Where to find camera and lens serial numbers

Serial numbers on cameras and lenses can be important for insurance and they're useful reference points for buyers and sellers. But they're not always easy to find.

Generally older equipment shows serial numbers in straightforward ways but more modern kit sometimes hides the number away so effectively it can be almost impossible to spot. Here's where to look.

Camera bodies

Base Many cameras will have the serial number underneath, on the base plate of the camera. On recent cameras this is often on a foil label, as on this Nikon D3400. On older cameras the number is often stamped into a metal base plate, or part of the moulding of a plastic base plate.

Back Cameras like this Nikon FE have the serial number in a prominent position on the back, where it's easy to see.

Film lid holder Another variation of the number on the back of the camera is to have it hidden under the bracket that holds the lid of a film box, as on this Nikon EM. So if there's a film box lid in place on the camera, pull it out and see if the serial number is underneath.

Lenses

Barrel On modern lenses it is common for the serial number to be located on the back of the lens barrel. Often it is near the bottom of the lens.

Barrel (but hiding) Sometimes the serial number is on the lens barrel but hard to find. You need to look very carefully to find engraved digits like these.

Lens front Another possibility is that the serial number will be shown on the front of the lens, as on this pre-AI Nikkor lens.

Aperture ring Some lenses have the serial number engraved onto the back of the aperture ring. The digits are usually small so look hard!

Lens base If there's no serial number on the lens barrel take a look underneath, where the lens mounts to the camera. Some Canon lenses, for example, have the serial number on the base of the lens.