Buying an item without first seeing it can be a gamble and it probably stops many people from buying by mail order or on the Internet.  Fortunately, we know how to check and grade cameras and, if we sell you an item that is not accurately described, we fully expect you to return it to us for a refund. 

For the last 20 years we have used a condition grading system based on the McKeown’s/PCCGB system (explained below). We have found this to be the most comprehensive way of describing both the cosmetic condition and the working condition of an item.

Note: If an item is in any way faulty (slow speed sticking etc.), has marked optics or indentations, it will be described as such.  
If you would like further information about any item, please contact us.

Cosmetic Condition
1. Mint, i.e. 100% as new, no marks at all, absolutely perfect.
3. Near mint. Very minor signs of wear, what many dealers would describe as 'mint'.
4. Signs of light use, "Exc+"
5. Signs of normal use, "Exc"
6. Signs of heavy use

Functional (working) Condition
C. Full working order, serviced, 6 months guarantee
D. Full working order, 6 months guarantee
E. Full working order, checked but not guaranteed
G. Usable but... (all faults described)
H. Not tested
J. Not usable (all faults described)

Testimonials
“Lens is superb, very pleased with it. Arrived next day and well packed. Pleasure doing business! Will keep an eye on your stock list”. P.B. (UK)

“I just received items, and they are all nice. This weekend I can go outside with this Rokkor 28mm.
I hope to see you again with such as these nice items.” H.H. (Japan)

 “The "Eagle" has landed - and believe me when I say that I could not be happier. Your description of this piece was far too modest. I can't imagine having a more elegant 35 mm rangefinder camera...”  P.L. (USA)

“Parcel arrived safely, well packed.  Leica lllc /da is beautiful, thank you”. O.H (UK)

“Got the camera, many thanks. It’s just as beautiful as I thought it would be”. T.S. (Finland)

“I have got the parcel today. The camera and books are in an excellent condition, thank you very much.” A.K. (Germany)

“The Realist Custom was delivered today (on Christmas day - surprise!!).  It is a beautiful example and I am very pleased with my purchase”. R.G. (USA)

“Just a note so say thanks very much for the Leica camera and lens which arrived this morning – condition exactly as described. I am very happy with both items” J.E (UK)

“I've received two packages in safely. All of them are beautiful and fine, thank you very much”. M.F. (Japan)

“Both items arrived safely. They are in a good condition. Your grading of the physical state of the items is very truthful”.  J.R. (UK)

“Goods arrived today. Excellent packaging and item in far better condition that I had hoped for”. E.J.B. (New Zealand)

“why not every body "works" like you?? Today this morning I receive the Sibyl it looks really super, a very nice camera…Thanks you made me very very happy”.  G.L.T. (Italy)

“I ordered a lens hood for my Rollie 44 at about 3.45pm last Friday. It arrived about 8.30 am Saturday morning. The condition was, in my opinion, better than described”.  P.A. (UK)

The Kontur is arrived today. It is very nice. That a very exciting viewfinder. Thank you very much. J-C.M. (France)

“I've just picked up the lenshood and it is in beautiful condition!  I wasn't expecting something quite that good!”.  D R (USA)

“Last Monday I received the CONTAX manual that I ordered. Very fast !!! and very good material condition !!!!”. R.C. (Italy)

“The Flektogon lens arrived this morning! It is just as you described it, thank you, and thank you so much for such an excellent service”. D.W.C. (UK)

 “Items ordered arrived this morning at 10:35.All as described. I will be using your services in the future, most definitely”.  B.O. (UK)
                                      
“I thank you with the report that an article touched. I am satisfied with the goods which arrived very much. I will order again soon”. M.H. (Japan)

“The parcel arrived on July 4! Very rapid indeed! I also want to thank you for excellent products, superb packing and service! I hope to order from you again”. J-E.L. (Sweden)

“Many thanks for the Rolleicord Art Deco camera which arrived this morning, in lovely condition and just as you described it”. T.C. (UK)

“E41 lens cap safely received, great condition & excellent service - as usual. The Contax 2a Colour Dial & 1.5 Sonnar you supplied some years ago is still giving sterling service”. T.B. (UK)
  
“The finder and hood arrived yesterday. Really happy with condition and speed of delivery!”.  D.H. (UK)

 “Minox arrived today, many thanks. Better than expected, very pleased with it”. M.F. (UK)

“The case arrived yesterday. I received it today. Looks better than I expected.
Thanks for your expediency”. A.A. (Denmark)

“The camera arrived in good order yesterday and I am DELIGHTED with it. I am amazed at the condition after so long”. I.H. (UK)

“Just to inform you that I received the Leica grip last Friday. It was in great condition. Thanks”.
D.A. (Sri Lanka)

“Parcels arrived and all was in excellent condition. Thank you very much for excellent service”. J.H. (Finland)

“Just a quick note to say thanks for fast posting of the viewfinder which arrived last week. Condition is excellent, thanks again”. G.C.  (UK)

“Just to confirm safe receipt of the Pen F lens today, the condition of which being such that you would have been fully justified in describing as MINT. I look forward to putting it through its' paces and seeing if the reviews are correct! Thanks for your usual good service - you are a pleasure to do business with”. T.B. (UK)

“Thank you very much for sending me the Steky Model IIIB camera and the Shirley-Wellard cassette. The postman brought your beautifully packed parcel this morning and I am very pleased to have both items”. R.S. (UK)

“Just a note to let you know that the camera arrived this morning, thanks. It’s in super condition”. G.P. (UK)

“Received the camera today. It is gorgeous and I am very happy with it. Thank you VERY much”
Dr. K.E.G. (Turkey)

“The Red Dial arrived safely at 0845 this morning, Thursday and my initial feelings are that it is better than I expected, obviously very well cared for and in excellent shape. I will put a few rolls of film through it over the weekend but I really expect it will perform flawlessly”. A.D. (UK)

“Have received the Prominent and Leica meter and I'm very pleased. Both items better than expected”.
D.H. (UK)

“Just a quick message to say thank you for the Olympus OM-1 and Zuiko lens which arrived safely. Am very pleased with it – it looks almost new”. T.W. (UK)