Nikon F801

The Nikon F801 (or N8008 in the US) is a 35mm SLR of the late 1980s and one of the first Nikons with autofocus. Although its autofocus mechanism is slower in comparison to modern standards, it was an improvement on Nikon's first attempt at an AF SLR, the F501 (N2020 in North America), and proved to be typically Nikon in its reliability and durability. Despite the 'N' designation in the US, usually reserved for non-pro cameras, the F801 was built to a high standard, and incorporated a number of professional-type features:

* A Depth of Field preview button allows temporary stopping down to the shooting aperture to check DOF.
* A Multiple Exposure facility allows up to eight shots within one frame.
* A unique 'two shot' self timer. This allowed a second shot to be taken by the self timer a couple of seconds after the first, giving a more 'relaxed' and unposed picture.
* Fully programmed auto exposure, Aperture priority, Shutter priority and fully manual exposure control.
* 30-second to 1/8000-second shutter speed range with "Bulb".
* Full DX override.
* ASA range from 12 to 3200.
* 1/250-sec. flash synch.
* Evaluative 2D Matrix and 75% Centre Weighted metering modes.
* Freeze Focus, data imprinting and full auto-bracketing facilities with MF-21 data back add-on.

Like the Nikon F4, this camera has the facility to meter through any F mount lens, even pre-AI lenses. This allows full use of the extensive range of F mount Nikkor lenses along with such accessories as non-AI Macro Extension Tubes, Bellows, lens reversal rings, filters and so on, while retaining full metering capabilities. This ability, unfortunately, does not extend through all of Nikon's newer cameras.

Despite the camera's complexity (900 parts, two micro computers, and eight ICs), both the F801 (N8008) and its successor the F801s (N8008s) enjoy an enviable reputation for extremely reliable performance and durability, a weak point of many mid-level AF SLR cameras.

The success of the F801 led to an updated version of this camera in 1990. Designated the F801s (N8008s) it had improved AF speed and accuracy in the AF and incorporated a new spot meter, but retained the original model's reputation for reliability.

See also

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External links

* [http://www.maclean-nj.com/review/f801.htm A review]