The Canon T-90 - The Last Great Manual-Focus Canon
I recently acquired a Canon T-90. I bid low on eBay and got it, along with a matched TTL flash and a 50mm f1.4 lens. All were in very good condition. The T-90 is a bit of an experiment. Canon started to phase out their A series cameras (AE-1, A-1,, etc.), which were groundbreaking electronic wonders. I personally thought the A-1 was a let down when I finally got one, only because of the way I shoot. I prefer manual mode, and the A-1 was built with automation in mind, so I never warmed up to it. Now mind you, I think it's a brilliant camera for its time. Beautiful design, accurate meter and shutter, exciting new features, years ahead of its time, etc. I don't hate the A-1 (I still shoot with it occasionally), I respect it. But I have to say I respect Canon's lenses more. Some of my sharpest pictures are from the Canon FD line of manual-focus lenses. I have a nice line up, all the way from an extremely fun 17mm to a 100-300mm zoom. I resurrected my beautiful A-1 by fixing the dreaded "Canon Squeak." I then started to have power issues. Although I love my AE-1, I found myself just letting my Canon gear sit unused for long periods of time. I wanted to shoot with those lenses, but my bodies were just not up to the task. What to do? I thought of going down the F1n route (there older pro line which never caught on). I might buy one someday with the right opportunity, but it's just too expensive. So, I began researching the T-series cameras as an alternative. The one camera that kept popping up as the one to have was the T-90. In 1986, the T-90 was the last of the manual-focus Canons before they abandoned the FD series lenses in favor of a completely new mount, the EF autofocus series for the new EOS line of cameras. This was a huge risk for Canon, but a potentially great reward. I think it was a very smart move, because when anybody thinks great professional camera, only two come to mind - Nikon and Canon. But this huge step came about in baby steps first. The T-series cameras bridged the gap, building on the success of the A-series, and bringing new innovations to consumers. The T-90, though short-lived, was the last baby step before EOS. It even looks like an EOS camera. The smooth form factor, the LCD panel on top, the forward trigger button, the built-in motor drive, the function wheel, the menus. These now-familiar features were a brand new way of thinking in 1986. Today, the T-90 sort of looks like a modern digital SLR. In fact, I've threatened to put a picture on the back of the film door and look at it after each shot, just like digital shooters do. I bet people wouldn't even look at you twice. I love shooting with this camera. Of course it feels nice in the hands, it's ergonomically designed. There's not a vast amount of info in the viewfinder, but enough to get the shot. The spot meter averaging feature is the main reason I own this camera. It's very similar to the Olympus OM-4 spot metering (which they invented first). The touch-sensative shutter button works very similar to today's cameras, but lacks a now common feature. If you touch the button slightly, the meter comes to life - that's good. If you take a picture and keep your finger on the button, it retains the exposure. If you take it off, even for a second, you must re-meter - not good. I will learn how to get around this, I'm just spoiled with today's cameras that leave the meter (and memory) on for 30-seconds. I really can't complain though, it was a 1980's wonder camera. My only real complaint is the ugly front. That logo with T90 and the features listed on the front look like a peel away sticker for the showroom. I might paint over that and glue a new Canon logo on there. With the chimp picture on the back and the new logo on the front, I'm ready for everyone to think I'm part of the digital age! Enjoy a few pictures from my first test roll on Ilford Delta 100 B&W film. Now to dust off those old lenses.