I have the opportunity to purchase a used XL1 with a new manual 14X lens, extra batteries (945), tamrac bag, MA-100, a dual battery charger, and other misc items for just over $3K. How can I learn about the cameras history, date of manufacture, whether it has been serviced by Canon, etc.

I don't know about the the cam's history, but if you remove the battery, you will see a sticker with the date of manufacture on the cam's case.

Nathan Gifford

If it was originally purchased in the USA from an authorized dealer, then Canon will be able to tell you its history based on its serial number.

I called Canon and gave them the serial number. They could only tell me that it has not been serviced by Canon in the past six months. That can be good news or bad news. The dealer got the unit from an insurance broker - it appears to be in excellent (maybe even unused) condition, in the original box, but does not include a lens. The dealer is speculating that the lens may have been damaged. Wish I knew more or that there was a way to learn more.