Nikon N6006 User Manual

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FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon N6006. We
hope you enjoy the Nikon N6006, and we’re sure it
will make photography a bigger part of your life.

Get to know your N6006, but before using it, be
sure to read this manual thoroughly, as well as the
supplemental manual "FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY."

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

NOMENCLATURE ....................................................... 4- 8

BASIC OPERATION..................................................................... 9-22

MOUNTING THE LENS
INSTALLING BATTERY

CHECKING BATTERY POWER...........................................12

LOADING FILM
BASIC SHOOTING

REWINDING FILM....................................................... 21-22

CONTROLS IN DETAIL/

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

FILM SPEED SETTING

USING AUTOMATIC FILM SPEED SETTING

FOR DX-CODED FILMS

MANUAL FILM SPEED SETTING

...........................................................................

........................................................

......................................................

..........................................................

....................................................

........................................

...............................................

..................................................

.......................................

13-15

16-21

23-80

24-27

24-25
25-26

10

11

2

2

FILM ADVANCE MODE SETTING

SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

FOCUSING

AUTOFOCUS........................................................... 28-35

MANUAL FOCUS

EXPOSURE

EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEMS

..................................................................

FOCUS-PRIORITY SINGLE AUTOFOCUS
FOCUS-PRIORITY CONTINUOUS

AUTOFOCUS

AUTOFOCUS WITH MAIN SUBJECT

OFF CENTER - SETTING
AF-L (AUTOFOCUS LOCK) FUNCTION
IN FOCUS-PRIORITY SINGLE AUTOFOCUS
IN FOCUS-PRIORITY CONTINUOUS

AUTOFOCUS........................................................34

SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS

MANUAL FOCUS WITH

ELECTRONIC RANGEFINDER

MANUAL FOCUS USING

CLEAR MATTE FIELD..............................................38

.................................................................

MATRIX METERING.....................................................39

CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING

SPOT METERING.........................................................40

METERING SYSTEM SETTING...................................41

METERING SYSTEM SELECTION -

WHEN TO USE MATRIX OR
CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING

..................................................

...................................................

.......................................

...........................................

.............................................

28-38

------

28-29

30-31

------

32-34

.........

...........................

36-38

......................

.......................

...............................

..................

36-37

39-72
39-45

42-45

27
27
27

33

35

40

EXPOSURE MODE

EXPOSURE MODE SETTING.......................................47

PROGRAMMED (PM AND P) AUTO

FLEXIBLE PROGRAM

SHUTTER-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE

MODE

...............................................................

OPERATION IN SHUTTER-PRIORITY

AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE

MODE

...............................................................

OPERATION IN APERTURE-PRIORITY

AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE ............................. 59-63

OPERATION IN MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE.. 59-61
TO OBTAIN EXPOSURE READING

FOR A MAIN SUBJECT OFF CENTER

OR TOO SMALL SUBJECT .................................62

BULB SETTING ........................................................63

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION................................ 64-72

AE (AUTO EXPOSURE) LOCK LEVER

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION BUTTON........... 66-67

AUTO EXPOSURE BRACKETING...................... 68-72

SELF-TIMER OPERATION

ONE-SHOT SELF-TIMER..................................................73

TWO-SHOT SELF-TIMER

BUILT-IN TTL FLASH

USING BUILT-IN TTL FLASH ................................. 76-78

BUILT-IN TTL FLASH SPECIFICATIONS

GUIDE NUMBER
ANGLE OF COVERAGE

.................................................

...................

..............................................

...........................

...........................

.............

.........................................

.................................................

.................................................

..............

...........................................................

..............................................

46-63

48-50

51-54

52-54

55-58

56-58

64-65

73-74

75-80

78-80

50

74

78
78

USABLE LENSES

FLASH SHOOTING DISTANCE RANGE......................80

CONTROLLED MAX. APERTURE IN

PROGRAMMED AND SHUTTER-PRIORITY
AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

.......................................................

........................................

- 79

80

ACCESSORIES................................................................. 81-90

LENS COMPATIBILITY................................................ 82-83

ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL SPEEDLIGHTS
CLOSE-UP ACCESSORIES

VIEWING ACCESSORIES ................................................87

OTHER ACCESSORIES

...........................................................

..............................................

....................................

..........................................

84-90

84

85-87

88-90

MISCELLANEOUS........................................................... 91 -106

CAMERA CARE TIPS
NOTES ON BATTERIES
SPECIFICATIONS

GLOSSARY................................................................... 99-101

WARNING INDICATIONS ............................................102-105

..................................................

......................................................

.......................................................

92-93

94

95-98

NOMENCLATURE

Film plane indicator: Exact distance

from lens mounting flange to film plane
is 46.5mm.

LCD panel: See page 8.

Power switch

Self-timer indicator LED:

See pages 73 to 74.

Release terminal: Accepts

optional Nikon Cable Release
AR-3 or Double Cable Release
AR-7.

Shutter release button

Accessory shoe: Accepts Nikon dedi

cated Speedlights.

Minimum aperture lock: Lock for

programmed auto or shutter-priority auto

exposure mode.

Aperture scale

Built-in TTL flash: See

pages 75 to 80.

Flash lock-release buttons:

To use the built-in TTL flash,
push them.

Lens mounting index

Lens release button

Focus mode selector:

S for Focus-Priority Single auto

focus (see pages 28 to 29).

CF for Focus-Priority Continuous

autofocus (see pages 30 to 31).

M for manual focus (see pages

36 to 38).

Aperture ring

Focusing ring: Used for manual focus

Viewfinder eyepiece

Camera back

Eyepiece cover DK-5 (pro
vided): Prevents stray light from

entering viewfinder.

AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock)/
AF-L (Auto Focus Lock) lever:

See page 34 for autofocus lock
or pages 64 to 65 for auto expo
sure lock.

Film cartridge confirmation

window

Camera strap eyelet

Camera back lock release

Push down to open camera
back.

CPU contacts: Do not touch.

Film rewind button: Press

while sliding lever.

Battery chamber cover lock
release

Film rewind lever: Slide in

the direction of the arrow.

Tripod socket

Exposure mode (MODE) button/Automatic
Balanced Fill-Flash (£3) button

Metering system (:•:) button/Slow sync
button

Film speed (ISO) button/Film speed setting
mode (DX/M) button

Film advance mode (DRIVE)/Auto Focus Lock

function (AF-L) button: For autofocus lock func

tion, see pages 32 to 34.

These buttons are used with command dial or shift button.
For functions of each button, see next page.

Shift button: Press to set the functions

shown in matte gold ■ on the camera
body. For details, see next page.

Exposure compensation button

^SLWi

Auto exposure bracketing (BKT) button

Self-timer (0) button/Rear-Curtain sync
button

O ffinp

Command input control dial
(Command dial): Can be rotated

to set various functions.

Command dial/shift button functions

Combined with buttons listed below, the command dial and shift button provide various functions.

Button

Metering system (K)/Slow sync
button

Exposure mode (MODE)*/Automatic
Balanced Fill-Flash (B3) button

Film speed (ISO) button/Film speed
setting mode (DX/M) button

Film advance mode (DRIVE)/

AF-L function button*
Exposure compensation (gj)

button
Auto exposure bracketing (BKT)

button
Self-timer (0 )/Rear-curtain sync

button

—

With Command Dial

To select metering system, rotate dial while
pressing this button. (See page 41)

To select exposure mode, rotate dial while
pressing this button. (See page 47)

To manually set film speed, rotate dial while
pressing this button. (See pages 25 to 26)

To set film advance mode, rotate dial while
pressing this button. (See page 27)

To make exposure compensation, rotate dial
while pressing this button. (See pages 66 to 67)

See pages 68 to 72.

Rotate it to set self-timer operation.
(See pages 73 to 74)

With shift button pressed, rotate command dial for flash output level compensation.
For details, see pages 35 to 37 in "FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY", a separate instruction book.

With shift button pressed, this button is used to
set/cancel slow sync for flash photography.

With shift button pressed, this button is used to
set/cancel automatic balanced Rll-Rash for
flash photography.

With switch film speed setting mode (auto for DX­coded film or manual), push it while pressing shift
button. (See page 24)

With shift button pressed, this button is used to set/
cancel autofocus lock function. (See pages 32 to 34)

With shift button pressed, this button is used to
set/cancel rear-curtain sync lor (lash photography.

With Shift Button

—

"Pushing any two of MODE, ISO, DRIVE and BKT buttons simultaneously lor more than one second sets N6006 for basic shooting.

In the following cases, command dial can be used by itself.

In Programmed auto exposure mode Turn command dial for flexible program
In Shutter-Priority auto or Manual exposure mode Turn command dial to set shutter speed

4 5 6 7

40

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13 14 15 16 17

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-11

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LCD panel indications

1. Exposure mode

2. Film speed setting mode

3. Shutter speed/film speed (for
manual film speed setting)/AF-L
function/number of frames for auto
exposure bracketing

4. Metering system

5. Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash

6. Flash output compensation

7. Slow flash sync

8. Rear-curtain sync

9. Electronic analog display

Viewfinder indications

1.12mm-dia. reference circle

2. Focus brackets

3. 5mm-dia. reference circle

4. Clear matte field

5. Focus indicators: • indicates a
stationary subject is in focus while
► • ◄ shows focus tracking in
autofocus operation (see pages
28 to 31): either focus-to-right arrow
(►) or focus-to-left arrow (◄ )
appears for manual focus (see
pages 36 to 37)

10. Exposure compensation

11. Aperture/exposure compensation

value

12. Auto exposure bracketing

13. Rim advance mode

14. Film loading

15. Film advance and rewind

16. Self-timer

17. Frame counter/number of remain

ing frames for auto exposure
bracketing/self-timer duration

6. Exposure mode

7. Shutter speed/film speed (for
manual film speed setting)/num­ber of frames for auto exposure
bracketing

8. Aperture/exposure compensation

value

9. Electronic analog display

10. Exposure compensation

11. Ready-light LED

BASIC OPERATION

MOUNTING THE LENS

Remove camera body cap and front and
rear lens caps.

10

Aligning lens mounting index on the
camera body with lens’ aperture index,
twist lens counterclockwise until it locks
securely into place.

See page 82 for Nikon lens com
patibility chart.

To remove

Push lens release button and turn lens
clockwise.

INSTALLING BATTERY

Open battery chamber ccrver by sliding
the lock release.

The battery chamber cover may be detached if
pressure is applied. This prevents it from being
broken. If the cover is accidentally detached,
simply reattach it as illustrated, making sure to
push it until it clicks into place.

Insert 6V lithium battery pack (Duraceli
DL 223A, Panasonic CR-P2 or equiva
lent) with “-I-” and ” ends positioned
as shown on the inside cover. Then
push the battery pack down until it locks
into place.

Close the cover by pushing until it clicks.

See page 94 for “NOTES ON
BATTERIES."

11

CHECKING BATTERY POWER

P-IS
Q] (C*5 f5.5

With sufficient battery power, shutter speed and aperture indicators remain on for
approx. 8 sec., unless you release shutter.

If indicators turn off immediately, replace battery.

• Even with sufficient battery power, shutter speed and aperture indicators go off

Slide power switch to ON and confirm
indications on LCD panel.

•When not using the camera, be sure to turn power switch

off, to conserve battery power.

• The battery operates camera motor. When film-advance
speed becomes noticeably slower, replace battery with
fresh one.

• If all indicators on LCD panel blink when you lightly press
shutter release button, battery should be replaced.

approx. 2 sec. after you remove your finger from button, following shutter release.

• Lightly pressing the shutter release button, after exposure meter automatically
turns off, turns exposure meter on again. With sufficient battery power, meter stays
on for approx 8 sea after you remove your finger from the shutter release button.
With focus mode selector at S or CF, lightly pressing shutter release button also
starts autofocus operation.

( 5)

P.

After approx.
8 sec.

• If shutter does not operate and data does not appear on

the LCD panel or viewfinder, the battery pack is exhaust
ed or improperly loaded.

_______________________________.

I'i)

12

LOADING FILM

To avoid fogging film (especially

high-ISO film), do not load/unload
film in direct sunlight.

1

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Confirm whether for auto setting is shown on the LCD panel.

f5.5

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If not, press and hold shift button, then press ISO button so OQ appears.

• Usable film speed range for DX-coded films is ISO 25 to 5000.

• For details about film-speed setting including manual film speed setting, see

pages 24 to 26.

•

13

Slide camera back lock release to open Insert film cartridge,

camera back

Check to ensure film is properly positioned with no slack. (See illustration)

14

Do not touch shutter curtains with

your finger a with film leader.

Close camera back until lock release
snaps closed.

8

Fully depress shutter release button to

automatically advance film to frame 1.

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IM

Confirm frame “1" and Q-
appear on LCD panel.

—( *'1

symbol

tif film is not correctly positioned, “E"

remains, Err and Q_ symtx>l blink
and shutter locks Open camera back
and reload film.

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To confirm ISO number of DX­coded film, press ISO button.

15

BASIC SHOOTING (Requires AF Nikkor lens)

Set focus mode selector to S for Focus­Priority Single autofocus. If lens has an
A-M switch, set the switch to A.

16

Push any two buttons (MODE, ISO, DRIVE and BKT) simultaneously for more than
one second until K and 0 appear in the LCD panel (while viewfinder LCD shows
P), indicating that the camera settings are automatically reset for basic shooting as

shown below;

Film advance
Metering system
Exposure control
Flexible program setting
Exposure compensation on camera

Auto exposure bracketing

(For flash photography)

Flash sync

Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash
Manual flash light output compensation

Single frame (0)
Matrix (i*3)
Multi-program (^J)
Cancel

±0

Not set

Normal — Slow sync and Rear-curtain
sync cancelled
Set

±0

Shown here are basic settings for the easiest, most
common picture-taking situations using AF Nikkor
lenses with a CPU. With other than lenses Al-P Nikkor,
Center-Weighted metering and Aperture-Priority auto ex
posure mode are automatically selected, and autofocus
is not available (including Al-P Nikkor).

For film advance mode See page 27
For metering system See pages 39 to 45
For exposure control See pages 46 to 63
For flexible program See page 50
For exposure compensation

with button See pages 66 to 67
For auto exposure bracketing See pages 68 to 72
For flash photography See separate

instruction book

Set lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number marked in
orange on AF Nikkor lenses).
Also lock lens aperture of AF Nikkor lens at its minimum set
ting (See lens instruction manual).

17

Look through the viewfinder and position focus brackets on the main subject.

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The N6006 viewfinder covers
approx. 92% of the image area
of the actual photograph so the
actual picture comes out larger
than the image in the viewfinder.

Note that the picture comes out

trimmed down in the case of

mounted slides or service-size
prints from negatives.

Ughtly press shutter release button to
start autofocus operation and turn the
exposure meter on.

18

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“ IL J

Confirm in-focus LCD indicator • or
► • ◄ is continuously visible in the
viewfinder. Also check exposure by con
firming shutter speed and aperture are
shown. Exposure indications are also
displayed in the LCD panel.

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Shutter cannot be released until • or
► • ◄ appears Indicating that subject is
in focus.

• In-focus indication for a

stationary subject

► • ◄ Focus-tracking indication

P io F3.8

If shutter speed indicator biinks - Picture blur alert:

If a selected shutter speed is 1/(focal length) or slower, picture blur may occur due to camera shake
or subject movement. To avoid blur, hold camera very steady, use a tripod, or use accessory Nikon
Speedlight.

If “HI” blinks in the shutter speed position with
electronic analog display* - Overexposure alert:

Overexposure may occur. Use a filler such as the Nikon
ND filter.

If “Lo” blinks in the shutter speed position with or

If ready-light LED (i ) biinks —
Flash-photography suggestion:

If the subject brightness is insuffic
ient, ready-light blinks. Use built-in
TTL flash or accessory Nikon
Speedlight.

without eiectronic analog display* - Underexposure
alert:

Underexposure may occur. Use built-in TTL flash or acces
sory Nikon Speedlight.

If “fEE” blinks in the aperture position ­Lens setting error alert:

Lens is not set to smallest aperture setting and shutter
locks. Set lens to smallest aperture.

‘Shows value difference from correct

exposure.

19

Flash shooting with built-in TTL flash

First, make sure that subject is within flash shooting dis
tance range: With AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm fl3.3-fl4.5

lens, the built-in TTL flash covers the following range:

Unit: m (ft)

Zoom
setting

35mm

70mm

25 50 100 200

0.6~2
(2,0~

6.6)

0.6-1.4
(2.0-

4.6)

0.7-2.8
(2.3­9-2)

0.6-2
(2.0-

6.6)

1. Push flash lock release buttons so that built-in TTL flash

pops up.

Rim speed (ISO)

1-3.9
(3.3-

12.9)

0.7-2.9
(2.3-

9.6)

1.3-5.5
(4.3-

18.2)

1.0-4.1
(3.3-

13.5)

400 800

1.6-6.5
(5.3-

21.5)

1.4-5.8
(4.6—

19.1)

1.9-7.7
(6.3-

25.4)

1.9-7.7
(6.3- '

25.4)

20

2. Lightly press the shutter release button.

• P US fS.S

3. Wait a few seconds for ready-light to come on, then

shoot. If subject is beyond flash's range, ready-light
blinks for approx. 3 sec. after shooting.

For details, see pages 75 to 79.

Fully depress shutter release button to take picture. Camera
automatically advances film by one frame. And LCD panel’s
frame counter increases by one.

Shutter speed aperture indicators in LCD panel and in
side viewfinder turn off approx. 2 sec. after you release
shutter and remove your finger from shutter release
button.

REWINDING FILM

O

Film advance stops automatically at end of roll with blinking

End and Q_ symbol on the LCD panel. After exposure meter
automatically turns off, each time you press shutter release
button, Err blinks and Q__ symbol appears instead, remind
ing you to rewind film.

21

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——

While sliding film rewind lever in the direction of arrow, press
film rewind button to start film rewinding. During film rewind,

Q_ and Q__ symbols alternately appear on the LCD panel,

and frame counter will count backwards until rewind is
complete.

• You can rewind film before it reaches end of roll in the same

manner.

• If camera stops during film rewind, replace battery without
opening camera back
After installing battery, turn power switch on, and restart film
rewind by the same method as before.

22

After rewind automatically stops, confirm frame counter shows
E, and film installation symbol (Q_) blinks fa a tew seconds.

Open camera back and remove film cartridge.

CONTROLS IN DETAIL/

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

23

FILM SPEED SETTING

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The N6006 offers two ways to set film speed — automatic film
speed setting for DX-coded film and manual film speed setting.
Each time you press the ISO button, while depressing the shift
button, film speed setting changes from auto/DX to manual,
or vice versa. The LCD panel shows 03 for auto; there is no
indication for manual.

24

USING AUTOMATIC FILM SPEED
SETTING FOR DX-CODED FILMS

Usable film speed range for DX-coded film is ISO 25 to 5000.

1. Slide power switch to ON.

2. While depressing shift button, press film speed (ISO) button

so OB is shown in LCD panel.
Camera automatically detects film speed (ISO 25 to 5000) of
DX-coded film.

•After loading film, you can
confirm speed by pressing
ISO button. ISO number will
appear In LCD panel and
viewfinder.

If “Err,” ISO symbol and DX symbol are blinking:

Non-DX-coded film or film with an unacceptable DX
code is loaded. Set ISO manually.

MANUAL FILM SPEED SETTING

e

Usable range for manual film speed settings is ISO 6 to 6400.

1. Slide power switch to ON.

2. While depressing shift button, press film speed (ISO) button

so that OD in the LCD panel disappears.

25

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REt

3. While pressing ISO button, rotate command dial until

desired number is shown.
Film speed setting display changes as follows;

6 - 8 -10 -12 -16 - 20 - 25 - 32 - 40 - 50 - 64 - 80 -100 ­125 -160 - 200 - 250 - 320 - 400 - 500 - 640 - 800 -1000­1250 -1600 - 2000 - 2500 - 3200 - 4000 - 5000 - 6400

• With or without film loaded, you can confirm film speed by

pressing ISO button. Manually set ISO number will appear
on the LCD panel and viewfinder.

• If DX-coded film is loaded, but manual film speed setting is
selected, camera gives priority to the manually set ISO
number.

26

FILM ADVANCE MODE SETTING

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4f^0

The Nikon N6006 has three automatic film-advance modes.
To switch film-advance mode, press and hold DRIVE button
and rotate command dial. 0 for single-frame shooting, 0i for
continuous low-speed shooting and 0^ for continuous high

speed shooting appear consecutively.

SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING

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With film advance mode at fully depressing shutter release
button takes one picture and automatically advances film by
one frame.

( i)

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING

5 fS.S

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Shots are taken continuously as long as shutter release button
is depressed. High- or low-speed continuous shooting can be
selected.
Shooting speed is approx. 2 fps (frames per second) in 0*^
mode or approx. 1.2 fps in 0l mode — with a fresh battery
pack at normal temperature and a shutter speed faster than

1/125 sec. The slower the shutter speed, the slower the motor
speed.

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27

FOCUSING

-----------------

AUTOFOCUS

The Nikon N6006 provides tvra autofocus
modes, FocuS'Priority Single autofocus
and Focus-Priority Continuous autofocus
For both autofocus modes, and in any
film advance mode, if subject is moving,
focus tracking automatically works. The
focus tracking system enables the
camera to analyze the speed of the
moving subject according to focus de
fection data, and drive the autofocus
lens by anticipating the position at the
exact moment of exposure. So, you can
get correctly in-focus pictures for most
moving subjects, as well as stationary
subjects.

In both autofocus modes, shutter
cannot be released until • or ► • ◄
appears in the viewfinder.

FOCUS-PRIORITY SINGLE
AUTOFOCUS - with focus
mode selector at S

stationary subject is in focus

With a stationary subject: When

subject is in focus, autofocus stops and

• appears. Once subject is in focus in
the Focus-Priority Single autofocus
mode, focus is locked. If subject moves,
remove your finger from shutter release
button, then lightly press it again to start
autofocus with focus tracking.

28

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Focus tracking

With a moving subject: Focus tracking is automatically acti

vated when you lightly press the shutter release button, as the
lens is being driven. As soon as in-focus image is expected,
► • ◄ appears, indicating that you can release shutter. If sub
ject stops and • appears without ► and ◄ arrows, focus is
locked. If subject moves again, remove your finger from the
shutter release button and lightly press it again to start auto
focus with focus tracking.

• As focus is locked, Focus-Priority Single autofocus is

convenient for off-center subjects. See pages 32 to 33.

•After shooting, you do not have to remove your finger

from the shutter release button for the next shot. Slight
ly lift your finger off the button then fully depress it to
release shutter again. In Focus Priority Single auto
focus, focus remains locked even after shutter release
unless you remove your finger from the shutter release
button with film advance mode at S. Camera detects
focus every time shutter is released with film advance
mode at Ch or Cl.

• With a moving subject, depending on subject status
and lens in use, slightly-out-of-focus pictures may
result.

29

FOCUS-PRIORITY CONTINUOUS AUTOFOCUS

— with focus mode selector at CF

Autofocus continues as long as you keep lightly pressing the
shutter release button.

30

• P tes Fis

stationary subject is in focus

With a stationary subject: Autofocus starts when you lightly

press the shutter release button. When subject is in focus,
camera's motor stops driving the autofocus lens and • lights
up. Unless you remove your finger from the shutter release
button, the motor will start driving the lens again to obtain an
in-focus picture if the focus distance changes because either
you or the subject moves.

Focus tracking

With a moving subject; Focus tracking is automatically acti

vated when you lightly press the shutter release button, as the

lens is being driven. As soon as an in-focus image is expect

ed. ◄ appears, indicating that you can release shutter.

Focus tracking stays activated as long as you keep lightly

pressing the shutter release button while following the moving
subject. When the subject stops, the motor stops driving the
autofocus lens as soon as an in-focus image is obtained and

• appears.

•After shooting, you do not have to remove your finger i
from the shutter release button for the next shot. Slight­ly lift your finger off the button then fully depress it to i
release shutter again. In Focus Priority Continuous
autofocus, camera detects focus every time shutter is
released regardless of film advance mode.

•With a moving subject, depending on subject status
and lens in use, slightly-out-of-focus pictures may
result.

31

AUTOFOCUS WITH MAIN

SUBJECT OFF CENTER -

SETTING AF-L (AUTOFOCUS
LOCK) FUNCTION

The N6006’s AF-L function lets you lock
both focus and auto exposure. So it is
recommended that you should set AF-L
function on the camera.

iCf'O «

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32

AF-L function is set

To set AF-L function, while pressing shift button, press AF-L function button so AF-L
appears in the LCD panel.

Each lime you press AF-L button, while pressing shift button, AF-L function is set or

canceled.

««III»

• If you remove your finger from shift button,
AF-L function indication disappears. However,
you can check whether AF-L function is set or
canceled by pressing shift button again.

AF-L function is canceled

IN FOCUS-PRIORITY SINGLE AUTOFOCUS

With AF-L function set, in auto exposure mode, exposure is
simultaneously locked when focus is locked. Without AF-L
function set, only focus is locked in Focus-Priority Single
Autofocus.

With a moving subject, focus cannot be locked.

te s fs.6

2. Confirm in-focus indicata • appears in the viewfinder.

1. Position focus brackets on subject and lightly press the

shutter release button.

• p tes fis

3. Keeping the shutter release button lightly pressed, recom
pose, then fully depress shutter release button.

33

IN FOCUS-PRIORITY CONTINUOUS AUTOFOCUS

You can lock focus in Focus-Priority Continuous autofocus with
AE-17AF-L lever. To use the lever for focus locK first set AF-L
function on the camera. Without AF-L function set, only expo
sure is locked in auto exposure mode.

2. Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, confirm in

focus indicator • is visible, then slide AE-L/AF-L lever and

hold in.

34

1. Position focus brackets on subject and lightly press the

shutter release button to start autofocus operation.

3. With AE-I7AF-L lever held in. recompose as desired and

fully depress shutter release button to take picture.

SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS

Autofocus operation depends on general lighting, subject contrast and detail, and other technical

points. In those rare situations where autofocus is not possible, • blinks telling you to...

A. Very dark subject

Focus manually with clear matte
field, or for autofocus, focus on
another, brighter subject located at
same distance then use focus
lock.
Or, use a Nikon autofocus Speed­light to perform autofocus with AF
illuminator (See page 84).

C. Subject with no vertical

lines

Focus manually with clear matte
field, or for autofocus, turn the
camera sideways. You can also

perform autofocus on another
subject at same distance but with
vertical lines, using focus lock.

B. Low-contrast subject

Focus manually with clear matte
field, or for autofocus, focus on
another subject at same distance
but with more contrast, then use
focus lock.

D. Scene with subjects located at

different distances

E. Bright subjects with a shiny sur

face, such as silver or aluminum

F. Strongly backlit subjects
G. When using a linear polarizing

Focus manually
with clear malte
field.

filter, or special fitter* such as a
soft-focus filter

"Circular polarizing filter can be used for autofocus operation.

35

MANUAL FOCUS

There are two ways to manually focus. Manual focus with elec
tronic rangefinder and manual focus using viewfinder clear
matte field.

MANUAL FOCUS WITH ELECTRONIC RANGEFINDER

Manual focus using the electronic rangefinder works with most

Nikon lenses, including AF Nikkor when operated manually.

(For a complete list of usable lenses, see LENS COMPATIBIL
ITY CHART on page 82). With focus mode selector at M, you

can see focus status with the viewfinder indications.

• For special focusing situations shown on page 35, electronic
rangefinder does not correctly work. Focus using clear matte
field.

• When using lenses with a maximum aperture slower than

//5.6, ignore focus indications and use clear matte field for

focusing.

36

1. Set focus mode selector to M for manual focus.

•If lens has an A-M switch, set to M.

2. Look through viewfinder and position focus brackets on the

main subject. Then lightly press the shutter release button.

3. Keeping shutter release button lightly pressed, rotate lens focusing ring in the di

rection that focus-to-left arrow (◄) or focus-to-right arrow (►) indicates, until the

arrow disappears and in-focus indicator • appears.

• =• iгs fS6

If focus-to-left arrow (◄) does not
disappear when you turn focus
ring conterclockwise to the limit,
subject is closer than the lens’
closest focused distance. Move
back from the subject.

4. Confirm in-focus indicata • appears, then fully depress

shutter release button to take the picture.

37

MANUAL FOCUS USING CLEAR MATTE FIELD

1. Set to focus mode selector to M for
manual focus.

•If lens has an A-M switch, set to M.

2. Look through the viewfinder and rotate lens focus ring until subject on clear matte

field appears sharp.

When using a zoom lens:

For maximum focusing accuracy, it is advised that you should focus at the
lens' longest focal length setting (at telephoto side). The shallow depth of field
and large image scale at the longest focal length setting, help to ensure pin
point focusing. Conversely, focusing at the shortest focal length setting and
then zooming up to the longest focal length setting will magnify any slight
imprecision in focusing and could result in unsharp pictures.

38

EXPOSURE------------------------------------

EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEMS

The Nikon N6006 provides three types of exposure metering
systems - Matrix Metering, Center-Weighted Metering and
Spot Metering.

MATRIX METERING

This system is ideally suited for quick operation and for the
most dependable auto exposure control. It can also be used
for manual metering and flash exposure control operation with
any Nikon TTL Speedlight.
In Matrix Metering, the meter automatically provides the correct
exposure of the main subject in virtually any lighting situation,
without requiring manual exposure compensation. The Matrix
Metering sensor determines scene brightness by dividing the
scene into five areas, then analyzing each area for brightness
and scene contrast.

39

CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING

Choose Center-Weighted Metering when you want to base

exposure on either auto or manual exposure control for a cen
trally located subject Selecting Center-Weighted Metering

overrides Matrix Metering and concentrates 75% of the meter’s

sensitivity into the center of the viewfinder outlined by a 12mm
circle.

40

SPOT METERING

For selective metering of tiny subjects or for advanced manual
metering techniques, use Spot Metering.
The area metered is represented by the approx. 3.5mm-dia­meter circle in the center of the viewfinder. This metering
system is effective when precise measurement of a special
portion of the subject is required.

.'10

^siwt

METERING SYSTEM SETTING

1. Slide main switch to ON.

2. While pressing metering system button, rotate command

dial until your desired symbol -1*3 for Matrix Metering, [<•>]
for Center-Weighted Metering or[[0for Spot Metering ap
pears in the LCD panel.

3 f5.5

Center-Weighted
Metering

Matrix Metering is possible only with lenses that have a
built-in CPU (such as AF Nikka and Al-P lenses). When
a lens without a built-in CPU or no lens is used, the
metering system is automatically set to Center-Weighted.
In either case, if you lightly press the shutter release but
ton, the i*3 symbol blinks.

Spot Metering

i)

41

METERING SYSTEM SELECTION - WHEN TO USE MATRIX OR CENTER-WEIGHTED METERING

In scenes with both very bright and very dark areas, these two
metering systems produce varying results. For example:

A. Scene containing the sun or scenes with high reflectivity

If a scene contains strong highlights, such as the sun, snow or
bright reflections, Center-Weighted Metering renders the main
subject as a silhouette. With Matrix Metering, however, the light

value of darker parts is evaluated, resulting in an overall well-

balanced exposure.

B. Outdoor backlit subject

With Center-Weighted Metering, a backlit subject or scene with
people against a bright sky and/or clouds may lead to an under
exposed shot. With Matrix Metering, however, the camera auto
matically gives more exposure to darker subjects to ensure a
balanced overall exposure.

C. Front-lit subject against dark background

If a brightly lit off-center subject is positioned against a dark
background, Center-Weighted Metering places too much empha
sis on the dark center of the picture. So although the background
is correctly exposed, the main subject will be overexposed. Matrix
Metering, however, automatically integrates a dark background
with a bright subject to ensure the best overall exposure.

42

Scene containing the sun

Center-Weighted Metering

Outdoor backlit subject

Center-Weighted Metering

Front-lit subject

Matrix Metering

I

I

Center-Weighted Metering

43

D. Small dark subjects against a bright background

A subject significantly smaller than any of the Matrix Meter-

• ing sections may not be recognized and integrated into the

automatic exposure evaluation. For such subjects, switch to

Center-Weighted Metering and make exposure compensa

tion with AE lock lever* or exposure compensation button**

in Auto exposure mode, or obtain carect exposure meter
reading on the main subject*** in Manual exposure mode.

* See pp 64 - 65

** See pp 66 - 67

*** See pp 62-63

44

Center-Weighted Metering (with AE Lock)

Center-Weighted Metering (without AE Lock)

E. Sunset scenes

If you want to emphasize a dramatic sunset but don’t want
Matrix Metering to lighten the scene for a dark foreground
subject, use Center-Weighted Metering with or without
exposure compensation.

Center-Weighted Metering

45

EXPOSURE MODE

Light reaching the film is controlled by the shutter and aper
ture. The proper combination of shutter and aperture settings
results in the correct exposure. The necessary settings will be
based upon the ISO speed set for the film in use and the
operation of the camera’s exposure control system.
The relationship between aperture and shutter is as follows:
One change in shutter speed either doubles or halves the light
transmitted. For example, 1/500 passes half the light as 1/250
and double the light of 1/1000. The aperture f/8 passes half the
light of f/5.6 and double the light of f/11. If the carect exposure
for a scene is 1/500 at f/8, then we can also select 1/250 at f/11
or 1/1000 at f/5.6 and achieve the same exposure results.

Selecting the exposure control mode means deciding if you

want the shutter speed/aperture to be set automatically or

manually.

The Nikon N6006 offers five modes: four automatic exposure

control modes - Auto Multi-Program (^), Normal-Pro
grammed (PJ), Shutter-Priority auto (^), and /\perture-Priority
auto (^) - in addition to Manual (rjj) mode.
Each exposure mode has its own advantages.
In Programmed auto exposure mode, as the optimum combi
nation of shutter speed and aperture is automatically set by the
N6006’s miaocomputer, you can concentrate completely on
picture composition and have greater opportunities to shoot,

without worrying about exposure.

46

In Shutter-Priority auto exposure mode, you can manually set

shutter speed as desired. That is, you can freeze the action
with sharp, clear images using a fast shutter speed, or aeate

motion effects by choosing slower shutter speeds.
In Aperture-Priority auto exposure mode, you can control depth

of field by varying the aperture. You can use a larger aperture

(smaller f-number) for shallower depth of field to create softer,
less distinct backgrounds, a choose a smaller aperture (larger

f-number) for greater depth of field.

In Manual exposure mode, in addition to controlling both shut

ter speed and aperture, you can easily create intentionally
over- or underexposed photos.

lyr.

©

DCPOSURE MODE SETTING

,tter turning power switch on, while pressing MODE button,

)tate command dial. Exposure mode changes in the following

equence:

m

03 ic^S fS.S IB ic'S fS.5

0 Q—( /) 0 Q

Auto Multi-Program Manual

1

__ _

( i)

SII

03 ic'S fS.5 ® ic’S fS.S

0 Q

__ _

( i) 0 Q

Shutter-Priority Auto

m

1

'EM

__ _

Normal Program

( t]

fS.6

mlгs fs.8

S ( I)

Aperture-Priority Auto

Correspondingly, Pm, S, A, M or P will appear on the LCD panel

while P (for both Auto Multi-Program and Normal Program),

S, A and M will appear inside viewfinder.

47

mlгs

S Q-

For Programmed auto or Shutter-Priority auto exposure
mode, use only lenses that have a built-in CPU such as

AF Nikkor or Al-P lenses. With other lenses, exposure

mode is automatically set to Aperture-Priority auto and
the metering system to Center-Weighted.
In this case, when you lightly press shutter release but
ton, exposure mode indicator blinks and F-- appears on
the LCD panel.

J

48

PROGRAMMED (Pm AND P) AUTO

The N6006 offers two programmed auto exposure modes:
Auto Multi-Program mode and Normal Program mode.

Rcture sharpness can vary with the shutter speed used. Differ

ent focal length lenses handle differently at slow shutter
speeds. The recommended slowest shutter speed to be used
with any lens when hand-holding the camera is 1/focal length

(FL) of the lens. For example, with a 60mm lens, use 1/60 sec.
as the slowest hand-held speed. Keep in mind, however, that
1/30 sec. is the lowest recommended shutter speed for blur­free hand-held shooting.
The N6006’s Auto Multi-Program varies the exposure program
lines according to the focal length and lens maximum aper
ture. The inclinations of lines in the chart are designed to re
duce the possibility of picture blur by avoiding slower shutter
speeds. With Namal Program, you get a standard combination
of shutter speed and aperture.

Program Charts

The EV (exposure value) charts demonstrate the difference
between N6006 Auto Multi-Program and Normal Program.
Follow either colored line to where it intersects a diagonal line.
This shows the combination of aperture (vertical line) and shut
ter speed (horizontal line), which will automatically be selected
at each EV brightness level.

Auto Multi-Program Chart (IS0100)

------------ With 50mm f/1.4

------------

With 28mm f/2.8

------------ With Zoom 35-135mm f/3.5-f/4.5

at 100mm (f/4.2) setting

With 500mm f/4

Operation in programmed auto exposure mode

Operation for Auto-Multi Program and Normal Program are

performed in the same manner. See BASIC SHOOTING on

pp 16 - 21.

Normal Program Chart (ISO 100)

With f/1.4 lens

------------

With f/2.8 lens

------------With f/4 lens

49

FLEXIBLE PROGRAM

When you want to use a specific shutter speed or aperture in

Programmed auto exposure mode, use the Rexible Program
function. Rexible Program enables you to temporarily change
an automatically set shutter speed/aperture combination in 1

EV steps, while maintaining the correct exposure.

Q_( T

1. Lightly press shutter release button.

50

2. Turn command dial until desired shutter speed or aperture

value appears in viewfinder and in LCD panel.

• When program is shifted, exposure mode indicator blinks

in LCD panel and viewfinder.

•As soon as the display in LCD panel and viewfinder dis
appears (i.e., as soon as meter is automatically turned off).
Flexible Program is cancelled.

SHUTTER-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

Subject movement and your ability to hold the camera steady
will determine what shutter speed you should choose. Faster
speeds will generally produce sharper images. For aeative
effects you may use slower speeds. Make your choice accord­mgly. The N6006’s computer automatically selects the proper

aperture to match the selected shutter speed for cared expo
sure. Shutter-Priority auto mode operates only with Nikon

enses that have a built-in CPU (AF Nikkor and Al-P Nikka).

'4 -jf

r-.

At a fast shutter speed

At a slow shutter speed

51

OPERATION IN SHUTTER­PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE

1. Set lens to its minimum aperture setting (highest f-number).
With AF Nikkor and Al-P-Nikkor lenses, lock lens aperture at minimum setting.

52

2. While pressing MODE button, rotate command dial until “S" appears on LCD

panel and viewfinder.

#• "i r

•«I L JU

3. Remcwe finger from MODE button, and rotate command

dial to select desired shutter speed.

• Shutter speed indication changes one step at a time in the

following sequence:
30"-15"-8"-4"-2"-1"-2-4-8-15-30-60-125-250-500-1000-

2000

If meter has automatically turned off and LCD indicators

disappear, turn meter on again by lightly pressing shut
ter release button.

4. Look inside viewfinder, compose and lightly press shutter

release button.

53

ÈD So “H

g Q—f 'Jr

If “HI” blinks in the aperture position with electronic
analog display* - Overexposure alert;

Overexposure may occur. Select higher shutter speed or
use Nikon ND filter.

5. Confirm aperture value.

Camera selects correct aperture (or
shutter speed selected.

6. Fully depress shutter release button

to take the picture.

54

u

:-3

tncSo -i o-

g Q—fi/>J

• Shows value difference from correct exposure

If “Lo” blinks in the aperture position with or without
electronic analog display* - Underexposure alert;

Underexposure may occur. Select slower shutter speed, or
use built-in TTL flash or an accessory Nikon Speedlight.

If “fEE” blinks in the aperture position ­Lens setting error alert;

Lens is not set to smallest aperture setting and shutter
locks. Set lens to smallest aperture.

APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE MODE

Select the aperture based on how shallow or large you want
depth of field to be. Smaller apertures will make the back
ground and foreground sharper (good for scenic pictures)

while larger apertures will produce a shallower depth of field

(good for portraits). Your selected aperture will determine the
shutter speed which is automatically set by the camera's com
puter. When using the smaller apertures with corresponding
slower shutter speeds, remember as a rule of thumb that any
speed below 1/30 sec. may require the use of a tripod to pre

vent picture blur due to camera shake. Also, the higher the

corresponding shutter speed, the easier it is to stop action.
Adjust the selected aperture if the speed is not appropriate for
conditions or the specific effect you want.

At small aperture

55

OPERATION IN APERTURE­PRIORITY AUTO EXPOSURE
MODE

©

I

1. While pressing exposure MODE button, rotate command dial until “A” appears on

the LCD panel and viewfinder.

03 ic*5 (fS.S]
0 Q_r^

2. Remove finger from exposure mode setting button and set lens to desired

f-number by rotating lens aperture ring.
Aperture changes in the following sequence, as indicated in LCD panel and
viewfinder.

F1-Ft.4-F2-F2.8-F4-F5.6-F8-F11-F16-F22-F32-F45-F64

(Available apertures limited to those on lens in use.)

56

If meter is automatically turned oft and LCD indicators

disappear, turn meter on again by lightly pressing shut
ter release button.

• An intermediate figure (e.g. F1.8, F3.3) displayed indicates a
lens' maximum aperture. Also, with zoom lenses, the maxi
mum aperture for different focal length settings appears in

1/6 EV steps.

• With lenses having no CPU, “F-" appears instead of aper

ture value on the LCD panel and viewfinder.

• With an AF Nikkor or Al-P lens, make sure to unlock aper

ture ring before rotating it.

3. Lcx)k inside viewfinder, cx)mpose and lightly press shutter

release button.

57

4. Confirm shutter speed.

Camera selects correct shutter speed

to match your aperture setting.

P, 3o F

If shutter speed indicator blinks — Picture blur alert:

A shutter speed of 1/FL is generally accepted as the mini
mum speed for hand-held photography, but since not
everyone can hold a camera equally steady, this is just a

guideline. The blinking shutter speed indication
warns you that the exposure conditions call for a
speed of 1/FL or slower. For example, with a

200mm lens, shutter speed indication blinks when auto
matically selected speed is 1/200 sec. or slower. Make ad

justments to shutter/aperture if that speed is inappropriate
fa the picture conditions.

5. Fully depress shutter release button

to take the picture.

58

If “HI” blinks in the shutter speed position with

electronic analog display* — Overexposure alert:

Overexposure may occur. Select smalla aperture (larger

f-number) or use ND filter.

—

m ■
0 .*)

'A'

H l-F^

If “Lo” blinks in the shutter speed position with or

without electronic analog display* - Underexposure
alert:

Underexposure may occur. Select wider aperture (smaller

f-number), a use a Nikon Speedlight.

* Shows value difference from correct exposure.

MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE

Manual exposure control allows you to make both aperture
and shutter speed settings. You’ll probably follow the recom
mendation of the camera’s light meter for technically correct
exposure, but you may choose otherwise and modify exposure
settings fa creative effects a special requirements.

OPERATION IN MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE

1. While pressing exposure mode button (MODE), rotate com
mand dial until “M" appears on the LCD panel and view
finder.

59

2. Remove finger from exposure mode button, set shutter

speed using command dial, and aperture using lens aper
ture ring.

If meter is automatically turned off and LCD indicators
disappear, turn meter on again by lightly pressing shut
ter release button.

60

• With lenses that have no CPU, "F-" appears instead of

aperture value on the LCD panel and viewfinder.

t1 IIS fS

3. Look into the viewfinder, compose and lightly press shutter

release button.

ri c «•'••U'

r X iJ

4. Adjust aperture and/or shutter speed until Electronic Analog

Display indicates “0" or the desired exposure.

• With an AF Nikkor or Al-P lens, make sure to unlock aper

ture ring before rotating it

Examples:

• «O»••

^llll

Over +1EV

•*0«•

I

±0EV

"ti • *0« •

l"l

+1EV

I■•»O«•

I"

-2/3EV

>1

+1/3EV

llll^

Below -1EV

The electronic analog display range is +1EV to -1EV, in
increments of 1/3EV.
◄ and ► appear in the electronic analog display when
exposure is beyond ±1EV.

5. Fully depress shutter release button to take the picture.

61

TO OBTAIN EXPOSURE METER
READING FOR A MAIN
SUBJECT OFF CENTER OR
TOO SMALL SUBJECT

If you want to set exposure as desired
on a particular subject, use Center-

Weighted or Spot Metering. With a sub

ject located off center in the viewfinder,
when a subject is too small to cover the
12mm-diameter center circle, or when
there is a substantial difference in bright
ness between the main subject and the
background (e.g., a strongly backlit sub

ject), use the following method.

1. Center main subject inside view

finder’s 12mm circle and/or move in
closer so the circle is covered by the
subject.

2. Lightly press shutter release button.

62

3. Adjust shutter speed and aperture until electronic analog display shows desired

exposure.

4. Recompose the picture, focus and shoot.

BULB SETTING

; ”1 h >jBf 5. fa

For long-time exposure, use B (bulb) setting. On bulb setting,
shutter remains open as long as shutter release button re
mains depressed. This setting can only be used in Manual
exposure mode. To select, rotate command dial clockwise until

"buLb" appears.

►When using bulb setting, camera must be held very

steady. Use a tripod and cable release.

► You can perform long-time exposure for approximately

7 hours with a fresh battery set.

63

EXPOSURE COMPENSATION

Matrix Metering provides the main subject with correct expo
sure in virtually any lighting situation, without having to use
manual exposure compensation. But in Center-Weighted
Metering or Spot Metering, for situations where you want to
change compositions or for unusual situations such as
snowscapes, backlit subjects or when the main subject con
trasts sharply with the background, exposure compensation is
recommendecf.
Also, in Matrix Metering, "correct" exposure is a value based
on a combination of film sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed

necessary to produce a "technically correct” exposure result.
We often want to vary the exposure results to create different
versions of the same picture or put aeative emphasis on a
specific part of the picture. This is accomplished by using
exposure compensation.

Exposure compensation can be accomplished in either one or
a combination of the following ways.

• AE (Auto Exposure) Lock Lever

• Exposure Compensation Button

• Auto Exposure Bracketing
As the results can vary depending on conditions, you may
want to experiment with each method.

64

AE (AUTO EXPOSURE) LOCK LEVER

In auto exposure mode with Center-Weighted or Spot Meter
ing, when you want to control exposure based on a particular
brightness area of the scene, use the AE-L (auto exposure
lock) lever, as follows.

1. Center main subject inside viev\rfinder’s 12mm circle for
Center-Weighted Metering and/or move in closer so the
circle is covered by the subject.

2. Lightly press shutter release button, and confirm shutter

speed and aperture in viewfinder.

4. Recompose and shoot.