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 also 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
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]
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 outer rubber 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 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 fungus, haze, or separation 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 Damaged or peeling grip Lens mount showing heavy wear Missing or damaged parts (i.e., plugs or covers) Intact/working but 'wounded' controls Good 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 Good 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 items, of any type
Only one of the following needs to apply... Anything that contains an uncleanable glass-etched fungus or haze 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 (i.e., Exposure Meters) Anything that is missing necessary parts to function as intended Any digital camera/back containing a sensor with a marred surface
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
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 ¦ Elec. 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]

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

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A note on Optical Quality:

Rather than assume that it's common knowledge for any/every buyer of photographic gear...
 
Whenever anything contains any glass as part of its optical functionality, it should be noted that there may never be an instance where dust particles will not be visible at some small size within or between the optical elements used. Wheteher it's ultra-expensive high-end 'Pro' gear, or the consumer grade equipment used by most people, you will normally find that 'something' may be visible - even on a brand new and freshly opened product. You should not expect to find a dust-free anything, in terms of photo gear, unless it was manufactured by/for NASA and bound for use in space. If there is ever anything worth noting that's large enough in size that you could safely classify it as 'debris', I will clearly note in in the descriptions I provide.