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Re: [OM] introduction of myself

Subject: Re: [OM] introduction of myself
From: Gary Reese <pcacala@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 17:06:00 -0700
Hi Frieder:

Glad you spoke up and introduced yourself!

<< I'm not common with the English/American style of rating the
condition of   used Equipment. Do I guess right that they're ranked form
1..10, with 10 as best value?  - - And what is meant by `mint-condition`
? >>

The cosmetic scale for usable equipment is actually 7 to 10. There is no
agreement on the actual criteria for each rating number - it's more an
art than a science. All 7 to 10 grades assume mechanically and
electronically perfect. I personally consider 4 to 6 to be "as is,
repairable" but cosmetically other wise a 7 to 9; 1 to 3 to be "as is,
non repairable," but otherwise a 7 to 9 (= parts cameras); and 0 to be
as-is with undetermined repairability. But I don't know anyone who
states grades below 7 for stuff they are selling.

Here is how I see it for 10 to 7.

10 = Like New in box = LNIB = KEH LN = McBroom High Mint
assumes that it is prior owned - not off the shelf new, as sold by a
authorized reseller. All papers, packing materials and warranty cards
are in the box. Blemish free with a new look.
10- = Like New = Mint = KEH LN- = McBroom Low Mint
Blemish free with a new or nearly new look. So carefully used you
wouldn't know it, although a slight handling scuff is typically
acceptable.
9+ = Ex+ = Near Mint = KEH Ex+ (Excellent+) = McBroom High Excellent
A few benign marks (e.g., fine scratch, scattered baseplate scuff, pit
in paint, bright spots on aperture ring of lens) which indicate light
use, with nothing in the way of abuse
9 = Ex = KEH Ex (Excellent)
The catchall condition for folks not familiar with grading. Typical
light amateur use with some marks indicating less than ideal handling
(e.g., light brassing near the strap lugs); optically perfect (i.e., for
a lens).
9- = Ex- = between KEH Ex and BGN = McBroom Low Excellent
Not commonly used. Excellent, with a cosmetic flaw that catches the eye,
but isn't due to moderate or heavy use (e.g. small dings, big paint
chip, wear area on a lens hood).
8 = Good or Very Good = KEH BGN (Bargain) = McBroom High User
cosmetic flaws that indicate moderate use, but with a fair amount of
life left to the equipment (e.g., dings, non image degrading optical
flaw (cleaning marks)). 
7 = Poor or Fair = KEH UGLY- McBroom Low User
cosmetic flaws which indicate heavy use and/or some abuse (e.g.,
scratches on lenses, heavy brassing; dents); limited life left to
equipment without getting a major overhaul.

Everyone will beg to differ on grade break points, esp. between a
liberal seller and a conservative buyer! Bill Cameta breaks away from
this with many variations of Excellent, since saying anything less than
"Excellent" seems to be the kiss of death for used equipment sold sight
unseen. His Ex- is some pretty used stuff.

Claims of 10+ on eBay (for pre-owned goods) are really bizzare, based on
the above logic. Maybe they just didn't like Bo Derek in the movie "10"?
Or they though Nadia Komaniche should have been given a 10.1 or more?

9+++ and 9++ are splitting hairs, perhaps by sellers worried that they
will get a return if they claim Like New.

Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV

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