Film cameras
Nikon F6 User manual
User manual for Nikon F6. 192 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Nikon
- Model / document
- Nikon F6
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 192
- File size
- 5.8 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 5 · Read text
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon F6.
Get to know your F6 camera, and be sure to read this manual
thoroughly before using it. We recommend that you keep this
manual handy.
Main features of the F6:
• Nikon’s exclusive new 11-area autofocus sensor (Multi-CAM2000)
system, including 9 cross-type sensors, achieves superior
performance in continuous high-speed shooting and enables sharp
focus even on erratically moving subjects.
• Exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering with a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
provides a correct exposure in diverse shooting situations.
• Various settings feature a menu list displayed on the large-sized
LCD panel on camera back, Custom Settings feature customized
combinations of various functions/modes, and two Command Dials
and a multi-selector provide access to more versatile functions.
• Various accessory systems including interchangeable lenses. When
used with an optional Nikon Speedlight that features the Creative
Lighting System (CLS), new levels of flash performance, including
i-TTL, Auto FP High-Speed Sync and Advanced Wireless Lighting,
can be achieved.
• Shooting data such as shutter speed, aperture or lens’ focal length
can be stored in the camera and saved on a CompactFlash™ (CF)
memory card (with the optional Data Reader MV-1).
Supplied accessories
Strap*
Body cap ( 21) Two 3V lithium
batteries ( 16)
Attaching strap
* Strap is not supplied in the U.S.A. and Canada.
4View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
Take test shots•
Before taking pictures on important occasions (for example, at wedding or Begin
before taking the camera with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that You
the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for
damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction. Before
• Have Nikon spot-check your camera regularly
Nikon recommends that you have your camera serviced by an authorized
dealer or service center at least once every two years.
• Using your camera correctly
Nikon F6 performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand
accessories. Accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet
Nikon’s criteria for specifications, and nonconforming accessories could
damage F6 components. Nikon cannot guarantee the performance of the
F6 when it is used with anything other than Nikon brand accessories.
Marks used in this manual
This icon indicates cautions, information that should be read before use to
prevent damage to the camera.
This icon indicates notes, information that should be read before using the
camera.
This icon indicates tips, additional information that may be helpful when using
the camera.
This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual.
CSM 00: This icon indicates settings that can be fine-tuned from the Custom Settings
menu.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s Life-Long Learning commitment to ongoing product support and education,
continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:
• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
• For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support
• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to
frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on photography. Additional information
may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact
information:
http://nikonimaging.com/
www.orphancameras.com 5View original page 6Page 13 · Read text
Nomenclature/Controls—continued
• Command Dials and operating buttons
• The F6’s Main- and Sub-Command Dials can be used alone or in combination with
other buttons to select and set various functions and modes.
Sub-Command Dial
Main-Command Dial
• Film
• Setting ISO film speed (x 44)
• Exposure
• Selecting exposure mode (x 26, 64-71)
• Performing Flexible Program in Programmed Auto
exposure mode (x 64)
• Setting the shutter speed in Shutter-Priority Auto or
Manual exposure mode*1 (x 66, 70)
• Setting the aperture in Aperture-Priority Auto or
Manual exposure mode*1 (x 68, 70)
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• Locking/unlocking shutter speed*1 (x 67, 70) Begin
You
• Locking/unlocking aperture*1 (x 69, 70) Before
• Setting exposure compensation value*2 (x 74)
• Setting the number of shots in Auto Exposure
Bracketing*3 (x 75)
• Setting an EV compensation value in Auto
Exposure Bracketing*3 (x 75)
• Flash
• Selecting flash sync mode (x 157)
*1 CSM f4: The shutter speed can be set to change with the Sub-Command
Dial and the aperture with the Main-Command Dial (x 109).
*2 CSM b3: Exposure compensation can be set to be activated with the Main-
or Sub-Command Dial without having to press the exposure compensation
button (x 97).
*3 CSM e8: Auto Exposure Bracketing can be set to turn on/off with the Main-
Command Dial, while the Sub-Command Dial can be used to select the
number of shots and EV compensation value (x 106).
www.orphancameras.com 13View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Nomenclature/Controls—continued
• Multi-selector
• Use the multi-selector to select focus area (x 50), operate
menu (x 88), or display shooting data (x 122).
• When “Activate meter” is selected in Custom Setting “f2:
Multi selector”, exposure meter can be activated with the
multi-selector (when exposure meter is off) (x 107). (Or,
by selecting “Initiate AF”, Autofocus can be activated.)
• Focus area selection
P (Top) : Select top focus area or focus area group*1
{ (Bottom): Select bottom focus area or focus area group*1
> (Right) : Select right focus area or focus area group*1
< (Left) : Select left focus area or focus area group*1
U (Center) : Select center focus area or focus area group*2
• Menu operation
P (Top) : Select option item or set option such as a number*3
{ (Bottom): Select option item or set option such as a number*3
> (Right) : Set selection or go to next page*3
< (Left) : Cancel selection or go back one page*3
U (Center) : Set or go to next page*3
• Shooting data display
P (Top) : Display film number or frame data
{ (Bottom): Display film number or frame data
> (Right) : Set film number or go back to film number selection display
< (Left) : Go back to shooting data display or film number selection display
*1 CSM a6: Focus area position can be set to change continuously in the same
horizontal or vertical direction. With this option, the focus area can be
switched to the opposite position without pressing the opposite position
on the multi-selector (x 96).
*2 CSM f1: Your selected focus area can be set to be highlighted when the
center of the multi-selector is pressed. Also, any operation can be canceled
when the center of the multi-selector is pressed (x 107).
*3 CSM f4: You can also activate menu operation with the Command Dials
(x 110).
14View original page 15Page 17 · Read text
1. Installing Batteries
Use two 3V lithium batteries.
Turn the power switch off, then turn the
battery holder (MS-41) release knob toward 1
the ◊icon to release the lock.
• When replacing batteries, be sure to turn the
power switch off and replace both batteries at
the same time. Always use fresh batteries of
the same brand and type.
Remove the battery holder and insert two
3V lithium batteries with the “+” and “–” 2
ends positioned as marked on the battery
holder.
• Incorrect positioning of the batteries’ + and –
poles may damage the camera.
Return battery holder to the battery
chamber and turn the battery holder release 3
knob away from the ◊icon to lock the
holder.
16View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Note on storing batteries
Keep the batteries out of children’s reach. If swallowed, contact a doctor
immediately. (For “Notes on Batteries”, x 174.)
Backup battery
The F6 is equipped with a built-in backup battery for the camera’s clock. This charges
in approximately 48 hours when 3 V lithium or the optional Multi Power Battery Pack
MB-40 (x 166) is supplying power to the F6. When the built-in battery is fully
charged, it is able to supply the F6’s built-in clock with power for approx. 4 months. Operation
When camera’s built-in clock has been reset
When power is not supplied for a long time or when batteries are Basic
installed for the first time and power is turned on, “CLOCK HAS
BEEN RESET. Set time and date.” may be displayed in the rear LCD
panel (the display returns to normal when any of the F6’s buttons
or Command Dial are used). In this case, set the date and time
(x 35).
• The camera functions normally without setting the date and time but shooting data
cannot be recorded (date and time) (x 112) or imprinted (day/hour/minute, date
and time) (x 126) correctly and interval timer (x 140) cannot be executed
correctly.
• If the camera power switch is turned on after the clock data has been lost, date
and time start from 2004, January 1st, 0 hour 0 minute. If date and time are left
unset, the clock data will be lost every time the power switch is turned off.
For number of film rolls that can be shot with fresh batteries, see page
185.
Power source other than 3V lithium batteries
Eight AA-type batteries or optional Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL4 (with
optional Battery Chamber Cover BL-3) can be used to power the F6 with an optional
Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40 (x 166) attached.
We recommend that you take spare batteries with you, especially when
traveling.
www.orphancameras.com 17View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
2. Checking Battery Power
Battery power can be checked in the top LCD panel and viewfinder.
Turn the power switch on and confirm
battery power with the N indication. 1
• If N appears, battery power is sufficient. If
any other indication appears, see table on the
next page.
• When the power switch is turned on, exposure
meter turns on.
Top LCD panel
Viewfinder
• Shutter release button operation and exposure meter
• Some indicators in the top and rear LCD panels and
all indicators in the viewfinder turn off after approx.
8 sec. if the power switch is turned on and no
operation is performed (exposure meter off). To
reactivate the indicators (exposure meter on), lightly
press the shutter release button.
• “F6 Nikon” is displayed in the rear LCD panel when
exposure meter is off under following conditions:
- Film speed: s
- AF area mode: g (Single Area AF)
- Focus area: center
- Exposure mode: ¡ (Programmed Auto)
- Exposure compensation: 00 (no compensation)
- Auto Exposure Bracketing: no setting
- Data imprint: no setting (all off)
- Flash sync mode: Front-Curtain Sync
CSM c4: It is possible to change the duration before automatic meter switch-off
occurs (x 100).
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Indications and battery status
Battery indications and corresponding battery power status are as follows:
Viewfinder Top LCD panel Battery status (Camera’s meter on)
Sufficient battery power.
(appears) (appears)
Battery power has begun to decline. (appears) (appears) Operation
Batteries are nearing exhaustion. Have a fresh Basic set ready. (appears) (appears)
Batteries are exhausted. Replace batteries.
(blinks) (blinks) (Shutter locks and rear LCD panel turns off.)
• Battery life depends on the battery brand and temperatures. Low battery power
indication M appears or blinks relatively soon at low temperatures. However,
battery power may recover and the indication returns to ˜ or N when the
temperature returns to normal.
Indications when the camera power is off
When the power switch is turned off (with batteries
installed), only the frame counter is displayed in the top
LCD panel.
For setting language and date, see pages 34 and 35.
• Set language (x 34) for rear LCD panel displays. In addition to English, German,
Spanish, French, Chinese (simplified) and Japanese are available.
• Set date and time (x 35) for recording/imprinting shooting data (x 112/126) or
Interval Timer photography (x 140).
www.orphancameras.com 19View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
3. Mounting a Lens
Nikon recommends using a G- or D-type CPU lens to take full
advantage of the features the camera offers.
CPU Nikkor lenses have G-type Nikkor lens D-type Nikkor lens
CPU contacts
1 Turn the power switch off.
• Turn the power switch off before mounting or
detaching lenses.
2 Mount the lens to the camera body.
• Position lens in the camera’s bayonet mount so
that the mounting indexes on the lens and
camera body are aligned, then twist the lens
counterclockwise until it locks into place.
• Be sure not to touch the lens release button.
3 Lock aperture at the minimum setting.
• With a CPU Nikkor lens other than G-type, set
the lens to its minimum aperture (smallest
f/stop) and lock. When a CPU Nikkor lens other
than G-type is not set to its smallest aperture
setting and the power switch is turned on, ƒEE
will blink in the top LCD panel and viewfinder
and the shutter cannot be released.
• G-type Nikkor lenses have no aperture ring.
Unlike other CPU Nikkor lenses, aperture does
not need to be set to minimum.
• Detaching the lens
• Turn the power switch off, push and hold the lens
release button Å, then turn the lens clockwise Í.
2
1
20View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
Attaching/detaching the lens
• Make sure to turn the power switch off before attaching/detaching the lens.
• Avoid direct sunlight when attaching/detaching the lens.
When camera is left unattended without a lens
If you leave the camera unattended without a lens attached, be sure to attach the
supplied body cap (x 4), or optional body cap BF-1A. (BF-1 body cap cannot be
used.) Operation
For details on lens compatibility, see page 38. Basic
Non-CPU Nikkor lens
With a non-CPU Nikkor lens attached, the aperture indication shows the number of
EV steps from the maximum aperture (e.g. ∂2: two steps from the maximum
aperture). However, by specifying the focal length and maximum aperture using
”specifying lens data“ (x 144), functions available with a CPU lens, such as
aperture indication or Color Matrix Metering, can be used. Non-AI lenses cannot be
attached without modification; see page 41 before attaching a non-AI lens.
www.orphancameras.com 21View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
4. Loading Film and Setting Film Advance Mode
Turn the power switch on and lift the film
rewind knob. The camera back will pop 1
open.
Insert film and pull film leader out as far as
the red index mark. 2
• Film cartridge can be loaded smoothly if
inserted from the top.
• Make sure to insert the film cartridge all the
way in.
• Make sure to align the film leader to the red
index mark; if the film leader is not properly
aligned to the index mark (short of or beyond
the mark), film may not load properly.
• Hold the film cartridge down to ensure that the
film is properly positioned with no slack.
Press the film rewind knob down to its
original position and gently close camera 3
back until it locks. Film automatically
advances to the first frame.
• When 1 appears on the top LCD panel, the film
has advanced to the first frame.
• If Err and E blink in the top LCD panel and
viewfinder, and “FILM LOAD ERROR” is
displayed in the rear LCD panel, the film is not
properly installed. Open the camera back again
and reload film.
Set the film advance mode selector to S
(single-frame shooting) while pressing the 4
film advance mode selector lock release.
22View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
Loading/removing film
• When loading film for the first time, remove the shutter
curtain’s protective cover .
• Shutter curtains are very thin. Do not touch the shutter
curtains with your finger or the film leader.
• Avoid direct sunlight when changing film.
Film slack Operation
Do not turn the film rewind crank to reduce film slack, because the tip of the filmmay come off and film will not advance properly. It could also damage the shutter Basic
curtain.
DX-coded film
When the camera’s film speed is set to s and
DX-coded film is loaded, film speed will be set
automatically (ISO 25-5000). When a non-DX- ISO
coded film is loaded with the camera film (film speed)
speed set to s, Err blinks in the top LCD
DX markpanel and viewfinder and “DX ERR” is
displayed in the rear LCD panel, and the shutter
locks. In this case, set film speed manually (x 44).
You can check the number of available exposures on the film roll through
the film cartridge confirmation window.
Film rewind knob
No lock is available for the film rewind knob on this camera. Make sure you do not
accidentally open the camera back.
For details on film advance mode, see page 45.
CSM d1: Camera can be set to advance the film automatically to the first
frame by pressing the shutter release button (x 101).
www.orphancameras.com 23View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
5. Set Focus Mode, AF Area Mode and Focus Area
Set the focus mode selector to S (Single
Servo AF). 1
• Make sure the focus mode selector clicks
properly into position.
2 Set the AF Area mode selector to g.
• In Single Area AF mode, you can select your
desired focus area from 11 possible choices
(x 52).
Rotate the multi-selector lock lever to
release the lock and select the center focus 3
area with the multi-selector.
• Lightly press the shutter release button and
press the multi-selector up/down/right/left to
shift the focus area in your desired direction.
(Press the center of the multi-selector to select
center focus area.)
• The selected focus area will be highlighted in
the rear LCD panel (in normal and detailed
display) and indicated in red in the viewfinder.
In normal display
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Focus mode set to S or C
Do not attempt to rotate the lens focus ring manually while the focus mode is set to
S or C, unless the lens is an AF-S or AF-I type AF Nikkor and is set to M/A mode.
For situations where autofocus may not work as expected, see page 60.
Characteristics of AF Area modes
AF Area mode Characteristic Operation
Focus is obtained at your selected focus area out
g Single Area AF Mode
of 11 possible choices. Basic
You designate the primary sensor (the first to
detect the subject), then if the detected subject
moves, Dynamic AF automatically shifts to the
h Dynamic AF Mode
next sensor that detects the subject, following it
by shifting among a progression of sensors as
the subject moves.
A group of neighboring focus areas at the
center, top, bottom, left and right areas of the
Group Dynamic AF frame can be selected. Group Dynamic AF Mode
f
Mode automatically maintains a focus on the subject
located closest to one of the focus areas within a
group.
Automatically selects one of 11 focus areas in
Dynamic AF Mode which the closest subject is located. If the subject
j with Closest-Subject moves from the selected focus area, the camera
Priority will automatically focus on the subject using data
from the other focus areas.
For details regarding focus mode, focus area and AF Area mode, see
pages 48-61.
www.orphancameras.com 25View original page 26Page 27 · Read text
6. Setting Metering System and Exposure Mode
Set metering system to ” (3D Color Matrix Metering) and exposure
mode to ¡ (Programmed Auto).
Set the metering system selector to ”
(Matrix Metering) while pressing the 1
metering system selector lock release.
• The Matrix Metering indication q appears in
the viewfinder.
• Exposure data from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor,
as well as scene brightness, contrast, subject
distance (Distance Information) and the scene’s
colors are accounted for in order to provide an
accurate exposure in 3D Color Matrix Metering
(x 62).
Rotate the Main-Command Dial while
pressing the exposure mode button to set 2
the exposure mode to ¡ (Programmed
Auto).
• When the shutter release button is lightly
pressed, the correct shutter speed and
aperture—as automatically determined by the
camera—appear in the top and rear (in large
and detailed display) LCD panel and viewfinder.
26View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
Metering Systems
Since brightness and film sensitivity determine the proper combination of shutter
speed and aperture for correct exposure, measuring subject brightness is very
important.
The F6 provides three metering systems. With Matrix Metering (x 62), brightness
data is detected using the 1,005-pixel Matrix sensor. With Center-Weighted Metering
(x 63), brightness is detected in the central area of the viewfinder. With Spot
Metering (x 63), sensitivity is concentrated in one of the 11 available focus areas.
Exposure Operation
Light from the subject passes through the lens and exposes the film. Shutter speed
and aperture control how much light reaches the film. The correct combination ofshutter speed and aperture results in a correct exposure—a result provided by the Basic
F6’s four exposure modes: Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority
Auto and Manual.
Characteristics of exposure modes
Symbol Exposure mode Shooting situations
Camera controls shutter speed and aperture
¡ ProgrammedAuto P. 64 automatically,settings, such aswhileFlexibleallowingProgramyou to(xmake64) orother
exposure compensation (x 74).
You set your desired shutter speed, and the camera
selects the correct aperture. Allows you to “freeze” ™ Shutter-PriorityAuto P. 66 the motion of a moving subject using a fast shutter
speed or blur the subject using a slower speed.
You set the desired aperture, and the camera
selects the correct shutter speed. This lets you
£ Aperture-PriorityAuto P. 68 sodetermineyou can thechoosedepthwhetherof the in-focusnear or distantarea (xsubjects164),
are in sharp focus, or whether foreground or
background should be blurred.
¢ Manual P. 70 ShutterTime Exposurespeed and(Bulb)aperturecan alsoarebesetselected.manually. Long
www.orphancameras.com 27View original page 28Page 29 · Read text
7. Holding the Camera and Focusing
Lightly pressing the shutter release button automatically focuses the
camera on the subject.
1 Hold the camera properly.
• Keep your elbow propped against your body
for support.
• Stand with one foot a half step forward
keeping your upper body as still as possible.
• Use your right hand to grasp the camera
handgrip and your left hand to cradle the lens.
2 Compose your shot.
• Center the focus brackets on your subject and
lightly press the shutter release button.
• Lightly pressing the shutter release button
automatically focuses the camera on the
subject (focus brackets flicker momentarily) and
when the subject is in focus, / appears in the
viewfinder.
28View original page 29Page 30 · Read text
Camera shake
Camera shake is likely to occur when the camera is not held steadily and/or when
using a slow shutter speed. In general, you should set the shutter speed faster than
‘1/focal length of your lens sec. (Example: when using a 50mm lens, set the shutter
speed faster than 1/50 sec.) Use of a tripod or VR lens is recommended for shooting
at slower shutter speeds.
Composing frame
The F6’s viewfinder frame shows approximately 100% of the image actually exposed Operation
on the film frame. Please be aware that most processing labs partially crop the edges
of film. Basic
Focus indications
• Focus indicators appear or blink as follows:
/ appears: Subject is in focus.
< appears: Camera is focused on an area between the camera and the
subject.
> appears: Camera is focused on an area behind the subject.
? blinks: Unable to focus using autofocus.
Diopter adjustment (x 81) enables you to see more clearly through the
viewfinder.
To take a picture of a subject outside the focus area use focus lock
(x 58).
In situations where autofocus may not work as expected, x 60.
Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40
Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40 (optional, x 166) features a shutter release button
for shooting in vertical position.
CSM a4: Autofocus detection can be set to start by pressing the AF start
button (rather than lightly pressing the shutter release button) (x 95).
www.orphancameras.com 29View original page 30Page 31 · Read text
8. Confirming Indications in Viewfinder and Releasing the Shutter
Confirm that / (in-focus indicator) appears in the viewfinder, then
slowly, fully depress the shutter release button.
Confirm indications in the viewfinder while
lightly pressing the shutter release button. 1
• Shutter speed and aperture are shown in 1/3
EV steps.
• If any warning indications appear in the LCD
panel or viewfinder, see page 65.
Confirm that focus indicator / appears and
slowly depress the shutter release button. 2
• After the shutter is released, the film
automatically advances to the next frame and
the next shot can be taken.
30View original page 31From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.