What the Nikon AF 600 Is (and Why It’s Still Fun)
The Nikon AF 600, also known as the Nikon Lite•Touch in some regions, is a tiny 35mm point-and-shoot that balances ease of use with a characterful wide lens. It’s the definition of grab‑and‑go: slip it into a jacket pocket, wander, and let the camera worry about exposure and focus while you enjoy the scene.
Its fixed 28mm f/3.5 lens is wide enough for everyday life—street, travel, and snapshots—without warping reality. If you’re coming from phone photography, that wider field of view will feel familiar and refreshing on film. Even with a non-working LCD, the core automation (autofocus and auto-exposure) still does the heavy lifting, making the AF 600 a relaxed way to shoot 35mm.
Real-World Specs That Matter
Wide, fixed lens
Lens: 28mm f/3.5 fixed—sharp, wide, and great for street/travel. This focal length lends itself to layered compositions and context-rich scenes.
Reliable automation
Autofocus: Infrared AF; works best in decent light at normal distances. Expect it to lock on quickly for everyday subjects without fuss.
Exposure: Fully automatic program mode—camera sets everything. The metering is forgiving, so you can focus on composition and timing.
Built-in flash and basics
Flash: Built-in with standard modes; LCD usually controls selection. With a broken screen, you won’t see mode icons, but the camera still decides when to help with light.
Film: Uses standard 35mm film (color, B&W, slide). Load, close the back, and you’re ready.
Power: Single CR123A lithium battery; easy to find in 2025. Keep a spare in your bag and you’re covered for a weekend or more.
Shooting It with a Broken Screen: A Simple Workflow
Keep it predictable
You won’t see mode icons or flash status without the LCD, so lean into daylight. Using ISO 200–400 film keeps exposures predictable and gives the autofocus plenty of contrast to work with.
Indoors and low light
Indoors, expect the flash to auto-fire; compose and let it work. If you prefer available light, move toward windows or step outside—this camera shines when the scene is bright and simple.
Mindset matters
Treat it like a sketchbook: embrace minimal control and spontaneity. The Nikon AF 600 broken screen workflow is about trusting the automation and reacting to the world in front of you.
Film and Power Tips for 2025
Affordable, forgiving films
Affordable color: Fujifilm C200 or Kodak Gold 200 deliver gentle contrast and pleasant color for everyday light. Versatile B&W: Ilford HP5 or Kentmere 400 handle mixed conditions and scan well.
Stay powered
Carry a spare CR123A battery; they’re small and lightweight. A tiny zip pouch with a roll or two and a battery is all you need for a day in the city.
Second‑Hand Value and What to Check
Broken-screen units remain very usable for casual shooting. The core experience—wide 28mm view, auto-exposure, and infrared autofocus—remains intact. Before you buy, a quick hands-on check will tell you most of what you need to know.
- Lens clarity: inspect for haze, scratches, separation
- Film transport: open the back and dry-fire to hear smooth advance/rewind
- Flash: listen for high-pitched charge whine
- Battery contacts: check for corrosion; clean gently if needed
- Light seals: look for crumbling foam; plan for simple replacement
- Shutter: fire a few times to confirm consistent operation
- Price sense check: broken LCD often €30–€70; factor any fixes
If you’re browsing around, our curated selection of Analog cameras and dedicated Point-and-shoot cameras makes it easy to compare condition notes at a glance.
Creative Use Cases with the 28mm Look
Street and travel
Street: tiny, discreet, and quick to raise and shoot. Travel: a pocketable daily companion for city walks and snapshots. The 28mm field of view encourages you to step closer, frame boldly, and include context.
Embrace the lo‑fi charm
Experimental/lo‑fi: unpredictability from the missing LCD can add charm. Let the camera surprise you now and then—you might get a happy flash pop where you least expect it.
On a rainy evening walk, I turned a corner and met a lit shop window. I raised the AF 600, not knowing the flash mode. The shutter clicked, the flash decided to help, and the result was a crisp silhouette framed by reflections—one of my favorite 28mm frames.
Accessories and Sharing Your Results
Carry and care
Keep a slim pouch or jacket pocket for carry. The AF 600 is light and durable, but a soft pouch helps protect the lens door and back latch when you’re on the move.
Scan and organize
Scanning options: a dedicated film scanner is convenient; a DSLR/mirrorless rig with a macro lens gives flexible, high-quality results. Organize negatives in archival sleeves and label by date and roll—your future self will thank you when you return for re-scans.
FAQs
Is the Nikon AF 600 usable with a broken LCD screen?
Yes. You lose on-screen mode/flash indicators, but auto-exposure and autofocus still work. Shoot ISO 200–400 in daylight for predictable results; indoors the flash will often auto-fire.
How do I handle flash without the screen?
You can’t view or confirm flash modes. Plan for daylight shooting when possible; for indoor scenes, expect the camera to trigger flash automatically.
What battery does the Nikon AF 600 use?
One CR123A lithium cell. Widely available in 2025. Carry a spare for trips.
Which films pair well with the AF 600?
For budget color: Fujifilm C200 or Kodak Gold 200. For flexible B&W: Ilford HP5 or Kentmere 400.
Check availability of a Nikon AF 600 at Dutch|Thrift
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