[B]Can one tell the year of manufacture from the serial number on a 7D?[/B]

[Submariner]

I am trying to ensure I get the latest batch to avoid the AF / Soft Focus problem some of the earier copies had.
Is the date of mfg within the serial number eg on sony batteries the 2nd digit = year
3rd digit = month. i.e. x2Bxxxxxx = yr 2012 B = February [A-L options]?

Canon UK say if I give them the number they can tell; but then it's too late and I may try a 'grey' copy so Canon UK may not help me [quite reasonably].

Anyone know?

[John from PA]

This has been discussed before and generally accepted you readily can't tell the date of manufacture from the S/N without contacting Canon. Having said that you might review the thread at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=33766250 and list the dates and serial numbers given and make a wild guess from the info derived.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by John from PA

This has been discussed before and generally accepted you readily can't tell the date of manufacture from the S/N without contacting Canon. Having said that you might review the thread at http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=33766250 and list the dates and serial numbers given and make a wild guess from the info derived.

Thanks for the info John

[cfcRebel]

I am not aware of any so called "early batch" with soft AF problem. At least not officially from Canon. Where did you see or hear about the batch?

[rick_reno]

the resident 7d expert (Teamspeed) started this thread about AF issues in the 7D. I'd start there...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/....php?t=1116318