Condition Grading

‘If you take a look at the stock list of a reliable dealer like Peter Loy, you'll see any issues described in full. Those he describes as in 'full working order' are the minority, which will also be true of other sources like ebay, but the seller may be less forthcoming or knowledgeable about the faults. The same applies to vintage lenses, of course’. ‘Retune’, Talkphotography forum

Buying an item without first seeing it can be a gamble and it can discourage people from buying on the Internet. Fortunately, we know how to check and grade cameras and, if we sell you an item that is not accurately described, we fully expect you to return it to us for a refund.

For the last 20+ years we’ve used a condition grading system based on the McKeown’s system (explained below). We have found this to be the most comprehensive way of describing both the cosmetic condition and the working condition of an item.

Cosmetic Condition

1. Mint, i.e. 100% as new, no marks at all, absolutely perfect.
3. Near mint. Very minor signs of wear. What many dealers would describe as 'mint'.
4. Signs of light use, "Exc+"
5. Signs of normal use, "Exc"
6. Signs of heavy use

Functional (working) Condition

C. Full working order, serviced, 6 months guarantee
D. Full working order, 6 months guarantee
E. Full working order, checked but not guaranteed
G. Usable but... (all faults described)
H. Not tested
J. Not currently usable (all faults described)

Note: If an item is in any way faulty (slow speeds sticking etc.), has marked optics or indentations, it will be described as such. If you would like further information about any item, please contact us.

Please see our Trustpilot reviews. Many reviewers comment on the accuracy of our condition grading