In order to prevent the use and resale of stolen gear, Nikon filed patent 2013-61508 in Japan that will require the photographer to enter a passcode in order to make a certain lens-camera combination usable. The authentication process will most likely use the lens and camera serial numbers and link them to a pre-selected password. Unless the correct password is entered, the camera and lens will not be operational (Google translation):
“Conventionally, the imaging device provided with the security function is known. In such an imaging device, the technology which makes photography impossible until the password set up previously is entered, in order to prevent a theft and a mischief.”
I am actually surprised that no camera manufacturer has implemented a similar password protection yet.
