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Nikon F3 Serial Numbers / Production Dates

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RonVol:
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.

Bjørn Rørslett:
You should co-operate with Roland Vink :D

Always interesting the see the logic behind the numbers as it were.

RonVol:

--- Quote from: Bjørn Rørslett on March 12, 2016, 08:49:09 ---You should co-operate with Roland Vink :D

Always interesting the see the logic behind the numbers as it were.

--- End quote ---

LOL Bjørn   ;)
It was Roland that suggested I join the forum.
Nice to be part of a forum that isn't covered in advertising.

Bjørn Rørslett:
"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.

Roland Vink:
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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