C41
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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The Nikon F-601m is the manual-focus variant of the F-601 (sold in North America as the N6006), introduced alongside the autofocus model in 1990. Where the F-601 includes Nikon's multi-point autofocus system, the F-601m omits the AF motor and related electronics, replacing them with a more conventional manual-focus system with split-prism and microprism focusing aids and an electronic rangefinder indicator in the viewfinder. The remaining specification is shared: the same polycarbonate body shell, the same 3D matrix metering, the same four exposure modes (P, A, S, M), the same 1/2000s shutter ceiling, and compatibility with AI and AI-S Nikkor lenses as well as AF lenses operated in manual focus. The F-601m was positioned as an affordable option for photographers who preferred manual focus or worked primarily with AI-S glass and did not want to pay for autofocus they would not use.
Reference
Recommended film stocks for the 35mm format your camera takes.
C41
Kodak Portra 400 is a professional C-41 color negative film known for flexible exposure latitude, natural skin tones, and fine grain.
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Kodak Tri-X 400 is a classic black-and-white film known for strong tonality, visible grain, and documentary character.
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Kodak Gold 200 is a daylight-balanced C-41 color negative film with warm color, moderate grain, and a classic consumer-film look.
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Before you buy used
About this camera
The F-601 with the AF motor stripped out: manual focus, matrix metering, and all four exposure modes at an entry-level price.
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Format | 35mm |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI, AI-S, AF - manual focus only for AF lenses) |
| Years | 1990-1994 |
| Shutter | 30s - 1/2000s + Bulb, electronic vertical metal |
| Flash sync | 1/125s |
| Meter | TTL matrix, center-weighted |
| Modes | P, A, S, M |
| Focus | Manual; electronic rangefinder indicator in viewfinder |
| Focus aids | Split-prism, microprism collar, matte field |
| Weight | ~490 g (body only) |
| Battery | 4x AA |
Nikon launched the F-601 and F-601m simultaneously in 1990. The F-601 (N6006 in North America) represented Nikon's mid-range AF offering, sitting below the F-801 in the consumer line and above the F-401 series. The manual-focus companion followed Nikon's then-standard practice of releasing MF variants of its mid-range bodies: the F-501 had received a parallel manual-focus version (the F-501 QD), and the F-301 had been offered in both configurations. By 1990 the manual-focus market was shrinking rapidly as autofocus became the mainstream expectation, and the F-601m was one of the last mid-range manual-focus bodies Nikon produced. It was discontinued around 1994 without a direct successor; subsequent Nikon consumer bodies were autofocus-only.
The F-601m occupies an interesting position in Nikon's 1990s catalog as a capable manual-focus camera with modern metering - 3D matrix metering was a genuine advantage over older MF bodies - paired with all four exposure modes in an ergonomically contemporary shell. For photographers working with a collection of AI-S lenses, it offered a path into the 1990s body ergonomics without the cost premium of the F-801 or the obligation of autofocus. Today the F-601m is one of the more affordable entry points into Nikon F-mount manual-focus shooting with matrix metering, often found at lower prices than comparable-era AI-S bodies from the FM2 line because it lacks the FM2's mechanical reputation. The electronic rangefinder - which confirms correct focus by illuminating an indicator in the finder rather than requiring the user to read a split-image - is a practical aid for fast manual shooting.
The F-601m accepts AI and AI-S Nikkor lenses with full metering across all modes. AF Nikkors mount and can be used manual-focus with matrix metering active. Pre-AI lenses do not mount without modification due to the absence of the AI coupling tab found on older professional bodies. AF-S lenses mount but provide manual focus only. The built-in pop-up flash covers a nominal angle; hot-shoe compatible with SB-series Speedlights including SB-24 for TTL fill. Film transport is motorized (built-in advance motor, single-frame and continuous advance). No interchangeable finder or motor-drive socket; the body accepts wired remote releases only. The F-601m does not support data backs from the F-801 line.
BW
Ilford HP5 Plus is a flexible ISO 400 black-and-white film with classic grain and strong push-processing tolerance.
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Kodak Ektar 100 is a fine-grain C-41 color negative film with saturated color and high sharpness.
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