F3: Spanking new F3 has no serial number

D

Doctor Wu

Well-known member
Hey, I picked up a Sony F3 on Ebay that looks practically new. Unfortunately it didn't include batteries or charger so I have it on order. Ebay can be sketchy so I am wary of its origins.

Weird question: There's no serial number on the bottom plate. It's not like it was rubbed off or anything, that section of the base plate just doesn't have any labels or anything.

1. Does the absence of a serial number signify anything other than it might be grey market?
2. When did the F3s with 444 RGB option start getting sold, starting from what serial number?

I imagine once I get the camera powered up I can find the serial number in the menus.
First impression: This camera is heavier than it looks, but it feels sturdy and it has that lovely Cinealta badge which made it so desirable.

vs C100: apples and oranges. C100 is of course lighter, AF features with Canon zooms, much better for documentary and run and gun.
 
It could be a pre-production model that was stolen from Sony. I know for sure it has happened before with an F55, so maybe an F3 was also part of the theft. Just speculation.
 
Almost certainly a pre-production F3 and acquired other than through the retail channel.

Ned Soltz
 
If it's a pre-production model, that's a bummer. It's hard to believe that a pre production model would just sit around unused for 4 or 5 years though. The box has a decal that reads "PMW3L.B" and "Sony B-AVL". Does anyone know what the "B" might signify?
I'll get batteries in a day or two - should know more myself then, just impatient to find out if I got a lemon.
 
I'd be more concerned if you have received stolen goods. I have a friend who bought an F55 pre-production camera that had been stolen from Sony and Sony made him give it back when they learned about it . . . and he had no recourse against the eBay seller. The "deal" cost him a lot of money. I'm not saying that's the case here, but if it's stolen and Sony wants it back, you're screwed. If there is no serial number it came through customs as a demo/prototype "not for resale" -- then it can't be out of Sony's hands legally.
 
Thanks for your input doug and ned. I did finally find the serial number on the Box and the warranty card. Now I just have to make sure it matches what's in the firmware / system menus when I get the batteries. Why it's not on the bottom plate is the mystery. Yes, I'm very wary about most Ebay transactions but I have a 14 day window to return it and if not to address it through EBAY/paypal or my credit card company.
 
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