Nikon N90s Viewfinder LED display

[Austintatious]

I picked up a super clean N90s from Adorama (Ebay) and I don't see any read out info in the viewfinder. The screen on the top works fine and the camera seems to function otherwise. Does anyone know If this is just a 30 year old camera issue, or if there is a button I need to set hopefully ? I will run a test roll through it, but it would sure be nice to see the read out and the focus lock in the finder. Thanks in advance for any and all advise.

 

[jimjm]

With fresh batteries installed and the power switch set to "On", the green LCD panel at the bottom of the viewfinder should light up for at least a few seconds when you partially depress the shutter button.
Does the LCD panel on the top of the camera show any information when you turn the camera on? If not, check that your batteries are properly inserted and the battery chamber contacts are intact and clean.

 

[Austintatious]

Yes, the top LCD screen lights up and gives full read out. The shutter fires at all speeds. Everything is spotless clean, battery contacts were cleaned with vinegar. I have a freshly charged set of Eneloop AA batteries in it. Everything seems to work fine except for the LEDs in the viewfinder. Hope there is a solution for this.

 

[Dennis-B]

Just in case the previous owner made a custom setting, you could try what's called a "green" reset. There are two green buttons on opposite sides of the top panel. Press both at the same time, holding for about two seconds. This should reset the camera to its base settings.

If that doesn't work, you could have a failed LED, and I'm not sure it can still be repaired.

 

[Austintatious]

Thanks Dennis, I will give the green reset a try.
"Fingers crossed"

 

[Austintatious]

Well, nothing seems to work to restore the viewfinder readout. Adorama has agreed to take the camera back and refund the purchase price.
Happy camper

 

[dynachrome]

I have three N90S bodies and an F90X. I don't remember NiMh batteries being recommended. In any case, these cameras are available in good condition for very little money.

 

[Russ - SVP]

My three N90s bodies work flawlessly with rechargeable NiHm’s installed. And with AA lithium’s.

 

[spark]

I have an N90s and an F90x- same camera. The internal LED screen can come loose and slide down where it isn't visible. It's working OK but you can't see it. You can open the top and fix it or take it in for a repair. As was said, these cameras are available cheaply. BTW- lithium cells work fine and last a long time.

 

[Austintatious]

Thanks for confirming that it was not a rechargeable battery issue with the N90s model. As I mentioned above Adorama paid for return shipping and gave me a refund of purchase price. I could not ask for more. They were great to deal with. For now, I'm shooting my N80 and it's all good.

 

[violon]

I encountered the same problem and found a solution that I hope will help. As #9 mentioned, simply open the top cover, find the fallen LED screen, and glue it back in place. Here is an article that provides pictures of the repair process.

https://info.xitek.com/favorites/201904/15-334168.html