The F6 benefits from the aggressive advancements in camera technology Nikon has made in response to an explosive demand for high-end digital cameras. It embodies Nikon's latest technological advancements, such as the Multi-CAM200 11-area AF system for exceptionally high-speed autofocus operation with outstanding accuracy, and the i-TTL Creative Lighting System for incomparable flash photography. The F6 features a newly refined proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering system for improved accuracy in scene recognition and exposure. The camera also operates at highly subdued noise levels to ensure the ultimate shooting experience. For film shooters, the F6 undoubtedly represents the epitome of 35mm SLR photography and cutting edge performance.

The F6 is the sixth model in a legendary series of F-series professional film SLR cameras from Nikon. First introduced with the Nikon F in 1959, the series has transcended newer challenges over the years with successive new models. The original Nikon F was succeeded by the F2 (1971), F3 (1980), F4 (1988) and the critically acclaimed F5 in 1996. Each of these cameras inherited select elements from its predecessors, including the legendary Nikon F mount and a consistent design philosophy to offer professionals tools of the highest caliber and performance. Each successive model also raised the bar for innovation and technological advancement to meet the increasingly diversified needs of professional photographers. Today, tens of thousands of Nikon F-series SLR cameras and Nikkor lenses are put to test daily around the world, helping photographers make great pictures. The new Nikon F6 promises to uphold Nikon's tradition of innovation and enduring value.

The Nikon F6 35mm film SLR camera earns its right to become the next flagship Nikon F-Series professional camera by incorporating remarkable new technologies and design enhancements that give photographers who prefer film the highest level of performance in an SLR camera. In addition to incorporating Nikon's new Multi-CAM2000 11-area AF system and powerful i-TTL Creative Lighting System, the F6 also incorporates several fine refinements in design and construction. It features an improved Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering system for greater accuracy in scene recognition and exposure, as well as a new shutter unit crafted from DuPont (TM) KEVLAR (R) and a special aluminum alloy for unparalleled reliability, lightening-quick movement and precision. Nikon engineers have successfully subdued the camera's operational sounds by using a professional echoic chamber to measure sound and vibration meticulously and then craft the camera with parts that have been highly refined for absolute minimum vibration, and frequency of movement attenuated to a level below that detectable by the human ear. Constructed on an aluminum-alloy die-cast chassis with magnesium-alloy front body and covers (top, bottom) and strategically placed rubber surfaces, the F6 is built like a tank, and has undergone several reliability and rigidity tests to ensure flawless performance. A self-diagnostic shutter incorporated in the camera has undergone testing to assure accurate release up to and beyond 150,000 cycles, even in the most extreme environmental conditions. The F6 undoubtedly goes beyond Nikon's uncompromising standards of quality, durability and rigidity that photographers around the world expect and trust.

The F6 also features a variety of exciting, innovative control options such as a customizable function button, built-in data back functions, shooting data memory and compatibility with a new Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40. This new power pack boosts the camera's framing rate from a native 5.5 frames per second to a full 8 frames per second, allowing Nikon engineers to reduce the size of the F6 significantly from its predecessor, the F5. With the convenience and versatility afforded by 41 Custom Settings, photographers can also fine-tune the F6 to suit their individual shooting preferences and requirements.

Nikon's F6 Highlights

High-precision shutter unit - No shutter unit in any other camera comes close to matching the precision and durability of the F6's assembly. Created from cutting-edge materials - DuPont TM KEVLAR (R) and a special aluminum alloy - the blades of the shutter unit offer unparalleled reliability and are extremely lightweight, for lightning-quick movement. For enhanced accuracy, the movement of the blades was carefully analyzed during the design process using a high-speed video camera and computer simulations, enabling unprecedented precision even at shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 second. (DuPont (TM) and KEVLAR (R) are trademarks and registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.)

Minimized operational sound and vibration - Nikon engineers were so intent on subduing the camera's operational sounds that they used a professional audio room to properly gauge the sound quality and frequency. The degree of vibration to which every part of the camera would be subjected was measured. This meticulous approach has resulted in a camera comprised of parts that have been highly refined for absolute minimum vibration, and frequency of movement attenuated to a level below that detectable by the human ear.

Highly efficient mechanics - The development of the F6 marks the first time 3D computer movement analysis has ever been applied to an SLR. This technique reveals the degree of power distributed to or generated by particular parts in specific directions. This made it possible for Nikon to optimize the mechanical operation of the camera with fewer parts, leading to lower power consumption and higher durability.

Harsh environmental testing - To ensure the camera could withstand the most severe conditions and environments, the F6 has been subjected to rigorous testing. The F6's astonishing reliability is a function of Nikon's the right material for the right place approach. Nikon engineers considered countless situations for camera use, then submitted the F6 to real-life testing to virtually guarantee exceptional dependability wherever and whenever photographers shoot.

Metering System - Nikon's Advanced Exposure Metering System includes 3D Color Matrix metering with improved algorithm, a flexible Center Weighted metering and Spot metering corresponding to any of the 11 selected focus areas.

Autofocus - Autofocus system includes Multi-CAM 2000 Autofocus (AF) Sensor Module, with advanced high-speed, high-precision 11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors. Also includes Four AF Area Modes such as Single Area AF, Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-On (TM), Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF and Group Dynamic AF.

Usable Lenses - All AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S and AF VR Nikkor lenses provide full AF and metering operation. AI-P lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder and full metering operation. AI lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder, aperture priority and manual exposure mode, C/W and Spot Metering operation.

Shooting Modes - Program, Flexible Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual. Also allows for exposure compensation, Auto Exposure/Flash Bracketing.

Film Advance - Four film advance modes, including Single (S), Continuous Low-Speed (CL) for up to approx. 3 fps, Continuous High-Speed (CH) for up to 5.5 fps (or 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40) and Continuous Silent (Cs) for nearly silent operation at approximately 1 fps.

Flash - Nikon's Creative Lighting System (with SB-800/600 Speedlights) includes i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash, Wireless Advance Lighting capability and AUTO FP High-Speed Sync capability up to 1/8000 second.

MB-40 Multi-Power Battery Pack for F6

With Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40, eight 1.5V AA-type alkaline-manganese, Ni-MH or lithium batteries, or one optional Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4 (with optional Battery Chamber Cover BL-3) is required (not included)
Allows 8 fps in continuous high-speed film advance mode
MB-40 is equipped with an extra shutter release button, the Main- and Sub- Command Dial, AF start button and multi- selector

Specifications:

• Type of Camera: Integral motor autofocus 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera with electronically controlled focal-plane shutter.
• Exposure Modes: Programmed Auto, Flexible Program, Shutter priority, Aperture Priority and Manual
• Picture Format: 24mm x 36mm (standard 35mm film format)
• Lens Mount: Nikon F Mount (With AF coupling, AF contacts)
• Usable Lenses: All AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S and AF VR Nikkor lenses provide full AF and metering operation. AI-P lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder and full metering operation. AI lenses provide manual focus w/electronic rangefinder, aperture priority and manual exposure mode, C/W and Spot Metering operation.
• Viewfinder: Fixed eyelevel pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1)
• Eyepoint: 18mm (at -10m-1)
• Focusing Screen: B Type BriteView clear screen Matte II, interchangeable with six other optional focusing screens
• Autofocus: TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM 2000 autofocus module
• AF Detection Range: Approx. EV -1 to EV +19 (at ISO 100)
• AF Area Mode: Single Area AF, Dynamic AF, Group Dynamic AF or Dynamic AF with Closest Subject Priority
• Metering System: Three built-in exposure meters; 1005 Pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix II ,Flexible Center Weighted and Eleven Spot meters
• Metering Range: (at ISO 100 with f/1.4 lens) EV 0 to EV 20 in 3D Color Matrix II and Center-Weighted, EV 2 to EV 20 in Spot
• Exposure Compensation: With exposure compensation button; + 5 EV range, in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
• Auto Exposure Bracketing: Built-in; Number of shots; 2-7 compensation steps 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
• Auto Exposure Lock: By pressing AE-L/AF-L Button
• Film Speed Setting: ISO 25 to 5000 for DX-coded film; ISO 6 to 6400 can be manually set
• Shutter: Electromagnetically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with built-in shutter monitor
• Flash Synchronization: In Programmed Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto, shutter operates from 1/250 to 1/60 sec. in normal sync. 1/250 to 30 sec. In slow sync; in Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode, shutter operates at speed set, or at 1/250 if speed is set between 1/250 and 1/8000 sec. Auto FP High Speed Sync with Custom Setting in all modes to 1/8000sec.
• Flash Control: TTL flash control by combined Five Segment TTL Multi-Sensor with single component IC and 1,005 Pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-600/800; film speed range in TTL auto flash: ISO 25-1000
• Ready Light: Speedlight attached, lights up in red when Nikon dedicated Speedlight is ready to fire, or blinks to warn of insufficient light for correct exposure
• Accessory Shoe: ISO518 hot shoe contact, digital data communication (sync contact, ready light contact, TTL Auto flash contact, monitor contact, GND) safety lock provided
• Self Timer: Electronically controlled; 10 second duration; blinking LED indicates self-timer operation; cancelable
• Film Loading: Film automatically advances to first frame when camera back is closed
• Film Advance: Automatic advance with built-in motor, three modes available (S: for one frame advance, CL: Continuous low speed shooting, CH: Continuous high-speed shooting, CS: Continuous silent low-speed shooting)
• Film Rewind: Choice of automatic or manual; automatically rewinds at the end of the roll or when two film rewind buttons are pressed, rewind speed with 36 exp, roll of film Approx. 7 seconds (12 seconds in CS Mode)
• Multiple Exposure: Activated via shooting menu
• Power Source: Battery Holder MS-41 provided (two 3V Lithium batteries) Optional Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40 and AA type battery holder MS-40 available (for eight alkaline manganese, lithium or NiMH batteries or one rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4);built-in battery back up
• Weight (without batteries): Approx. 34.4 oz
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 6.2 x 4.7 x 3.1 inches