KEH in Atlanta has the strictest grading system of any equipment reseller known to me. I have never received an item in worse condition than expected, and several times I have received equipment in better condition than described. On the other hand, I am not the "anal retentive" type. I'm not neurotic about tiny defects that might have come from the factory nor am I chasing some Platonic ideal of shelf-queen perfection, like the collector I read about once who refused to touch his Leicas without cotton gloves on for fear of getting fingerprints on them.
Here are KEH's eight grading standards:
NEW: As packaged by the manufacturer, complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
LIKE NEW: Means the equipment is 99 to 100 percent of NEW. Items include original box and instructions.
LIKE NEW MINUS: The rating of the equipment is at 97 to 99 percent of original condition. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight wear. Perfect glass, but the box and accessories are usually not included.
EXCELLENT PLUS: Rates 90 to 96 percent of original condition. Exceptionally nice, but may have slight wear on finish visible only under close inspection. Glass will be very clean.
EXCELLENT: 80 to 89 percent of original. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of small dings or blemishes. Glass may have slight blemishes but will not affect picture quality.
BARGAIN: Priced to sell, items are 70 to 79 percent of original condition. More than average wear for the age of the item, and may have dents, dings or finish loss. Glass may have marks or blemishes, but should not affect picture quality.
UGLY: The look only a photographer would love. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in metal, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or haze which will affect picture quality.
AS IS: Useable for parts only. Equipment may or may not work. No warranty or return privileges.
