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The key thing is that it might feel a bit awkward to do a full range of checks in front of someone, but just do it. It'll save a lot of potential hassle and waste of money if you ensure what you are buying upfront is good
In addition to what CT said - try and extend the bellows out as much as possible. Dirty bellows probably isn't the worst thing in the world, but you should be able to judge bad condition relatively quickly. Check the slowest shutter speed several times, as well as those close to it. Ensure bulb works.
Bring a small torchlight and open the shutter on bulb and look through the lens - no fungus, scratching or serious bits of dirt. Waist level viewfinder should open and close neatly (that's a cosmetic thing but can be a pain in the rear to use day-to-day). The back should not be warped, and there should be no obvious dents, especially to the front panel.
There are other things, but mostly it comes down to a gut feeling - some cameras, from the moment you pick them up and start winding them on, just feel a bit rough and problematic. Nothing a CLA and a competent repair person cannot fix, but if you are paying money for a good condition item, that's what you should be getting
In addition to what CT said - try and extend the bellows out as much as possible. Dirty bellows probably isn't the worst thing in the world, but you should be able to judge bad condition relatively quickly. Check the slowest shutter speed several times, as well as those close to it. Ensure bulb works.
Bring a small torchlight and open the shutter on bulb and look through the lens - no fungus, scratching or serious bits of dirt. Waist level viewfinder should open and close neatly (that's a cosmetic thing but can be a pain in the rear to use day-to-day). The back should not be warped, and there should be no obvious dents, especially to the front panel.
There are other things, but mostly it comes down to a gut feeling - some cameras, from the moment you pick them up and start winding them on, just feel a bit rough and problematic. Nothing a CLA and a competent repair person cannot fix, but if you are paying money for a good condition item, that's what you should be getting