: I understand the R8 has been through 4 generations:

First: SN 2285000 to 2422000

Second: SN 2427001 to 2435800

Third: SN 2464101 to 2477300

Fourth: SN 2477300 and up.

Can anyone tell me what differences there are in these different phases of production? I know the 272xxxx an 275xxxx are those made in the Portugal factory.

-- Paul Langham (laglaph@aol.com), May 20, 2001

Answers

The only physical differences I've been able to find is the tint of the finder display readout. Others have alluded to various glitches being fixed along the way, electrical contacts, flash, winder lock- ups and so on. Lots of anecdotes, little hard data. To me the important detail isn't the serial number, rather if the camera comes with a warranty or not. I'd sooner buy an older-production model with full warranty that's been sitting on a shelf for awhile as opposeed to a used one from more recent production with no warranty or only 30-90 days.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 20, 2001.