Camera Condition Ratings
Here at our shop in Tampere, Finland we have authentic film-era machinery and tools which we use to test all testable items before listing them online or repairing / refurbishing when needed. We rate each item individually according to our findings to give it an accurate condition rating.
Each item gets two different ratings from 1 to 5, based on their mechanical and/or optical condition. Each used item is individually pictured in detail to allow you to see its cosmetic condition.
See the table below to understand our product condition rating at a quick glance, with more detailed definitions below that.
| Rating | Item Condition Summary |
|---|---|
| ⬤⬤⬤⬤⬤ 5/5 |
New or Serviced Like the item you would find in the store when it was like new. |
| ⬤⬤⬤⬤ 4/5 |
Excellent Like the item that has just been checked by a repair shop and is not in need of any service. |
| ⬤⬤⬤ 3/5 |
Good Like the item you buy from a friend who has been using it with good results for years. |
| ⬤⬤ 2/5 |
Poor but usable Like the item you find at an outdoor market. |
| ⬤ 1/5 |
Untested or broken Like the item you use for decoration or spare parts. |
1. Mechanical Condition ⚙️
New or Serviced
⬤⬤⬤⬤⬤ 5/5
New or just serviced by our professionals. All functions tested with applicable testing machinery and shown to be accurate/operational per original factory standards.
Excellent
⬤⬤⬤⬤ 4/5
All functions tested with applicable testing machinery and shown to be accurate/operational per original factory standards.
Good
⬤⬤⬤ 3/5
Most common condition for a working item. A few functions may have issues which won’t disturb most users, such as a broken self-timer, one speed inaccurate, or overly tight/loose button/lever. We can’t call these items “excellent” but can happily call them good. Light seals can be imperfect (unless newly replaced by up - noted in product description).
Poor but Usable
⬤⬤ 2/5
All functions tested and some have shown to be inaccurate/non-operational. Typically still usable with consideration of noted defects in mind.
Untested or Broken
⬤ 1/5
Untested or broken, repair may not be possible.
2. Optical Condition 🔎
New or Serviced
⬤⬤⬤⬤⬤ 5/5
No flaws can be found. The condition is equal to the original factory condition. Some stray particles of dust may be visible under intense inspection.
Excellent
⬤⬤⬤⬤ 4/5
No scratches on front or back elements. Front element can have very minor markings on the coating. Minor internal dust possible. Blemishes do not affect image quality.
Good
⬤⬤⬤ 3/5
Satisfactory and recommended for use. Internals may have dust of varying size and slight haze. Not considered “collectible condition”. Front lens surface may have scratches or coating damage. Back lens surface may show signs of use but no scratches. Any of the above should affect images in extreme lighting conditions only.
Poor but Usable
⬤⬤ 2/5
Poor optical condition but usable. Internals can be very dusty or very hazy, with some large dust specs or signs of fungus, any of which will likely affect image contrast. Front or rear lens surfaces may have scratches or coating damage which may cause image aberrations.
Untested or Broken
⬤ 1/5
Lens surfaces and interior may have big scratches, fungus, haze or other deficiencies that affect both sharpness and contrast. Potentially unrepairable.
