Nikon F-601 body. The amateur camera of the 1990s.

F-601 was the only Nikon SLR model announced in 1990 & it was also the first Nikon to use 6v Lithium and the second Nikon that employed with a predictive type of focus system. Metering systems deployed was getting a little serious primarily because between the Nikon F801/N8008 and F401/N4004, the performance gap was quite far apart where filled the gap with this middle-of-the-road model. In fact, Nikon was smart enough to utilize this opportunity to split the camera into two models to fit various market demand. Thus, the F601 has a basic model and a F601M (read below) as alternate option. The F601 basic configuration includes: – An F801-type of AM200 AF Module powered autofocus system that work from EV -1 to 19: Single-servo (focus lock/shoot) and continuous focus AF is offered but the F601 has a better & more accurate in handling focus prediction in C mode than, even the F801, focus-priority can be disabled. Metering systems include a 5-segment Matrix, center weighted and spot meter Metering range: EV 0-19 at ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens) but spot meter was less sensitive. Exposure modes available are: Program (P and Pm), aperture priority, shutter priority, manual (but no metering indication when used in this mode but it allows 1/3 stop setting increment for shutter speeds. Exposure lock possible along with exposure compensation, the latter was generously extended with ±5 stops in 1/3 stop increments. Flash modes: automatic balanced fill flash with compatible flash such as Nikon SB-24 Speedlight, SB-23 etc. The built-in speedlight (GN 42 (ISO 100/feet) that has a rough coverage for 28mm wideangle, a limited working range but good enough to use it for grab or shadow-fill shots. Film speed was auto DX coded (ISO 25-5000) with manual override capability ( 6-6400) . Viewfinder has a 0.75x magnification and, approx. 92% frame coverage. Additional useful features are auto exposure bracketing, rear curtain, slow sync etc. The shutter speed range was an equally extensively offered from 30 sec – 1/2000 sec, while top sync speed was 1/125 sec. The model has a Quartz date data back as F-601QD as option. The F-601 was an interesting alternative with its wide arrays of camera features. The automatic film advance is the weaker link that can be found, it has only 2 fps speed rate, besides, the TC-AF-16A is not usable for converting manual focus Nikkor into an AF lense with this camera. Battery type is a DL-223A/CR-P2 lithium battery. The camera weighs  approx. 650g (without battery).