News Serial Number Database: New Searching Feature

Adam · 03-11-2011, 09:55 PM

I've made a small improvement to the Serial Number Database. Now, you'll be able to not only search by serial number within individual items, but also by keyword:

For example, if you type "Amazon", you'd get all serial numbers that mention amazon in the description or location fields.

Also, you will now be able to filter the main listings by item type (lenses, cameras, or accessories).

As a reminder, one forum reputation point is awarded for every serial you add. Reputations points are required in order to obtain Pentaxian status and free Marketplace access.

Enjoy! Visit the database

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:

**Ash** · 03-12-2011, 03:54 AM

Yet another fine addition Adam.
Thanks for implementing it.

**Ron Boggs** · 03-14-2011, 06:36 AM

Why would anybody benefit by knowing my serial numbers? Why would a search of serial numbers be of value to anyone?

Just wondering...

Adam · 03-14-2011, 09:44 AM

You should start a thread in general photography for that, or in the dslr section. Fyi lots of users upload their serials anonymously, event though only logged in users can see them anyway.

**Ron Boggs** · 03-15-2011, 07:59 AM

Hey Adam,
Still have no idea the purpose of a serial number database...What do we learn from the serial numbers? Why would I want to search for a serial number? I'm not being a smart alec...I just can't think of any reason to assemble and organize serial numbers and I'm looking to you for explanation. There's no reason to start a different thread in an unrelated place on the forum. I'm not even interested in the general membership opinion. I'm asking YOU as the administrator what the data base of serial numbers means and what it offers to the members of this forum? Why did you elect to start the serial number data base?

Adam · 03-15-2011, 10:03 AM

In this case, the membership konws the answer better than I do. If you want to see why it's there from my perspective, check out the original serial database announcement or check the announcement at the top of the database.

Ole · 03-16-2011, 09:44 PM

Originally posted by Ron Boggs

Why would anybody benefit by knowing my serial numbers? Why would a search of serial numbers be of value to anyone?

Just wondering...

One example: Lenses and camera bodies with long production runs (think K1000, LX and Takumar lenses as examples) came in various versions (mechanically different or with changes in optical formula) but with no change in their name. The serial number database helps identify the ranges of the various versions. So if you want a K1000 but not the plastic version, you know where to go look for the serial numbers to watch out for. Or if you want an 8 element 50mm F1.4 Takumar, etc.

**Tamia** · 03-17-2011, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by Ron Boggs

...Still have no idea the purpose of a serial number database...What do we learn from the serial numbers? Why would I want to search for a serial number?...

Speaking for myself, I find the serial number database to be a little bit of insurance. If I find a used lens or camera for sale, I can check the serial number database here to see if it's been listed as stolen or damaged. Moreover, if I lose a lens, I can say so in the database in hopes of thwarting a thief's attempt to resell it. Also, it's a good way to save the serial numbers in another place, like backing up my own files. This might be only a small measure of peace of mind, but it helps.

**Ron Boggs** · 03-17-2011, 06:38 PM

Thanks all.
Kind of expected to hear about defect tracking as in the DA*16-50 or maybe K-5 stains or something.

physiodon · 05-01-2011, 10:18 AM

Great tool. Thanks.

aurele · 06-01-2011, 10:04 AM

i couldn't find the Takumar A 28mm f2.8 could you add it to the list, please ?

Adam · 06-01-2011, 10:09 AM

I've enabled user uploads temporarily- go ahead and add it!

aurele · 06-01-2011, 02:33 PM

thank you ! i've done it

03-11-2011, 09:55 PM	#1
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Serial Number Database: New Searching Feature I've made a small improvement to the Serial Number Database. Now, you'll be able to not only search by serial number within individual items, but also by keyword: For example, if you type "Amazon", you'd get all serial numbers that mention amazon in the description or location fields. Also, you will now be able to filter the main listings by item type (lenses, cameras, or accessories). As a reminder, one forum reputation point is awarded for every serial you add. Reputations points are required in order to obtain Pentaxian status and free Marketplace access. Enjoy! Visit the database 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:

06-01-2011, 10:09 AM	#12
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595 Original Poster	I've enabled user uploads temporarily- go ahead and add it! 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:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lens Serial Number Database	Ole	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	63	06-24-2019 01:47 AM
DA* 16-50mm Serial Number Database.	Buddha Jones	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	528	06-13-2012 01:11 AM
K1000 Serial Number Database	Ole	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	233	02-26-2012 10:30 AM
New lenses and serial number database	pz1fan	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	03-07-2011 06:42 PM
Serial Number Database	royal07	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	1	10-15-2010 05:04 PM

03-12-2011, 03:54 AM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Yet another fine addition Adam. Thanks for implementing it.

03-14-2011, 06:36 AM	#3
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Why would anybody benefit by knowing my serial numbers? Why would a search of serial numbers be of value to anyone? Just wondering...

03-14-2011, 09:44 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595 Original Poster	You should start a thread in general photography for that, or in the dslr section. Fyi lots of users upload their serials anonymously, event though only logged in users can see them anyway.

03-15-2011, 07:59 AM	#5
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Hey Adam, Still have no idea the purpose of a serial number database...What do we learn from the serial numbers? Why would I want to search for a serial number? I'm not being a smart alec...I just can't think of any reason to assemble and organize serial numbers and I'm looking to you for explanation. There's no reason to start a different thread in an unrelated place on the forum. I'm not even interested in the general membership opinion. I'm asking YOU as the administrator what the data base of serial numbers means and what it offers to the members of this forum? Why did you elect to start the serial number data base?

03-15-2011, 10:03 AM	#6
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595 Original Poster	In this case, the membership konws the answer better than I do. If you want to see why it's there from my perspective, check out the original serial database announcement or check the announcement at the top of the database.

03-16-2011, 09:44 PM	#7
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	Originally posted by Ron Boggs Why would anybody benefit by knowing my serial numbers? Why would a search of serial numbers be of value to anyone? Just wondering... One example: Lenses and camera bodies with long production runs (think K1000, LX and Takumar lenses as examples) came in various versions (mechanically different or with changes in optical formula) but with no change in their name. The serial number database helps identify the ranges of the various versions. So if you want a K1000 but not the plastic version, you know where to go look for the serial numbers to watch out for. Or if you want an 8 element 50mm F1.4 Takumar, etc.

03-17-2011, 01:18 PM	#8
Tamia Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Here, there, and everywhere. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,384	Originally posted by Ron Boggs ...Still have no idea the purpose of a serial number database...What do we learn from the serial numbers? Why would I want to search for a serial number?... Speaking for myself, I find the serial number database to be a little bit of insurance. If I find a used lens or camera for sale, I can check the serial number database here to see if it's been listed as stolen or damaged. Moreover, if I lose a lens, I can say so in the database in hopes of thwarting a thief's attempt to resell it. Also, it's a good way to save the serial numbers in another place, like backing up my own files. This might be only a small measure of peace of mind, but it helps.

03-17-2011, 06:38 PM	#9
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,349	Thanks all. Kind of expected to hear about defect tracking as in the DA*16-50 or maybe K-5 stains or something.

05-01-2011, 10:18 AM	#10
physiodon New Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 3	Great tool. Thanks.

06-01-2011, 10:04 AM	#11
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	i couldn't find the Takumar A 28mm f2.8 could you add it to the list, please ?

06-01-2011, 02:33 PM	#13
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	thank you ! i've done it