deciphering canon lens date codes

[Andy]

some really good info here (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx) if you'd like to understand the date codes on canon lenses.

[wxwax]

Yeah, I had to find that the other day. Thanks for posting it. I'd like to add that it's very difficult to decipher a Q on the lettering. It can easily look like an R or an A.

[Stan]

Thanks Andy, I always ask the age of the lens when I buy, but am told that there is no way to tell. So I have a 2003 (R) 100-400mm is, a 1996 (K) 28-70mm 2.8 and a 100mm 2.8 macro non usm with 1900403A on the mount, hoping this is not pre 1960 :D But then there was no such mount as a EF :dunno