Nikon F501 resources
24 December 2022
Nikon's first mainstream autofocus camera, introduced in 1986 alongside the manual focus F301. Capable of focusing with the autofocus lenses developed for the rare F3AF, but also works with what was then a new generation of AF Nikkors. Marked the beginning of a move away from traditional metal body construction but still feels solid in the hand. Focusing is, inevitably, slow and noisy by modern standards. Hard to find in good condition today and much less well known than the earlier FM/FE series or the contemporary professional F3 and F4, but the F501's significance in Nikon history will make it a more and more desirable collectable as time goes on. Known as N2020 in the USA.
Used values £50-100 (read more about the used values we quote)
Data
Type F-mount 35mm film camera
In production 1986-1990
Predecessor No direct predecessor
Successor F-601
Assembly location Japan
Serial number location Base of camera