Nikon AF F-601

Introduction: The F-601 at a Glance

The Nikon AF F-601 is an autofocus 35mm film SLR that Nikon announced in the autumn of 1990. If you are browsing our range of SLR film cameras, this body is an easy one to understand: it combines autofocus, a choice of exposure modes and a built-in flash with the Nikon F lens mount, and it leaves the rest to you and your film.

This guide looks at the body on its own, without a kit lens. The F-601 accepts Nikon F-mount lenses, so the lens you pair with it is entirely your choice. In the United States the same camera was sold as the N6006, which is handy to know when you search for manuals or accessories.

Shooting an autofocus film SLR is a pleasant middle path. The camera handles focusing and much of the exposure thinking, yet every frame still costs film, so you tend to slow down and compose with care.

Design Roots and Historical Background

An autofocus SLR from 1990

The F-601 is an autofocus SLR for 35mm film. Announced in 1990, it pairs a motorised, electronically controlled body with the long-established F mount, which means a wide range of Nikon lenses can be mounted on it.

That mount compatibility is the practical heart of the camera: you can experiment with whatever Nikon F-mount lens suits your style.

The F-601M sibling and the N6006 name

Nikon also made a simplified version, the F-601M, known as the N6000 in the US. Compared with the model covered here, it drops two features: autofocus and the built-in TTL flash. That makes it a more basic camera than the AF model.

The N6006 and F-601 names describe the same camera, so manuals for either name are relevant when you are learning the controls.

Key Technical Highlights

Shutter, flash and film transport

The focal-plane shutter is electromagnetically controlled and covers everything from 30 s to 1/2000 s. A B setting is also available, and it relies on the battery. For flash, the maximum sync speed is 1/125 s. The built-in TTL flash has a guide number of 13 and works in auto and fill-flash modes.

Film transport is motorised, with automatic first-frame loading. You can choose single frames, continuous high at 2 frames per second or continuous low at 1.2 frames per second. The electronic self-timer counts down for a time you pick, anywhere between 2 and 30 s in one-second steps, and there is also a two-shot mode.

Metering, modes and film speed

Three metering systems are available: matrix, centre-weighted and spot. The mode dial offers P, PM, S, A and M, so you can let the camera decide or take control step by step. With DX-coded film the camera sets the speed itself across ISO 25 to 5000, while manual entry stretches the range to ISO 6 at the low end and ISO 6400 at the top.

• Autofocus 35mm SLR with Nikon F mount
• Shutter from 30 s to 1/2000 s, plus B
• Matrix, centre-weighted and spot metering
• Built-in TTL flash, guide number 13
• Single, 2 fps and 1.2 fps film advance

Modern-Day Use in 2026

Where the F-601 excels

The F-601 suits photographers who want an automatic helper without giving up manual choice. Program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority and manual modes make it a good classroom for understanding exposure, while autofocus and three metering systems keep ordinary shooting relaxed.

Use it for:

• Learning exposure with S, A and M modes on real film
• Everyday and travel photography with an F-mount lens you already own
• Portraits and casual events using the built-in fill flash

Practical shooting tips

• Use matrix metering for general scenes and switch to spot metering for backlit subjects.
• Use the self-timer with a tripod for long exposures to avoid shake.
• Keep a spare battery in your bag, because the camera depends on it for the shutter and film advance.

Buying and Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying used

A film SLR of this age should be inspected as carefully as any used camera. Work through this checklist before you commit:

• Fire the shutter at slow and fast speeds and listen for an even, consistent sound.
• Check that the light seals around the film door and mirror area are not sticky or crumbling.
• Test autofocus on a mounted lens and confirm that every exposure mode responds.
• Look inside the battery compartment for corrosion or leaked residue.
• Inspect the LCD for missing segments and fading.

Also look through the viewfinder for dust, fungus or haze, and run a short test roll if you can.

Power and batteries

One 6V CRP2 battery powers the camera. If your body has a date back, expect to need a CR2025 as well.

• Test the camera with a fresh battery before judging it.
• Remove the battery if you store the camera for a long period.
• Carry a spare when travelling.

Basic care and accessories

A few simple photography accessories keep the camera in good shape:

• A padded bag or case to protect the body from knocks.
• A blower and microfibre cloth for lenses and the viewfinder.
• A sturdy tripod for long exposures and the self-timer.

What to pay

On European marketplaces such as eBay, working examples are typically listed around €45–€80.

Conclusion: Simple Autofocus, Honest Film

The Nikon AF F-601 delivers a lot of capability in a straightforward 35mm SLR body: autofocus, three metering systems, a range of exposure modes, a built-in flash and the F mount.

If you want an autofocus film camera that lets you choose your own lens, the F-601 is worth a look. Check the battery compartment, light seals and shutter, test it with a roll of film, and a good example can be a reliable companion. For related reading, see our guides to the Nikon F-401s and the Nikon F50.

Ready to explore cameras like the F-601? Browse our SLR film cameras, discover more analog cameras or see everything from Nikon at DutchThrift.com.

Sources: Nikon F-601 (N6006) on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3; the original instruction manual; price range based on recent eBay listings of working bodies.