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Conditions Affecting Camera Value
People value cameras in distinct and different ways. For instance, a camera in mint cosmetic condition, but not functioning, may be perfectly acceptable to a collector. On the other hand, a user may not care as much about the appearance of the camera, as long as it works really well. I believe collectible cameras should be judged on a combination of cosmetic condition and functionality. The tables below list my general rating categories for both cosmetic value and functionality of used cameras.

Cosmetic Condition Functional Condition
Rating Cosmetic Description Rating Functional Description
Mint New in box with original warranties, or as new, never used, with absolutely no signs of wear. Mint New, everything functioning perfectly. Still has factory warranty or seller guarantees functioning.
Excellent Very minimal signs of wear. If it had a box, you'd have a hard time telling it from new. Excellent Everything functioning well. Recently cleaned, lubed and overhauled.
Very Good May have signs of slight use, but not abuse. Very Clean. Very Good Everything is functioning. Major functions recently professionally tested.
Good Camera is complete, but showing signs of normal use or age. Lens is clean and clear. Good Fully functioning, but not cleaned or overhauled recently. Accuracy of shutter speeds or meter not guaranteed.
Fair Complete, but showing signs of heavy use. Lens glass may show light, inoffensive cleaning marks. Fair Usable, but not fully. Shutter may stick at slow speeds. Meter may work sporadically, or not at all.
Poor Restorable. Refinishing may be required or truly necessary. Minor parts may be broken or missing. Poor Not usable without repair or cleaning. Shutter, meter and/or film advance may be jammed or broken.
Parts Major damage or severe abuse evident. Consider major restoration effort only if rare or hard-to-find. Parts Major damage, non-functioning. Probably not worth repair. Toss, or use for service parts only.





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