How to Load Film into the Nikon N90
This guide will show you how to load film into your Nikon N90 and how to make sure the camera is functioning properly. If this is your first time using your Nikon N90, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Batteries
The Nikon N90 requires batteries to operate as all functions of the camera are electronically controlled. It uses 4x AA batteries.
Make Sure the Nikon N90 Functions Correctly
If your Nikon N90 has not been used in a long time or if it is your first time using the camera, check to make sure the camera is functioning correctly before loading film. You don’t want to potentially ruin a roll of film if there is a problem with the camera.
With fresh batteries and no film, press the shutter button and listen for the shutter to fire.
Make Sure There is No Film Loaded in the Camera
If there is any film left in the camera, it will be ruined if it is exposed to light. The Nikon N90 has a film window built into the film door so you can see if there is any film loaded into the camera.
To remove a film canister from the N90, follow these steps on how to rewind and remove film from the Nikon N90.
Do Not Load Film in Sunlight
You can ruin your film by loading it in direct sunlight or bright light.
Bright light increases the risk of light piping. When this happens light is able to penetrate through the light seal on the 35mm film canister.
The film is not guaranteed to be completely ruined. You could end up with varying degrees of fogging.
Fogging can produce a range of undesirable outcomes such as a loss of contrast, blown out streaks, or a completely exposed frame. If this problem occurs it should subside with progressive frames.
For Best Results, Use Fresh Film
Film degrades in quality over time. It should also not be exposed to hot temperatures like those in a car on a sunny day or attic during summer.
Expired film can be used, but you are not guaranteed predictable performance.
For the best results, use a fresh pack of film that is not expired. For a complete list of all types of film, check out the Best Nikon N90 Film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black Black & White White
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Color
Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Nikon N90. For demonstration purposes, I am using a “bad” roll of film that has been exposed.
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Open the film door.
Make sure the camera is off.
To open the film door on the Nikon N90, pinch the two sliding locks together on the side of the camera. This will cause the film door to pop open.
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Load the 35mm film canister.
Load the film canister into the camera by tilting it towards the top of the camera.
Take note of the orientation of the film leader which should be towards the bottom of the camera. The film leader is the half-width cutout at the start of the film roll.
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Pull the film leader over to the film take-up spool.
With your left hand hold the film canister in place. With your right hand gently pull the tip of the film leader over to the take-up spool. The film leader needs to be pulled to the red square.
Make sure the perforations in the film leader are held in place by the sprockets on the bottom of the take-up spool.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door. You will be able to see the film canister through the window in the film door.
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Turn the camera on.
Turn the camera on by moving the slider to the on position. You should see an ‘E’ in the frame counter on the LCD.
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Change the film ISO.
The film ISO will automatically be set if the film canister has DX coding. All new film will have DX coding.
If you want to change the ISO of the film loaded, this can be done by holding down the ISO button and using the thumbwheel.
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Press the shutter release button.
Pressing the shutter release button will advance the film to the first frame. A ‘1’ will show on the LCD and there will also be a roll of film shown.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! Your camera is now ready to shoot.
Check out this guide on how to unload film from the Nikon N90.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.