![Camera Camera](http://content.abt.com/image.php/big_REBELT7IBODY.jpg?image=/images/products/BDP_Images/big_REBELT7IBODY.jpg&canvas=1&quality=100&width=450&height=320)
Fortunately, Canon stamped the rear plate with a date code that gives the month of manufacture. The code “V1015” on my Canon New FD50mm f/1.4 indicates that it was manufactured in October 1981. These codes are explained in a number of places, but most explanations gloss over the existence of two slightly different formats. The New System. To determine the age of a Canon lens based on the new 10-digit serial number we have to visually break down the number into two, one and seven digits: DD A SSSSSSS The first two numbers DD correspond to the manufacturing date. It starts in January 2008 with number 38. 39 is February 2008 and so on.
No doubt you have googled and can't find the answer, out of curiosity so did I and I couldn't either!I guess the biggest difference between lenses and camera bodies is that the latter are only manufactured for a limited time before the next model replaces it so it's possible to determine an approximate time span.I suppose the most important aspect of both body and lens is the condition not the age. Appearances are obvious but internal wear and tear might not be. The advantage of a camera body is that at least you can determine the number of shutter clicks to see how much use it's been subjected to.