AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, At the Stop

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, The Nikon F-601, and a vintage AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, an affordable 35mm film SLR setup for enthusiasts and collectors.

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At the train stop, in the quiet after the morning rush, time almost stood still. I was on my way to an outing in the suburbs and had with me the AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D mounted on the Nikon F601.

The AF Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, introduced in 1995, was the third and final iteration of the AF Zoom Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5 series produced by Nikon. The AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, incidentally, is the only version that is fully compatible with all 35mm SLR Nikon film cameras as well as Nikon FX digital cameras manufactured from 1977 onward.

Nikon F-601, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D

The Nikon F601, or the N6006 in the US, was introduced in 1991 and featured an improved autofocus system, auto film advance, pop-up electronic flash, a new multi-zone metering program, and a top shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second.

AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, In the Park

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, images with the Nikon F-601, and AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, a very capable 1990s era 35mm film SLR kit for enthusiasts and collectors.

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I was using the lens for a short stint recently, with the lens mounted on a Nikon N75, and here I am back again, this time with the lens mounted on a Nikon F-601, out on an early morning walk in the park. Images were captured on a roll of Kodak ColorPlus 200, lab-processed, and scanned on the CanoScan 9000F MkII.

The AF Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, or in its full designation, 'Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5D IF', is a 16-element in 12-groups NIC (Nikon Integrated Coating) multicoated push-pull zoom lens, introduced in 1995. The lens was the last of three versions after the original Nikon's AF Zoom Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5, produced from 1986 to 1991, and the replacement Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5N MK II, which was in production from 1991 to 1995.

Nikon F-601, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D

The AF Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D version, incidentally, is the only version fully compatible with all 35mm SLR Nikon film cameras and Nikon FX digital cameras manufactured from 1977 onward. As for the camera, the Nikon F601 is a 1990 vintage, the first Nikon to use a 6V Lithium battery pack, and the second to be fitted with the improved autofocus and spot metering system, which is the mainstay of the high-end F-801s.

Nikon F-601, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D

The F-601 is fitted with a built-in pop-up electronic flash, a top shutter speed of 1/2000 of a second, and a new "Matrix" evaluative multi-zone metering program. It is compatible with a wide range of Nikon F-mount lenses, including both autofocus and manual focus types. During its production, the F-601 sat between the Nikon F-401 and Nikon F-801s in the company's consumer SLR range.

AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, By-Passed by Time

Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, images with the Nikon F-601, and AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D, a very capable 1990s era 35mm film SLR kit for enthusiasts and collectors.

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Due to a time constraint, I had the chance to take only half a dozen shots of the railway station I was at recently. While the passenger coaches were modern EMUs (Electrical Multiple Units) and the station front with updated service elements, the platform area itself was rather blighted, a sight that seems to have been bypassed by time.

Remnants of scaffolded tanks for water storage, dilapidated and fenced-up godown units, and lethargic-looking platform roofs were the order of the day.

I was using the AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5~4.5D mounted on N75 for the shoot. The 16-elements in 12-groups NIC (Nikon Integrated Coating) multicoated FX lens is a great push-pull zoom that works perfectly on all 35mm Nikons as well as Nikon FX digital cameras made since 1977. Acknowledged as sharp throughout its range, from a wide 35mm to a short 105mm telephoto, the lens is well suited for family photographs or for your travel vacations.

Nikon N75, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D

The N75 35mm SLR film camera the lens was mounted on is no slouch either. The camera (also marketed as N75 and U2), which was introduced in 2003, is a very advanced SLR camera built with innovations that make the F5 (1959) and F80 (2000) legends of their own. Exposure programming is a veritable choice of Automatic, variable-program modes, and PASM, while metering is a 25-segment Matrix pattern with five user autofocus sensors.

Nikon N75, AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 D

The AF system of the N75 works with every AF, VR, AF-I, and AF-S lens ever made by Nikon, with manual focus lenses, and a confirmation dot electronic rangefinder system. Finally, the N75/F75/U2 is also the last of the breed, the final model Nikon produced before the launch of the digital D100 and later the D70.