• Your shopping cart is empty!

Condition Guide

I prefer not to use any numbered or 'star rating' scheme when describing photo gear. There are too many variables that can be at odds with each other, and there's no such thing as a linear scale of conditions that can be neatly packed into either one or one set of traditional numbers or stars. Collectors may or may not care if an item is fully functional - only that it meets a certain appearance level as a display piece. Those wanting to use something daily may not care what it looks like (a.k.a., Photog Ugly), as long as it consistently performs well and is reliable. I prefer a mix of attributes that stand on their own as general descriptors of an item's cosmetics, mechanical, electrical/electronic, and optical condition that's appropriate for the type of gear it is, and follow it up with whatever details affirm those conditions. It's more complex to describe things that way, but ultimately much more accurate.

I may also list used items that were originally in some state of disrepair or missing parts - or just their covering - that I've adjusted/repaired/restored/rescued during my ownership. Any of these I list will be noted as having additional work, whether done by myself or having it done for me. The same conditions listed here will also apply to the item's current state after the work was completed.

Overall categorizations as New or Used items
New or NOS New unused item – or – as New Old Stock [NOS]
Used – Basic Testing Used, with basic testing only. Critical accuracy values are unknown.
Used – Tested/Digital Used – Tested as a digital component. [Check details for any limitations]
Used – Tested/Digital/Film Used – Tested as a digital and film component. [Check details for any limitations]
Used – Tested/Film Used – Tested as a film component. [Check details for any limitations]
Used – Untested Used, but untested for full functionality
Parts or Repair In a non-functional state. For parts or repair or display only

NOTE: On 'New' or 'NOS' items, keep in mind that I am not an authorized dealer, distributor, or a retailer or wholesaler. When selling a 'New' item, I've purchased it new and it's unused (i.e., buying 5/10 new lens caps in bulk and keeping 3 or 4). Anything labeled 'NOS' is an item that someone else purchased new, and sold it to me at a later date. It may still be in it's original packaging and unused - but it may not be in a pristine condition from ageing/storage. I will describe any irregularities, if there are any to mention in those cases. Anything labeled as 'Untested', means that I don't have the necessary components/devices/tools to properly evaluate the item's complete functionality. Accessories or any other non-camera or non-lens items in 'used' condition would generally be described as in 'Basic Testing', 'Untested', or as 'Parts or Repair ' condition only.

General item/cosmetic conditions [w/qualifiers]
Mint/Near-Mint Camera Mint/Near-Mint Lens
  • Almost indistinguishable from new
  • No visible wear or scratches
  • Minor handling/cleaning marks, if any
  • No objectionable dust, or optical issues
  • Full working order
  • Free of additional coloring and odor
  • Almost indistinguishable from new
  • No visible wear or scratches
  • Minor handling/cleaning marks, if any
  • No objectionable dust, haze, separation, or fungus
  • Full working order and smooth movement
  • Free of additional coloring and odor
Excellent Camera Excellent Lens
  • Only light signs of use
  • Some minor marks or scratches
  • No/few/minor marks on Screen/Mirror
  • Grips and rubber areas undamaged
  • Undamaged lens mount
  • Full working order
  • Free of additional markings and odor
  • Only light signs of use
  • Some minor marks or scratches on barrel/mount
  • Little/no dust visible
  • No fungus, haze, or separation
  • Near pristine glass elements
  • Full working order
  • Free of additional markings and odor
Good Camera Good Lens
  • More obvious signs of use
  • Dust, scratches or other cosmetic damage
  • Screen/Mirror scratched / showing wear
  • Dust visible, but no haze, or separation; no or cleanable fungus
  • Lens mount showing light wear
  • Non-critical parts may be missing
  • Full working order
  • odor free (i.e., cigarette smoke)
  • Marks or scratches on barrel/mount
  • Minor marks / coating scratches on lens faces
  • Dust visible, but no haze, or separation; no or cleanable fungus
  • Rubber grips marked but intact
  • Non-critical parts may be missing
  • Full working order and smooth movement
  • odor free (i.e., cigarette smoke)
Well Used Camera ['Photog Ugly'] Well Used Lens ['Photog Ugly']
  • Showing heavy use
  • Significant body/mirror scratches
  • Minor or no haze, with no or cleanable fungus
  • Damaged or peeling grip
  • Lens mount showing heavy wear
  • Missing or damaged parts (i.e., plugs or covers)
  • Intact/working but 'wounded' controls
  • Full working order
  • odor free (i.e., cigarette smoke)
  • Showing heavy use
  • Significant barrel/mount scratches
  • No, or cleanable, fungus
  • Possible minor/outer separation and/or slight haze
  • Full working order (incl all switches)
  • Missing or 'wounded' rings or bezels
  • Rubber grips missing, loose, or bulged
  • odor free (i.e., cigarette smoke)
Parts and Repair only - either Camera or Lens
Only one of the following needs to apply...
  • Anything that contains an uncleanable glass-etched fungus
  • Anything that fails to reasonably fit in any of the previous categories
  • Anything that has a primary function that fails to work
  • Anything that is obviously more than 30% inaccurate
  • Anything that is missing necessary parts to function as intended
  • Any digital camera/back containing a sensor with a marred surface and/or is noticeably out of alignment
NOTE: Any items I list that don't fall into the camera or lens categories as-detailed above will still follow the same basic principles for overall condition.Beyond these categorized conditions, I will always provide specific observances, concerns or known issues with every item. The general notations listed below will be further clarified with any "Detail..." notes attached to each listing.

Camera - and - Lens ¦ Optical Condition
No Optical Defects No optical defects that are discernible, which would affect visibility or image quality.
Minor Optical Defects Minor optical defects that are visible, but would not affect visibility or image quality. [See, optical details]
Moderate Optical Defects Moderate optical defects that are visible, that might affect visibility or image quality under some circumstances. [See, optical details]
Major Optical Defects Major optical defects that are visible, that will affect visibility or image quality under most circumstances. [See, optical details]

Camera - and - Lens ¦ Mechanical Condition
Full Mechanical Functions All Mechanical Functions operate as designed with acceptable degrees of movement and activation. Mechanical timers, if present, seem reasonably accurate by ear, but may or may not have been measured or otherwise confirmed for accuracy. [See, Mechanical Details]
Minor Mechanical Issues Most Mechanical Functions operate as designed with some minor movement or activation issues. Mechanical timers, if present, may not be timing properly or be limited in range. [See, Mechanical Details]
Major Mechanical Issues Mechanical Functions may not operate as designed, with limited or non-movement or non-activation issues. Mechanical timers, if present, may not be working or are severely limited in range. [See, Mechanical Details]

Camera - and - Lens ¦ Electrical/Electronic Condition
Full Electrical Functions All Functions operate as designed with acceptable degrees of power, movement, and activation. Timers, if present, seem reasonably accurate by ear, but may or may not have been measured or otherwise confirmed for accuracy. Metering is fully functional and reasonably accurate. [See, Electrical Details]
Minor Electrical Issues Most Functions operate as designed with some minor power, movement, or activation issues. Timers, if present, may not be timing properly or be limited in range. Metering may not be fully functional or reasonably accurate. [See, Electrical Details]
Major Electrical Issues Functions may not operate as designed, with limited or no power, non-movement or non-activation issues. Timers, if present, may not be working or are severely limited in range. Metering may not be functional or reasonably accurate. [See, Electrical Details]

Please keep in mind that I'm human and not infallible, though I usually don't miss too many things.