Canon has been stamping date codes on cameras and lenses since about 1960. The first letter, 'U,' means Canon's 3,000 employee, 750,000 sf (75,000 m^2) lens plant in Utsunomiya, Japan, founded in 1977. 'F' would mean Canon's 1,200 employee, 1,300,000 sf (125,000 m^2) Fukushima plant founded in 1970. 'O' will mean Canon's new (production starting May 2007) Oita lens plant with 600 people. Canon Date Codes. Because they are chronological, serial numbers usually do tell the approximate age of a Canon SLR or SLR lens, but Canon Inc. Has never put out any sort of public information about serial numbers. However, the is another way to get the information about a camera body or lens.
Canon F-1OverviewMakerTypeLensFocusingFocusmanualExposure/meteringmanualGeneral147 x 99 x 43 mm820 gThe Canon F-1 is a produced by of from March 1971 until the end of 1981, at which point it had been superseded by the launched earlier that year. The was introduced along with the F-1, but the previous -mount lenses and older R- series lenses were also compatible with the camera with some limitations. The Canon F-1 was marketed as a competitor to the and single lens reflex cameras by.The F-1 was Canon's first truly professional-grade SLR system, supporting a huge variety of accessories and so it could be adapted for different uses and preferences.In 1972 Canon launched a Highspeed model with a fixed that allowed the user to see the subject at all times. Equipped with a motor drive, the camera was able to shoot up to 9 frames per second—the highest speed of any motor driven camera at the time. Four Canon F-1 cameras displayed alongside an assortment of FD mount lensesThe Canon F-1 uses the, which was introduced alongside the camera.
Between 1970 and 1979, a total of 68 different FD mount lens models were produced, ranging from 7.5mm to 800mm in.Most earlier FL and R series lenses are compatible with the F-1, though they must be used in. One exception is the FLP 38 mm F2.8, which was designed for the. This lens' rear element extends further into the camera body than other FL-mount lenses, and would obstruct the moving mirror of the Canon F-1.Canon introduced a number of innovations in the FD lens line, including the first use of an aspherical lens element in a 35mm camera system with the release of the in (launched alongside the F-1 in March 1971).
Canon's FD lenses were also the first to use white-colored housings, which were designed to keep the thermally sensitive lens elements from expanding or cracking. Canon continues to use white housings for its lenses today, though the modern versions are made with rather than fluorite. Accessories The Canon F-1 has one of the largest set of accessories of any 35mm SLR ever produced. Three special Olympic edition Canon cameras; from left to right:. Canon F-1 Montreal (1976). Canon F-1n Lake Placid (1980). Los Angeles (1984)A special commemorative model of the F-1 was offered for the.
It was identical to the regular F-1 but for the on the front upper left of the body. Canon also manufactured and sold commemorative 55 mm and (much harder to find) 58 mm lens caps with the 1976 Montreal Olympics for their normal lenses in production at the time.For the in, a Special version of the F-1 with the engraved Lake Placid Olympic logo was offered. Special Lake Placid 52 mm lens caps were also made.In 1978 a military model called 'ODF-1' (olive drab) with an all-over olive green finishing was presented.Canon, being the official sponsor of the World Cup, made 1978 55 mm lens caps and 1982 52 mm lens caps commemorating the 1978 and 1982 World Cup events.References.
MalcolmStewartwrote:no lens serial number for either the kit 18-55 IS lens or my EF 135 F2L.Are you joking? Is a Canon 135L?The serial number is clearly stamped with six white numbers on the base rim. If you do not see it - you've got a fake or someone removed it because its stolen!As for the zoom I do not have it, but I'm pretty sure you can see the number stamped or written in the bottom (take rear cap off - open eyes - explore - find!).This is how it looks (NOT my 135L - but the same type of marking). I know this thread is old and you probably have found it by now, but I'm posting just in case someone will still need this info. Lots of the serial numbers on the Canon lenses are very hard to see and aren't consistently placed. I have the same lens and the serial number is found on the bottom of the lens. Remove the back lens cap, hold it under a bright light and maybe get a magnifying glass (as i had to!).
Canon A1 Serial Number Lookup
Canon F1 Camera Serial Numbers 602649 From 1946
The number is engraved on the same edge as you will see the contacts, just to the right of the contacts. You may have to move your lens back and forth under the light to get the right angle to see it.