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EXPOSURE
MODE
Lightreachingthe film is controlledby shutterspeed and lens
aperture.The propercombinationresultsin a correctexposure.
Shutterspeed and lens aperturesettingsare based on the ISO
speedset for the film in use and the operationof the camera's
exposurecontrolsystem.
Therelationshipbetweenapertureand shutterspeed is as
follows:One changein shutterspeedeitherdoublesor halves
the amountof lighttransmitted.For example,a shutterspeed
of 1/500sec. passeshalfthe lightof 1/250and doublethe light
of 1/1000 sec. The aperturef/B passeshalfthe lightof f/5.6
and doublethe lightof f/11. lf the correctexposurefor a scene
is 1/5OO alf/8, thenwe can alsoselect1/25Oalf/11or 1/1000
at f/5.6 and achievethe same exoosureresults,and so on,

*
f
Meteringrange
(forMatrixand Gentre-Weighted
Meteringwith AF Nikkor50mmf/l.4 lens)
rso6

rs050
rs0r00
rs0200
ts0400
1S0
800
ls0r600
rs03200
ts06400

49
 EXPOSURE
SELECTING MODE ProgrammedAuto exposure mode (P/R)
Selectingthe exposurecontrolmode meansdecidingif you V/iththe F90X'smicrocomputer choosingthe combinationof
want the shutterspeed and/orlensapertureto be set shutterspeed and apertureautomatically, you can concentrate
automaticallyor manually. on picturecomposition,withoutworryingaboutexposure.
The Nikon F90Xcameraofferstwo types of programmedauto Note that programmed auto exposuremodes operate only with
exposuremodes,Auto Multi-Program (P)andVari-Program (Pt, Nikon/ensesthat have a built-in CPU (AF Nikkorand Al-P
Auto (5),Apefture-Priority
as well as Shutter-Priority Auto (H), Nikkor/enses,). ,.
and Manual(li)exposuremodes.
When R for Vari-Programis selected,you havea choiceof
I sevenoptions:(1)PortraitProgram,(2) PodtraitProgramwith
/ Red-EyeReduction,(3)HyperfocalProgram,(4) Landscape
Program,(5)SilhouetteProgram,(6)SportProgramand (7)
Close-UpProgram,
For detailsaboutVari-Program,see pp. 67-85.

Auto Multi-Program(P)is used for most common picture{aking

The chartat rightshowsthe shutterspeed/apefture
situations.
combinations for Auto Multi-Programthat are selectedat each
EV (exposurevalue)brightnesslevel.

In ProgrammedAuto exposuremode, you can use the Flexible

Data Link System users Programfunctionto temporarilyshiftan automatically
selected
You can createan originalprogramlineas your own shutterspeed/aperlurecombinationand obtainthe desired
CustomProgram.For details,see the AC-2Ecard (p. 55).
shutterspeed/aperture
instruction
manual.

50 www.orphancameras.com
r, .
Auto-MultiProgram chart (at ISO 100)
Tocheck shutterspeed and aperturevalues,follow eitherthe
blackor red lineto whereit intersectsthe diagonalline,

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I 9 10 11 12 13 14
eV

il14 tc

2 to

..''161s
2.8 ,,' ' 17

4 18

56 19

8 20

11 21

16

23

32

30 15 I 4 2 1 1/2 1/4 118 1/15 1/30 1/60 11125 t""

174ggo1/8ooo

With50mmf/l.4
.....-With180mmf/2.8
With300mmf/4
WithAFZoom-Nikkor 28-70mm t,13.5-t14.5
at28mmand
70mmfocallengthsettings
-.-.-.. High-brightness
limitforMatrix
Metering

J I
Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure mode
You manuallyset the shutterspeed you want. To freezethe
action,use a high shutterspeed;to createmotioneffects,
ehoose a slowershutterspeed.The F90X'smicrocomputer
automaticallysets the properapertureto match the manually
selectedshutterspeedfor correctexposure.See pp. 56-59 for
Auto operation.
Shutter-Priority
Notethat Shutter-PriorityAuto exposuremode operatesonly'
with Nikon/ensesthat havea built-inCPU (AFNikkorand Al-Po
Nikkor/enses).
/F
Manualexposuremode
Manualexposurecontrolallowsyou to make both apertureand
shutterspeed settings.For a technicallycorrectexposure,
followthe recommendation of the camera'slightmeter,as
indicatedby LCD readout.To achievea specificcreativeeffect
(e.9.,intentional
blur,intentionalurrder-or over-exposure),
disregardthe LCD and modifyth€r,recoffirflendedexposure
'.,
settings.
For Manualexposureoperation,see pp. 63-66,

Aperture-PriorityAuto exposure mode

You can controldepth of field by varyingthe aperture.Smaller
aperturesmakethe backgroundand foregroundsharper
(recommended for landscapepictures)whilelargerapertures
tend to blurthe background(recommended for poftraits).
Your selectedaperturewill determinethe shutterspeed that is
automatically set by the camera'smicrocomputer. When using
smallerapertureswith correspondingly slowershutterspeeds,
rememberthat, generally, any speedbelow 1/(focallengthin
use)second,requiresthe use of a tripodto preventpictureblur
due to camerashake.The higherthe corresponding shutter
speedto the apertureyou set, the easierit is to stop action.
Adjustthe selectedaperlureif the speed is not appropriatefor
conditionsor the specificeffectyou want.
ForAperture-Priority Auto operation,see pp. 60-62.

52 www.orphancameras.com
Pictures
takenat differentshutterspeeds Picturestakenat differentapertures
 EXPOSURE
SETTING MODE

D For users of lenses that have no CPU, or

F it5 F5.E
accessoriessuch as bellows attachment or
WhilepressingMODEbutton,rotatecommanddial.The extension rings
exposuremode changesas in the followingsequence: UseAperture-Priority Auto or Manualexposuremode.
Auto Multi-Program or Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure
P Auto Multi-Program + Auto
5 Shutter-Priority mode automatically shiftsto Aperture-PriorityAuto
AI
NV exposuremodewith r- - and blinkingexposuremode
fi Manual Auto
fl Aperture-Priority indicator.(lf MatrixMeteringis set on the camera,
meteringsystemis alsoautomatically shiftedto Centre-
Weightedand @ blinks).Vari-Program cannotbe usedfor
. To activateVari-Program, use Psbutton.For details,see pp.
67-85.
. lf yourCustomProgramhas beenstoredin the camera,P
with iP willappearin the LCD betweenfi and P .

54 www.orphancameras.com
 PROGRAM
FLEXIBLE
Tochangethe shutterspeed/aperture combinationin Auto
Multi-Program, Vari-Program or CustomProgram,use the
FlexibleProgramfunction.FlexibleProgramletsyou temporarily
changean automatically set shutterspeed/aperture
combination in 1/3 EV steps*,whilemaintaining
a correct
exoosure,
FlexibleProgramfunctioncan be usedwith any Nikon
Speedlight. When performingflashphotography,however,you^
cannotshiftshutterspeedover 1/250sec, ( i)
- Atthough shutterspeedindication changesin 1/3 EVsfeps, * o o(F*X60 Ffl)
apertureindicationchanges in 1A/ steps. t
2.furn commanddialuntildesiredshutterspeedor aperture
valueappearsin viewfinderand in LCD panel.The Flexible
Programindicator(P-)appearsto indicatethe programhas
beenshiftedor changed,
o The shiftedprogramis maintained as longas the exposure
meterstayson, unlessyou turn the commanddialto the
previousshutterspeed/aperture.As soon as the meter
switchesoff (i.e.,the vieMinderand LCD paneldisplays
disappear), FlexibleProgramis cancelled.
FlexibleProgramis alsocancelledwhen you switchthe
exposuremodeto anothermode,readjustthe camera
settingsor turn off the powerswitch.
@ P (ir'5 F5.5 (r)
1. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton,

55
OPERATION
IN SHUTTER-PRIORITY
AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE

J
& o F5.6

1. Set lensto its minimumaperluresetting(highestf-number). 2. WhilepressingMODEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntil,,S"

WithAF Nikkorand Al-P Nikkorlenses,lock lensapertureat appearson LCD paneland viewfinoer.
minimumsetting(referto lensinstructionmanual).

lf "bulb"is set on the camera,selectingthe Shutter-

Priority(S)Auto exposuremodewillcausebui-h to
blink-a warningthat the "bulb"settingcannotbe used in
the S mode.

www.orphancameras.com
{lfiiritli:iiilj,tiiiiijijj.liiir}i:1{i1:jrili::i:it:ir.iijl irLitiiiiiiiilii:liiti.trllrr itijiljl:liiiiiuiiiirutt!
56
 D ,5(l5n) F'1 ( i) *,
3.Removefingerfrom MODE button,and rotatecommanddial composeand lightlypressshutter
4. Look insideviewfinder,
to selectdesiredshutterspeed. set aperturevalue.
releasebutton.Confirmthe automatically
Shutterspeedindicationchanges1/3 step at a time in the
followingsequence:
l [ " i 5 " d n " i \ " l ] " | f i "E " E " 5 " l " J " d , 5 " c " " l , F "
i,J"!"1,J i,5ll,5l{5EH ia il i5 la15
Ja In 5o Fa fio laa ld5 i6a loa d5a lla loa 5oa
61a ffaa laaa il5a iEoa loaa f5aa Jlao laon
5aaa 6Yaa Eaoa

ri i i{Lriliirii:lixl xliiiriiil! r, fi iiixrliiqiiitr ili rj;lr:t

)jiir'.iili

lf meterhas automaticallyturnedoff, alongwith LCD

turn on meter-and LCD readout-againby
indications,
lightlypressingshutterreleasebutton.

il
''f',:,ii,t,.,,-
ijiliil**jiii::iliii:rj+lilriir,iltiriiwrli..,..lriiiiliijlrilillrrliirlJ,.,,inr!
i,rlu,*lltrrlrll,,:r
q7
 lf H i appears in the aperture position
with electronic analog
d isplay*-Overexposure alert: Select
highershutterspeed or use Nikon ND
filter.
lf rEEblinks in the aperture
position-Lens setting error alert:
Lens is not set to smallestaperture
settingand shutteris locked.Set lensto
smallestaperture,and lock setting.

{
s
lf io appears in the aperture position lf t mark in green appears-Flash
with electronic analog photography is recommended: lf
d isplay-Underexposure alert: subjectbrightnessis insufficient,I mark
Selectslowershutterspeed, or use lightsup in green.Use NikonSpeedlight.
accessoryNikonSpeedlight.

* Shows
valuedifference
fromcorrect
exposure.
lf difference
is beyond+lEV,) forunderexposure
ortl foroverexposure
appears.

www.orphancameras.com
 'il
{
5.To take the picture,fullydepress
shutterreleasebutton.

DataLink SystemUsers
The AC-2E card's User Custom Option letsyou activate
the electronicbeeperfor exposurealeft.
OPERATION
IN APERTURE.PRIORITY
AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE
,r5(15.8)

o (Fl)'',
rE)''l rEf
1. WhilepressingM0DEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntilF
appearson LCD paneland viewfinder.
. lf usingan AF Nikkoror Al-P lens,makesure it is not
lockedto smallestapefturebeforenext steo.
,q tl5 (r5.8
2. Removefingerfrom MODE buttonand set lensto desiredf-
numberby rotatinglensaperturering.
Apertureset on lensis indicatedin the LCD paneland
viewfinderas follows:
Fi Fi.r.frd rl.6 FY F5.5FH Fi i r i6 rll rld ry5 r6y
(Availableapertureslimitedto thoseof lensin use.)
o Intermediate figure(e.9.r i.E,Fi.l) displayedindicates
maximumapeftureof lensin use.Also,with zoom lenses,
the maximumaperturefor differentfocallengthsettings
appearsin 1/6 EVsteps.

www.orphancameras.com
With lenseshaving no CPU, F-- appears 3. Look insidevieMinder,composeand lightlypressshutter
instead of aperture value in LCD panel and releasebutton.Confirmautomatically set shutterspeed.
viewfinder. . lf shutterspeedindicatedis 1/(lensfocallength)sec. or
With Al-type lenses includingAl-modified Nikkor slower,the picturemay come out blurred.To avoidthis,hold
lenses:Confirmaoerturevalueon lensbarrel. camerafirmlyor use a tripod.
With lenseshavingfixed aperture,such as Reflex-
Nikkor lenses:Apefturecannotbe changed.
With lenseshaving no auto diaphragmsuch as PC-
Nikkor lenses:Switchto Manualexposuremode (pp.63-
66)

ol
 lf tf i appears in the shutter speed position with
electronic analog d isplay"-Overexposu re alert: Select
smalleraperture(largerf-number)or use ND filter,

{
&
4. To takethe picture,fullydepress
lf I o appears in the shutter speed position with shutterreleasebutton.
electronic analog display.-Underexposure alert:
Selectwideraperture(smallerf-number),or use a Nikon
Speedlight.

. Showsvaluedifference
frzmclrrectexposure.
lf difference
is beyond+1
EV,,forunderexposure
0r<
foroverexposure
appears.
rd,l. X,9iaY,+9il?.rSld.,9iLi1qhYr..9,.ii3fqia39id3rqA?il6t;Yl{ii;EiKii..{n}iYriS''d{{F..Pri619.i.6ij:961

!r: $ DataLinkSystemUsers
f i mark in green appears-Flash photography ff The AC-2Ecard's UserCustom
ifi
recommended:lf subjectbrightnessis insufficient, Option letsyou activatethe
.{
'fi
ready-lightblinks.Use NikonSpeedlight, electronicbeeperfor exposure
+,t alert.

Llh**r*.*,*rrn***rr**r^"*rrsl*r#ri#!#ayra'#ir*yrb..r*i61'r-,,Layrglsf.lb1d&6r

www.orphancameras.com
 MODE
OPERATION MANUALEXPOSURE

o (t'!) tf 5 r,i,l *,'.9:iil E] t'i (fi o) rl I *"'giiii ( i)

1.WhilepressingM0DEbutton,rotatecommanddialuntilri 2. Removefingerfrom M0DEbutton,set shutterspeedby

appearsin the LCD paneland viewfinder. rotatingcommanddial.
. lf usingan AF Nikkoror Al-P lens,makesure it is not . In Manualexposuremode,you can set shutterspeedto
lockedto smallestaperturebeforeproceedingto nextstep. hul b for longtime exposureby rotatingcommanddial.For
detailsabout bui b setting,see pp. 97-98 .

Data Link System Users

The AC-2Ecard'sUserCustomOptionletsyou change
the directionof commanddialrotationfor settingthe
shutterspeed.
rir
ri
li

i
ili
'\,,:i,,,r,,ll,u
llli,:ilr*ll llil,,ii
h <
 lf meter has automaticallyturned off
and LCD readoutis off, turn meter
on againby lightlypressingshutter
releasebutton.

o ,Fl fifrrE) *,..9..,-

( i)
Set apertureby rotatingthe lensaperturering.

64 www.orphancameras.com
3. Lookintothe vieMinder,composeand lightlypressshutter 'iirii
releasebutton. Examples iiiii
Adjustapertureand/orshutterspeeduntilelectronicanalog
displayshows"fr" or desiredamount.
*1..0..1- *I..0..1- *1..0..1-
<ll tl lill rl
Over+1EV +1EV +1/3EV

Electronicanalogdisplayblinkswhen the shutter *1..0..1- * l. .0r.I -

speed/apertureset on the camerais beyondthe metering lil T II T >
rangeof the F90X. -2t3EU -1EV
Below

\ttt /
- *1..0..I- - l*1,,,[,,'r-'-
/, < l t t l
rrpr / r i"it'
65
{{ Nikkor lenses:Lensis stoppeddown when a smaller
4. To take the picture,fullydepressshutterreleasebutton.
aperture(largerf-number)is selected.Focusmanually
with the lensset at maximumaoerture.

q;ailxjirilliiiiii,,:iilltriJiilriilliir,i:li:ri,tii

ti::t!:jiitlitxini::!:i:i::nii:|t:ir-njNrritsi:isijtrj:rrililt

66 www.orphancameras.com
l llq-lffAtr ' T&

I
r VARI-PROGRAM
t
Here'show you can benefitfromthe F90X'sVari-Program
for specificpicture-taking
situations.
options

ol
WHATIS VARI.PROGRAM?
Programmedexposurecontrolenablesthe camera'scomputer Pleasenote that the effectachievedby usingeach Vari-
to automaticallyadjustboth lensaperlureand shutterspeed for Programcan be reproducedwith the use of other exposure
the correctexposure.The F9OXcamera'sMatrixMetering controlmethodssuch as Shutter-PriorityAuto, Aperture-Priority
Systemdeterminesthe correctexposure,applyingexposure Auto and Manual.But with Vari-Program control,you allowthe
compensation as deemednecessaryby the computer's camera'scomputerto take careof all exposurecontroltasks
program.However,other factorscan affectthe picture, , whileyou concentrateon composition.Thisversatilityis one of
includingthe use of differentshutterspeedsand different the highlightsof the F90Xcamera'sadvancedexposurecontrol
apeftures. - system. n*
The F90X'sAuto Multi-Program is designedto coordinatethe-
selectionof shutterspeedand apefturefor averagesituationS
It guidesthe exposurecontrolsysteminto usingLasonably/
highshutterspeedsto avoidblurdue to camerashake.The
F90Xincorporatesa versatileVari-ProgramSystemthat gives
you the optionto choosefrom differentprograms,each
designedto accommodatedifferentpicturetakingsituations.
Pleasereviewthe conceotbehindand recommendeduse for
each program,usingeach as described,or in a differentway to
expressyour own picture-takingcreativity.Once you
understandhow each programoperates,you'llbe ableto
experiment, usingeach programfor an application different
from its originally
intendeduse.

6B www.orphancameras.com
Poftrait Program (Po) Sport Program (5P)
Thisenablesyou to take a portrait,with your subjectstanding Selectthis programto captureaction.Greatfor sporls
outagainsta blurredbackground. photographyor for shootinga fast-movingsubject,

PortraitProgram with Red-Eye Reduction (rE) Close-Up Program (iU)

Noticehow, whentakingpicturesof peoplein dim lightwith Perfectfor generalclose-ups,with the subjectappeiaring
flash,sometimestheireyesappearred.Thisprogramreduces- sharplyfocusedagainsta blurredbackground. .2.-
thepossibility
of "red-eye"in colourpicturesor "white-eye"in
B&w'
,. i
{
HyperfocalProgram (HF)
Theprogramto use if you want both your mainsubjectand the
to appearsharper.
background

Landscape Program (i.n)

ldealfor most scenes,with both far and nearobjectsappearing
moresharplyfocuseo.

SilhouetteProgram (5t )
Yoursubjectwillliterally
look likea silhouetteagainstthe sky or
a dramaticsunset,

6e
 NGVARI.PROGRAM
SELECTI
Use Nikkor lenses with CPU such as AF Nikkor or AI-P-
Nikkor /enses and be sure to sef /ens aperture to the
minimum setting.

1. SetVari-Program. 2. Whilekeepingthe Psbuttonpressed,rotatecommanddial

Pressand hold Psbuttonand confirmexoosuremode
indication(P,5, ff or fi) startsblinking,
untilit clicksonce.Psappearsin placeof the blinking
exposuremode indicationand one of the Vari-Program
indicators (Fa,rE, HF,Lfi, 5i, 5P or iU) appearsin placeof
the framecounter.
Withoutremovingyour fingerfrom Psbutton,to select
program,continueto rotatecommanddialuntilthe indication
for your desiredprogramappearson the LCD.

70 www.orphancameras.com
 To confirm selected Vari-Programin the LCD
panel
Pressthe Psbutton.The selectedVari-Program (Pc-,rE, HF,'tfr,
5L,5P or ii,i) is temporarilyindicatedin placeof the frame
counterin the LCD panel.lf you want to changethe Vari-
Programoption,withoutremovingyourfingerfrom the Psbut-
ton, rotatethe commanddial. ,.

o Fs illi F5.ii t l)
To cancel Vari-Program
3.Removeyourfingerfrom Psbutton.The framecounter PressM0DEbuttonand hold it in. ConfirmPsstartsblinking,
appearsagainin the LCD panelbut Vari-Program indicator then rotatecommanddialuntildesiredexposuremode
remainsin the viewfinder.
WhenVari-Program is set, camera aDoears.
resetas follows:
settingsare automatically
Flexible
Program Cancelled
Meteringsystem MatrixMetering*
Focusarea Wide"(orSpot when
attachedSpeedlightis
activated)
Syncmode Normalfor Fa, HF,i-fi, 5i ,
5F or iil or Red-Eye
Reduction for rE
r Ylucanchange
MF-26users
settingasdesired. You can alsoconfirmthe selectedprogramin the MF-26's
LCDoanel.

1 1
tl
 WITHVARI.PROGRAM
SHOOTING
PORTRAITPROGRAM
,15 F5.E
F'JEE
Pa

This programselectsthe widest aperturepossible,thus :

minimisingdepthof fieldand producinga sharplyfocusedmfh
subjectagainsta blurredbackgroundand foreground.lt mdkes
the focusedsubjectseemsharperand minimisesdistracting
elementsthat may appearin the foregroundor background.

72 www.orphancameras.com
Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.To obtainpronouncedblurredbackground You can followsteps 4-6 oI basicshootingprocedureon pp.
effect,use 85mm to 200mm telephotolenseswith a maximum 21-24.To makea reallygood portrait,makesureyoursubject's
aoerlureof f/2.8 or wider. eyesare in sharpfocus.To achievethis effect-
1, Set focus areato E for Spot.
Recommendedcamera settings 2. Set focus mode to S for SingleServoAF with FocusPriority.
Metering
system @ for Matrix* 3. Set filmadvancemodeto trl for single-frame shooting..
'.
Focusarea E for Wide. or E for Spot 4. Centrethe subject'seye insidethe viewfinder,
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF 5. Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebuttonand confirmin-focus
indicatorO appears.Focusis lockedas longas you keep
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting,or E:JH pressingthe shutterreleasebutton.
E::r.for continuousshooting "5F
. Automatically
selected,
6. Withoutremovingyourfingerfromthe shutterreleasebutton,
recomposethe pictureas desired,
7, Fullydepressthe shutterreleasebuttonto take the picture.
WithNikonSpeedlight . Continuous is convenient
shooting forcapturingthesubject's expressianwhich
UseISO'100 to 400 film,Otherfilmsmay resultin overexposed mayvaryfrommoment tomoment,Hlwever, continuous shooting isnot
background. reclmmended where
fora situation focuslockis needed. ln theSingleServo
AFmode,thecamera focusevery
detects timetheshutter isreleased during
continuous sofocusisnotlocked
shooting afterthefirstshotis taken.

For beautiful portrait pictures

. The fartherbehindthe subjectthe backgroundis,the more
blurredit willappear.
. Back lightingor sidelightingusuallyenhancesa portrait;try
usingfill-flashwith a compensationof from -1 to -3 for
pleasingresults,

73
 PORTRAIT
PROGRAM
WITHRED-EYE (withSB-28/SB-27/38,-26)
REDUCTION
il5 F5.E
FJTD

Usingthe sameexposurecontrolas the PortraitProgram,this -

programadds the benefitof Red-EyeReductionin portraits S
takenwith flash.Usethis programfor both indoorand outdos
portraits,alongwith the SB-28/SB-27/38-26flashwhich offers
AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash for reallyenhancedresults.

H*

74 www.orphancameras.com
 Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.To blurthe background,use a telephotolens procedure,
Forflashshooting seeinstruction
manual
of SB-28/
witha maximumapertureof f/2.8 or brighter.However,in sB-27lSB-26.
shooting,use wideranglelensesto reducered-
close-range
eye. To further reduce red-eye
o Havethesubjectlookawayfromthelens,towarda bright
Speedlight light.
NikonSB-28,SB-27or 58-26 Speedlight Unit. . Whenshootingindoors, maketheroomas brightasFpssible.
UseISO 100 to 400 film.Otherfilmsmay causeoverexposed Notethatred-eyetendsto be morepronouncedwithchildren
reduced.
andcannotbe as effectivelv
1 background.
I lfyouset the PortraitProgramwith Red-EyeReductionwith
otherSpeedlightand turn on the Speedlight,@ mark blinks,

Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix*
Focusarea EJ for Soot*"
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF
Filmadvancemode E for single-frame shooting
I Rasnsync @ for neb-fye Reduction***
r Automatically
selected,
] * Vari-Program
| setsthecamera
automatically to Wide-area focus.However,
whentheNikon58-28/58-27/58-26 AFSpeedlight
is clnnectedt0the
\ camera tyrgAgn,thefocusareaautomatically
ar.A. switchestoSpot.ln this
I case,@blinksin theLCDpanel,with@appearing in thevievvfinder
display.
r-.Automatically andcannot
selected becancelled.
I
I

t 75
sr;gq*,u&a\*##d&djri!ie;,;ddn&fuisdib{&d6"dh*Fe,.d,;;b$d4{;]i;-i*$:4L,..
HYPERFOCAL
PROGRAM
if 5 F5.Ff
FJErI
HF
l-l
Althoughthis programdoes not actuallyset the hyperfocal -
distance,it emulatesthe effectsachievedby usingverysmall$
lensapefturesand shortfocal lengthlenses.The resultwill b6 a
verylargedepth of fieldwhichyieldsa wide rangeof
acceptablesharpnesssurroundingthe focusedplaneof
maximumsharpness. Usethis programwhen photographing
landscapesand othersubjectsthat encompassgreatdepth.
The effectbecomesmore pronouncedif thereis an interesting
foreground withinthe scene.

76 www.orphancameras.com
Recommendedlenses Procedure
5Ommor widerangleAF Nikkorlenses,or AF Zoom-Nikkor You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
lenseswith 50mm or shorterzoomingposition. 21-24.Ifyou don't want to centreyour mainsubject,alsosee
pp.40-43.
Recommendedcamera settings Hyperfocalprogram tends to select a slow shutter speed and
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix* smallerapertureto assureboth subjectand backEoundin
Focusarea El for Wide. or E for Spot focus.To avoidcamerashake,use a tripod. t.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF or Cfor
ContinuousServoAF i To ensure sharper focused subject and
Filmadvancemode E for single-frame shooting,or E!41Si background
E::r.for continuousshooting . Backgroundmust not be too far from subject.
. Automatically
selected.

With Nikon Speedlight

UseISO 100 to 400 film.Otherfilmsmav resultin overexposed
background.

77
LANDSCAPEPROGRAM
if,5 F5.Fl
FJErI
tn
Similarin conceptto the HyperfocalProgramwith respectto -
depth of fieldand overallsharpness.
J
S

7B www.orphancameras.com
Recommendedlenses Procedure
Selectlensaccordingto the desiredeffect.lf you want an You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
expansiveview, use a wideangleAF Nikkorlens.lf you preferto 21-24.
emphasise your subjectby magnifyingit, use a telephotoAF LandscapeProgramtends to selecta slow shutterspeed and a
Nikkorlens, smallerapertureto assuresharplyfocusedlandscapepictures.
To avoidcamerashake,use a tripod
Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem EBfor Matrix* Some ways to increaseapparent sharpn-ess
Focusarea E for Wide. . Use a higherISOfilmto get smallerf/stops.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF F r Choosea scenewherethe foregroundand backgroundare
Filmadvancemode E for single-framesnooting,or E)JHo{ relativelycloseto each other.
c:::r for continuousshooting r Shootfrom the same position,but use a lenswith a wider
. Automatically
selected. angre.

MF-26users
Use the All Mode ExposureBracketingfeatureto take
severalpicturesat differentf/stops.This will giveyou a
varietyof picturesfrom which you can choosethe best
result.

79
SILHOUETTE
PROGRAM
,15 F5.Ff
trJDE
5r
A silhouettephotographintentionally underexposes the backliJ
foregroundsubjectso that it appearsnearlyblackagainstths&
brighterbackground.This programworks effectively onlywlrcn
the subjectis at least2W valueslower(i.e.,darker)thanthe
background.lt cannotbe effectiveif the subjectis frontlitor has
aboutthe samebrightness as the background.

BO www.orphancameras.com
T
Recommendedlenses To make your main subject beautifully
Chooseyour lensaccordingto the desiredeffect.lf you want to silhouetted
picturea dynamicsunset,for example,use a telephotoAF o Theremust be a difference(at least2 EV)in brightness
Nikkorto magnifythe sun. betweensubiectand backoround.

Recommendedcamera settings
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix*
Focusarea E for Wide. or E for Soot
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting,or osx or$
E::r-for continuousshooting r
. Auto
maticallyselected.
ff
Procedure
Youcan followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
z I -z+.
SilhouetteProgramtends to selecta slow shutterspeed to CAUTION!
produceeffectivelysilhouettedpictures.To avoid camera
shake,use a tripod.
The SilhouetteProgramis effectivefor taking picturesof $f
peoplesilhouetted againstthe sun or a brightsky.
WithNikonSpeedlighton, 5[ insidethe viewfinderblinks,telling However,never look at the sun, with your naked eye, a
youto turn off the Speedlight. filter or through a camera.The sun may damagethe
retinaand causepermanentblindness.To protectyour
eyes,use a medicallyapprovedsolarviewingfilter,
ffi

B1
SPORTPROGRAM
tl5 F5.E
FJEE
5F
l-l
This programis designedto use selectshutterspeedand
aperturecombinationsthat correspondto those of the long *
lensestypicallyusedfor sportsphotography.lt is biased J'
towardshighershutterspeedsto freezeactionbut makethe
subject'sarmsor legs,for example,appearblurred.

82 www.orphancameras.com
 Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFNikkorlenses.For a more pronouncedblurredbackground 1. Set focus areafocus mode to Gfor ContinuousServoAF
effect,use 80mm to 300mm telephotolenseswith a maximum with ReleasePriority.
I aperture o'ff/2.8 or brighter. 2. Set film advancemode to EUHor EJIr.Continuousshooting
. is recommendedbecausequickresponseis crucialtoaction
Recommendedcamera settings photography. Continuousshootingalsoallowsyouto create ,r
Meteringsystem EDfor Matrix* led sequences.
action-fil
-
3. Centrethe subjectinsidethe viewfinder,lightlypresdthe
Focusarea @ for Wide. or E for Soot
: shutterreleasebutton to start FocusTracking.Focus
Focusmode Gfor ContinuousServoAF
* Trackingremainson as long as you keep the shutterrelease
Filmadvancemode EIIJH
or EIt:r for continuousshooting {
. Automatically button lightlypressedand subjectremainscentredin the
selected.
vieMinder.
I . 4. Confirmviewfindershows ) t, then fullydepressthe shutter
- ' releasebutton.

f
ff

83
CLOSE-UPPROGRAM
if 5 F5.E
frJDtl

In close-upphotography,variouseffectscan be achievedwith
differentf/stops.A very smallapertureincreasesdepth of fie*
and enhancesoverallapparentsharpness.A wideraperturd
decreasesdepth of fieldand makesthe focusedsubjectstand
out from the surroundingarea(foreground and background)
whichwillappearlesssharpdue to the shallowdepthof field.
This programselectsaperturesettingsbetweenf/4 and f/5.6,
providinga rathershallowdepth of field.The resultis a sharply
focusedsubjectagainsta blurredbackgroundand foreground.

B4 www.orphancameras.com
I il
Recommendedlenses Procedure
AFMicro-Nikkorlensesor AF Zoom-Nikkorlenseswith macro You can followsteps4-6 of basicshootingprocedureon pp.
focusing
function, 21-24.However,the areayou want to appearsharplyfocused
may be slightlyout of focus becausedepthof fieldis very
Recommendedcamera settings shallowin close-upshooting.To avoidthis:
Meteringsystem @ for Matrix* 1. Set focusareato E for Soot.
Focusarea E for Spot 2. Set focus modeto S for SingleServoAF with FocusPriority.
Focusmode S for SingleServoAF or M for manual 3. Set filmadvancemodeto E for single-frame shootpg.
focus 4, Centrethe desiredareainsidethe viewfinder,
Filmadvancemode E for single-frameshooting
t, 5. Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebuttonand confirmin-focus
i indicatorO appears.Focusis lockedas longas you keep
. Automatically
selected. the shutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed.
6. Withoutremovingyourfingerfrom the shutterreleasebutton,
recomposethe pictureas desired.
7. Fullydepressthe shutterreleasebuttonto take the picture.
To avoidcamerashake,use a Nikonremotecord and a
triood.

85
 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
i,
This chapter explains adu"'ncedphotographictechniquesand
applicationsincludingexposurecompensationmethods.lt also
shows you how to use the self-timer,how to perform long time
exposure,how to check depth of field and what to do when using
non-DX-codedfilms.

86 www.orphancameras.com
-t*i,--.
I xposuRE
coMPENsATroN
Exposure compensationis a photographictechniquethat
enablesyou to vary the finalexposuresettingsfrom those
measured by the camera'slightmeter.Nikon's3D Matrix
Metering employsmethodsof exposurecalculation that
t automatically applyexposurecompensation, dependingupon
scenebrightnessand contrast.As a result,your subject,
whetherit is centredin the viewfinderor not, is givencorrected
exposurein most lightingsituations.
Wedo not recommendusingany manuallyor automatically
appliedexposurecompensation when usingMatrixMetering.tf *
youidentifyan extremeconditionunderwhich Matrixmay havd
somedifficulty,suchas a severelybacklitsceneor one with About reflectance
extremesof contrast,we recommendusingyour camera's When usingthe Centre-Weighted or Spot Meter,always
otherbuilt-inmeters,Centre-Weighted or Spot. Ultimately,only keep in mindthat the exposureindicatedwillassumethat
'18%.
you know what the subjector a part of it requiresin terms of the subject'sreflectanceis equivalentto lf the
exposuremeasurement. That'swhy the F90Xcamera subjectvariesfrom this reflectance,you must make an
incorporates three metersplus a varietyof exposure adjustmentto exposure,Generally speaking,a white
compensationsystems.The photographer'screativityis always subjectwill haveabout a9Oo/oreflectance,and an
thefinaldecidingand controlling factor.To use the various adjustmentof 2.5 f/stops(furtheropen)will bringthe
exposurecompensation functions,pleasereferto the following. exposureback to the equivalent of an 1B%reading.As
. UsingAE-L (AutoExposureLock)lever(pp. 88-89) anotherruleof thumb,when shootinga landscape,the
. To obtainmeterreadingfor a particularsubjectin Manual lightmeterreadingfrom greengrassis roughlyequivalent
exposuremode (pp.90-91) to 1B%reflectance.
. Usingexposurecompensation button(pp.92-93)
oAll Mode ExposureBracketing(MF-26usersonly)(seeMF-26
instructionmanual)
Resultswillvary,dependingon conditions,so you willwantto
exoerimentwith each method.

87
AE-L (AUTOEXPOSURELOCK)LEVER
In the auto exposuremode,whenyou want to controlexposure
basedon the brightnessof a specificareawithinthe scene,
switchthe meteringsystemto Centre-Weighted or Spot and
usethe AE-L leveras follows:

s.
2. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton,and confirmshutter
soeedand apefturein vieMinder.

1. Centremainsubjectinsideviewfinderand/ormovein closer
untilreferencecirclefor Centre-Weightedmeteringor Spot
meteringis fullycoveredby the subject.

ttt1 www.orphancameras.com
 *
3. Keepshutterreleasebuttonlightlypressed,slideAE-L lever 4. Recomposethe pictureand shoot.
and holdit in.

In Single ServoAF mode, if recomposingthe picturecould In ContinuousServo AF mode, if recomposingthe picture

changesubject-to-camera distance,refocusby briefly
removingyourfingerfrom the shutterreleasebuttonand
lightlypressingit again.

ii
i:i

i,
ilirl:l
,l :ll:iilt,ritttt,ltirt;r:iir:ittiilti:ttllii:lliriiittit:i,+iit iitr:iilillrltiilrillnifit;irlii:itli:tfiitittliiiitiil,i{riiiitiiiiiliitiiiriilti:,1

B9
TO OBTAINMETERREADING FORA \
PARTICUI-AR
SUBJECTIN MANUAL
EXPOSURE MODE
ln Manualexposuremode, if you want to set exposureas
desiredon a particularsubject,switch meteringsystemto
Centre-Weighted or Spot and use the followingmethod.

.&
I
2. Lightlypressshutterreleasebutton.

1. CentremainsubjectinsidevieMinder and/ormove in closer

untilreferencecirclefor Centre-Weightedmeteringor Spot
meteringis fullycoveredby the subject.

90 www.orphancameras.com
 o o .P! Ea F5.{*,..9..,-)(i)

3.Adjustshutterspeed and apertureuntilelectronicanalogdisplayshows desired 4. Recomposethe pictureand shoot.

exposure.

In Single ServoAF mode, if recomposingthe picturecould In GontinuousServo AF mode, if recomposingthe picture

changesubject-to-cameradistance,refocusby briefly distance,pushand hold
willnot changesubject-to-camera
removingyour fingerfrom the shutterreleasebutton and the AF-L buttonbeforerecomposing.
lightlypressingit again.
EXPOSURE
COMPENSATION
BUTTON
To modifyexposurecontrol(i.e.,from the ISOstandard)usethe
exposurecompensationbutton.Compensation from -5EVto
+SEV in 1/3 steps is possible.After takingyour photographs,
be sure to resetthe controlto '0' to resume normal operation.

(Centre-Weighted
Metering)
S.:
I

E] F r5n Fl.E (+ i.-i

1. Whilepressing14bullon, rotatecommanddial to set desired

compensation value.The followingdisplayappearsin LCD
paneland viewfinder.
% symbol
Compensationvalue from -5 to +5 EV in 113steps:
Without
comoensation Confirmamountof exposurecompensation.
In the examoleabove.+'12lecomoensation is set.

Withcompensation
www.orphancameras.com
 D F ^5n FLE 1 (il% o F il5 F5.r-5 (;-i.rr

2. Onceset, exposurecompensation remainsfixeduntilreset. to

3. Aftershooting,be sureto resetamountof compensation
AlthoughIhe14symbolstayson to indicatethat exposure "O"to resumenormalooeration.
compensation valuedisappears
is on, the compensation
fromthe readoutwhenyou removeyourfingerfrom 14
button.To confirmcomoensation value,pressZ button
agarn.

93