Manufacturer's encrypted code: What's hidden in the serial number?

In the workshop, the first thing I do when accepting a carcass is to check the metal serial number on the bottom of the case with the electronic one. tag **SerialNumber** in the firmware. By the first digit of the 7-digit code you can find out the region of sale and the approximate year camera coming off the assembly line!

Let's look at Nikon's serial number encryption system.

Regional indexes of the first digit of the serial number

1. Serials for “2” or “3” (North America / USA / Canada):Officially sold at American market (`Nikon Inc. USA`).
2. Serials for “4” or “5” (Europe):Official European carcasses.
3. Serials for “6” or “7” (Japan / Asia / Gray import to the Russian Federation):Official supplies for domestic market of Japan or Asian countries.
4. Serials for “8” or “9” (Russia / CIS / Rostest EAEU):Official supplies Nikon Russia with branded warranty card.

Verification of the serial number using EXIF ​​as protection against counterfeiting

If a cunning reseller glued a metal sticker from a fresh carcass with a beautiful serial number to the bottom of the case, then our web service will instantly display the original serial number embedded in the motherboard firmware!

Nikon Serial Number Regional Code Table

First digit of the serial number	Official delivery region	Warranty status
8xxxxxx / 9xxxxxx	Russia / CIS (EAC / Rostest)	Official service support in the Russian Federation
4xxxxxx / 5xxxxxx	Europe (CE)	European guarantee
6xxxxxx / 7xxxxxx	Japan/Asia	Gray import (Service only in private workshops)