Nikon N6006 (1990–1994)

A mid-range 35mm autofocus SLR with built-in motor drive, sold as the F-601 outside North America.

Overview

The Nikon N6006 is a 35mm autofocus SLR camera produced by Nikon from 1990 to 1994. Marketed as the Nikon F-601 in Europe and Asia, it was positioned as a mid-range model above the entry-level N4004 (F-401) and below the professional F4. It was one of the first Nikon SLRs to combine autofocus with a built-in motor drive, offering automatic film loading, advance, and rewind with DX coding detection. The camera features a single center autofocus point, TTL phase-detection AF system using the AM200 module, and an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter.

Specifications

Lens Mount	Nikon F bayonet mount (with AF coupling and AI indexing)
Film Format	35mm
Shutter	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed Range	30 to 1/2000 sec, Bulb
Flash Sync Speed	1/125 sec
Exposure Modes	Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto, Manual, Bulb
Metering System	TTL center-weighted averaging, SPD cell
Metering Range	EV 1 to EV 20 at ISO 100
Film Speed Range	ISO 25 to 5000 (DX), ISO 6 to 6400 (manual)
Autofocus	TTL phase-detection, single-shot (AF-S) and continuous (AF-C) modes
Focus Areas	1 (center)
Viewfinder Coverage	Approx. 92% vertical, 92% horizontal
Viewfinder Magnification	0.75x (with 50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity)
Diopter Adjustment	-1.6 to +0.5
Power Source	4x AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or NiMH)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	154 x 103.5 x 67.5 mm
Weight	665g (without batteries)

Design

The camera features a polycarbonate body over a metal chassis, with a top-mounted LCD panel for settings display. It uses Nikon's AM200 autofocus module, with a focus detection range from EV -1 to EV 18 (ISO 100). The self-timer is electronically controlled with an approximate 10-second delay.

Context

The N6006 was part of Nikon's "Advanced Photo System" series of autofocus SLRs and shares compatibility with the N6000 and N50/F-501 for flash accessories like TIL remotes, multi-flash sync cords, and AS-10 adapters. It could be used in a multiple flash setup with Nikon TIL Speedlights such as the SB-22, SB-20, and SB-16A1B.

Market

Common issues include aging capacitors causing electronic failure, worn door latches, and sticky mirror mechanisms. The camera typically sells for $20–$50 USD in working condition, making it an affordable entry into Nikon's autofocus film SLR system. Some users report success reviving long-unused units, though the AF module is noted to have reliability concerns.