The Nikon F-301 is a camera from Nikon. It is an SLR camera and was built in the 1980s.
The lens of the Nikon F-301 is exchangeable. The camera can be used with Nikon F lens mount lenses. This lens mount was introduced in the late 1950s. Since that time it has been developed further and further.
Other manufacturers of compatible lenses include Tokina, Tamron and Samyang companies. But be careful, not all modern camera lenses can be used with the old film cameras. The Nikon F-301 does not provide autofocus system. Focusing is manual.
The camera has a built-in light meter. It is designed for an ISO range of 12 to 4000. With manual selection, a range from ISO 12 to 3200 is covered. The film speed is determined by the DX code on the film cartridge.
As with most SLR cameras, exposure is measured trough the lens. The Nikon F-301 has an automatic exposure mode. The photographer cannot choose the aperture and shutter speed. The shutter speed and aperture can be freely selected.
The Nikon F-301 has a bulb setting. An external flash can be connected to the Hot Shoe. There is also a PC flash socket. The Nikon F-301 has a built-in self-timer. It also comes with a thread for a cable release and tripod.
At a weight of 570 grams the size of the Nikon F-301 is 14,8 x 9,7 x 5,4 cm. The power source of the 35mm camera are four AAA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Nikon F-301
The Nikon F-301 is an analogue camera and needs to be equipped with 35mm film. This type of film is still being produced and can be processed by most photo laboratories without any problems. Possible films for the model are the Kodak Portra 400* for color pictures and the Ilford FP4 Plus* for black and white photos.
The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. This development process is carried out by all photo laboratories offering the development of 35mm films.
The exposure area of the 35 mm camera is 24 mm x 36 mm. With normal films (135-36), 36 photos are usually possible. The film is automatically wound up to the next photo. It is probably the smallest SLR camera with this feature from Nikon.
The 35mm photo camera can only be bought used. The used price of a copy depends on the condition and functionality. On average you pay 103,45 Euro for one camera.
Nikon N2000
In the USA the model was sold to photographers as Nikon N2000.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/2000 second to 1 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 12 to 4000 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 2EV (0,3EV to) |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 4x AAA batteries |
| Size | 14,8 x 9,7 x 5,4 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.83 x 3.82 x 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 570 Grams |
| Names in other markets | USA: Nikon N2000 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 103,45 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 88 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 104,19 Euro (112.57 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 99,98 Euro (107.16 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 119,44 Euro (128.81 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Nikon F-301
What kind of film does this Nikon camera use?
The Nikon F-301 uses 35mm film, also known as 135-36 film. These are readily available from various manufacturers, offering both color and black and white options. A standard roll usually allows for 36 exposures.
Can I use any lens with this camera?
The camera uses the Nikon F bayonet mount, which has a vast selection of compatible lenses. However, not all modern lenses are guaranteed to work with older film cameras like the F-301. You will need to focus manually.
How does the camera meter the light?
The Nikon F-301's light meter works through the lens. It automatically sets the aperture and shutter speed, though you can also manually select these settings within a certain range. The ISO is read from the DX code.
What is the size and weight of the Nikon F-301?
The dimensions are 14.8 x 9.7 x 5.4 cm, and it weighs 570 grams. It's powered by four AAA batteries.
Does the camera have any special features?
Yes, the F-301 offers a bulb setting for long exposures, connections for flash and a remote cable release, a self-timer, and a tripod mount. It also automatically advances the film to the next frame.