I previously mentioned here of the mystery light leak with my Nikon F301. I discovered a resolution to my problem in the form of the Nikon F501(2020). The cameras share the same body and film back as can be seen below
The F301 on the right and the F501 with offending MF19 back on the left
I put a small amount of film through the F301 to test the integrity of the film back and….
Success🥳
I could now go out and run a film through the camera with a view to providing this brief review.
The F301 (2000) was released in 1985. One year later the almost identical F501 was unleashed. Can you spot the difference?
Ummmmm.
Ahhh Yes. The F501 features auto focus, the F301 doesn’t.
So what I said here about the F501 really applies to the F301 as well. From my experience out with it this morning I would say the experience was that same, not unsurprisingly, as the one I had with the F501. As with the F501 the camera shutter is just as satisfying as heard by clicking the image below.
But what about the images??
A Reed Bunting
So which do you choose, the F301 or the F501. I don’t have to worry since I have both. But if auto focus is important then the F501 has to be your choice. If not, then the F301. They will both deliver great looking images.
But what was the cause of the light leak? I don’t know! I could rule out the Nikon MF19 film back as the potential source by trying it with the F501. What a hardship😉
arhphotographic 