Canon T-90 35mm SLRs
Canon T-90 35mm SLRs
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[Aug 09, 2000]
Barry/Mink
Expert
Strength:
Design/Ergonomics
Weakness:
Heavy (but still comfortable grip) A classic for all time. This is the best manual focus camera I have ever picked up and I have not regretted not buying the first canon autofocus cameras that were coming out at the same time as this camera. This camera has many features that are found on only the top pro auto-focus cameras now. I can't see myself ever getting rid of this camera, even though my eyes could use autofocus now and then. For landscapes or still life work, auto-focus is not needed anyhow. It is a great value on the second hand market, buy it if you can find it. Customer Service Not needed Similar Products Used: AE-1 |
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[Jul 21, 2000]
Eel Master
Intermediate
Strength:
Wonderful ergonomics and build quality. Feels great in your hands. Exposure metering is superb - never misses a shot. FD lenses are far better quality than similarly priced AF versions. Even the sound of the shutter firing is sexy!
Weakness:
None, unless you are too inept or lazy a photographer to be able to use MF. Superlative, an all time classic. Customer Service None, Canon has stopped supporting this camera, which is an absolute disgrace. Similar Products Used: Various Nikons, Pentaxes and EOSs |
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[Jul 02, 2000]
Ivan Stjepan
Expert
Model Reviewed:
T-90
Strength:
Every single thing on this camera is almost perfect - and yet, its more than ten years old tecnology...
Weakness:
No more Canon support... If you can live without autofocus (and believe me, if you are not a sports photographer, you can...) and dont mind buying used lenses only (but for incredibly good prices and of wonderful quality), get yourself one of those little beasts, 50/1.4 prime lens and 300TL flash - and you will be regarded with great photographs. Guaranteed... Customer Service Never nedeed one Similar Products Used: Canon A1, Nikon F2, Nikon N6006, Minolta 7000, 7000i, 9000, 9xi |
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[Jun 11, 2000]
Rick Wiese
Professional
Model Reviewed:
T-90
Strength:
Durability! I've been giving my T-90 a workout since purchasing it in 1986, photographing everything from youth soccer to Major League Baseball in all types of weather, and it's never let me down. The camera is dependable, consistently delivers quality photos, is extremely versatile and has a convenient and useful assortment of controls.
Weakness:
Unless you're someone who needs to lean on autofocus, this camera has no weaknesses. It is very heavy, so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who wants a light camera. It's unfortunate that Canon came out with this camera just on the edge of the autofocus boom. When they moved from the FD lenses to the EF, the T-90 was left behind. Still, if you don't need autofocus and you're looking for one of the finest, sturdiest, most dependable cameras ever made, keep an eye out for a used T-90. It's a great, great camera. Customer Service Canon no longer services this camera, which has been out of production for some time, but most good camera shops will be able to hook you up with a quality repair shop. Similar Products Used: Various cameras manufactured by Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Fuji and Leica. |
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[Jun 03, 2000]
Mark Wrathall
Intermediate
Model Reviewed:
T-90
Strength:
The greatest egonomics ever in an SLR. I had it from 88-96 with lovely sharp FD primes. 1/250th flash sync Combined with the 300TL made it an an excellent wedding camera. The input dial was a canon stroke of brilliance.
Weakness:
No auto shut off if you leave the power on. Once the AA batteries go flat the internal system battery goes flat. I also lost the stupid screw on cover for the remote release. Relitively noisy - especially the auto rewind (watch the frame count in the church, and manually rewind at frame 35 when the crowd is singing). Although it was the greatest camera made at that time, the writing was on the wall. The FD mount being superceded made it an orphan. It's short production run left me with long term concerns about parts support. I sold right out of the FD system. I think Canon did the right thing in starting with a clean sheet for the EOS lens mount (especially the large diameter), they are reaping the rewards now. I will be buying EOS as soon as I sell the Leica. I am looking hard at the EOS 1 as having similar egonomics. If you don't like AF and look after your gear, the T90 beats the Leica R8 and the Contax RTS III as the unlimited used FD lenses make the difference. Customer Service I got worried when told that Canon wanted about $100 to replace the internal battery, and the camera had to be reprogrammed at that time. Similar Products Used: T50 (Yuck) |
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[Jun 01, 2000]
Marc J
Expert
Model Reviewed:
T-90
Strength:
Handling,build quality,metering,motor drive running off of 4 AA batteries.
Weakness:
No metal body,possibly no autofocus,No official support from canon The best handlimg 35mm SLR I have ever used,and having worked my way through LOADS of cameras, this is the one I always come back to. Customer Service virtually unobtainable. Similar Products Used: EOS 1,Nikon F4 |
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[Sep 05, 2000]
Dave Grabbe
Intermediate
Strength:
Built like a tank.
Weakness:
None, other than they quit making If you can find one in good shape that hasnt been battered, Customer Service Canon no longer services these Similar Products Used: Canon AE-1, Nikon F3HP, |
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[Sep 14, 2000]
Lensman
Expert
Strength:
extremely well engineered and executed. The most desirable camera of the day with the Minolta OM4T running a close second because of flash sync speeds up to the 1/4000s top shutter speed. The T90 far surpasses that camera with multi-spot metering,metered manual, 2sp motor drive and a plethora of great lenses(I bought my second T90 in '98 when the first one was getting the internal battery replaced). The 300TL is versatile and powerful enough to be used to correct any lighting situation. The body itself is designed to withstand significant abuse. It has been dropped,dunked and rode out an avalanche with me.
Weakness:
useless without batteries The best manual focus camera I have ever used Customer Service unbeatable at Canon of Canada's, Calgary office Similar Products Used: Pentax K1000 |
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[Nov 11, 2000]
Michael Hudson
Expert
Strength:
Built like a Tank (the Japanese nickname!). Sophistication of the flash when used with 300TL (this is a subject in itself!). The sexy metal blade shutter sound (compared to the cloth A1). The multi-spot metering. Long battery life (and that uses universally available AAs) over 70 rolls on the original Japanese batteries! The illumination of controls at night is very handy sometimes.
Weakness:
Only minor niggles - I will have to have the "leader out" mod done at service. Someone else said in Top 10 manual focus cameras - make that Top 5 or 3! - what else comes close? The design and style of this camera laid the route for today's autofocus cameras- look how everyone uses that LCD top-plate design these days. The multi-metering design makes it so versatile if you know what you are doing. Who needs autofocus? - having just bought a slide scanner I'm ready for the digital revolution and will just skip the autofocus film camera stage. This camera is just so solid its a pleaure to hold and to use. Long term service is the only possible concern. Customer Service Haven't had to use it, but concerns about Canon's long term (non) support for this camera. Similar Products Used: I still have my almost 20 year old A1, an Olympus Mju as a notebook |
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[Dec 20, 2000]
Kevin Kukla
Expert
Strength:
1) Ergonomic design!
Weakness:
Weaknesses? Just the BEST manual focus camera EVER made. Coupled with the 300TL Flash, and the FD lens system, man, it can't be beat. Auto-Focus hacks, you don't know what you're missing. I've also got a film scanner, so bring on the digital revolution. I'll kick it's butt! ;-) Customer Service Well, this could be a problem. But there's a lot of places to get repairs... if you'd ever need it. Similar Products Used: Once you go "Tank" you never go back. |