Condition Guide
I prefer not to use a numbered or 'star' rating 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 to neatly pack items into one, or one set, of traditional schemes. Collectors may or may not care if an item is functional - only that it meets a certain appearance level as a display piece. Those wanting to use something daily may not care much about looks (a.k.a., Photog Ugly), as long as it consistently performs well and is reliable.
I've chosen to use 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 this 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 items I list will be noted as "Refurbished", whether I've done the work myself or it was done for me. The conditions listed for them will apply to their current state, after the work was completed.
Overall categorizations as New or Used items |
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| 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 |
| Used: Parts or Repair | In a non-functional state. For parts or repair or display only |
NOTE: With 'New' or 'NOS' item listings, 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 is unused (i.e., buying 5/10 new lens caps in bulk and keeping 3 or 6, and sell the rest). Anything labeled 'NOS' is an older/vintage 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, and its working condition is unknown. As with any vintage item, anything NOS will be well aged, and is sold in its "As-Is, As-Found, As-Packaged" state.
I will describe any noted irregularities as best I can, if there are any to mention in any of these conditions. Anything labeled as 'Untested', means that I don't have the necessary components/devices/tools to properly evaluate the item's complete functionality. I can only provide my observations on their fitness for use, and you will need to judge them by your own expertise. Accessories or any other non-camera or non-lens items in 'used' condition might generally be described to fall under 'Basic Testing', 'Untested', or as 'Parts or Repair ' conditions only, unless they are 100% complete, with all the parts and components to test as a whole.
General item/cosmetic conditions [w/qualifiers] |
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| Mint/Near-Mint Camera | Mint/Near-Mint Lens |
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| Excellent Camera | Excellent Lens |
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| Good Camera | Good Lens |
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| Well Used Camera ['Photog Ugly'] | Well Used Lens ['Photog Ugly'] |
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| Parts and Repair only - either Camera or Lens | |
Only one of the following needs to apply...
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| 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 when described. 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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] |
I usually don't miss too many things, but please keep in mind that I'm human and not infallible.
