INTRODUCTION
The Nikon F601 (widely known as N6006 in USA) was introduced into the Nikon lines of Auto focus SLR camera in 1990.
When it was released, I am still not into photography, nor do I know how to use a SLR camera, other than the point and shoot camera many people owned.
My friend got one of the Nikon F601 from his dad a few years back when his dad upgraded to the Nikon F4s. That Nikon F601 did not stay long in my friend’s hand; he lost it on the train while backpacking in Italy.
I was still using my Minolta 3xi at that time, but we used to swap cameras around the photography clubs during outings. That gave me the precious opportunity to use many model of cameras, and of different brand. I must be very honest here, I got to use it only once, and that was many years ago. With his help, I am writing this review based on memory.
BUILD
The F601 is very plastic, in fact it don’t look solid and durable. Maybe I am used to the more modern Nikon design like the N80.
The body is heavy, weighing about 650g, and is considered much of a burden to many, especially when the whole setup with lens could weight up to a kg.
The gripping design is good, giving the photographer a very firm and strong hold on the body during photo shooting. Holding at both horizontal and vertical position proved to be easy and steady.
FOCUSING
The Nikon F601 offers 2 types of focusing methods, namely Auto focus and Manual focus.
The Manual focus mode comes with electronic rangefinder. I can’t remember very much about this function, as we were using mostly Programmed Auto and Aperture Priority AE most of the time during our lesson.
In the Auto focus mode, it offers Focus Priority Single AF and Focus Priority Continuous AF. The Focus Priority Single AF works very well, and managed to focus properly in most type of situation. The only problem occurs when in dark situation, when focusing tends to be slow and inaccurate, and in many times very frustrating to the photographers. On the other hand, the Focus Priority Continuous AF is much of a failure to me. Focusing with moving objects doesn’t seem to be easy and straightforward. A fast moving object is always run out of focus, especially for objects moving towards the photographer. Focusing speed for both modes is rather slow, making candid shots a headache to most people.
EXPOSURE
The F601 offers 3 types of metering systems, namely,
1) Matrix
2) Centre Weighted
3) Spot
We do most of our shots with the built-in Matrix Metering. I don’t remember having any exposure problem with this metering system. I have not actually tried the Centre Weighted and Spot metering during that session, so I am unable to share anything about it. According to my friend, he had faced a lot of problem with both the Centre Weighted and Spot metering, it might be due to skill related issues.
The F601 offers the following Exposure Modes
1) Programmed Auto-Multi
2) Programmed Auto
3) Shutter Priority Auto
4) Aperture Priority Auto
5) Manual
I did most of the session with the Programmed Auto and Aperture Priority Auto, and it is very effective.
FEATURES
The N50 also provides the following features
1) Build in TTL Flash
2) Timer
3) Exposure Compensation
4) Auto Exposure Bracketing
5) Manual Flash Compensation
6) 2 fps
LENS
The F601 accept a wide range of high quality AF lenses from the Nikkor range as well as good quality third party lenses maker like the popular low cost Sigma, Tokina, Tamron... etc.
To achieve high picture quality and most important sharpness, none of this cheap lenses maker is comparable to the original Nikkor lenses. I always believe that that extra cost spent on the optics is worthy.
I tested the F601 with a older Nikkor 28-85 lenses.
QUALITY TEST
The F601 is a very simple camera to use. Beginner might need the manual to fully understand all the functions available in the camera. Every knobs and buttons are well arranged and located for the ease of operation, and it is definitely a sign of Nikon’s careful design.
Offering a shutter speed of 1/2000 to 30s, plus bulb. It is below the average standard range of 1/4000s to 30s for mid range SLR camera. But with the fact that such high speed is seldom used in common photography opportunities, it should not be bother too much. I have heard no complains over my years in the club with many users of the F601 (F-601s in Singapore) that the shutter speed range limit their photo chances. The durability of the shutter is good in my opinions, as one of the club members has one unit and has been using it for more than 6 years and all speed is still accurate.
A very common disappointment with this range of SLR is the built-in flash. Having a ISO guide number of 13, it is too weak for any good usage. I would recommend the use of a cheap SB-22s, which is available in the used market for about $50. It will offer better results than the useless built-in unit.
I remember testing the camera at the Botanic Garden in Singapore with a roll of Fuji slide and a roll of Kodak black and white. Can’t really remember the actual type of film. The picture quality is good, with most shots kept in accurate focus, except a few when focus on a running kid. This is due mainly to the difficulty in maintaining focus with its Focus Priority Continuous AF. With regards to the exposure, the Matrix metering is accurate and precise, as seen in the non-forgivable slides.
I don’t remember the F601 offer Multiple Exposure capability, which is one of the most used function in my work. It will be a limitation for some who are into this sort of creative photography, but if you are not, it will not be a big issue.
SUMMARY
This Nikon F601 was already discontinued many years ago, but it is still available in the used market. I have seen a good working unit selling for as low as $150 to $200.
With the amount of good Nikons of newer generation available in the market, it looks like a rather bad bet. But the fact that if it is available at just about $200, and if it is for a start or a upgrade from the dummy point and shoot camera, it is still a very good bargain.
I am not in either side of recommendation, but I would say it is only recommended if one can get it at less than $200, if not, look elsewhere.