NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: RonVol on March 12, 2016, 07:07:42
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Hi all,
I've been working on compiling a list of serial numbers along with production date information about the Nikon F3.
Here is a link to the list as of October 2016 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/o/
Below is an explanation of what the production code means.
If anyone would like to contribute information to the list; then please post your serial numbers along with the production code.
Many thanks,
Ron V.
Explanation of the 4 or 5 digits that make-up the manufacturing code, found on F3 bodies adjacent to the camera-back / door hinge.
As of October 2015; the earliest body with a date code that I know of is serial #1225494, 60AA (It's possible that this body has had the top plate replaced).
Previous bodies do not seem to have a code. The highest body without a code is #1221963. The earliest confirmed body without a code is #1200520.
* The first digit is a date code for the month : 1 = Jan. - 2 = Feb. - 3 = March - 4 = April - 5 = May - 6 = June - 7 = July; 8 = Aug. - 9 = Sept. - O = Oct. - N = Nov. - D = Dec.
* The second digit is a date code for the year : 0 = 1980/1990/2000; 1 = 1981/1991/2001; 2 = 1982/1992/2002, etc.
* The third digit means the type of body :
Non-HP and HP bodies start as 'A' (confirmed end is #128225, D0AF - December 1980) then changes to 'V' around the start of 1981 (confirmed start is #1322628, 31VA - March 1981).
AF bodies are also stamped 'V'.
Early chrome Titanium bodies are also stamped 'V' and later this changes to 'T'.
Black Titanium bodies are all stamped 'T'.
P and 'P Limited Edition' bodies are stamped with the letter O (not 0, zero).
* The fourth digit means the number of modifications or design changes that have been made to the camera:
XXXA or XXX0 (zero) means no modifications or upgrades.
XXXB or XXX1 means the first of a design change or modification has been made.
XXXC or XXX2 means up to two design changes or modifications have been made.
XXXD or XXX3 means up to three design changes or modifications have been made.
etc.
* The 5th digit seems to be associated with special & low-volume production run editions along with very late standard HP bodies.
F3HP Lapita 2000 shows 'N'
F3T Classic also shows 'N'
F3H High Speed shows 'B', but this is separate to the group of 4 digits and uses a smaller font.
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You should co-operate with Roland Vink :D
Always interesting the see the logic behind the numbers as it were.
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You should co-operate with Roland Vink :D
Always interesting the see the logic behind the numbers as it were.
LOL Bjørn ;)
It was Roland that suggested I join the forum.
Nice to be part of a forum that isn't covered in advertising.
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"Nice to be part of a forum that isn't covered in advertising"
You are guaranteed no advertising. A cornerstone of NG forum policy.
However, we don't mind members subscribe to be an NG Supporter. But this they can decide for themselves without additional pressure.
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Welcome aboard Ron, great to see you here!
(we've been co-operating for years, Ron has been a great contributor of information to my site :) )
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Welcome Ron,
Very informative. Is there also some logic in the numbering of the modern DSRL's (apart from a region index) or is that just a plain serial number?
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Welcome aboard, Ron! So, you have been helping Roland help us nail the year of production of our gears. Thanks for your contribution!
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I suspect you imported The F3 SN list that was up a while ago? Can't find it now. I'll have to open up the backs and note the numbers on my F3HP's, you already have the F3AF on your list from the Flickr thread.
I have two F2's from the first batch on your F2 serial number list. Some interesting differences between them and the later ones, the Tip on the lever advance is Metal not plastic for one.
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1999982 51VRN F3HP
I suspect the 5th digit is for the new millenium.
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Welcome aboard Ron, great to see you here!
Thanks for the warm welcome Roland ;D
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Welcome Ron,
Very informative. Is there also some logic in the numbering of the modern DSRL's (apart from a region index) or is that just a plain serial number?
Thanks for the welcome John :)
The serial numbers on any Nikon (that I know of) are simply numbered based on the body's position along the production line................that is the only logic.
The F3 is the only pro level Nikon camera that has this unique date/production code.
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Welcome aboard, Ron! So, you have been helping Roland help us nail the year of production of our gears. Thanks for your contribution!
Thanks for the warm welcome Akira :)
Yes, I do help Roland (a little bit) but not as much as he helps me with the wonderful information found in his Nikkor database :D
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I suspect you imported The F3 SN list that was up a while ago? Can't find it now. I'll have to open up the backs and note the numbers on my F3HP's, you already have the F3AF on your list from the Flickr thread.
I have two F2's from the first batch on your F2 serial number list. Some interesting differences between them and the later ones, the Tip on the lever advance is Metal not plastic for one.
Hi Brian,
Sorry, I don't know about the F3 SN list that you are referring to.
My list is the first time I've ever seen such a list. I don't know of anyone that has anything similar.
All the lists I've seen to date are simply serial numbers, they do not show the date/production codes and the corresponding information associated with those codes.
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1999982 51VRN F3HP
I suspect the 5th digit is for the new millenium.
Thank you for the info from your F3 Brian.
Your suggestion as to the meaning of the 5th digit is a good one...............I hadn't thought of it.
Can you please tell me if the bottom plate on your F3 #1999982 has the letters 'CE' stamped into it?
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Welcome to the NikonGear! Do feel at home! Sorry I don't have and F3 but appreciate your effort to keep track of the changes etc ;)
Is that a 13mm on your Avatar?
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Welcome to the NikonGear! Do feel at home! Sorry I don't have and F3 but appreciate your effort to keep track of the changes etc ;)
Is that a 13mm on your Avatar?
Thanks for the welcome Erik :)
Yes, that's a 13mm in my avatar............well spotted!
It was part of my collection as of a few months ago. After 6 years; unfortunately it was time to part with it.
The lens now resides in southeast Asia somewhere.
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Super nice product shot!
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First time shooting spring flowers with my 300 mm f/2.8 AIS and the (then new) Nikon D1. My colleagues were green with envy.
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For 1999982-It does have "CE" Stamped in it.
2000126 is "61VRN", and has CE stamped on the baseplate. Both of these cameras have "CE" on the boxes. I bought both at the same time, the latter is my back-up still in the box. My 1983 F3AF just kept going.
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Hi Brian,
Sorry, I don't know about the F3 SN list that you are referring to.
My list is the first time I've ever seen such a list. I don't know of anyone that has anything similar.
All the lists I've seen to date are simply serial numbers, they do not show the date/production codes and the corresponding information associated with those codes.
Many years ago someone maintained a site with a list of F3 serial numbers and asked for dates of purchase. I had entered mine in with the purchase date. I cannot find this list on the Web as of today, I suspect it is defunct. Too bad, it had a lot of F3 SN's on it.
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Ron,
My F3 HP is s/n 1978027, production code 57V0, and does have CE on the baseplate.
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For 1999982-It does have "CE" Stamped in it.
2000126 is "61VRN", and has CE stamped on the baseplate. Both of these cameras have "CE" on the boxes. I bought both at the same time, the latter is my back-up still in the box. My 1983 F3AF just kept going.
Thank you for confirming that info Brian.
Both of your cameras have quite high serial numbers.
I haven't seen CE stamped on an F3 box before.
If you could post some images, that'd be much appreciated.
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Many years ago someone maintained a site with a list of F3 serial numbers and asked for dates of purchase. I had entered mine in with the purchase date. I cannot find this list on the Web as of today, I suspect it is defunct. Too bad, it had a lot of F3 SN's on it.
Yes, I know of the site to which you're referring.
Unfortunately that list is useless as it only shows purchase dates, not production dates.
Some of the dates associated with the serial numbers were shown as being years apart.
In fact; that useless list was the one that inspired me to do something better and more accurate :)
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Ron,
My F3 HP is s/n 1978027, production code 57V0, and does have CE on the baseplate.
Thank you Lorne :)
Your F3 body is the earliest that I've seen with the CE stamp............May 1997.
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Thank you for confirming that info Brian.
Both of your cameras have quite high serial numbers.
I haven't seen CE stamped on an F3 box before.
If you could post some images, that'd be much appreciated.
The F3AF box was with the F3HP box, also an unusual label thrown on.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1719/25711522196_485bc685a7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Fb3gLQ)F3 Boxes (https://flic.kr/p/Fb3gLQ) by fiftyonepointsix (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90768661@N02/), on Flickr
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The F3AF box was with the F3HP box, also an unusual label thrown on.
Thank you Brian, much appreciated :)
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My F3AF is serial # 1658418, the code is 14VK. It does not have a CE stamped on it.
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My F3AF is serial # 1658418, the code is 14VK. It does not have a CE stamped on it.
Hi Mathew,
Thanks for the info.
Are you sure that your camera is an AF body?
Serial numbers for AF bodies start with 83XXXXX.
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Hi Mathew,
Thanks for the info.
Are you sure that your camera is an AF body?
Serial numbers for AF bodies start with 83XXXXX.
Sorry, brain glitch while posting. I meant HP and typed AF. It's just a plain HP.
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Sorry, brain glitch while posting. I meant HP and typed AF. It's just a plain HP.
Thanks for confirming the info Matthew :)
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Hi,
My F3 s/n # 1756277,code #D5VL.
Lloyd
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Hi,
My F3 s/n # 1756277,code #D5VL.
Lloyd
Thanks for the info Lloyd :)
Being from Dec 1985: the info helped fill-in a gap between Oct 1985 & Feb 1986.
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I tried to take the back off my F3 so I could get a look at the code. Unfortunately, it appears the pin on the back is frozen & won't slide down. Any suggestions on hot I can free this pin without damaging my camera?
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I tried to take the back off my F3 so I could get a look at the code. Unfortunately, it appears the pin on the back is frozen & won't slide down. Any suggestions on hot I can free this pin without damaging my camera?
Sorry to hear that :-[
Can't say I've seen that problem before.
Only thing I can suggest is to try and work it back & forth while adding some kind of penetrant spray like WD-40.
It shouldn't be rust that's jammed it as the pin is supposed to be made of stainless steel.
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To avoid spray 'all over' - Spray the WD40 into an empty glass and apply it from there with a brush
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very good advice,I recall the pin slot kind of small,try use the toothpick or something have a little drop,also the back can be replaced,should not too worry.
Lloyd
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Thanks for the advice. The pin doesn't move at all. As I don't have another back to put on the camera and the current back works fine as is, I think I'll forgo satisfying my curiosity and leave well enough alone. :)
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My F3 is a garden variety with a code behind the door of 32VN. I bought it used in unused condition with an HP (DE-3) finder which I replaced with a DE-2 finder as it's easier to focus on the matte surface of an E screen with the DE-2. As I recall the F3HP has a 0.7x finder and the F3 has a 0.75x finder. I ware glasses but don't need the Hp finder. The serial number is 19265xx.
I called Nikon USA and asked if they could tell me if it was a Nikon USA imported camera or gray market given its serial number. I was told that, "No on at Nikon will divulge that information." The service rep probably realized how dumb that sounded and told me not to worry as there were many independent repair shops would would service the camera if Nikon USA would not.
Dave
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My F3 is a garden variety with a code behind the door of 32VN. The serial number is 19265xx.
Dave
Thanks for the info Dave, but unfortunately you've provided an incomplete serial number.
I guess that I could make-up 2 more digits to complete the number, but I'm trying to compile a list sourced from accurate & complete information.
If you could provide the full serial #, that'd be great. But I understand if you'd rather not.
LOL about the Nikon USA story.
I think that Nikon USA would much rather the older cameras be sent elsewhere.
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You should co-operate with Roland Vink :D
Always interesting the see the logic behind the numbers at it were.
Bjorn; I note that you have an F3P.
Any chance you could help out by sharing the info about your camera?
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Did you ever try getting in touch with Thierry Ravassod? I'm in a closed facebook group that is about Nikon F3 and he maintains a list there with serialnumbers and codes.
SN 1739899 Code 95VL, came with DE-2 finder October 1985
SN 1862420 Code 79VM came with DE-3 finder July 1989
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Did you ever try getting in touch with Thierry Ravassod? I'm in a closed facebook group that is about Nikon F3 and he maintains a list there with serialnumbers and codes.
SN 1739899 Code 95VL, came with DE-2 finder October 1985
SN 1862420 Code 79VM came with DE-3 finder July 1989
Thanks for the info.
I seem to already have those numbers.
I have some friends in that Facebook group that keep me updated with the info shared there.
I've seen Thierry's list and it unfortunately has errors.
Your 1739899 for instance; he has it dated as October 1985. This is incorrect, the correct month is designated by '9' in your code, so it is September. October would be designated with the letter 'O' (not zero).
It's a small mistake I know but there are several others.
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i thought so as well. i know that months were alphabetically coded by the month's initial :o :o :o
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Thank you for that clarification Ron :)
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i thought so as well. i know that months were alphabetically coded by the month's initial :o :o :o
Only from Oct - Dec...........O, N & D
Previous to Oct, numbers 1-9 are used to designate the month.
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Thank you for that clarification Ron :)
You're most welcome :)
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Hi Ron,
Plain F3 w/ DE-2
S# 1293299
Code: 11VA
Thanks,
Colin
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Hi Ron,
Plain F3 w/ DE-2
S# 1293299
Code: 11VA
Thanks,
Colin
Thanks for that Colin.
I've just uploaded a big new update to the database, your info will be on the next update -
https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/l
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http://auctions.search.yahoo.co.jp/search?auccat=&tab_ex=commerce&ei=utf-8&aq=-1&oq=&sc_i=&fr=auc_top&p=F3HP&x=0&y=0
might be of help :o :o :o
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http://auctions.search.yahoo.co.jp/search?auccat=&tab_ex=commerce&ei=utf-8&aq=-1&oq=&sc_i=&fr=auc_top&p=F3HP&x=0&y=0
might be of help :o :o :o
Thanks Rick............but unfortunately serial numbers alone are not enough info, we need those darn manufacturing codes ;)
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My F3/T: nr T 8201016 code: 82V? can't read the fourth letter
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My F3/T: nr T 8201016 code: 82V? can't read the fourth letter
That's a nice early number obal, thanks.
The full number is probably 82VF.
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Hi Ron,
Please add my information to your database.
F3HP, serial # 1957032, code N4VN.
I'm new to the site.
Thanks
John
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Please add my information to your database.
F3HP, serial # 1957032, code N4VN.
Thanks
John
Thanks for the info John and welcome to the site.
Your F3 is dated November 1994............the earliest I have for that year.
Cheers,
Ron.
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F3 HP
1805873
67VM
F3 HP
1960049
56VM
Hope this helps...
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F3 HP
1805873
67VM
F3 HP
1960049
56VM
Hope this helps...
Thanks for the info pluton...............much appreciated :)
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Hi Ron,
Mongo's is
F3
serial No. 1221554
it has NO numbers on the rear door mount
This was owned from new by Mongo's brother-in-law before it was given to Mongo.
It is in mint condition and as far as Mongo is aware it has never had any repairs or parts changed.
hope this helps and thanks for the work you do for us - much appreciated.
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Hi Ron,
Mongo's is
F3
serial No. 1221554
it has NO numbers on the rear door mount
This was owned from new by Mongo's brother-in-law before it was given to Mongo.
It is in mint condition and as far as Mongo is aware it has never had any repairs or parts changed.
hope this helps and thanks for the work you do for us - much appreciated.
Hi Mongo,
Thanks for the info.
The earliest serial # I have with a code is #1225494 (60AA - June 1980). Before that, a manufacturing code wasn't used.
Don't forget, you can download a copy of the latest update to the data base from here - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/o/
I try to do a monthly update.
Cheers,
Ron.
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Hello,
the serial number of my Nikon F3 HP is 1889989 and the code is 79VM.
Best regards
Jarmo T
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Ron
Using friends F3 - he has 2 obtained from Uni Pathology dept
F3HP 1920649 DIVN
Good luck with your project
JJ
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Hello,
the serial number of my Nikon F3 HP is 1889989 and the code is 79VM.
Best regards
Jarmo T
Thanks heaps for the info Jarmo :)
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Ron
Using friends F3 - he has 2 obtained from Uni Pathology dept
F3HP 1920649 DIVN
Good luck with your project
JJ
Great info JJ, thanks heaps for that.
Nice to see yet another Ozzie on here :)
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hi
-serial number of my Nikon F3 #1838195 and the code is 08VM
-i also have had Nikon F3 DCS camerabody number #1924768 , no code info, sorry
best regards
juha
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hi
-serial number of my Nikon F3 #1838195 and the code is 08VM
-i also have had Nikon F3 DCS camerabody number #1924768 , no code info, sorry
best regards
juha
Thank you for the information Juha.
Here is a link to the list as of October 2016 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/o/
Did you happen to get your DCS-DC3 working?
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Noup,
i have only camera body, no other parts of system,
i sell it on eBay and bought D700 which i still use every week.. :o
juha
Thank you for the information Juha.
Here is a link to the list as of October 2016 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/o/
Did you happen to get your DCS-DC3 working?
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Very nice list, I'll get info from my mates to help compile. I have a body with serial number 1953665 and interior number is as far as I can tell 03VB or D at the end
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Very nice list, I'll get info from my mates to help compile. I have a body with serial number 1953665 and interior number is as far as I can tell 03VB or D at the end
O3VN - October 1993
Thanks for the info. The list has a big gap between '93 & '94, your info has helped to fill that gap.
Looking forward to receiving the info from your friends.
Cheers,
Ron.
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you could write a book :o :o :o
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you could write a book :o :o :o
One day I hope to be able to.
I've already compiled most of the info I'd need to do it.
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Hi Ron V. I also have F3. My serial number is 1286410
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Hi Ron V. I also have F3. My serial number is 1286410
Hi Lize,
I also need the manufacture code, please refer to the first post in this thread.
This will tell us the month of manufacture.
Cheers,
Ron.
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Hi Ron,
I just wanted to notify you of an F3 Lapita 2000 Memorial Edition Serial # L 0000001 listed on ebay.
There are no pictures of the open back to have a chance at the date code. You might be able to get the seller to give you the info. Just thought I would pass it along.
Take care,
Colin
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Hi Ron,
I just wanted to notify you of an F3 Lapita 2000 Memorial Edition Serial # L 0000001 listed on ebay.
There are no pictures of the open back to have a chance at the date code. You might be able to get the seller to give you the info. Just thought I would pass it along.
Take care,
Colin
Hi Colin,
Thanks for the heads-up about the eBay listing.
The seller has been trying to sell that camera for several years now.
I have production codes for two LAPITA F3s, #0000047 & #0000027.............both have D0VRN as the code.
As all of the LAPITAs would have been produced at the same time; I'm assuming that they'll all have the same production code.
Cheers,
Ron.
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Hi Ron,
Thanks for the reply and the info about the Lapitas. Very interesting.
Colin
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hi
-serial number of my Nikon F3/T HP : serial#T8215056 and the code is N3TB
BR
juha
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hi
-serial number of my Nikon F3/T HP : serial#T8215056 and the code is N3TB
BR
juha
Thanks for the info Juha :)
November 1983 for your F3T Champagne.
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hi
-serial number of my Nikon F3 #1329109 and the code is 41VA
;D
best regards
juha
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Hi, Ron.
My beautiful F3 with DE-2 has S#1211024 and NO code.
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Thanks for the info JAP & Knut S. :) :)
I'll add your info to the list and upload the November update in the next week or two.
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G'Day Ron,
My F3HP doesn't seem to agree with the S/N list v. the MFG code. (decode)
S/N 1724151
MFG code 77VM
I see no sign of tampering or other work.... That's not to say a competent camera tech couldn't have replaced the top apron. But, I sure can't see any signs of it.
Mike
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G'Day Ron,
My F3HP doesn't seem to agree with the S/N list v. the MFG code. (decode)
S/N 1724151
MFG code 77VM
I see no sign of tampering or other work.... That's not to say a competent camera tech couldn't have replaced the top apron. But, I sure can't see any signs of it.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Yes, a serial # from around June 1985 and a body manufacturing date of July 1987.
This is not unusual to see.
It may well have happened in the factory. Perhaps the top plate was pulled from old-stock and used to complete the full assembly.
The other option of course is that someone has had the body open at some stage and replaced the top plate with another one.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers,
Ron.-
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Hi Ron,
My latest F3HP
Serial# 1818026
Date Code: 18VM
Thanks,
Colin
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Hi Ron,
My latest F3HP
Serial# 1818026
Date Code: 18VM
Thanks,
Colin
Hi Colin,
Thanks for the info.
Will ad it to this month's update.
Best regards,
Ron.
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Hi Ron,
Please add my F3P serial #P9006504, Code N4O2 to your data base. If I'm reading the information right? My guess the camera was made November 1984?
Thanks
John
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Hi Ron,
Please add my F3P serial #P9006504, Code N4O2 to your data base. If I'm reading the information right? My guess the camera was made November 1984?
Thanks
John
Thanks again for sharing your info John.
Yes, you are correct , Nov 1984.
The letter 'O' represents the 'P' models and the number '2' means that the body has had at least two design changes since the start of production.
Best regards,
Ron.
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Hi Ron,
My latest F3
Serial# 1651559
Date Code: 03vk
Thanks,
Artem_Ivanov
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I have 2 numbers for you:
1286946, DOAF
1271699, NOAD
Br Bent
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Thank you Artem & Bent, the info is much appreciated.
I've added your info to the list. Update will be uploaded next month.
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I've just uploaded the latest update to the database - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94603494@N06/22100494975/sizes/o/
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Hello Ron, you can add my F3P camera :
F3P (press) n° P9004909 /code : 7 402
Sold my old F3HP's n° 1788529 and 1807257 (alas without looking for the code, sorry !)
Thank you for your big datawork !
Didier
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Hello Ron, you can add my F3P camera :
F3P (press) n° P9004909 /code : 7 402
Sold my old F3HP's n° 1788529 and 1807257 (alas without looking for the code, sorry !)
Thank you for your big datawork !
Didier
Thanks for the info Didier, will add your numbers to the list for next month's update.
Cheers, Ron.
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Here are the numbers from my F3:
Serial number: 1320001
Production code: 31VA
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Here are the numbers from mine:-
Serial number: 1276030.
Production code: N0AF.
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Can anyone tell me what these mean on my F3 HP
1686766 and 84VL
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First is serial number, the other presumably production code.
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Can anyone tell me what these mean on my F3 HP
1686766 and 84VL
Birna's statement is correct. Since the first F3 produced had serial # 1200001, your camera is approximately the 486766th produced (in excess of the real produced cameras, we're not counting numbering jumps which occurred at the time), and production date decodes down to Aug.1984 (see message 1 in this thread for an explanation).
I can't seem to be able to find the original serial number listing, the link on flickr is dead.
A quick search on the Web yielded a listing where topic author (Ron Volmershausen) is credited, but it's probably a derived listing: see below.
http://www.nicovandijk.net/serialF3.htm (http://www.nicovandijk.net/serialF3.htm)
Ciao from Massimo
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My latest F3:
F3P Press
Serial# P 9026774
Production Code 25O1
Cheers
Andreas
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My F3HP serial number is 1991766 and the code is 09VR
Am I correct in this being a 2000 made camera?
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My F3HP serial number is 1991766 and the code is 09VR
Am I correct in this being a 2000 made camera?
The production code is probably O9VR (with a capital o ), not 09VR (with a zero)
Meaning O= October
9 = (last digit of year of production) either 1989 or 1999
And from the serial number (1991766) we infer that it's 1999 (serial numbers for 1989 are around 189xxxx to 190xxxx)
So, it's october 1999
See initial message in this thread for a full explanation.
Ciao from Massimo
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The earliest serial # I have with a code is #1225494 (60AA - June 1980). Before that, a manufacturing code wasn't used.
I have two F3HPs but one is currently in hiding. The one I have access to is #1507117 with no production code; I checked the entire interior very carefully with a torch but I couldn't find one. This combination of serial number with no production code would seem to be out of sequence with the above. Due to the likely age of the camera it wouldn't be surprising if the top plate had been replaced at some point.
Bill
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I have two F3HPs but one is currently in hiding. The one I have access to is #1507117 with no production code; I checked the entire interior very carefully with a torch but I couldn't find one. This combination of serial number with no production code would seem to be out of sequence with the above. Due to the likely age of the camera it wouldn't be surprising if the top plate had been replaced at some point.
Bill
Have you tried removing the back cover? The production # is stamped in an area of the body that is partly -if not fully- covered by the hinge of the back cover, it's easy to miss the #s (which are black on black!).
It's quite easy to remove the back cover: one of the hinges is spring-loaded and is moveable, you just press down with your fingernail on a small lever on the top hinge and off comes the back. To put it back together you insert the fixed part (bottom) of the hinge in its seat, press down the moving part of the hinge, position so both top and bottom hinges are aligned, release and voila! Longer to describe than to do it... (also see photo in reply #91)
Ciao from Massimo
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Recently picked up a non-hp F3, used this thread to date mine.
Feb 1981
Serial: 1301497
Production Code: 21VA
Thanks for the help! I'm looking forward to being a member here.
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I suspect you imported The F3 SN list that was up a while ago? Can't find it now. I'll have to open up the backs and note the numbers on my F3HP's, you already have the F3AF on your list from the Flickr thread.
I have two F2's from the first batch on your F2 serial number list. Some insert link please differences between them and the later ones, the Tip on the lever advance is Metal not plastic for one.
Moderator has removed link, please provide a sensible link for the subject at hand. Thanks
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Your link has nothing to do with F3’s ???
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I have an unusual serial number and production code combination to discuss:
Standard F3 with HP Viewfinder, serial number 20077xx, production code 37VN, no CE imprint on bottom plate. The production code suggests March 1997 at the latest. i doubt if any Nikon F3 was produced in March 2007.
I suspect original camera was damaged, and a user removed serial number plate 20077xx and affixed it to a clean older model for resale. The only other possibility is that replacement serial number top plates began in the 20077xx block, not in the 201xxxx block as suggested online. Any suggestions?
Does anyone know the approximate early (or first) serial number or production date for the CE imprint on the bottom plate?
I am also curious as to the last standard production F3 known online (or most recent known to you).
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HI Ron, another F3HP found it's way to my stable: F3HP n° 1892040 : Code : 79VM
Am I right if I say 1990 or is it from 1989 ?
Thank you!
Didier Klein / France
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79 VM : does it mean : July 1989, and M = 13 modifications from the first bodies ? Thanks again !
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Hi there, (Ron?)
Wondering if you can help me get to know my camera more
F3 serial number 1224289
No production code
Thanks!
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Hey Ron,
Noticed that your flickr account has been deactivated.
Anyway, here are the cameras I've owned with known date codes:
1350085: 61VA
1609674: 63VJ
1619048: 73VJ
1678906: 64VL
1689179: 84VL
1699726: O4VL
1722870: 25VL
1747883: O5VL
1753154: N5VL
1779119: 66VM
1806168: 67VM
1825469: 68VM
1871110: D9VN
1880406: 59VN (may've had top cover swapped, since higher than above body, serial-wise)
Press:
9001263: 73O0
9002972: 14O0
9004765: 74O2
9005099: 84O2
9005346: 84O2 (yes, same camera that you had listed prior to my owning it in 2015)
9006434: D4O2
9006504: N4O2
9006741: 15O2
9012258: 37O3
9014539: 87O3
Titanium
8216407: D3TB - current body
Hi there, (Ron?)
Wondering if you can help me get to know my camera more
F3 serial number 1224289
No production code
Thanks!
Your F3 was produced sometime between March 1980 and July 1980, looks like...