januaryman
"Flim? You want flim?"
I just started wondering, now that I have my third Canon lens - Is there an indication of the year in which the lens was made based on the serial number? For instance, my "new" 100/3.5 has a serial number 583xx. Does 58 represent the year in which this particular lens was made? Is there a resource somewhere online that gives out such details?
Last edited:
photodog
Well-known
raid
Dad Photographer
Jim,
My Canon 100/3.5 also starts with 583.
Peter Kitchingman's book on Canon lenses and cameras serial numbers is coming out soon.It will help you figure out when a lens was made.
My Canon 100/3.5 also starts with 583.
Peter Kitchingman's book on Canon lenses and cameras serial numbers is coming out soon.It will help you figure out when a lens was made.
CanonRFinder
Well-known
HI Jim,
I have a whole chapter in my now being printed book on Canon rangefinder lenses explaining how Canon evolved there serial numbering system. Your lens #583xx is a TYPE 3 or as I say T3 variation and was produced between 1953 and 1959 and is the most common of the 100mm f/3.5 variations. Peter
dexdog
Veteran
Peter, BTW I pre-ordered your book the other day, and am looking forward to receiving it in a couple of months. Should be fun to read/pore over.
raid
Dad Photographer
Since we have Peter here, I might as well ask him a question about serial numbers.
I have a Canon 85mm/1.9 with serial number 61962, which in your website is listed as the first number for that specific version of this lens.
Is this "collectible"?
I mean, is the first lens produced an important factor?
I have a Canon 85mm/1.9 with serial number 61962, which in your website is listed as the first number for that specific version of this lens.
Is this "collectible"?
I mean, is the first lens produced an important factor?
CanonRFinder
Well-known
HI Raid,
I suppose once my book comes out and "hopefully" Canon becomes a collectable item then this lens would be classified as a collectable if indeed it turns out to be the first of the T4 variation. The gap between this T4 lens and the previous T3 lens is only 153 units or lenses. Therefore, some where in between the two TYPES Canon changed the format on the ID ring of the T4 to read "CANON LENS CCCo Japan 85mm f: 1.9". I have described the reason in my book why Canon made these subtle changes to there lens and each time it coincided with an important event, which was happening in Canon at that time. As I receive more information on lenses serial # that are outside my listed numbers then that gap will come down until such a time that we will have a last and first lens of a TYPE. This makes collecting a challenge. I suppose I have been lucky as I have been researching I have been in the fortunate position to recognize an unusual lens and purchase it. Ok enough of my dribble but the research has been interesting as well as satisfying. Peter
I suppose once my book comes out and "hopefully" Canon becomes a collectable item then this lens would be classified as a collectable if indeed it turns out to be the first of the T4 variation. The gap between this T4 lens and the previous T3 lens is only 153 units or lenses. Therefore, some where in between the two TYPES Canon changed the format on the ID ring of the T4 to read "CANON LENS CCCo Japan 85mm f: 1.9". I have described the reason in my book why Canon made these subtle changes to there lens and each time it coincided with an important event, which was happening in Canon at that time. As I receive more information on lenses serial # that are outside my listed numbers then that gap will come down until such a time that we will have a last and first lens of a TYPE. This makes collecting a challenge. I suppose I have been lucky as I have been researching I have been in the fortunate position to recognize an unusual lens and purchase it. Ok enough of my dribble but the research has been interesting as well as satisfying. Peter
CanonRFinder
Well-known
HI Dexdog,
Appreciate the order. It took three days to read the final proof and that was without comparing and checking it against lenses in my collection. When it is snowing and the temperature is -10, outside then you can wile away the time in front of a nice hot fire and sip hot toddies and read the book come October/ November when you will receive it. Enjoy. Peter
januaryman
"Flim? You want flim?"
Thanks, Peter - I guess the first 2 digits do not indicate year of production, as some FSU lenses did. It was on that experience and premise that I was basing my guess.
Jim
raid
Dad Photographer
Hi Peter,
Canon should be collectible, and your book will maybe help in making additional people realize the richnessof the history of Canon cameras and lenses. My lens is first based on the range listed on your site. Maybe it was the first lens and maybe it was close to being first.