Nikon F-601m1990

History

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.

Why It Matters

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.

Lenses & Accessories

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.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• The F-601m was primarily a consumer and student body; no specific notable photographic use is documented.
• The N6006 (US market F-601 AF version) was reviewed positively by Popular Photography on introduction and sold well in the US consumer market; the manual-focus variant received less coverage.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Nikon F-601 - variant list and specification comparison
• Wikipedia: Nikon F601 - production history and market context