Canon T90 with 17mm lens. (nsfw)

(Photo of T90 with 50mm lens by Mark Probst)

My first “serious” SLR camera after coming to the US was the awful T-60, an unreliable and vibration-prone entry level camera. I opted for it over used AE1 and similar bodies because I liked its interface a little better: being only a badge-engineered Canon, T-60 had aperture-priority mode which AE1 lacked. Eventually, I got rid of the FD system in general and ended up with Elan and 620 bodies. In the period before the EOS system, I considered getting a better FD body and T90 was an option. Unfortunately, is was much too expensive for me and I didn’t need most of its features. It was, along with the Nikon F4, a very appealing camera to the touch. F4 had a much superior interface though, with single turns controlling most functions vs. T90s press-and-turn sub-menu approach.

Imagine my surprise at finding a T90 in use on a recent visit with friends. On second thought, the choice of camera makes sense. T90’s laser-etched finder screen with focusing aids is excellent for low light, and the body has gasket against airborne moisture.

The most interesting aspect is that the lens mounted is the 17/3.5 Tokina with which I am familiar from the undergrad school days. One available for checkout and I used it occasionally with my Nikon F2 body. The super-wide lens makes sense in such close quarters. Compared to most cameras of the day, T90 has very low mirror vibration. I love visiting my friends — you find all sort of neat tech and artifacts in daily use.