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The last of the true professional
(FD-based) manual focus SLR camera's from Canon. Only sold for about one year!
 :
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Here
The
Canon T-90 was the last model that uses FD-mount prior to the shift to the
autofocus EF EOS system. It hardly lasted a year since its inception but what an
impact it has created on the design of future SLR. Every inch a classic, despite
after more than 15 years, this camera is still hard to replicate even by today's
standard. It was also widely acclaimed as one of the true Classic camera of
modern times. The T-90
influenced Canon's future designs of cameras as a whole more than any other
camera within their line-up. It was a great camera by any standard, featuring
some revolutionary innovations as well as practical and very functional human
engineering factors in its design. Thus, five years after the Canon flagship
model, the Canon New F-1
was launched (1981), the T90 became the bridging model between the first full AF
model, the Canon 650, that was brought out by Canon barely a year later in
March, 1987 and the older manual focus Canons. The life span of the Canon T-90
was the shortest and can also be considered the last of the true professional
FD-based manual focus SLR camera from Canon** but it is also the most
sophisticated automatic exposure 35mm SLR that Canon has ever produced. It
was first marketed in 1978 before being discontinued in 1982 while the T90 has
barely a year to survive due to the market changes to the AF arena where the
Minolta Maxxam 7000 was rocking the whole photographic world by storm and Canon
has to make the most drastic decision in its camera history by dropping the
famed FD breech-lock mount and replaced it with the new EF mount for the new EOS
series AF cameras).
**
(An FD Canon, the T60 was subcontracted
1990 - but had little relationship to the T series)
The
Canon T90's birth was a little untimely and its full potential was never truly
realized - one tends to remember the A1 more clearly than
the T90 when associating Canon with the multimode automatic cameras, even though
the former fares poorly in comparison with the latter in all aspects. This is
primarily due to the fact the T90 has never had the longer life cycle that A1
enjoyed.
The
Canon T90's appearance is designed by German industrial designer Luigi Colani,
and was the third model from the T series, after the T50
in 1983 and the T70
in 1984 (In total, there were five T-series models including the T80,
which was an autofocus camera that was launched in 1985. But the T90 has cast
more influences to Canon's future designs of cameras as a whole than any other
camera within their line-up. It was a great camera by any standard, featuring
some revolutionary innovations as well as practical and very functional human
engineering factors in its design. Thus, five years after the Canon flagship
model, the Canon New F-1
was launched (1981), the T90 became the bridging model between the first full AF
model, the Canon 650, that was brought out by Canon barely a year later in
March, 1987 and the older manual focus Canons. The life span of the Canon T90
was the shortest and can also be considered the last of 's
e r i o u s' FD-based manual focus SLR
camera from Canon (The Canon T60
was launched in 1990) - but it is also the most sophisticated automatic exposure
35mm SLR that Canon has ever produced prior to the new EF mounted
EOS
AF SLR cameras, and was also affectionately
nicknamed as the 'Tank" in Japan.
DOWNLOAD
T90 USER MANUAL (a .PDF file)
SPEC's
of the T90
 | Type: 35mm single lens
reflex (SLR) camera with electronically controlled automatic exposure (AE),
focal plane shutter and built in motor drive.
| Format: 24 x 36mm;
| Usable lenses: Canon FD
lenses (full aperture metering and stopped down metering) and non FD lenses
(stopped down metering);
| Standard Lens: FD 50mm
f/1.4
| Lens Mount: Canon FD Mount
| Viewfinder: Fixed eye level
pentaprism. Gives 94% vertical and horizontal coverage of actual picture
area, and 0.77X magnification at infinity with a standard 50mm lens.
| Dioptric Adjustment:
Built-in eyepiece is adjusted to standard -1 diopter (eyepoint: 19.3mm);
| Focusing Screen: Standard
split image / microprism rangefinder. Seven other types of interchangeable
screens are available optionally.
| Mirror: Quick return
half-mirror with shock and noise absorber.
| Viewfinder Information:
Displayed at the right and bottom of viewing area. |
| | | | | | | | |
Bottom
area:
A: 7 segment LED digital
display
1. Shutter speed flashes (red) - at 4 Hz give out-of-metering-range warning
light.
2. Aperture flashes (red) - at 4 Hz give out-of-metering-range warning light.
3. All hyphens (red) - data imprint confirmation; displayed only when special
accessories are attached.
B: 7 segment LED
character display
1. EEEE
EE (red)
- error warning; displayed when the lens is set to "A" during
stopped down operation.
2 HELP
(red)
- camera malfunction or operational error warning.
C: 3 segment LED
display
1 * (red) - AE Lock indicator in partial area metering and spot area metering.
D: LED mask lighting display
1 M
(red) - manual indicator.
2 (green)
- flash charge completion indicator.
3 +/- (red) - exposure compensation indicator.
Right
hand side:
Dot and 7 segment digital transparent LCD display.
1. (white on blue background) - multi-spots metering indicator, H/S
control indicator, and remaining frame display.
2. (White on blue background) FE Lock indicator when the Speedlite
300TL is used with the camera in the FE lock mode.
| Light Metering System:
Through-the lens (TTL) full aperture metering for FD lenses, using silicon
photocell (SPD). Three selectable metering patterns: Center-weighted average
metering, partial area metering, and spot area metering. When using lenses
or accessories without FD signal pins, only stopped down metering may be
used.
| Exposure Modes: |
|
1. Shutter priority AE
with selectable Safety Shift function (ON/OFF possible)
2. Aperture priority AE with selectable Safety Shift function (ON/OFF
possible)
3. Standard program AE
4. Variable shift program AE (selectable out of 7 programs)
5. Manual
6. Stopped down AE
7. Stopped down (fixed index) metering
8. Flash AE (possible with specified Canon Speedlites)
| Meter Coupling Range:
EV 0-20 (with ISO 100 film and a 50 mm f1.4 lens)
| Film Speed: ISO 6-
6400. (ISO25-5000 is automatically set by 1/3 step according to DX code
standard). Also can be set manually.
| Exposure Compensation: |
| |
a. Exposure compensation
index: +/- 2 steps by 1/3 increment.
b. H/S control: +/- 4 steps by 1/2 increment (can only be used during
spot metering, and in the FE lock mode with the Speedlite 300TL)
| Shutter Vertical travel
metal focal plane shutter: All speeds electronically controlled. Front
and back curtains controlled by separate quick-return permanent magnets.
| Shutter Speeds:
1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb. (X-sync = 1/250 sec.) Can also be set in 1/2
step.
| Self-Timer
Electronically controlled, with a delay of either approx. 10 sec. or approx.
2 sec. Indicated by blinking red LED operation confirmation indicator.
| Film Loading:
Automatic. After the film has been positioned and the back cover closed, the
film is automatically advanced to the 1st usable frame and then
automatically stopped. (approx. 2 sec.). The frame counter displayed then
read "1".
| Film Winding:
Automatic. A built in coreless motor is used exclusively for film transport.
Continuous shooting is possible. Confirmation by the film transport bar
marks on the LCD display panel.
| Film Winding Mode:
Three selectable modes, S (single exposure), H (max. 4.5 fps), and L (max. 2
fps). When operating in H mode, automatically switches to L mode when
battery power drops below prescribed voltage to extend shooting capacity.
| Film Rewind:
Automatic. A built in coreless motor is used exclusively for film rewind.
Automatically starts when the end of the film is reached and then
automatically stops (approx. 8 ssc. with 24 exp. film). Manual film rewind
is also possible by pressing the manual rewind button.
| Flash Contact:
Coupled directly to the camera by means of the X-sync contact on the
accessory shoe. When using the Speedlite 300TL either first shutter curtain synchronization
or second shutter curtain synchronization can be set.
| Automatic Flash:
(When the Speedlite 300TL is used and the camera is set to a program AE
mode): |
| | | | | | | |
1. A-TTL flash-auto:
Using A-TTL program and the near infrared pre-flash of the Speedlite, the
correct aperture value is automatically set according to the shooting distance
and subject reflectivity. X-sync speed is also automatically set between 1/60
-1/250 sec. upon flash charge completion. TTL control system which meters the
light reflected from the film surface. Automatic fill in flash is possible.
2. FE lock TTL
flash-auto: The camera's FE lock program automatically sets the aperture.
The main flash tube produces pre-flash and the reflection from the subject is
measured by TTL spot metering and is entered into memory. X-sync speed is also
automatically set between 1/60 -1/250 sec. upon flash - charge completion.
Automatic fill flash is possible.
| Remote Control:
Possible. With three terminal contact for remote control. Remote Switch 60T3
is required.
| Multiple Exposure:
By pressing both the shooting mode selector and the metering mode selector
at the same time. Continuous multiple exposure is possible. Reset clear
during shooting and preset up to 9 exposures are also possible.
Automatically cleared upon completion of preset exposures.
| Eyepiece Shutter
Provided.
| Exposure Preview Button:
All LCD / LED displays can be turned ON or OFF. LCD display to the right of
the viewfinder and the display panel can be illuminated by the built in
illumination lamp.
| LCD Panel: Displays
only the information required at the time, e.g. shooting mode, metering
mode, film winding mode, shutter speed, aperture, film speed, frame counter
(additive type), Self timer operation time, bulb operation time, battery
check, etc.
| Power Source: . |
| | | | |
a. Main power source
- four AA-size batteries. Alkaline manganese batteries are standard but
carbon-zinc and NiCd batteries may also be used.
b Memory back-up - built in Lithium battery (BR-1225 or CR-1220),
batteries life is approx. 5 years
| Battery Check: By
pressing the battery check button. Three energy levels are shown by the
battery check bar marks on the display panel.
| Back Cover:
Removable. Opened by sliding the latch with safety lock. Command Back 90 and
Data Memory Back 90 can be attached.
| Dimensions: 1
53.1(W) x 1 21(H) x 69.4 (D)mm (6 1/4" x 4 3/4" x 2 3/4")
| Weight: 800g (28
3/16oz) body only. |
| | |
Speedlite
300TL: Instruction
Manual
| Type: Energy-saving,
automatic electronic flash unit with pre-flash function. TTL metering
function measuring light reflected from the film surface, and an automatic
flash output control function using spot metering. Exclusive use for the T90
camera. Clip on type with directly coupled contacts.
| Guide Number:
The above figures are at full
charge. i.e. 30 sec. after pilot lamp grows with new alkaline or fully
charged Ni Cd batteries.
| Flash Coverage Angle:
Covers more than the field of view of 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm lenses.
| Recycling time: Alkaline
manganese batteries: Auto: approx. 0.2 to 13 sec. M Hi: approx. 13 sec. Ni-Cd
batteries: Auto: approx. 0.2 to 6 sec. M Hi: approx. 6 sec. (Interval
between firing of the flash and relighting of pilot lamp with new alkaline
or fully charged Ni-Cd batteries.)
| Number of flashes: Alkaline
manganese batteries: approx. 100 - 700 times. Ni-Cd batteries: approx.
45 - 300 times. (Counted when flash is fired in 30 sec. intervals with new
alkaline or fully charged Ni-Cd batteries.)
| Flash duration:
Approx. 1/700 - 1/20000 sec
| Flash Control System:
TTL series control system with pre-flash function. Automatic flash operation
in A-TTL and FE-Lock modes.
| For Both the A-TTL and
FE-L Modes:
| Flash exposure Level
Control: A maximum of 1.5 BV steps in the A-TTL or FE-L mode when
subject luminance is more than BV5 according to the center-weighted
average metering system of the T90.
| Automatic Shooting Distance
Range: (in Zoom head):
at 24mm: 0.5 - 12.5m (1.6 - 41 ft.)
at 35mm: 0.5 - 15m (1.6 - 49 ft.)
at 50mm: 0.5 - 17.5m (1.6 - 57.4 ft.)
at 85mm: 0.5 - 20m (1.6 - 65 ft.)
| Film speed setting:
Automatically set by the camera
| Bounce angle: Upward:
0 - 90° (click stop positions: 0, 60, 75, 90
Left side: 0 -180° click stop positions: 0, 60, 75, 90,120,150,180)
Right side: 0 - 90° click stop positions: 0, 60, 75, 90)
| Power Source: Four
size - AA (LR6) alkaline - manganese or NICd batteries. SE (Save- Energy)
mechanism: Power is automatically turned off after 5 minutes of non-use when
the main switch is left on.
| Pilot Lamp: Lights
when the flash is ready for use and automatically switches to flash
photography. Also used as a test button.
| Size: 81(W) x 119.4
(H) x 94 (D)mm.(3 3/16 x 4 11/16 x 3 11/16")
| Weight: 395g (13
15/16 oz) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Marketed |
February
1986 |
| Original
Price |
180,000
yen (w/FD 50mm f/1.4), $1,500.00 US 1986
148,000 (body) |
|
Developed as the
top-of-the-line T-series camera, the T90 is a multi-mode SLR with built-in
motor drive. The form of the pentaprism hump is a distinct characteristic.
Instead of being sharp-edged like on previous cameras, it is rounded with
smooth curves. The camera was designed to lessen the picture-taking burden
on the user via automation. It aimed for seamless operation to respond to
the user's will. A lot of top-notch technology and thought went into the
camera.
The camera has
three metering systems to suit diverse shooting conditions. Eight
autoexposure modes and two manual exposure modes also make the camera
highly versatile. Drive operations are divided among three small coreless
motors to consume less power. With four size-AA batteries, the built-in
motor drive can shoot at a maximum of 4.5 fps. It was truly a
top-of-the-line camera.
|
| Type |
35mm
focal-plane shutter SLR camera with built-in motor drive and multi-mode AE |
| Normal
Lens |
FD 50mm
f/1.4, others |
| Lens
Mount |
FD
mount |
| Shutter |
Vertical-travel,
focal-plane electronic shutter. With multi-program AE and preset aperture
AE: B, 30, 20, 15, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.7, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6,
1/8, 1/10, 1/15, 1/20, 1/30, 1/45, 1/60, 1/90, 1/125, 1/180, 1/250, 1/350,
1/500, 1/750, 1/1000, 1/1500, 1/2000, 1/3000, 1/4000 sec. X-sync at 1/250
sec. Second-curtain synchronization enabled. Built-in electronic
self-timer (with blinking LCD). Shutter speeds settable in whole-or
half-stop increments. |
| Viewfinder |
Fixed
eye-level pentaprism. 0.77x magnification and 94% coverage. Laser Matte
with microprism/new split combination rangefinder. Eight interchangeable
focusing screens including standard Type E. |
Viewfinder
Information |
AE lock
display, shutter speed, aperture, manual, flash ready, exposure
compensation, correct exposure, remaining-frame count, exposure scale,
multi-spot metering, FE lock, partial metering circle and spot metering
circle at center, H/S control, and other indications. |
Metering
&
Exposure Control |
Composite
SPC for TTL full-aperture metering (centerweighted averaging, partial
metering at center, spot metering at center) with shutter speed-priority
AE, aperture-priority AE, variable shift program AE (7 modes), manual, TTL
preset aperture AE, and aperture-set. AE lock provided. Exposure
compensation range of ±2 EV (in 1/3-stop increments). Metering range at
ISO 100 and f/1.4: EV 1 - 20. Film speed range from ISO 6 to 6400. |
| External
LCD |
Picture-taking
modes, film-loaded indicator, film transport, exposure compensation, bulb
time, multiple exposure setting and count, self-timer countdown, and other
indications. |
| Power
Source |
Four
1.5 V size-AA batteries (Ni-Cd batteries also compatible). Lithium BR-1225
or CR-1220 for memory backup power. |
Film
Loading &
Advance |
After
aligning film leader at mark, close camera back for auto loading.
Continuous shooting at 4.5 fps (H), 2 fps (L), or 1 fps (S). |
| Film
Rewind |
Auto
rewind with built-in motor. Midroll rewind enabled. |
Dimensions
&
Weight |
153
x 121 x 69 mm, 800 g |
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