Where to find serial numbers after my Canon lenses were stolen?

[annmpacheco]

Yup, they got me and all my camera gear a few weeks back. Well, all the electronics. I would like to know how I can find the serial numbers to the various lenses I use to own. Some I have the paperwork and others are no where to be found. For example, is there embedded info in the EXIF data that lists the serial number of the lens? I can only see the length of the lens on a RAW image. Are there various programs that may have this information? I have Canon EOS utility (DPP), Photoshop CS5, LRoom 3, and Photo Mechanics. I went on vacation after the burglary and upon my return I am overwhelmed with the work that lies ahead to submit claims, wrangle, and replace. Please help. Thanks. Some lessons in life are tough ones...

[Roger Clark]

Yup, they got me and all my camera gear a few weeks back. Well, all the electronics. I would like to know how I can find the serial numbers to the various lenses I use to own. Some I have the paperwork and others are no where to be found. For example, is there embedded info in the EXIF data that lists the serial number of the lens? I can only see the length of the lens on a RAW image. Are there various programs that may have this information? I have Canon EOS utility (DPP), Photoshop CS5, LRoom 3, and Photo Mechanics. I went on vacation after the burglary and upon my return I am overwhelmed with the work that lies ahead to submit claims, wrangle, and replace. Please help. Thanks. Some lessons in life are tough ones...

Hello Ann,
So sorry to hear of the theft. I keep my best gear in a safe, and have my images backed up and stored off site, including serial numbers.

I checked exiftool and I could only find an "internal" serial number for the camera. With microadjustment, the lens serial number is likely stored in the camera, but I did not see it in the exif data. It may be there in one of the unrecognized (by exiftool) fields.

Roger

[annmpacheco]

Thank you Roger. Yes a safe is a must as well as off site storage. I'm thinking of calling Canon to inquire about serial numbers and exif data. BTW, I admire your work .

[Rachel Hollander]

Ann - sorry to hear about the theft. Depending where you bought it from, your receipts may have the serial numbers.

Good luck,
Rachel

[Doug West]

Did any of the lenses come with a warranty card that maybe you sent in? Those would have the serial numbers on them.

Might be a long shot, but if you bought the equipment off somebody else, maybe that person kept a record that they still
have.

Doug

[annmpacheco]

Thank you, yes some I have but others I am unable to locate. I have tried everything. Any exif data in another program if I use one of my RAW images?

[Grady Weed]

Ann,

Did you buy the lens, say at B&H or Hunts Photo Video, they will have the serial numbers on the reciept, their copy, on file. Other stores may have such a system as well. By the way, the insurance company can sometimes use the exif data to show the lens was used to take the image, thereby assuming you had the lens in the first place. It helps to have a long standing relationship with them in the first place of course, and other policies too.

[Chris Ober]

I went through the same thing last year and my insurance company (Allstate) didn't require me to have the serial if I had other proof I owned the equipment. A photo or any kind of receipt showing the lens or camera (or other stuff) was enough and on a couple things, didn't require anything other than me saying I had it and it was gone. They asked for value but when I didn't know, they did the leg work and looked everything up, showed me what they found and gave me the chance to come up with a better value.

It sucks but it did give me a chance to upgrade a couple pieces from what I had. Good time to switch brands if you ever thought about it too :)

[Deborah Harrison]

Sorry about the hassle you're going through - I have all my lenses on a separate insurance rider with serial numbers, also helps if I get questioned by customs when returning from a trip. Are any of the lenses registered with Canon? If so they should be able to check the information for you. Also, if you paid by credit card, the cc company might be able to trace the original invoice which should have all the information. Good luck, I hope you manage to sort things out.