I am sure this has been discussed before but I can't find it.

How do the date codes translate?
I have a 500 f4 IS date coded U6 when would that have been made?

Also whilst I am on - does anyone know how I can get hold of a copy of the instruction booklet for the 500?

Trivial questions I know but then one of the hallmarks of this site is its' patient helpfulness - I hope!

Thanks.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

Not to be one of those guys, but I just pasted your thread title into google and followed the first link.

Have a great Friday!

John

You can check it out here. I'd guess it's probably UQ (2002).

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx