Plot Camera Grading Standard

Used gear, clearly graded

Clear condition.
No hidden surprises.

Every camera, lens, and accessory is inspected, tested, scored, and clearly graded before it is listed.

See Grade Scale How We Inspect

Sample condition

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

EX+

Score 91/100

Functional Fully working

Optics Clean glass

Disclosure Minor exterior wear

Why it matters

Used gear should not feel uncertain.

Two sellers may use the same word, like “excellent,” but mean completely different things. Plot grading gives each item a consistent condition standard.

Inspected

Each item is physically reviewed before listing.

Tested

Core functions are checked based on the product type.

Disclosed

Known issues, limitations, or missing accessories are clearly stated.

Inspection process

A simple four-step standard.

The final grade is based on both appearance and function. A clean-looking item with a critical issue cannot receive a high grade.

Identify

Model, mount, serial number, and included accessories.

Inspect

Cosmetic condition, glass, mount, screens, buttons, and wear.

Test

Autofocus, aperture, shutter, stabilization, and image output.

Grade

The item receives a final grade from New to AS-IS.

Grade scale

From New to AS-IS.

Each grade represents the overall condition of the individual item. Function and image-making performance carry more weight than cosmetic appearance, and any known limitation that may affect normal use is disclosed on the product page.

98–100

New

Essentially new or unused, with no meaningful signs of previous use.

What to expect No significant cosmetic wear, clean optics or sensor, and normal operation across all tested functions. Original packaging and included accessories are stated separately on the product page.

95–97

Like New

Exceptionally clean pre-owned equipment with virtually no visible signs of regular use.

What to expect Extremely light handling marks may only be noticeable under close inspection. The item remains cosmetically outstanding and fully functional, with no significant condition-related optical or imaging concerns.

EX+

88–94

Excellent Plus

Very clean and fully functional, with only minor signs of previous use.

What to expect Small superficial marks or very light cosmetic wear may be present. Controls, electronics, and mechanical functions operate normally, with no significant issue affecting normal image quality.

80–87

Excellent

Fully functional equipment showing normal signs of careful previous use.

What to expect Light scratches, rub marks, edge wear, or other normal cosmetic signs may be visible. The item remains mechanically and electronically sound, with no significant limitation affecting normal use.

70–79

Very Good

Dependable working equipment with more noticeable signs of previous use.

What to expect Visible scratches, scuffs, finish wear, or other cosmetic signs should be expected. Essential functions operate correctly unless a specific limitation is clearly disclosed on the product page.

60–69

Good

Functional equipment with significant wear or a clearly disclosed limitation.

What to expect Heavy wear, scratches, finish loss, dents, or other evidence of extensive use may be present. Core functionality remains usable, but non-critical limitations may exist and will be clearly disclosed.

45–59

Fair

Heavily used equipment with notable cosmetic, optical, mechanical, or functional limitations.

What to expect Significant wear should be expected and certain functions may be limited or imperfect. All known material issues are described on the individual product page. Review the listing carefully before purchasing.

AS-IS

0–44

As-Is

Equipment with major issues, incomplete testing, or primarily intended for repair or parts.

What to expect The item may be partially functional, have significant optical, electronic, or mechanical problems, or may not have been fully tested. All known condition information available to Plot Camera is stated in the listing.

Scoring logic

Function comes first.

Accessories and cosmetic condition matter, but they cannot hide functional or optical issues.

Lens grading weight

Optical condition 35%
Electronic / AF performance 30%
Mechanical condition 20%
Cosmetic condition 10%
Accessories / packaging 5%

Camera body grading weight

Electronic / functional performance 35%
Sensor / image output 25%
Shutter / mechanical condition 20%
Cosmetic condition 15%
Accessories / packaging 5%

Critical issues override cosmetic condition.

A beautiful-looking item is not automatically a high-grade item. If autofocus, aperture, sensor output, shutter, or another critical function has an issue, the grade is capped and the issue is disclosed.

FAQ

Common grading questions.

What does EX+ mean?

EX+ means the item is fully functional and exceptionally clean, with only minor signs of previous use. Small superficial marks may be present, but no significant condition issue should affect normal operation or image quality.

Are the photos of the actual item?

Yes. Product photos are of the actual item being sold, so you can review the individual cosmetic condition before purchasing.

Do accessories affect the grade?

Accessories contribute to the overall score, but functional performance, optical condition, sensor output, and mechanical condition carry significantly more weight. Included accessories are always listed separately on the product page.

What happens if an item has an issue?

Known functional, optical, mechanical, or cosmetic issues are clearly disclosed on the product page, and the item's grade is adjusted accordingly.

Plot Camera Inspected used gear