Every camera has a story — here’s how we make sure you know exactly what to expect before you buy.
Buying a vintage film camera should be exciting — not confusing. When you’re investing in a classic like the Olympus OM10 or Nikon FG, you deserve to know exactly what condition it’s in and how that condition has been assessed. That’s where camera grading comes in — a transparent, reliable system that helps you make informed choices and buy with confidence.
At Film Camera Store, every camera we sell is carefully inspected, tested, and graded before it goes live on our site. We believe that honest descriptions and consistent grading are just as important as the quality of the camera itself.
Why Camera Grading Matters
No two film cameras are identical. Each has its own story — years of handling, travel, and use. A grading system bridges the gap between that unique history and your expectations as a buyer.
Without it, vague terms like “good condition” or “used” can leave you guessing. A clear grading scale removes uncertainty and gives you the reassurance that what you see online is exactly what you’ll receive.
Simply put, grading builds trust — and trust is at the heart of everything we do.
The Five Main Grades Explained
Different retailers use slightly different systems, but our approach at Film Camera Store is designed to be clear, consistent, and easy to understand:
| Grade | Description | Typical Condition Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mint (M) | Exceptional example – looks almost new and performs perfectly. | No visible wear or marks. Viewfinder crystal clear, lens spotless, and all functions working precisely. May include original box or packaging. |
| Excellent (EXC) | Lightly used and fully functional with minimal cosmetic signs of age. | A few small surface marks or light brassing on edges, but overall very clean. All shutter speeds accurate, metering responsive. |
| Very Good (VG) | Well cared for and fully working, with moderate cosmetic wear. | Minor scratches or signs of use on body or controls. Viewfinder may show faint dust or hairline marks. No impact on performance. |
| Good (G) | Reliable, fully working example showing clear signs of regular use. | Noticeable cosmetic wear, small dents or paint loss possible. Mechanically sound with accurate shutter and transport. |
| User (U) | Fully functional but with heavy cosmetic wear or minor age-related quirks. | Clear wear, dents, or patina. May show slight meter variance or other age-consistent traits, but still ready to shoot film confidently. |
We avoid unrealistic terms like perfect or flawless — because vintage cameras are meant to show character. They’ve lived, travelled, and created. That’s what makes them special.
How We Inspect and Test Every Camera
Before any camera is listed, our team puts it through a detailed multi-point inspection. Functionality always comes first — looks are secondary.
We check:
✅ Shutter speeds and film advance
✅ Light meter and exposure accuracy
✅ Film transport and rewind
✅ Battery terminals and power supply
✅ Viewfinder clarity and mirror alignment
✅ Light seals and foam condition
Each model is cleaned, inspected, and lubricated where needed. Only once we’re confident that everything works as it should do we assign a grade.
It’s the same rigorous process whether we’re testing an Olympus OM10, Canon AE-1, or Pentax K1000 — consistency across every brand and decade.
What “Like New” Really Means
We often get asked: “Does Like New mean new?”
Not quite. In the vintage camera world, “Like New” means exceptionally well preserved — often a camera that’s been used sparingly or stored carefully. It will look and operate almost as if it just left the factory, but it remains a vintage item.
That distinction matters. Our goal isn’t to oversell — it’s to set clear expectations so you know exactly what you’re buying.
Honest Photography, Honest Descriptions
Each listing on Film Camera Store uses genuine photos of the actual camera for sale. We never use stock images or generic placeholders. You’ll see every detail — including any small scuffs or signs of use — before you buy.
That level of honesty reduces surprises and ensures you can shop confidently from anywhere in the UK.
Backed by a 30-Day Warranty
Every camera is fully tested and covered by our 30-day functional warranty.
If a fault develops within that time, we’ll repair, replace, or refund.
This policy isn’t just about reassurance — it’s a reflection of our confidence in the work we do. Every camera we list has been through hands-on testing and a transparent grading process designed to protect the buyer.
Learn More in Our Full Camera Grading Guide
Want to see grading examples and learn more about how we test and inspect each model?
Visit our Camera Grading Guide to explore real-world examples and a detailed breakdown of what each condition grade means.
You can also check out our Warranty & Returns on our FAQ page to learn more about how we support every purchase.
Final Thoughts
Camera grading is the foundation of buying and selling used film cameras responsibly. It turns guesswork into clarity and helps photographers find cameras they can rely on.
At Film Camera Store, we want every buyer — from first-time film shooters to seasoned collectors — to feel confident in what they’re choosing.
That’s why we test, inspect, and grade every camera we sell.
Real cameras. Real history. Expertly checked and graded.
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