Vivitar 300mm f5.5 Auto Telephoto

What are the criteria for your condition examination?

The condition examination has been conducted using the following grading scale:
 

5 stars - "Good as new"
Optically: No deficiencies noticeable by the naked eye. The condition is identical to a product straight from the factory. Dust particles or very minor marks may be visible under a magnifying glass in older models.

Mechanically:  The focus is smooth and steady and within the brand rigidity standards. The aperture blades move smoothly and have not worn marks on each other. The mechanics of a camera body or accessory are identical to a new item.

Cosmetically: No clear deficiencies can be observed with the naked eye. Very slight wear observable under magnification. The original packaging and equipment is often included, but not always, so please check the pictures.
Take notice that 5 stars are given basically only to new or like new items, 4 star items maybe as good as 5 star items cosmetically, but we mark them 4 stars because we know they have seen use.

 

4 stars - "In near mint condition”
Optically: Small dust particles noticeable. No scratches or anything permanent on the front and rear lenses. Small cleaning marks may be observable on the surface of the front element, but they are by no means significant. We guarantee that the deficiencies are not visible on the images.

Mechanically: The focus is smooth and steady, though it may be slightly tighter or looser than a product straight from the factory. The manual focus has no backlash. The aperture blades move smoothly but may show slight signs of wear. The mechanics of a camera body or accessory have no defects.

Cosmetically: Slight normal wear observable. Small scratches or scuffs noticeable from use, but no dents or other marks apart from those resulting from normal use.

 

3 stars - "In good condition"
Optically: Dust particles observable in the lens, marks on coating or minor scratches on on the front element. None of the optical deficiencies can be shown to have an effect on picture quality. Usability is unaffected, but the collection value may have suffered.

Mechanically: The focus may be tight or loose, but it is fully usable and is constant in the entire focusing area. Slight backlash is possible. The aperture blades work well, even though signs of wear are visible. The mechanical condition of a camera or accessory is fully usable, but there might be imperfections in slow shutter speeds, the accuracy of the light meter or the light seals.

Cosmetically: Notable signs of wear visible. Small dents, scratches or surface wear in various places. Please see pictures.

 

2 stars - "In ok condition"
Optically: The lens may be dusty and scratches may be visible on the lens coating and rear element. In most conditions the defects do not clearly affect the final result, but at least a reduction of contrast should be expected. When photographing toward a light source, the scratches may leave marks on the pictures. The sharpness and character of the lens has not necessarily suffered any deficiencies.

Mechanically: The focus may feel uneven and backlash is evident. Photographing is possible in the entire focusing range but the pleasure received from good manual focusing is not at its highest. Oil may be visible on the aperture blades and we recommend only to use the lens when adapted. The mechanical condition of a camera or accessory is still usable, but the slow shutter speeds might get stuck. All functions of the item may not be usable.

Cosmetically: More than average signs of use visible. Dents, scratches, wear on the surface and paint.

 

1 star - "In poor condition"
Optically: Scratches, mold, or fog visible on the optics, which definitely affects the sharpness and contrast of the image. The damage may be beyond repair, or it is only usable as spare parts.

Mechanically: The focus is either unusable, jammed or just damn annoying. The aperture blades may also be jammed. The damage may be beyond repair, or it is only usable as spare parts. 

Cosmetically: Many visible signs of wear on the exterior. The condition may be beyond repair, or is only usable as spare parts.