I looked at both when they were new (well actually the US versions but you know what I mean). The 501 is a much simpler camera and I needed something with more features. I really debated between the 6006 and the 8008 and the fact that the 8008s had a spot meter and used regular AA batteries instead of a relatively rare lithium battery sold me on the 8008s, so much so that I bought two for work (still have one, sold the other to a buddy). I have lots of cameras, bought cheaply on Ebay, etc. but whenever I still get serious and need to shoot 35mm film I grab my 8008s.