Nikon F3 Serial Numbers / Production Dates

[nikuy]

Hi,
My F3 s/n # 1756277,code #D5VL.
Lloyd

[RonVol]

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.

[dslater]

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?

[RonVol]

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.

[Erik Lund]

To avoid spray 'all over' - Spray the WD40 into an empty glass and apply it from there with a brush

[nikuy]

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

[dslater]

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.

[David H. Hartman]

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

[RonVol]

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.

[RonVol]

You should co-operate with Roland Vink

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?

[the solitaire]

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

[RonVol]

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.

[richardHaw]

i thought so as well. i know that months were alphabetically coded by the month's initial

[the solitaire]

Thank you for that clarification Ron

[RonVol]

i thought so as well. i know that months were alphabetically coded by the month's initial

Only from Oct - Dec...........O, N & D
Previous to Oct, numbers 1-9 are used to designate the month.