Note also that the bottom plate number is just the bottom plate number. It's NOT the production serial number. If the bottom plate has been changed, the number will be misleading. The true serial number on LXen can be found inside, in the in the film cartridge groove, on the side towards the shutter. It's a six-digit number painted on with laquer. You have to hold the camera so that it catch the light from the right angle to see it.
Unfortunately, I don't have the information on what the different digits mean. My pentax rep. told me he was not allowed to tell. However, he said that some digits signify the particular production run, which can in turn be coupled to production date. A knowledgeable pentax rep will thus be able to tell the exact age of a particular camera.
I've posted this information to the list before, but it appears that some people find it hard to believe that there is a serial number on the chassis.
Jostein
----- Original Message ----- From: "Michel Carr�re-G�e" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 06, 2005 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: New LX Owner
A japanese page on LX variations: http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pentax-fan.jp%2fBODY%2fLX_CHG.html
Mine has new shutter release, 3200 Asa; but the meter doesn't come on when the exposure compensation lock button is pressed., and the old pattern on the first curtain .
.... and sitcky mirror !! (serviced)
