorusedfor
TTL auto flashcontrol At 20"C At -1 0.c
Automatic Balanced PossiblewhenAF Nikkorlensis
Fill-Flashwith TTL usedwith NikonSpeedlightSB-28, M{ype alkaline Arr
(LR-06). I
MultiSensor sB-27, S8-26, SB-25,SB-24,
SB-23,SB-22,SB-20,etc.
Monitor Preflash NikonSpeedlight58-28/58-26/ M-type Manganese* 14 0
SB-25 fires MonitorPre-flash(es)for
TTL multisensorwhen AF Nikkor AAtype NiCd (KR-AA). 40 16
lens is used
CR123A-typelithium.*
(insideoptionalNikon
Multi-Power Vertical
90 25
GripMB-10)
. F90Xbodyonlyor whenusingMB-10with
** When standard
MS-l0baftery holder.
usingMB-10withoptionalMS-11battery hotder.
Lithium
batteilesare
usefulespecially
whenshootingat lowertemperatures,
howeverflilmadvance
speedmayslowdown.

'+-Aigru"t*"."**q.*;*""4;*,a*; ^si*$l$
135
Powersource FourM-type batteries
Batterypower e for sufficientpower; {u \
')
confirmation indicatesbatteriesare nearino
exhaustion; blinkingm indi6atesJ.
batteriesarejust aboutexhausted;"-
no indication/markappearswhen '
batteriesare completelyexhausted-.
or improperlyinstalled
Dimensions(WxHxD) Approx.154 x 106 x 69mm
Weight Approx. 7559
(without batteries)

Allspecifications
applywhenfreshalkaline
batteries
areused,atnormal
temperature(20"C).
anddesign
Specifications aresubjecttochange without
notice.

136
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I cLossARY
Balancedfill-flashoperation
A techniquein flashphotographyin whichflashillumination id.
controlledto balanceit with the ambientlighton the scene..$e
F90Xusesan AutomaticBalancedFill-FlashSystemwith TT-t''
Multi-Sensor for this automaticoperationwith a compatible.
NikonTTL Speedlight.
Continuous
ServoAF
Focusdetectioncontinuesfor as long as the shutterreleasei-
button is lightlypressedand the reflexmirroris in the viewingi
position.Usefulwhen camera-to-subject distanceis likelyto
change.
CPU
CentralProcessingUnit.The electroniccomponentwhich
controlsan electronicproduct'sfunctions.
AF Nikkor(includingD-typeAF Nikkor)and Al-P-Nikkorlenses
havebuilt-inCPUs.
Depth of field
The zone of sharpestfocus in frontof, behindand aroundthe
subjecton whichthe lensis focused;can be previewedin the
F90Xand some otherNikoncameras
D-type AF Nikkor lenses
AF Nikkorlensesthat sendto the FSOX'smicrocomputer the
DistanceInformationusedfor 3D MatrixMeteringor 3D Multi-
SensorBalancedFill-Flash(withNikonSB-28/SB-27 /S8-26/
SB-25 Speedlight).
, ,^:..,..-,,';.**Ai&$is&u,r
\
DX code
Filminformationcode printedon filmcartridge.The F9OX,when
set to automaticfilmspeedsettingmode,sensesthe film
speed(lSO25 to 5000)of DX-codedfilmwhen it is loaded.
EV
ExposureValue:A numberrepresenting the available
i combinations of shutterspeedsand aperturesthat givethe
same exposureeffectunder conditionsof similarscene
brightnessand lSO.
At ISO 100,the combinationof a one-secondshutterspeed
and an aoertureof f/1.4 is definedas EV1.
The cameramay be usedonlywithinthe EV rangeof the
exposuremeter.For example,with the F9OX,the exposure
meteringrangeis from EV -'1 to E/21 for Matrixmeteringand
Centre-Weighted metering,at ISO 100 with an f/l .4 lens,
Exposure compensation
Exposurecompensationfor availablelight is activatedby
changingshutterspeed and/orlensaperture- by Auto
exposurelock lever,by exposurecompensation buttonor by
exposurebracketing.
In flashphotographywith a Nikon-dedicatedTTL Speedlight,
exposurecompensationcan also be performedby varyingthe
amountof flashoutput.
Camera-originated exposurecompensationaffectsboth
foregroundsubjectand background;variationsin flashoutput
amount only affectforeground.
137
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Exposurecontrol
ProgrammedAuto: Camerasets both shutterspeed and
aperturefor correctexposure.
Auto: Userselectsshutterspeed and camera.
Shutter-Priority
sets matchinglensaperturefor correctexposure. rr
Auto: Userselectsapertureand cameraset\
Aperture-Priority
matchingshutterspeed for correctexposure,
:
Manual:Userselectsboth shutterspeed and aperture,
(by LCD
followingor ignoringthe meter'srecommendations
readout)to achievethe desiredexposure.
Fill-flash
A methodof flashphotographywhich combinesflash
and ambientlight,but does not necessarily
illumination attempt
to balancethesetwo typesof illumination.
Focus-Priorityfor autofocus
Shuttercannot be releaseduntilsubjectis in focus. Suitable
when in-focussubjectis important.
With F90Xcamerabody, Focus-Priorityis givento SingleServo
AF modewhileRelease-Priority is givento ContinuousServo
AF. However,the ElectronicOrganizercan changepriorityto
performRelease-PrioritySingleServoAF or Focus-Priority
ContinuousServoAF.
138
gi8 gi&b*:*-. www.butkus.us
Flash synchronisation
The timing of the flashso it firescoincidentwith the operationof
the camera'sshutter.Thereare two types of synchronisation:
NormalSync which firesthe flashat the start of the exposure,
and RearSync which firesthe flashat the end of the exposure.
f-number .".
The numberson the lensapertureringand on the carflera's
LCD which indicatethe relativesize of the lens aperture
opening.The f-numberseriesis a geometricprogressionbased
on changesin the sizeof the lens aperture,as it is openedand
closed.As the scalerises,each numberis multipliedby the
factor1.4.The standardnumbersfor calibration are 1.0,1.4,2,
'16,
2 . 8 ,4 , 5 . 6 ,8 , 1 1 , 2 2 , 3 2 , e t c . ,a n d e a c hc h a n g er e s u l t isn a
doublingor halvingof the amountof lighttransmittedby the
lens.
Hyperfocal distance
The closestpoint a photographercan focus on wherethe
depthof fieldincludesinfinity.Whenthe lensis focusedfor
hyperfocaldistance,the deepestdepth of field,coveringfrom
1/2Ihe hyperfocaldistanceto infinity,can be obtainedat each
f/stop.The longerthe focallength,the longerthe hypedocal
distance;the smallerthe aperture(thelargerthe f/number),the
shorterthe hyperfocaldistance.
 l"t I
ISO film speed
The internationalstandardfor representingfilm sensitivity.The .,
higherthe number,the greaterthe sensitivity, and viceversa.A1
film speed of ISO 200 is twice as sensitiveas ISO I00, and haltr'
that of ISO4OOfilm.
..
LCD
LiquidCrystalDisplay,The FSOXhas two: the panelon top of !
the camerabody and insidethe vieMinder,
..
Manual flash
Flashoutputis controlledmanuallyin the manualflashmode,
whileflashoutputpowervariesautomatically accordingto the
selectedaperturein the auto flashmode.Some Speedlights
includingthe NikonSB-28,SB-27, 58-26, SB-25,SB-24 and
SB-20 provideselectablemanualoutputs (full,1/2, 1/4, 1/8,
'1l16,
etc.),whileothersprovidefullmanualoutputonly.
Matrixmeteringsystem
An advancedcameralight meteringsystemusinga multi-
segmentsensorand computer;availablein the FSOXand other
NikonSLRssuch as the Nikon F90VN90s, F90-series/N90,F-
601/N6006,F-601M/N6000,F-401x/N5005,F4-seriesand F-
801s/N8008scameras,
Release-Priorityfor autofocus
Shuttercan be releasedanytime(i.e.,evenwhen subjectis not
in focus).Convenientso you do not miss an opportunityto take
a pictureand are not concernedwith absolutefocusing
precision.
With F90Xcamerabody, Release-Priority is givento'
ContinuousServoAF whileFocus-Priority is givento gingle
ServoAF. However,the ElectronicOrganizercan changethe
priorityto performFocus-Priority
ContinuousServoAF or
Release-Priority SingleServoAF.
SingleServo AF
Once the subjectis in focus, focus is locked.Usefulfor
recomposingthe picture.
SLR
SingleLens Reflex.A type of camerain which you look through
the camera'slensas you view throughthe camerasvieMinder.
Othercamerafunctions,such as light meteringand flash
control,alsooperatethroughthe camera'slens.
TTL
Through-the-Lens. Most SLR camerashavebuilt-inmeters
which measurelightafterit has passedthroughthe lens,a
featurethat enablesexposurereadingsto be taken from the
actual imageabout to be recordedon film, whateverthe lens
angleof view and regardlessof whethera filteris used or not.
139
 );
The camera'slightsensormeasuresflashillumination, as ,l
reflectedby the subjecton the film and shuts off the flashwh$
measurementindicatescorrectexposure.Becausethe senscn-.'
that controlsthe flashreceiveslightthroughthe lens,TTL autq
flashcan be usedfor bounceflashphotography, fill-flash,
multipleflashphotography,etc. An additionaladvantageof TTE
auto flashis that you can use a wide rangeof aperturesettingrs.
whileensuringcorrectexposure.
:
I
Wide-Area AF
Cross-shaped Wide-AreaSensor(7mmhorizontal, 3mm
veftical)with no dead zone resultsin sharpfocus for most
subjects,includingthosewithoutverticallines,

140
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*lMu, ..
i lco pANELATEWFTNDER
rNDrcATroNS

Batteriesare completelyexhaustedor improperly

'installed.
No indicationappearswhen camerais turned on. Slidepowerswitchto OFFand replace
batteries,

Batteriesare just about exhausted.SlidepJwer switch

m blinkson LCD panel.
to OFFand replacebatterieswith a freshset.

Auto Multi-Programor Shutter-Priority

Auto exposure
mode is set eventhoughlensattachedhas no CPU.
P or 5 blinksand r- - appears
Cameraautomaticallyresetsexposuremode to
Aperture-PriorityAuto,

Vari-Programis set eventhough lens attachedhas no

R blinksand r- - appears*
CPU.

rEEblinksin ProgrammedAuto or Shutter-Priority Lensis not set to the smdlestaperluresetting,Set

Auto exposuremode* lensto the smallestaoefture.

* Analeftsignalsounds
if "Beep
forExposure
Alert"is setwiththeNikonDataLinkSystem.

141
;;*lh; .-;&
 .i
Matrixmeter is set eventhough lens attachedhas no
Can be
EDblinkson LCD panel. CPU: cameraautomaticallvresetsmeterto Center-
releabed
Weightedmetering,

Err, lS0and M marksblinkon LCD panel and Non-DX-codedfilm or film with unacceptableDX code
Locked.
Irr blinksinsideviewfinder.* is loaded.Set manuallyto correctfilmspeed,

@- blinkon LCD panel. Filmis not correctlypositioned.Reloadfilm.

Endand O^ blinkon LCDoanel.* Filmhas reachedend of roll.Rewindfilm,

Filmrewindhas been comoleted.Removefilm

E and O blinkon LCD panel.
cartridge.

. Analertsignal if "Beep
sounds forFilm)peration
Alert"is setwiththeNikon
Data
LinkSystem.

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142
ir*g*r,.*a*#3&r.
 .1
t-ock-slatS or
Autofocusis impossiblewith the subject.Set focus
) ( blinksinsidevieMinder. can 0e
mode selectorto M and focus manuallyusingclear
releasedat C
mattefield'
and M. .
-.
I

H i appearsin auto exposuremode* Can be

Overexposurepossible
released

Can be
Io appearsin auto exposuremode* Underexposurepossible
released

Subjectis locatedcloserthan the closestfocused

( appearsinsidevieMinder. Can be
distanceof the lens..Moveback from the subiectand
released
refocus.

The lensfocusingringis not set at infinity(-). Set

) appearsinsidevieMinder(whenTC-164 is used), Can be
focus mode selectorto M, set lensfocusingringto -,
released
set focus mode selectorto S or C again,then refocus.

. Analertsignalsounds
if "Beep
forExposure
Alert"is setwiththeNiklnDataLinkSystem,
143
 l
.1
bui.b is set in the Shutter-Priority
Auto exposure
br,l b blinks. Locked. mode.Set exposuremode to Manualor set another
shuttersoeed.

I
.:.
Shutterspeed/apeftureset on the camerais beyondthe
Electronic
analogdisplayblinksinsidevieMinder.
Canbe meteringrangeof the F90X.lf "+" valueis indicated,use
released,
ND filter.lf "-" valueis indicated,use a NikonSpeedlight,

Can be
I lightsup in greeninsideviewfinder. Use NikonSpeedlight
released,

Lightmightbe insufficient.
Confirmshootingdistance
Can be
I blinksin red insidevieMinderafterflashshootino. and, if necessary,move closerto the subjector select
released,
a wideraoerture.

rEEand ProgrammedAuto exposureindication(P Speedlightis not set at TTL auto flash,Set the
Locked Speedlightflashmode to TTL,or set the camera's
or P')blink.
exposureto a mode other than ProgrammedAuto.

. Analertsignalsounds
if "Beep
forExposure
Alert"is setwiththeNikonDataLinkSystem.

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144
.ffi . ;&&&*^;o."a S&dribeq*ir&i*..
 '1
AttachedNikonSpeedlightis turnedon with Wide
@ blinkson LCD paneland E appearsinside Carl:be
Areafocus. Cameraautomaticallvresetsfocus areato
vieMinder, released.
Soot.
l.

\
il
!.
PortraitProgramwith Red-EyeReductionis set with a
@ blinkson LCD panel.
Canbe Speedlightotherthan the NikonSB-28/SB-27/3,8.-26.
released. Set anotherProgram,set anotherexposuremode,or
use the NikonSB-28/SB-27/38-26.

AttachedNikonSpeedlightis turnedon with

Can be
5i. blinksinsidevieMinder, SilhouetteProgram.To makeSilhouetteProgram
released.
effective,turn off the Speedlight,

1 / 1E

q,aw*iala;
ABOUT LCD
o The FSOXuses a LiquidCrystalDisplay(LCD) of the
highestqualitywhich,underconditionsof normaluse,
shouldprovideseveralyearsof reliableoperation,After
this period,contrastmay deteriorateand display
informationmay start to fade.You can havethe LCD
replacedat a nominalchargeby contactingan
authorisedNikondealeror servicefacility,
. At hightemperaturesof 60'C or above,the display
turns black,makingit impossibleto read,lt returnsto
normalwhenthe temperaturedropsto 20.C.
o At temperaturesbelow freesing,the LCD's response
timeslowsdown; it goes back to normalwhen the
temperature rises.

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