don_west1

<p>I just re-logged onto my old thread, wondering where it traveled to. If anyone else with an N90s was following this, here's what ultimately happened......whereas the N90s was OK for awhile, it soon started "beeping" above 12 frames, though never stopping and giving an end-of-roll message prior to 36. This was still a concern, Nikon would charge too much for a repair, the local tech that cleaned it said to look for an excellent F100. I often deal with KEH for used equipment, the cost of an F100 in perfect condition was (IIRC) around $300.</p>

<p>Thinking it over along with continued cost of film and processing, I sold some unneeded things I had, and last year bought a Nikon D90, which as another poster pointed out does indeed auto-focus my film lenses (the D90 was the only one under $1000 that can do this).<br>

Loving the D90, and able to direct available cash towards software instead of film (I'm now working with Lightroom 3.4.1 for example).<br>

I like film, but was kind of forced to make the transition. The D90, even after a year, still amazes me as to what it can do.</p>

<p>Cameras seem to get updated, especially since the advent of DSLR, every few years. You buy new, and in a short time, your new camera body is a discontinued item. Ho hum; certainly doesn't mean that the body you bought is outdated. I bought a new D90 from B&H in June (I think it was $779), and I'm still learning all the functions! I have no intent of getting the "latest and greatest" just because there's a new model; it would have to do something that I truly need. I got the D90, while using my prior Nikon 35mm AF lenses on it, as I can't afford the newer DX lenses at this time, and I still get amazing results. Of course, there's a lot of debate over the "need" for DX lens upgrades.. Anyway, can't say enough good things about the D90, it's everything I need and more....</p>

<p>I have purchased a number of items from KEH over the years. For my FD I recall buying a 100-300mm Canon lens...perfect. Also when I bought the Servo EE Finder for my F1 it was missing the aperture adjustment lever; KEH immediately sent that out with no problem. And while I keep my FD equipment, I've also moved onto Nikon AF, and got 2 Nikon zooms from KEH, both in perfect condition, along with a circular polarizer. When I got one other filter from them that arrived with a slight crack in it, they again immediately shipped out a replacement with no problem. To summarize, I'm always looking to KEH as a first source for quality used gear I can count on....</p>

<p>Hope it's OK to take the thread here.....I have an A-1 that I'm willing to part with. It has started to give the shutter squeak (I think it sounds more like a spring going "ziiiingg" every once in a while). There is one slight body ding, but otherwise in excellent shape (I can provide pix of it). Now that I have a DSLR I am probably not going to do much about the A-1, so it could go to a new home (it also has the power winder with it, and of course the little body grip as well). Taking offers, I understand that the shutter squeak plays into its value, but it's a great camera. I'm keeping my F-1 and Nikon N90s to compliment the DSLR. Please feel free to make an offer on the A-1 if interested. Thanks.</p>

<p>I wanted to keep things small and light. Went for the Tamrac Adventure 7 for me. D90 with MB-D80 grip, 2 lenses, minimal amount of filters and other goodies, plenty of room in the top compartment for day hike stuff....</p>

<p>And for those who have followed this thread....I just received my Souldier "Red Woodstock" strap today. It is fantastic, looks better than I ever could have imagined. They did a great job; and I went a little extra and ordered it with padding. My immediate thought...you can't go wrong with these guys ;)</p>

<p>Longer battery life, but I love it for the overall feel. I've shot with an N90s with MB-10 for some time, and last week got a new D90 with MB-D80. Without the grip the D90 just didn't feel right to me, and I love the ability to shoot vertical with the grip. Everyone has their own tastes, I'm sure, but I don't see ever wanting to take the grip off, it just makes the camera feel more natural....</p>

<p>Hey Stan....Good to know the MB-D80 can give that kind of battery life. To start with I have just the one battery, but the feel of the grip was very important to me (I did play with the camera and grip at a local store, just....had....to buy elsewhere). I'm used to the MB-10 from my N90s, and holding the D90 with no grip felt very uncomfortable and unstable. The MB-D80 is a must add-on (I'll probably never take it off, either, and love the fact that the D90 battery door safely stores in it so you should never lose that!). I also like the emergency feature of it taking 6AA should the recharge battery fail. Now to find enough time to go out and shoot, eh?</p>

<p>I didn't want my new bag purchase to be more intense than it needed; everyone has their own needs...I don't use public transportation for shooting trips often (if at all) and am less concerned with being pushed/jostled, etc. I did want a backpack to keep a hands-free approach to foot travel (I do some hikes and having the gear on my back helps). I'm not carrying everything; I have some film bodies and lenses that make a large backpack already weigh a ton. Asked about the Tamrac Adventure 7 on another thread, but didn't get any responses. I ended up going with that, the price was lower than anything I'd seen anywhere, including any of the on-line sources. Tamrac does seem to be over-adventurous in their size estimation; I went to local stores and examined all the appropriate sized bags in person btw. The Adv 7 says how it's for larger digital SLRs with grips. Well, I can't really put the D90 with MB-D80, a 24-120mm lens, and the quick-release tripod mount all assembled and face down in the bag as pictures suggest; but storing the body and lenses separate is no problem. It's a lightweight bag, and for my needs seems to work out fine, a shoulder bag just isn't right for my hiking-type treks...</p>

<p>my few cents worth.... ;)</p>

<p>I visited my local camera shop, but they couldn't come close to B&H, and with local sales tax we're talking another big added-on chunk. I just bought a D90 and MB-D80 from B&H. Awesome piece of equipment ;)</p>

<p>Getting a new digital SLR and wanted a lightweight backpack for it and a couple of lenses. I have a large Tamrac for multiple bodies, that while great, can easily weigh a ton fully loaded. I have been looking at Tamrac's backpack line, wanting something as small and lightweight as I can find, which is still sufficient for my equipment (and I also wanted the storage compartment on top for light jacket or sweatshirt, a lunch, maps, maybe a Yugo :P ) I looked at the models in person at a local store as well as compared to specs on-line. Looks like for the SLR I have shipping to me the Adv 7 is a decent choice; wondering how others have done with it. I also just found a site that offered it new for $55, far below what anyone else is selling it for (a reputable dealer judging by buyer's comments). Looks too good to pass up....</p>

<p>Well, as far as length of the Souldier straps, here's the note I got back from them:<br>

**************************************************************<br>

Every photographer has their own personal perfect length. That is why we have a patent-pending 4-way adjustable design. Straps go from around 30 inches to 60 some inches in seconds flat. Plus, we don't manufacture, everything is handmade to exacting high craftsmanship standards. Thanks.<br>

**************************************************************<br>

In the words of Olson Johnson from "Blazing Saddles." "Now, who can argue with that?"</p>

<p>I didn't see a way to choose length of the camera straps. While you can ask for a longer guitar strap, it seems the camera is pre-set. Shoot them an email, they were cool at answering all my pre-sale questions, though I neglected to ask that. 40" is a common length, my 70s strap on my F1 is that length. "My Funky Camera" makes straps that are 26" long, but offer a 40" length as mostly the guys want that length. I'm hoping that Souldier goes ahead with the 40" length, and ability to adjust. Do let me know if you ask them about this; I placed an order today; it takes them about a week or so to manufacture. Jimi rules ;)</p>

<p>Oh my...my arm got twisted and I can't resist. I contacted Souldier and they proved that if you order a 2" camera strap, and during checkout specify the "Red Woodstock" pattern (shown under guitar straps, rather than camera straps), you get the exact same pattern Jimi Hendrix used on his Strat at Woodstock (there are pictures to prove it, and they have the rights to the pattern; also the same pattern Elvis used in the 60s). Oh well, a little more to pay off, but that's going to be one heck of a fine strap ;) Thanks to all that pointed me to Souldier. I'll post a follow up when I receive the strap....</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses! The Souldier straps look great; naturally my taste is leaning towards the more expensive "Woodstock" version at $60. May order something like that down the line, just ordered the D90 with MB-D80, plus some close-up filters I'd been wanting. Let's regroup after paying that off and see about a groovy strap :) I'd lean towards the 2" strap as well unless anyone as a better suggestion....</p>

<p>Well, I'm making the plunge in that my N90s film camera would need a repair more than it's worth any more (see my post about "beeping after every frame"); and I just ordered a new D90 and will go digital. My Canon F1 still has the embroidered style strap common of the 70s (and the camera works perfectly, too!). I have seen that Epic offers such style straps for today's cameras, but wondering if they're up to the strength and support of new cameras. One post warned they might be too flimsy, and the site says they're for one pound cameras and under. The D90 is 1lb 6oz body. So if that's not a good strap choice, who has a a lead on something of the retro style that's up to snuff? I did see a site "My Funky Camera" that has interesting straps, a but pricier than the Epic, but for a D90 I'm willing to get what's going to do the job, ya know :) Any thoughts appreciated....</p>

<p>I had checked the batteries, and they're fine. I spoke to the repair guy who worked on it last December when he cleaned and lubed the film advance gears. He thought if it's a contact or switch going bad (could be) it is not worth the cost of repair. KEH presently has N90s for $79, and while they may be high, they are an excellent outlet, I've never had a problem. Their F100 listings are about $250-$300 for up to a like-new-minus. Tech recommended if I want to stay with film to look for an F100 with a warranty, but if I was to spend $300 for another film camera, then how long before the cost of continued film adds up? Quandry :) I am looking to the Dark Side and the Nikon digital SLRs. A D90 is the lowest end I can go with and still use my existing auto-focus lenses. 50 rolls of Velvia with processing and I could buy a D90. See where it leads me? I'll keep it all in mind and use the N90s as long as I can for now. I did visit a friend's camera store today and physically held the D90 and played with it; nice tool, and it is recommended to add the MB-80 (much like the MB-10 I have on the N90s). Ah...we shall see....</p>

<p>Thanks for the info. Yes, I did buy the N90s used. Came from a photographer who had barely used it, having it as a back-up. I don't know what was done to it, though as I said I don't recall it beeping except at the final frame. Money being tight I haven't used it as often as I did a few years ago. And sure, I know if it turned out to be truly screwy I can find an excellent one from KEH (for example) cheap. Or F100, or what have you. My recent trip allowed me to used my digital point & shoot as well. Naturally it's a shoot anything and everything mode with a camera that has thousands of frames, so I do contemplate going D90 at some point and being able to have a high end SLR with limitless (nearly) possibilities. I'll see how the current film from the N90s comes out; Velvia *may* have had some tight winds, I guess trying another type of film would be a good test as well....</p>

<p>I don't recall my N90s beeping after taking a shot unless at the end of the roll. Last year I had film advance issues, in fact it beeped and said "end" after 4 frames of a roll. I had it serviced locally, seemed to be OK, although recently I again have started to notice it beeps after it's been in about 10-12 frames into the roll; and sometimes doesn't beep after a shot even that far into a roll. The roll seemed to finish OK (Fuji Velvia btw), I've yet to have it processed. I'm a little concerned it might be acting up in the advancing mode again. I'm getting leery of putting more money into repairs, and start to contemplate the digital world and a D90 in the future. But can anyone enlighten me on the beep, its effect and possible dire meanings? Thanks.</p>

<p>For anyone following this thread, the current update.....N90s was serviced by a private party (tech other than Nikon Inc.). Cleaned and re-lubricated wind gears, plus overall checkup. $45. My tests with body so far show perfect operation.</p>

<p>Thanks for the heads up. I have an A-1 in my bag as a backup to my F1. It was purchased used, but in perfect condition many years ago. Economics being what they are I haven't been able to get out much this year. When I recently test fired the A-1 I noticed the "slinky" sound every 3rd frame or so. For now I guess I'll just leave it as is, deciding at a later date whether to have it serviced. My F1 was purchased new in 1977, and it was well worth it to have it professionally overhauled a number of years ago (by a Japanese gentleman in L.A. who used to work with Canon in Japan). He did a first rate job, and while I have other more modern camera bodies, the F1 remains a workhorse tank.</p>

<p>Well, that's encouraging about the AF. I think the thing to do is take my lenses to a local shop where a friend is working, have him let me test them on a D80, D90, whatever, and decide from there. Still not in the budget for the moment, though...</p>

<p>I also kicked around the idea of going digital SLR. Financially I haven't been able to shoot much film this year, so it's not been an average "shooting season." I found out that although my Nikon lenses will work on a digital, they won't have auto-focus, I'd need to get a couple of lenses along with a body. Well...some day perhaps, not now. Anyway, I still like film, and wouldn't get rid of my film cameras just to shoot ones and zeros. If the N90s proves too expensive to repair/overhaul, it's still more cost effective to get another body and keep the system I have. Just as soon as the economy breaks open, I may look at a D80 or D90....yes, just as soon as.......</p>

<p>I'm not ready to chuck it yet. I did write Nikon, their response, which of course is general until they could see it, includes the motor, gears, and sensors would all need checking. What I really wanted to know is their ballpark price estimate. $125-$280 they said for service. The low side, worth it to me, the body is otherwise perfect. The high side, not so. I know I could get an excellent body from KEH if it came to that.</p>

<p>There's a local Nikon film tech I may send it too, however. His prices are certainly lower than Nikon. His reputation is very well received, so that's probably the route I will take.</p>

<p>A batch of tight film? Hmmm, hadn't considered that. I guess anything is possible. It's Velvia 100F; kept refrigerated until needed. The fourth roll is still in the camera, and yes, all rolls have exhibited this behavior on the camera. At the very least a proper go-through, lubing, calibrating wouldn't hurt, and of course I hope a specific cause is found and cured at a reasonable price. I'll have an estimate before committing. Lots of repair techs (Nikon included) are aware of the availability of replacement bodies on the market for very low rates right now.</p>

<p>I'll let you know...keep the comments coming if you have something to add. I've found the N90s to be a very excellent camera despite this one flaw. 6+ years with it so far....(I also have some old Canons BTW...)</p>

<p>Yes, it happens on every roll of film. I have the MB-10, but that's just a grip, isn't it? It isn't a motor drive, the motors are all in the camera body, right? At any rate, it, too, is firmly attached. I was hoping I can fire some test images without the MB-10 and see what happens, but I don't believe I have the battery compartment for the camera body without a grip (I got the N90s second hand in mint condition about 6 years ago)... Thanks for the responses.</p>