Nikon's mid-range autofocus SLR — the F-601, electronic, matrix metering, four modes, Nikon F, 1990.
The Nikon F-601, introduced in 1990, was a mid-level autofocus 35mm SLR sitting between the entry F-401 and enthusiast F-801. It was sold as the N6006 in the United States. It belonged to Nikon's autofocus range of the early 1990s and used the Nikon F bayonet mount, part of the long-lived Nikon lens system.
This is an electronically controlled 35mm SLR on the Nikon F mount, with a vertical-travel focal-plane shutter that is electronically timed, offering speeds broadly to 1/2000 second plus B. Metering includes matrix and centre-weighted patterns; exposure modes include programmed, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual. It provides phase-detection autofocus, integral film advance and a built-in flash. As an electronic body it depends on batteries to operate.
The F-601 suits enthusiasts and general users who want matrix metering, a full set of exposure modes and a built-in flash in a mid-range Nikon body. It offers more control than the entry F-401 while remaining approachable. It works with AF Nikkor lenses for autofocus and covers a broad range of everyday shooting.
On the used market, being fully electronic, it needs good batteries, so test AF, the flash, meter and all exposure modes. Check the shutter, inspect the prism and LCD for problems, and look for perished light-seal and mirror-damper foam, common on this era. Try loading and rewind. It uses standard lithium cells rather than mercury batteries. AF Nikkor lenses autofocus; AI-S and manual-focus F-mount lenses can be used with reduced metering support.