Canon T-90 35mm SLRs

Canon T-90 35mm SLRs 

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-10 of 58  
[May 18, 2019]
tocster


Strength:

Viewfinder is bright Meter seems fine Solid build quality

Weakness:

Honestly I really don't like this camera - I find the design annoying - the finder display is confusing. It is not a camera that can be used without a manual. Many of the buttons are small and fidly. It is extremely loud and heavy.

Purchased:
Used  
OVERALL
RATING
1
[Jul 15, 2010]
Alejandro
Professional

Strength:

It has been through some of the worst condition; rain, heat from the desert, Norwegian winters, etc. and yet it still works. What I really love about it is that since it is a 35mm camera, no one looks to steal a 35mm camera and I make sure that people see me changing the film wherever I go.

Weakness:

My only complaint about the camera is that it does not use a standard PC flash sync socket.

This camera is a masterpiece in itself; a true work of art. I purchased my T90 just after it was introduced some 20+ years ago. This camera has been used for Sports, portraiture, weddings, it has been with me when I lived in Europe, and through my travels to some 22 countries, 10 states, and 5 Islands. I own three different Canons but this is still my #1 choice. The technology makes the job so much easier. As long as there if film to buy and a place to develop it, I will keep using my T90. With my T90 all I have to do is get the latest film; with a Digital camera I have to buy a new body to get better results. Digital cameras are just too expensive to keep buying a new one every 2-3 years.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 08, 2010]
J.D.Sly
Intermediate

Strength:

The different metering and exposure options are very nice, and make this camera easy to use in difficult lighting conditions. The LED viewfinder metering information is easy to see in low-light conditions, unlike my old AE-1 with its pointer-type viewfinder exposure meter. The AA batteries this camera uses can be purchased anywhere, which is nice when you're not near a camera shop. Another neat little feature is the viewfinder closing switch. A pushbutton exposure control on the back makes this a good camera for bracketing exposures. A very tough, user-friendly camera.

Weakness:

I managed to go about six months before I lost that tiny little cable release socket plug, which I knew was inevitable! This should have been attached to the camera somehow. So now I need to find another one. The camera is very heavy and not well suited for long hikes, which I do frequently. I would have preferred the camera to have manual winding with the auto wind available as a seperate, attachable unit. This would have lightened it up considerably (not to mention the auto wind problem mentioned above).

I purchased the T90 in 2008 to replace my AE-1. It was definately a step up. The camera takes great photos and is very technologically advanced for its age- especially for a film camera. I was especially happy to be able to continue using my FD lenses, which I had a considerable amount of money wrapped up in. The only problem I've had with it was an issue with the auto-rewind. Every ten rolls of film or so, it would inexplicably rewind halfway through a roll of film. I sent it to a repair shop a year ago where they cleaned and lubed the moving parts in the rewind mechanism, and the problem hasn't come back since. A good camera for landscapes, where not having auto-focus isn't an issue. All things considered, I'm very pleased with my T90.

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1. Olympus Stylus Epic 115.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 04, 2008]
'Meter' Mike
Expert

Strength:

Everything!

Weakness:

non digital format

I own several cameras, digital and film. The Canon T90 is the best all around camera i've ever held in my hands! Durable, Quiet, Feature loaded and 'classy'. My D300 runs a close second.

Similar Products Used:

many

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 29, 2005]
Braxus
Intermediate

Strength:

Excellent grip Good build quality Nice light meter Good controls

Weakness:

Very prone to break down when not used

I bought this camera new in 1988. Had I've known about EOS at that time I would have gotten that instead. But EOS aside, this is a great camera- if it works. Its excellent build quality, heavy, and with excellent grip and control layout. Its the best FD camera they've made. It has a big bright viewfinder and the lightmeter is quite good. Now onto this camera as a used model. I had to sell my camera for parts after a repair center destroyed it trying to repair it. I've had the shutter replaced on mine and after that it still didn't work. This camera is SO prone to problems when its not used. The EEEEE error is quite common, and buying this camera used is VERY risky. Repair centers have run out of shutters to replace on this body. A CLA may help the problems if yours does this. If you are looking for a used FD camera- the new F1 is a better deal today.

Similar Products Used:

Canon T-70 Canon AE-1 Canon Elan 7

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 05, 2005]
sjpendleton
Expert

Strength:

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.

Weakness:

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).

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.

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)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 09, 2004]
RicPall
Intermediate

Strength:

Metering modes, mainly the multiple spot metering. Superb construction altought is plastic. Great motor drive. Clear and wide viewfinder. Mount the great (and cheap now) Canon FD lenses. TTL flash capabilities. Runs AA batteries and consumption is incredible low. So many great features that makes you think you have the latest pro SLR camera. Certanly a mark on photography history. Is great to have one of this in my collection and looking for the second one!!! :-)

Weakness:

Vary few. I would say it has some bad positioned function buttons like the exposure compensation which I use much more than the 3 ones that are above my right thumb. But this is not a big deal though...

I bought this used in Exc+ condition to be the my fine art main camera leaving my A-1 for street photograqphy where it call much less attention of the subjects... and thiefs. T90 stil looks too professional to walk around wih it. I love it since the first roll of film.

Customer Service

Parts are becoming rare...

Similar Products Used:

Canon Elan II Canon A-1 Pentax Spotmatic (great beginners camera)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 13, 2004]
Mark Stephan
Intermediate

Strength:

Spot metering and multi spot metering! Brightest viewfinder I've ever used, it is unaffected by slow lenses or low light. Motor drive, truly remarkable considering the age of the camera.

Weakness:

NONE!

I recently purchased my T90 on eBay and I've now discovered what may be the best manual focus camera ever made. It has everthing one needs to take great photographs. This camera is truly a tool with unlimited potential. No need to get into the technical info, it can all be found at the Canonmuseum.com and if you're an FD enthusiast you should join the Canon FD group at Yahoo where you will meet experts who use this camera as well as technicians who can repair this remarkable photographic tool.

Customer Service

None needed with my Canon gear. I did use it once to repair a short in the flash circuitry on an N90 covered by warranty and no complaints with Nikon service.

Similar Products Used:

Canon AE-1Program, A-1, F-1N Nikon F3HP, FM2N, FM, FG, EM, N2000 Nikon F4s, N90s, N8008s, N70

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 21, 2003]
PAUL GALLAGHER
Casual

Strength:

Superb spot metering. Handling Toughness

Weakness:

None

I read the reviews of T90 and was convinced that it was the camera for me. I use it it mostly with a Canon 135 (2.8) FD lense which gives superb portraits. I actually left autofocus to go back to manual (more of a challenge) but this camera is easier to use than any autofocus model I have used. I love the camera for its size, believe it or not its weight, gives you a feeling that you have a tank with you. I do not want to go into its obvious technical strengths that can be easily looked at any review but I am looking for a Canon 300tl Flash and other FD lenses to complement the Canon T90. I literally take it to bed with me but seriously it is a dream of a camera and hopefully I run out before it does. Thinking of digital (read carefully) I bought this camera at £300 with a 50 1.4 lense and 135 lense. The pictures it takes will exceed any Professional digital camera costing £5000.00 stg and over. I have tested this with my printing department in work who have all the equipment. The T90 wins hands down.

Customer Service

I cant even check on internet for telephone Number for Canons Tech Dept. Web page does not work

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FM2, Olympus OM4Ti, Contax 169Quartz

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 26, 2003]
Derek
Professional

Strength:

High quality FD glass is cheap right now, especially prime lenses. The interface is amazing. Metering is wonderful -- you can actually use the program modes on this thing because you have such control over the metering (and the exposure settings stay locked into the camera until you release the shutter); program modes are actually useful as you have 6 shifted programs that lean toward faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures; viewfinder shows exposure information, camera settings, and remaining frames (very handy); LCD screen counts up to 120s during time exposures, so you don't have to. You never need to pull your eye away from the viewfinder, and you don't need to trust a computer to manage your exposure. You can't beat that.

Weakness:

Wish it was quieter. Would like a PC socket.

The T90 provides automation that helps you achieve your vision, but does so in a way that doesn't interfere with the photographic process. I don't know that I've ever seen a camera that's better thought-out or more intuitive.

Customer Service

Unknown.

Similar Products Used:

Canon F1, F1n, EF. Nikon F5. Leica R7, R8.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-10 of 58  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

photographyreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com