8 Camera Grading System
About source, standard & trust.
A vintage camera’s charm is in its time. So is its risk. What matters is not only how new a piece looks, but whether its source is clear, its structure whole, and its condition honestly told. So we grade our own way — and never with vague talk of “90% new”.
The five-level scale
- [M]MintAs-new — minimal to no signs of use. Collector grade.
- [E+]Excellent+Circulated but near-new. Superb optics, crisp mechanics.
- [E]ExcellentNormal use, no notable knocks — the pragmatic shooter's choice.
- [F]FairHonest cosmetic wear or paint loss; function fully intact.
- [R]RestorationFor repair, project or parts. Sold as-is, final sale.
Every piece is inspected
Body, lens, optics, mechanics, electronics, serial numbers, parts consistency, repair history and real working state — checked, then compared against the scale and reviewed.
- 01Cosmetic inspectionBody, finish and wear, examined and written down.
- 02Optical analysisElements checked for haze, fungus, separation, marks.
- 03Mechanical calibrationAdvance, focus and controls set and felt by hand.
- 04Metering & electronicsCells, batteries and circuits tested under power.
- 05Shutter timingSpeeds measured; capping and lag ruled out.
- 06Film-advance testA run through the transport, as it will be shot.
The Technical Passport
Selected pieces carry a Technical Passport — recording condition, the cosmetic and optical grade, mechanical test results, the technician’s signature and date, and warranty & service notes. It is the paper trail behind the stamp.
Every serviced camera is Certified Pre-Owned: a filmed inspection you can verify by QR, a six-month mechanical warranty, and lifetime free inspection for anything bought here.
Certificate of
Quality & Warranty
month guarantee
- Optical system
- Viewfinder & focus
- Body & mechanics
- Electronics
Where our cameras come from
Mainly private collectors, photographers, high-end auction houses and brand channels across the UK, Europe and North America — with long-standing relationships including:
- Red Dot Cameras
- Leitz Photographica Auction
- Flints Auctions · Fine Photographica
- Hasselblad / DJI UK
- Leica official channels
- UK photographic collectors' associations
“Authenticity is the finest condition a vintage instrument can carry.” Original and un-tampered, provenance clear, condition transparent, faults told plainly.