Fujica ST601 (1975)

The Fujica ST601 is a fully mechanical, fully manual 35mm SLR from 1975. It is a simplified, entry-level alternative to the ST701 (3rd version), and a step below the contemporaneous ST801. The ST605 replaced it in 1976. The body is metal, available in black or silver, with a self-timer and hot shoe.

The camera takes M42 screw-mount lenses and has stopdown TTL metering powered by two 1.35v mercury batteries. The shutter itself is fully mechanical and needs no battery. The shutter speed selector dial locks to keep you from selecting speeds outside the meter's sensitivity range, which was common on TTL metering cameras of the period. The shutter runs from 1/2 sec to an unconventional 1/700th sec, plus B, and the film speed range is ISO 20-1600. It was typically sold with a Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 lens. At least one listing shows it paired with Albinar 55mm and 135mm lenses.

One forum user reported receiving an ST601 with its 55mm lens in seemingly perfect cosmetic condition, but noted it "always triggers at the same speed." That suggests the meter batteries were dead and needed replacing before the camera would work properly. It calls for two 1.35v mercury cells, which are no longer commonly available.

Surviving documentation on the ST601 is thin. There's no confirmed original price, no weight or dimensions recorded, and no detailed history beyond its position as the budget option in the ST line. Sold prices tracked by CameraWorth range from £10 to £62, with a median of £46.

Type: 35mm SLR, fully mechanical shutter, fully manual
Mount: M42 screw
Shutter: 1/2 – 1/700 sec + B
Film speed: ISO 20–1600
Meter: TTL stopdown, powered by two 1.35v mercury batteries
Lens: Fujinon 55mm f/2.2 (typically)