Review 2 of 53
Price Paid:
$390.00
from Newsday, eBay Summary:
In high school I wanted to move up from my AE-1, so I researched into FD mount cameras, and found the T90. It had everything I thought I wanted then, and it turned out a whole lot more. I bought my first one when Newsday in NYC was selling off its old film cameras and moving to digital. It must have been custom modified, because it had a PC socket and it left the leader out when it rewound (which I loved for darkroom work). I soon discovered multispot metering, and have been using it ever since.
I bought my second body about a year ago, as I wanted to be able to shoot dual-bodies with different lensesand the price was more than right ($200). The second is just as grand as the first (no PC socket, which I didn't use, and it doesn't leave the leader out, but I shoot slides now).
Since then I bought a canon EVF camera so I could get digital pictures faster (avoiding the development/scanning process) and send them to my family while I'm in Europe. I took it backpacking and liked the lighter weight, but I've barely touched the thing over here because I just love my T90s too much. They're just a joy to shoot with. Strengths:
Multi-spot metering: best metering system ever. I have never been led astray with this, even in very complicated lighting.
Multi-moded: I only use aperture priority, because that's what I prefer, but it also does shutter priority and true shiftable program.
Built in motor drive: Very handy and useful.
Dedicated TTL flash with 300TL: always worked great for me, even handling fill flash very well.
Viewfinder: still one of the best viewfinders or all time, with wonderful magnification and accuracy. Even DSLRs with high rated viewfinders, such as the EOS 20d, are pure tunnel-vision in comparison.
Interface: streamlined and workable even with gloves on.
Built like a tank: it's never failed me or even come close.
Ergonomics (for the most part): very comfortable in hands and easy to hold steady for longer periods of time.
Takes AA batteries: It's so nice to be able to run my camera bodies, my flash, my flashlight, my cd player, and everything off of the same set of batteries. Also guarantees that is you run out of batteries, you will able to find replacements almost anywhere.
Lens System: FD lenses are cheaper than ever, and still fantastic. Plus, you can still get constant-aperture zooms at a reasonable price in that mount. Weaknesses:
Heavy. I've taken it backpacking, and the body alone weighs more than my tent. My friends used to laugh at me for carrying around such a ridiculously heavy camera rig, but when we compared photos after the trips they weren't laughing any more.
Motor drive can be very loud. Not often a problem for me, but it can be in some situations.
Not the most comfortable with vertical shooting (a vertical shutter release would be nice), but it functions well enough.
Lens System: I dream of a FD 80-200mm f/2.8, but alas only third party companies make them (Tamron's and Tokina's look pretty nice, but I'd still just rather have a Canon). Ditto with a 28-70mm f/2.8 (though I absolutely love my 35-105mm f/3.5, which is simply not available in any mount for any camera made now). Similar Products Used:
Canon AE-1, Canon A-1, Pentax K1000, Canon Rebel 2000, Canon EOS 3, Canon EOS 20D, Canon EOS 300D (digital Rebel)
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