Lens manufactured date

**Wingincamera** · 04-09-2018, 12:12 PM

Is there a way to find the date a Pentax lens was manufactured? I have checked the "Pentax Serial Number Database" and that gives a date when the info was posted. This does not help it was a used lens listed.

Adam · 04-09-2018, 12:16 PM

It's not an easy task as serial numbers are not always sequential. However, the paperwork included with the lens can be a good indicator.

stevebrot · 04-09-2018, 12:20 PM

The short answer is no. Even purchase date new and serial numbers are not a clear indication.

Steve

victormeldrew · 04-09-2018, 02:27 PM - **5 Likes**

Cut it in half and count the rings...?

**Wingincamera** · 04-09-2018, 04:51 PM - **1 Like**

Thanks for all the replies, especially that last one about counting the rings

I was asking because I had wanted to purchase the Pentax 55mm f/1.4 DA* and found several for sale on the used market and wanted to know how old they might be according to the serial numbers. I decided to just buy a new one, through the Pentax forums & B&H so I can sell off a few lens I will no longer be using (three 50's and a 70-210mm). The 55mm will replace the 50's and I haven't used the 70-210 since getting a Tamron 70-200. I might even replace my DA 20-40 with the DA 21,

The Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 is suppose to grace my door this Friday

04-09-2018, 12:12 PM	#1
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182	Lens manufactured date Is there a way to find the date a Pentax lens was manufactured? I have checked the "Pentax Serial Number Database" and that gives a date when the info was posted. This does not help it was a used lens listed.

04-09-2018, 12:16 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	It's not an easy task as serial numbers are not always sequential. However, the paperwork included with the lens can be a good indicator. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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04-09-2018, 12:20 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The short answer is no. Even purchase date new and serial numbers are not a clear indication. Steve

04-09-2018, 02:27 PM - 5 Likes	#4
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Cut it in half and count the rings...?

04-09-2018, 04:51 PM - 1 Like	#5
Wingincamera Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pine Haven, Wyoming Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,182 Original Poster	Thanks for all the replies, especially that last one about counting the rings I was asking because I had wanted to purchase the Pentax 55mm f/1.4 DA* and found several for sale on the used market and wanted to know how old they might be according to the serial numbers. I decided to just buy a new one, through the Pentax forums & B&H so I can sell off a few lens I will no longer be using (three 50's and a 70-210mm). The 55mm will replace the 50's and I haven't used the 70-210 since getting a Tamron 70-200. I might even replace my DA 20-40 with the DA 21, The Pentax DA* 55mm f/1.4 is suppose to grace my door this Friday