Canon T 90 User Manual

Contents

Main Features
Operation Summary

Preliminary Preparations

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6

li

19

1. Attaching the Lens.20

2. Setting the Lens for AE Photography ,. 22

3. Loading the Batteries

4. Turning on the Camera . 24

5. Checking the Batteries

6. Loading the Film
< Automatic Setting of the Film

Speed >............................................31

Shooting with the Lens Set on “A”
Mark (Basic Operation)

1 .Setting the Film Winding Mode

1 Single frame shooting

2 Continuous shooting...................34

< Automatic Film Winding Speed

Changeover Function >

2.Setting the Shooting Mode

< Shooting Modes of the T90> ............36

1 Shutter-priority AE......................36

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28

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22

24

33
34
34

35
36

2 Aperture-priority AE

............

37

3 Standard program AE

4 Variable-shift program AE

< Setting Each Mode >

S.Setting the Metering Mode

< Metering Modes of the T90> 47

1 Center-weighted average

metering 47
2 Partial metering
3 Spot metering

< Setting Each Mode >

4. How to Use the Metering Modes . 50

5. Focusing - -

6,Shooting .................................................54

< Exposure Preview Button > ., . 56

< Remaining Frame Counter >. . ..56

< Viewfinder Display Selector >

Automatic Film Rewind

< Manual Film Rewind > . 61

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47

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38

39

41

48
48

49

52

58

59

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Canon T90 This
camera is designed as a comprehensive package
of the most advanced and innovative technologies
available in the world today, balancing your pho
tographic desires with automatic features — a state­of-the-art camera.
Your photographic range is heightened by 1) the
built-in motor drive capable of winding film at a
maximum of 4.5 frames per second with merely four
size-AA batteries, 2) the high-speed PMS shutter
permitting 1/4000 sec shutter speed and 1/250 sec
flash synchronization, 3) the three switchable meter

ing distribution patterns, and 4) a wide range of AE
shooting modes responding to your photographic

While reading these instructions unfold the front
and back flaps of this booklet for easy reference to
the camera's parts.

needs. Meanwhile, complete automation in areas
such as film transportation and film speei setting
makes "multiple functions and simple operation”
finally and fully compatible.
Your shooting options are further expanded by op
tional accessories like the Speedlite 300TL, the
Macro Ring Lite ML-2, the Data Memory Back 90
and the Command Back 90

For a full understanding of the T90, please read this
instruction booklet carefully before using the

camera.

Nomenclature

Accessory Shoe

LQO Display Panel

Spot Metering Button

Electronic Input Dial

Shutter Button

Self-timer Operation

Indicator (LED)

Remote Control
Socket Cover

AE Lock Pin
Distance Index

Bayonet for Hood
Lens Release Button

Inside the Palm Wing

Battery Check Button

Film Winding Mode/

Self-timer Button

-------

__

Illumination Window
Film Plane Indicator

Metering Mode Selector
Shooting Mode Selector

Neckstrap Ring
Back Cover Lock Button

Back Cover Latch
Mount Positioning Point
Focusing Ring
Stop-down Lever

tntfAH

- Viewfinder Display
Selector

- Manual Rewind
Button

%

- Film Winding Mode/
Self-timer Selector

Nomenclature

Viewfinder Eyepiece
Eyecup

Eyepiece Shutter Lever —

Film-load Check Window

Main Switch-—
Film Speed button
Tripod Socket

Exposure Compensation

Button

Shadow Control Button
Highlight Control Button

Exposure Preview Button
Back Cover
Palm Wing
Battery Chamber

Battery Magazine
Latch

126

Carrying the Camera

1) Thread the ends of the neckstrap through the
rings on the camera as shown.

127

2) Put the camera in the case as shown above.

* Canon offers two types of soft case in addition to the

standard semi hard case.

• Canon Snap Case T90 SA-3 can store the T90 with
the FD 35—70 mm f/3.5—4.5 lens

• Canon Snap Case T90 SB-3 can store the T90 with
the FD 35— 105 mm f/3.5—4.5 lens

(These products will be available soon.)

Main Features

1. BUILT-IN MOTOR DRIVE

A high film winding speed requires a high power­source voltage, which in the past has meant a lot

Df batteries. Unfortunately a lot of batteries make

a camera heavy and very inconvenient to carry.

The “realization of both low voltage and high film
winding speed" has therefore long been a

jream of camera makers. But Canon challenged

he inconsistency of a low voltage (i.e., a few bat­eries), high film winding speed camera, and
:ame up with the *3-motor system of the T90.
This camera has a built-in motor drive capable
)f a maximum of 4.5 frames/sec, using only 4
;ize-AA batteries.

There are three possible film winding speeds;
,HIGH (4.5 f.p.s.), LOW (2 f.p.s.), and SINGLE,

‘ilso, the automatic film winding speed change-

ver function will change the film winding speed

om HIGH to LOW mode when battery power

rops below a prescribed voltage, so more pic-

res can be taken with the same batteries.

* There are three motors, for mechanism

charge, film transport system and film
rewind, respectively, inside the camera.
Each motor is designed to best serve its
specific function, and the overall efficien
cy of carnera operation has thus been im
proved.

1

2. COMPLETE AUTOMATION OF FILM
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

An efficient film transport system (film load, wind
and rewind) is indispensable, but has little to do
with the photographer’s final purpose. With the
T90, the complete automation of the film trans
port system is based on the concept: “the opera
tion which does not relate to the photographer’s
objectives should be automated completely".

a. Autoload

As soon as the back cover is closed after
the film has been loaded, the camera ad
vances the film to the first usable frame
(approx. 2 secs).

b. Auto Wind

The film is advanced to the next frame
after exposure so you can always be look

ing through the viewfinder and never miss

a shot.

c. Auto rewind

At the end of the roll, the camera rewinds
the film and then stops (approx. 8 secs
using 24-exp. film).

r

Shooting with the Lens Set on “A”
Mark (Intermediate Operation)

1. Spot Metering......................................64

1. One-point spot metering

< Exposure Level Difference

Comparison >

2. Multi-spot metering.....................67

3. H/S Control.................................69

< Highlight control >.............................70

< Shadow control >

...................................

.............................

Shooting with the Lens off “A” Mark 73

1. Manual Override

2. Stopped-down AE..................................75

<Checking-Depth-of-field>

< Error Display >................................. 77

3. Stopped-down (Fixed Index) Metering.. 78
< Manual Diaphragm Control >
< Film Plane Indicator >

4. Bulb........................................................80

....................................

Other Shooting/

Exposure Compensation......................83

1. Self-timer Photography

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63

64

66

71

74

76

79

80

84

2. Exposure Compensation
< Exposure Compensation Index > ... 86

3. Multiple Exposures.................................88

<Clearing the Preset Exposures > .... 89

<Changing the Preset Exposures>... 90
<Exposure Compensation in Multiple

Exposures > .....................................90

4. Shooting with Infrared Film

5. Flash Photography.................................92

< Canon Speedlite 300TL>..................92

<Other Canon Speedlites>
< Other Makers’Flashes >

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86

91

96
97

Accessories...............................................97

Caring for Your Camera

......................

107

Other Notes..............................................108

Exposure Warning Displays

...........

111

Display Panel..........................................117

Viewfinder Information

....................

118

Specifications.........................................119

Index...........................................................122

Carrying the Camera

............................

127

3. AUTOMATIC FILM SPEED SETTING
(DX CODE)

When using a film with a DX code, the film
speed is automatically set according to the DX
code standard determined (ISO 25—5000).
When using a film without a DX code, a manual
film speed setting is also possible, from a winder
range of ISO 6—6400.

4. VERSATILE SHOOTING MODES

The T90 has various shooting modes to meet
the photographer's needs. The shooting modes
of the T90 are 1) shutter-priority AE, 2) aperture­priority AE, 3) standard program AE, 4) variable­shift program AE (select from seven kinds), 5)
manual override, 6) stopped-down AE and 7)
stopped-down fixed index metering.

5. VERSATILE METERING MODES

The T90 is the world’s first camera to have all
three metering distribution patterns, i.e. center­weighted average metering, partial metering,
and spot metering, built into one camera and
used by switching among the three patterns.
Multi-spot metering is also possible with a spe
cial button. In addition, the spot metering mode
has a memory function (approx. 30 secs) and
the AE lock mechanism comes on in both the
partial and spot metering modes when the shut
ter button is pressed down halfway. Exposure
compensation includes two methods: the expo
sure compensation index, which increments by

1 /3-steps, and the H/S control by 1 /2-step incre
ments. H/S control helps reproduce black and
white faithfully.

6. PMS SHUTTER

Canon developed the PMS (permanent magnet
shutter), permitting complete electronic control
between 1/4000 and 30 secs, effective for fill-in
flash photography This shutter is more stable
and durable thanks to four front shutter blades,
and four in the back, made of specially-coated
superduralmin. Another feature of this shutter is
that 1/2-step shutter speed settings such as

1 /3000 or 1 /750 are possible for the fastest shut

ter speed which applies to any situation.

7. LARGE LCD PANEL AND
VIEWFINDER INFORMATION

A lot of shooting information: film transport,
shooting mode, metering mode, shutter speed
and aperture value, is displayed on the large
liquid crystal display panel and in the viewfinder.
Reading the information, however, is fuss-free
because only the information required at the
time will be displayed. In addition, an illumination
function for the LCD panel is provided and the
viewfinder information can be completely turned
off, if unnecessary.

8. SUPERB BALANCE AND HANDLING

Based on in-depth studies, the shutter button is

at the position where your finger naturally rests.
The smooth and concentrated camera operation
can be performed by the pushbuttons and the
electronic input dial which can be handled while
holding the camera grip. The big grip is one of
the user-friendly designs of the T90 and its mate

rial was carefully chosen to prevent your hand
from slipping. Switches such as the self-timer
and the battery check, which are indispensable
for the camera but not used so often, are put

inside the palm wing on the side of the camera
to assure you of handling-ease.

9. ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY AND
ENERGY-SAVING DESIGN

The backbone of the T90’s micro-circuitry is the
dual CPU composed of the main CPU and the
sub-CPU. It operates the camera’s whole se
quence. Its circuitry scale is approx. 7.5 times
larger than that of the T70, and approx. 30 times

larger than that of the A-1. The shooting capacity,
"lowever, suffices using only four size-AA batter-

es, because of the high efficiency of the film
[ransport mechanism and the energy-saving
design of the circuitry.

10. TRENDSETTING ELEGANT

APPEARANCE

anon’s philosophy underlying the elegant curvi­inear appearance of the T90 is “a camera is a
)hotographic tool, so it must fit the natural shape
if the hand during holding and operation.” The

amera has been formed curved following er-

jonomic design, and so the appearance results

n improved operation-ease. Previously it was
relieved that mass production of a product with
I round keynote shape is difficult, but the highly
idvanced production technology Canon has ac­lumulated from years of experience makes it
jossible

11. COMPLETE COMPATIBILITY WITH
THE FD LENS

An SLR camera must not be limited by which

lenses it can use. The Canon T90 can make the

most of all the FD series lenses (more than 50,

ranging from a 7.5 mm fish-eye to a 800 mm

super telephoto lens) all renown for their out

standing color balance and high resolution.

12. SPECIAL ACCESSORIES

The complete range of special accessories
such as 1) the advanced Speedlite 300TL which
has solved the problem both with TTL and exter
nal flash systems, 2) the Macro Ring Lite ML-2
using TTL control system which is most effective
for close-up shooting, 3) the Data Memory Back
90 which can store shooting data, 4) the Com
mand Back 90 which can automatically imprint
several data and command camera operation,

5) the Wireless Controller LC-2 making remote
control photography possible with near-infrared
rays, and 6) interchangeable focusing screens,
are all optionally available.

10

Operation Summary

Here is the operation summary of the camera
explained. We hope you will get used to the
general use of the T90 before you go into
details on the camera.

In this instruction booklet, the LCD panel
display is simplified for your easy reference.

11

Canon

« ' • * j » ■ u - ^ I

¥ 1* ij- V ^

1. Set the lens to the “A” mark.

While pressing In the AE lock pin,
turn the aperture ring until the "A"
mark click-stops at the distance
index.

12

S»

2. Load the batteries.

1) Pull the battery magazine latch

out and turn it in the direction of
"OPEN" to pull the battery maga

zine out of the camera

2) Load the batteries so that their

terminals face in the directions in
dicated on the battery magazine.

3. Turn on the camera.

Slide the main switch to “A” to acti
vate the camera. The display will
come on at this time.

4. Check the batteries.

1) Open the palm wing and press
the battery check button (<=■) in it.

2) If two or more battery check
marks appear on the display

panel, battery power is sufficient.

13

SINGLE

''CO NT.

5. Load the film. “

1) Push the back cover latch down,
while pressing.the back cover
lock button.

2) Place the film cartridge in the film

chambeiS!^’'he■film-load check
mark ( ) will then appear on the
display panel.

3) Pull the film leader across the

back of the camera until its tip is

aligned with the orange index.

14

OK

y ' ■

X

6. The camera sets the first

usable frame automatically.

1) As soon as the back cover is
closed, the camera will advance
the film automatically until the
frame counter on the display
panel indicates “1”. (If the film has

not been correctly advanced, the

whole film transport bars blink to
warn you.)

2) When using DX-coded film, the

film speed is automatically set
and it appears on the display
panel while the camera is advanc
ing the film.

7. Set the film wiMing mode.

1) Open the palm wing and set the
film winding mode/self-timer
selector to “S-C"

2) Press and release the film winding
mode select button to set the
single-frame mode on the display
panel.

8. Set the shooting mode.

While pressing the shooting mode
selector, turn the electronic input
dial until “Program” is indicated on
the display panel.

15

Set the metering mode.

While pressing the metering
mode seleGtor, turn the electronic

input dial until “CH” (center-

weighted average metering) is in
dicated on the display panel

16

(Out of focus)

10. Focus the subject.

Turn the focusing ring until the
main subject looks sharp.

(In focus)

11. Confimi the viewfinder

information and shoot.

1 ) Press the shutter button halfway

to check the exposure. Exposure
wilt be correct unless the shutter
speed display and/or the aper
ture value display start blinking
in the viewfinder

2) Press the shutter button all the
way to take the picture The film
is automatically advanced to the
next frame.

12. The camera rewinds the

film automatically.ji ^

1) When the film reaches its end,
the camera will start rewinding
the film automatically?^ ®

2) When the roll is completely

rewound, film rewind stops auto
matically.

3) When the film-load check mark

( @t) starts blinking on the dis
play panel, open the back cover
to remove the film cartridge.

17

18

Preliminary
Preparations

19

1. Attaching the Lens

1) Turn the rear lens cap in the
direction of the arrow until it
stops, and pull it off the lens.

• To attach the rear lens
cap, align its arrow with
the red dot on the lens.
Then lightly push it in and
turn it clockwise until it
stops.

20

2) Turn the body cap counter
clockwise and pull it off.

• To attach the body cap,

first align its red position

ing point with the red dot

above the camera mount,
then turn the cap clock
wise.

3) To mount the lens, first align
the lens’ mount positioning
point with the camera’s red
dot.

Do not mount the lens if the red
dot inside the oamera mount is
showing; correct exposure is im
possible if you do In this case,
push in the stop-down lever so
that it locks in the normal position
and this warning mark can no
longer be seen.

f '

/

0 Then turn the lens clockwise

until it stops and the lens
release button pops out with

a click.

• To remove the lens, turn it
counterclockwise while
pressing the lens release
button.

5) Remove the front lens cap.

Lenses which cannot be mounted FL 50mmf/1.8-l
on the T90:

FL 19mmf/3.5

FL 58mmf/1 2
Lenses which cannot be used with
the T90’s meter for mechanical
reasons:

FL 19 mm f/3 5 Retro-focus

FL 35 mm f/2.5

Be sure to place the lens with its
front end down to avoid damaging
the protruding pins.

FL58mmf/1 2-11
(Use of an independent exposure
meter is recommended.)

21

2. Setting the Lens for AE Photography 3. Loading the

While pressing in the AE lock
pin, turn the aperture ring in

the direction of the arrow

until the “A" mark click-stops
at the distance index.

22

1) As shown in photo, pull the
battery magazine latch out
first and then turn it in the di
rection of the arrow (OPEN).
Pull the battery magazine out
of the camera.

Batteries

Load four new size-AA
alkaline-manganese batter
ies (LR6) so that their termi
nals face in the directions in
dicated on the battery maga

zine. The camera will not

function if the batteries are
loaded incorrectly.

3) Insert the loaded battery
magazine back in the
camera. While pressing the
latch firmly, turn it in the
reverse direction to lock it.

When you replace the batteries
with the camera mounted on a
tripod, loosen the tripod screw
slightly before replacing the batter
ies.

23

4. Turning on the Camera

5*. .1*. .fl -2 4

Slide the main switch to "A".
The dispiay will come on at
this time. If the display does
not appear, confirm fhaf the
batteries are loaded correctly.

24

(example)

5. Checking the

1) Open the palm wing on the
side of the camera and press
the battery check button

(cm). Battery voltage is then

shown on the display panel.

I Batteries

Replace the batteries with new ones,

• Even if one blinking bar mark or no bar mark appears on the display panel while checking

the batteries, exposure will be correct as long as the shutter releases. (— p. 109)

25

< Batteries >

This camera will not operate
without batteries. Try to make a

habit of checking the batteries
at the following times.

• After loading new batteries.

• After storing the camera for a

long time.

• If the shutter does not

release.

• When you are using the

camera in low temperatures.

• Before shooting important

events.

Use a new set of batteries as specified
below or equivalent batteries of another
brand

1 Four AA size 1.5 V alkaline batteries

LR6 (AM-3)

2. Four AA size 1 5 V carbon-zinc batter
ies R6 (SUM-3)

3 Four AA size 1 2 V Ni-Cd batteries

26

Notes

• Always use four new batteries

of the same brand and re

place them both at the same
time.

• Wipe the battery terminals
and the camera contacts
with a clean, dry cloth before
loading, to ensure proper con
tact.

• Remove the batteries if you
do not expect to use the
camera for about three
weeks or longer.

• When shooting in tempera

tures below 0°C (32°F), keep
your camera and spare bat
teries close to your body or in
a pocket to keep them warm
until you are ready to take a

picture. You can also use a
set of Ni-Cd batteries which

function well in low tempera
tures — approx. 15 rolls in
the HIGH mode and 45 rolls

in the LOW mode at —20°C
(—4°F) with 24-exp. film. (-^

p34)

1

When using Ni-Cd batteries,
please note that different

brands have different types
of terminals. Be sure to use a
type which is suitable for the
camera.

Refer to the manufacturer's

instructions for recharging

Ni-Cd batteries.
Three bars ( —) may not

appear on the display panel
during the battery check,
even if using fully charged

Ni-Cd batteries, because of
their low nominal voltage.
The battery naturally dis
charges even when not in

use, so try to check the bat
teries regularly.

27

6 Loading the Film

1) To open the back cover, push
the back cover latch down,
while pressing the back
cover lock button.

28

2) Insert the upper flat end of
the film cartridge into the film
chamber first, then lower the
other end. The film-load
check mark ( ) will then
appear on the display to indi
cate that film is loaded.

CAUTION

• Before loading the first film cartridge, remove the plastic insert and throw
it away.

• NEVER touch the shutter curtain. It is sensitive to pressure due to its high
precision design.

• Be careful that the film leader does not touch the shutter curtain, either.

3) Pull the film leader across the
back of the camera until its

tip is aligned with the orange

index.

OK

4) Make sure that the film has

no slack and that its perfora
tions are properly engaged

ll with the sprocket teeth.

If trie film leader extends past
trie orange index, take out ttie
film cartridge and manually wind
trie excess film back into ttie car
tridge.

5) Close the back cover. The
camera will advance the film
automatically and stop when
"1” appears in the frame
counter brackets on the dis
play panel.

Wtien the humidity is high, film

becomes soft and is easily torn.

Keep the film stored in its canis
ter until just before you load it to
keep it from tearing.

29

ISO

in n
iu u

While the camera is ad
vancing the film, the film
transport bars (also serve
as the battery check
marks) \a/III appear at the
bottom of the display
panel moving in sequence
from left to right. If the film

has not been correctly ad
vanced, however, the bars
blink after the camera has
stopped. In that case,
reload the film.

30

SIKOUE
[^CONT

tnn

lU U

Pr

ISO

ogran

(Correct film

transport
display)

<Automatic Setting of the Film Speed >

A -so 7 "

The T90 is designed to automati
cally set film speed by sensing

he DX code marked on the film
bassette.

DX code will appear on
the display panel while
the camera is advancing
the film toward the first
usable frame. (Refer to

1 When using a film with DX

the left page.)

code, you do not have to
set the film speed. (ISO

25-5000)

• The film speed automati
cally set according to the

Film passing through X-ray examinations at airports,
even when loaded In a camera, may be exposed
and ruined. To avoid accidental exposure, tell the
inspector you want your camera and film hand

l^hecked

When using a film without
DX code, set the film
speed manually.

1) While pressing the film

speed button, turn the
electronic input dial until
the film speed (indicated
by ISO) of your film ap
pears on the display
panel, (ISO 6-6400)

2) Remove your finger from

the film speed button.

• The preset film speed
will appear and blink
on the display panel to
warn you if the film
speed is not set.
Always be sure to set
the film speed correct
ly. (Once the film
speed is set, the warn
ing stops.)

31

Shooting with the Lens
Set on *‘A” Mark

(Basic Opeiation)

33

1. Setting the Film Winding Mode

Shooting Capacity (with 24-exp. film)

Battery

Temperatufs'^—

Normal

(20°C/68°F)

Low

(-10”C/14”F)

Low

(-20°C/-4°F)

C (CONTINUOUS) •

Film winding

mode
HIGH
LOW
HIGH

LOW 7

HIGH

LOW 1 -

(based on Canon's standard test method)

Alkaline

(LR6/AM-3)

75

150 30

H (HIGH): max, 4.5 frames per second

L (LOW): max. 2 frames per second

Carbon-zinc

- -

-

(R6/SUM-3)

10

3

-

S (SINGLE): single frame

f

-------------------------

<a

____

34

1) Open the palm wing and set the film winding

mode/self-timer selector to “S-C”.

S-C : film winding mode setting

1$) : self-timer setting p.84)

2) Press and release the film winding mode
button (also serves as the self-timer button)

to set the desired film winding mode on the
display panel

Automatic Film Winding Speed Changeover Function

The Canon T90 has an automatic film winding
speed changeover function which will change the
film winding speed from HIGH to LOW mode when
battery power drops below a prescribed voltage.
This saves battery energy and extends battery life,
so more pictures can be taken with the same batter
ies.
When the winding speed is automatically switched

to the LOW from HIGH, the mark pointing at the

HIGH on the display panel starts blinking to warn
you.
In this case:
1 It you wish to drive the camera in the HIGH

mode, replace the batteries with new ones

2 It you want to make the blinking stop,

though you continue to shoot in the LOW mode,
press the film winding mode button to set the
"►" mark to LOW mode on the display panel.

35

2. Setting the Shooting Mode

< Shooting Modes of the T90 >

The Canon T90 has various shooting modes to
meet your needs and what you want your pic
ture to portray. The following is an explanation
of the shooting modes in which the FD lens
must be set to the “A” mark. (AE photogaphy Is
possible only with FD lenses.)

1. Shutter-priority AE (with safety

shift function)

You set the shutter speed and the camera au
tomatically chooses the correct aperture for
the lighting conditions. This mode is useful
for taking pictures of moving subjects and for
normal snap shots. By controlling the shutter
speed, you can also control the subject’s
movement. Faster shutter speeds freeze sub
ject motion while slower shutter speeds can
provide artistic blur effects.

<Shutter-priority safety shift

function (ON/OFF possibie) >

If the selected shutter speed is too slow or

too fast for the light conditions, the T90 auto

matically switches the shutter speed to a
higher or a lower one to avoid under- or

overexposure.

36

Shutter-priority AE with safety shift functioh
(when the shutter speed is set to 1 /125 sec and the FD 50
mm f/1 4 lens is used)

Aperture

-------

«-SHUTTW SPCO

Shutter Speed

2. Aperture-priority AE (with safety

shift function)

You set the aperture and the camera auto
matically chooses the correct shutter speed

for the lighting conditions. This mode is

useful for portraits, landscapes and still life
photography in which depth of field, i.e. the
range of in-focus images is an important

factor.

< Aperture-priority safety shift

function (ON/OFF possibie)>

If the selected aperture is too large or too
small for the lighting conditions, the T90 auto
matically switches the aperture to a smaller
or larger one to avoid incorrect exposure

Aperture-priority AE with safety shift function

(when the aperture is set to f/5.6 and the FD 50 mm f/1 4

lens is used)

5. i. J. e, 9, 11, n 11 11 15 11 n II It M 11 n _j..

__

j

1

I

Aperture

30 1 s

t

S 1 9 «Ò S 2^ io 5 D IE

Shutter Speed

Is 20

D

37

3. standard program AE (Program)

Both the shutter speed and the aperture are
automatically set according to the brightness
of the subject and a programmed shutter
speed/aperture combination. The standard
program AE is the most popular programmed
AE because it emphasizes neither the shutter

38

speed nor the aperture size. The program AE
mode is convenient for those who are taking
pictures with an SLR for the first time, those
who do not like to worry about complicated
operation, those who would simply like to
concentrate on picture composition, or daily
snap shots.

4. Variable-shift program AE

This is also the program AE mode as men
tioned above, but there are 7 types of pro
grammed characteristics in this mode

Choose any one of them according to your
shooting objectives and the focal lengh of
your lens

Standard program AE (P)

This has all the same programmed charac
teristics as No. 3, but is displayed in “P” on
the display panel while the No. 3 is displayed
in “Program". This mode is basically oriented
toward the tele programs and the wide pro
grams when using the electronic input dial.

39

Tele Program AE (TELE 1 -TELE 3)

Tele program’s shutter speed/aperture com

bination is programmed so that the camera

chooses the fastest possible shutter speed. It

is effective for emphasizing the main subject

by making the depth-of-fieid shallower. It is

aiso weli suited to stopping action in, for

example, sports photography. When using a

telephoto lens, a small amount of blur due to

camera shake, becomes accentuated be

cause of its iong focal length. This program's

fast shutter speeds reduce the risk of blur.

Wide Program AE (WIDE 1 -WIDE 3)

The wide program chooses the smaiiest

possible aperture, thus allowing a deep

depth-of-field. It is suitable for bringing not

oniy the main subject but also the back

ground and foreground into sharp focus and

so is appropriate for landscapes or large

group shots.

There are four other shooting modes, though the
FD lens must be removed from the “A" mark.

Manual Override (—* p.74)
Stopped-down AE p.75)
Stopped-down (Fixed Index) Metering (—* p.78)

Bulb (—" p.80)

40

WIDE P-3

STANDARD

TELE P-3

<Setting Each Mode >

MULTI

EXP

HETEftlftC

s

To select a mode, while pressing the shooting
mode selector, turn the electronic input dial
until the desired shooting mode appears on
the display panel. (The display moves in the
following cycle.)

1. Setting the shutter-priority AE

1) While pressing the shooting mode selector,
turn the electronic input diai untii the “Tv” in
dicating the shutter-priority AE appears on

the display panel,

2) Remove your finger from the shooting mode

selector. At this point, the initial shutter speed
setting is always 125. (1 /125 sec)

3) Turn the electronic input dial until the desired

shutter speed is displayed on the display
panel

Shutter speed display

4000 3000

2000 1500

180 125 90 60 45 30

0"7 1 " 1"5

2" 3" 4" " 8" 10" 15" 20" 30"

1000 750 500 360 250

20 15 10 8 6

4 3 2

Note

The shutter speed is automatically set to 1/125
sec when switching to the shutter-priority AE
mode from other modes

42

---------------

►

SINGLE

^

1г5

_____________

г~

^ CONT.

Ti

L_

_и

L

ю С 0

2. Setting the aperture-priority AE

1) While pressing the shooting mode selector,
turn the electronic input dial until the "Av" in
dicating the aperture-priority AE appears on
the display panel.

2) Remove your finger from the shooting mode
selector. At this point, the initial aperture set
ting is always 5.6. (f/5.6)

3) Turn the electronic input dial until the desired
aperture value is displayed on the display
panel.

Aperture value display

1.2 1.4 1.8 2.0 2.5 2.8 3.5 4 45 5.6 67 8 95
11 13 16 19 22 27 32

Notes

The aperture is automatically set to f/5.6
when switching to the aperture-priority AE
mode from other modes.

Be sure that the aperture value set on the dis
play panel is between the maximum and
minimum aperture of your lens. Otherwise
exposure will be incorrect, (e g. when using
the FD 50 mm f/1.4 lens, set the aperture be
tween f/1.4and f/22.)

SINGLE

(a

5,5

___

( p
I

___

D

” CONT.

43

< Setting the Safety Shift Function >

1) Set the T90 to the shutter-priority AE (Tv) or
the aperture-priority AE (Av).

2) Press both the film speed button and the

exposure compensation button at the same
time for approx. 1 sec

3) The “ E ’’ mark indicating the safety shift

will then appear on the display panel and the
safety shift function will be activated.

4) To clear the safety shift function, press both

the film speed button and the exposure com
pensation button again until the “ E ”

disappears.

Note

Setting the safety shift function is possible in any

mode, but is effective oniy in the shutter-priority AE
and the aperture-priority AE modes.

44

3. Setting the standard program AE

1) While pressing the shooting mode selector,
turn the electronic input dial until “Program"
appears on the display panel.

2) Remove your finger from the shooting mode
selector.

(§1.

Pr

од ram

SINGLE

V CONT.

Ti

45

4. Setting the variable-shift program

AE

46

3 Setting the Metering Mode

< Metering Modes of the T90 >

With the T90, the metering mode, i.e, the
metering sensitivity pattern, can be changed
regardless of which lens you use or the sub
ject you are shooting.

Do not use a linear polarization filter

Center-weighted average metering

This is a convenient metering system for
general photography under normal shooting
conditions. The meter measures the entire
viewing area, emphasizing the central portion
where the subject is most iikeiy to be and di

minishing toward the edges.

(Metering sensitivity distribution pattern)

(When using FD 50 mm f/1 4 lens)

47

2 Partial metering

This system, with its 13% coverage of the
field of view, allows you to meter only the cen
tral portion of the image in the viewfinder. It is

particularly effective for metering backlit sub
jects, such as a person in front of a bright
window.

(Metering sensitivity distribution pattern)

(When using FD 50 mm 1/1 4 lens)

48

3 Spot metering

Spot metering is ideal for subjects which re
quire precise measurement. Since the meter

ing area is 2.7% of the field of view, you can
select a small, exact area from the overall
scene. It is especially advantageous for
stage photography, photomacrography and
photomicrography.

(Metering sensitivity distribution pattern)

(When using FD 50 mm f/1 4 iens)

< Setting Each Mode >

While pressing the metering mode selector,
turn the electronic input dial until the desired

metering mode appears on the display panel.
(The display moves cyclically.)

□

j Center-weighted average

metering display

Partial metering display

Spot metering display

49

4. Mow to Use the Metering Modes

1 Center-weighted average metering

This is the normai setting position used for
generai photography, and is recommended
especialiy for AE photography.

50

2 Partiai metering

With this metering system, the AE lock
mechanism is on as long as the shutter
button is being pressed haifway down.

1 ) Put the main subject in the center of the view-

finder so that the partiai metering mark
covers it.

2) Press the shutter button halfway and com
pose the picture. A red mark (AE iock
LED) wiii then appear in the viewfinder.

• If desired, whiie continuing to hold down

the shutter button, recompose the picture
so that the subject is not in the center. The
same exposure vaiue is kept locked in the
camera’s memory by the AE lock function
even when the picture is recomposed.

Partial metering mark

< Sequential AE lock photography >

When shooting continuously using the AE

lock mechanism in the same lighting con

ditions (e.g. backlit subjects), it is not

necessary to meter the subject for each

shot as long as you keep the shutter

button pressed halfway down between

exposures.

Please see p.64 on how to use the spot
metering mode.

51

5. Focusing

1) While looking into the viewfinder, turn the
focusing ring until the main subject Is sharp.

52

Out of focus

2) The subject is in focus when the upper and
lower halves of the central split rangefinder
merge to become one unbroken image

In focus

New split rangefinder

This divides the subject in haif horizontaiiy. The
subject is in focus when the two haives merge to
become one unbroken image.

Microprism rangefinder

This breaks the subject into tiny fragments, caus
ing a shimmering effect when out of focus. The
subject is in focus when the image in the mi
croprism ring is ciear and not shimmering.

Laser-matte screen

This screen can be used on all surfaces. The
subject is in focus when the image is not fuгzy.

The T90's focusing screen can be changed accord
ing to the subject you are shooting and the lens In
use, (— p-104)

53

6. Shooting

SB

1 ) Gently press the shutter button halfway down

to check the exposure. Exposure will be cor
rect unless the aperture value and/or the
shutter speed blink in the viewfinder.

2) Compose the picture and gently press the

shutter button all the way to take the picture.
The film will be automatically advanced to
the next frame.

• If the correct exposure is not possible, the
aperture value and/or the shutter speed
will blink in the viewfinder to warn you of
incorrect exposure

• Please see p.111 on the exposure warning
displays and how to correct each case.

54

f il

L f A ISO

3) Slide the main switch to “L" to turn off the
camera when shooting is finished.

• Press the shutter button GENTLY for the
least camera shake.

• When shooting continuously, the viewfin

der information will not be displayed. Your

picture, however, will be correctly exposed
since exposure will not be affected.

• The film will be automatically advanced to

the next frame after exposure and the
frame counter on the display panel also in
dicates the next frame to be exposed.

<Viewfinder Information Examples >

Correct exposure (solid)

■ IBS 5 . 5

1

Shutter speed

Incorrect exposure (blinking)

_______________1_t__

m 1^5

Shutter speed Aperture

1

Aperture

A.

1 . H

i ' r '

r ' '

Shutter speed Aperture

55

<Exposure Preview Button >

Exposure preview button

When you only want to check the exposure,

press the exposure preview button instead of
the shutter button. When the exposure pre
view button is pressed, the viewfinder infor

mation is turned on just as when the shutter

button is pressed halfway.

• The exposure preview button is arranged
so that you can press it while turning the
electronic input dial.

56

<Remaining Frame Counter >

You can check how many frames remain any
time, even during shooting, as displayed on
the right of the viewfinder

—a —7

-4 -3 -2 -T

When using a film with DX code

The remaining frames are displayed on the

right of the viewfinder by the “ m ” mark, “F”
(Film) and the figure.

• The figure display appears only when the
remaining frames has become less than 9.

When the T90 is used in the spot metering mode,
the stopped-down (fixed index) metering mode or
the FE lock mode together with the Speedlite 300TL,
" • ” mark is not displayed. (Only “F” and the fig
ures from 1 to 9 are displayed.)

2 When using a film without DX code

The display is only "F”,

57

< Viewfinder Display Selector >

FfNDEfl

lo

All the viewfinder information (both the right

and the bottom of the viewfinder) can be

turned off to save battery consumption. The
whole display panel and the viewfinder infor

mation on the right can be illuminated to
make shooting in the dark easier. Use the

viewfinder display selector inside the palm
wing.

58

• : The entire viewfinder information can be

turned ON.

O : The entire viewfinder information can be

turned OFF.

Tqc : The display panel and the viewfinder in

formation on the right are illuminated
when the shutter button is pressed half
way.

7. Automatic Film Rewind

(Si...

@1...

At the end ot the roll, the camera rewinds the film
automatically

1) While the camera is rewinding the film, the
film transport bars will move in sequence
from right to left to indicate that the film is
being rewound At this time, the frame count
er will count down.

2) Film rewind stops automatically when the roll

is completely rewound.

59

3) Open the back cover when the film-load

check mark ( @ ) starts blinking

60

4) Remove the film cartridge.

5) Slide the main switch to “L" to turn off the

camera.