After 16 years of faithful service, the Nikon F6 – the legendary and last 35mm film camera ever made by Nikon – has been laid to rest.
Originally launched way back in 2004, the Nikon F6 is widely regarded as one of the best Nikon cameras ever made. To this day it remains one of the best film cameras you can buy, and is still bought and used by many photographers (including professionals) even in today's digital age.
However, despite being in production as recently as July, Nikon has finally and officially called time on the F6.
As spotted by Nikon Rumors, the manufacturer's Japanese website has consigned the F6 to its discontinued lineup ("old camera") of products, where it now rests alongside the Nikon F5 and other deceased film cameras (and recently departed digital cameras, such as the Nikon D5).
The website also received an email notification from B&H, passing on its condolences with a solemn, "We regret to inform you that this item has unfortunately been discontinued" message. Likewise, the Nikon F6 is now also listed as discontinued at Adorama.
The news is simultaneously surprising but not shocking, given that the camera was classified as discontinued by Nikon Germany in October. Prior to that, the manufacturer had issued a partial product recall on the Nikon F6 due to European legislation, as batches of the camera were found to contain excess quantities of dibutyl phthalate (which can cause developmental disorders including birth defects and cancerous tumors).
It was obvious that the production process was in its twilight, as the camera had only been available infrequently and in incredibly small batches – and the product recall, which affected a grand total of 152 cameras, probably decimated remaining component supplies.
Still, the camera has enjoyed an extraordinary run. The Japan Institute of Design Promotion actually awarded it the Good Design Long Life Design Award back in 2015 – so even half a decade ago, it was already respected for its remarkable endurance!
Whatever your tipple, we hope you'll join us in raising a glass to the Nikon F6.
Read more:
Best Nikon cameras
Best 35mm cameras
Best film: our picks of the best 35mm film, roll film, and sheet film for your camera
