How We Grade Our Equipment

Every item we sell is individually inspected and graded across three dimensions: cosmetic appearance, functional performance, and optical condition. Here's what each grade means.

See our inspection process

Example Listing

Cosmetic Grade

Excellent

Light signs of normal use

Functional Status

Fully Functional

Optical Status

Clean Optics

Notes

Light wear to edges and base. Screen and sensor clean. Fully tested and working correctly.

Cosmetic Grade

Our five cosmetic grades are Like New, Excellent, Good, Well Used and Heavily Used. They describe external appearance; functional and optical findings are recorded separately.

Like New

Exceptional cosmetic condition with virtually no visible signs of previous use. Any signs of handling are extremely difficult to notice.

Excellent

Very well cared for with only light signs of previous use. Minor superficial marks may be visible on close inspection, but there is no significant cosmetic wear.

Good

Moderate signs of use. Visible wear that does not affect performance.

Well Used

Noticeable signs of regular use. Expect more obvious scratches, scuffs, paint loss, rubbed edges or worn surfaces, while the item remains presentable.

Heavily Used

Extensive signs of previous use. Heavy scratches, substantial paint loss, pronounced edge wear and other obvious cosmetic wear may be present.

Functional Status

Describes whether the item works correctly. Every item is tested before listing.

Fully Functional

All key functions pass, no major faults are present, and no missing parts prevent normal use.

Fully Functional with Minor Issues

The item functions correctly overall, but one or more minor issues are present that do not materially affect ordinary use.

Functional with Limitations

The item still works, but one or more defects affect normal use.

Non-Functional / Parts Only

The item does not power on, cannot complete normal operation, a major core function fails, or the item is incomplete for normal use.

Optical Status

For lenses, binoculars, and camera sensors. Describes the condition of glass elements and optical coatings.

Pristine Optics

No visible scratches, haze, fungus, separation, coating damage, and no more than normal invisible trace dust.

Clean Optics

Clean and clear with only minimal dust if any, and no image-affecting issue.

Light Optical Wear

Minor dust, faint cleaning marks, or mild age-related wear with no meaningful impact on images.

Noticeable Optical Wear

Visible but non-critical optical wear is present and must be specifically described.

Optical Defect Present

Front or rear scratches, haze, fungus, separation, coating damage, or another defect that may affect imaging or buyer confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

An “Excellent” rating means “light signs of normal use”, but the type and location of wear can vary. One camera might have light edge wear while another has a small scuff on the base. The grade captures the overall severity, and the inspector notes describe the specifics.
The item works correctly for its intended purpose, but has a minor quirk that doesn't affect normal use. For example, a sticky button that still registers, or a slight delay in one menu. The inspector notes will always describe the specific issue.
Optical status only applies to items with glass elements: lenses, binoculars, filters, and camera sensors. Accessories, flashes, and battery grips don't have optical components to assess.
Cosmetic grade describes how the item looks. Functional status describes how it works. A camera can be Heavily Used cosmetically and Fully Functional. Read the separate functional status, optical status and exact-item inspection report for the recorded results.
Yes. Eligible camera and lens listings link directly to the Digital Inspection Report for that exact inventory item, including every recorded check and result.

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