Glass
Tilt the front and rear elements toward a window. Haze dulls contrast; fungus looks like fine webbing; deep scratches may flare.
Pre-owned
Trust what your hands and ears report
Pre-owned departments thrive when buyers know which flaws are cosmetic, which are expensive, and which questions open an honest conversation — not when everything is labeled mint.
Lens inspection
Mechanics
Focus and zoom rings should turn smoothly without grit. Aperture blades ought to snap open and closed evenly.
Mounts
Play on a body you trust — lateral wobble may mean a worn mount or repair history.
Coatings
Front-element cleaning marks happen; decide what level of wear you accept before price talk.
Body checks
- Shutter — Listen at slow speeds; stickiness or inconsistency signals service.
- Battery doors — Corrosion and cracked latches are common on vintage electronics.
- Light seals — Foam rot shows as goo on film rails; light leaks appear as orange bands.
- Finder — Dust in the viewfinder is cosmetic; shattered rangefinder glass is not.
Questions to ask the seller
Request scan examples when the seller has them. Ask when shutters were last serviced, whether focus calibration was checked, and how gear was stored in dry, cool conditions.
Care & maintenance