CheddarJackAny tips on things to look for as far as quality and condition go? I don't want to end up with a camera that's only good to take photos of and not with.
The basics:
If it looks good, has a UV-filter, strap, eveready case, the JC11 gold pass sticker, protective film on the bottom then it's a camera someone cared for, if it has plastic strap lug protectors someone was extremely careful. Also advanced bodies have a likelier chance of being in proper good nick then pro-bodies and pure am bodies that were casually thrown around by pro's and teens.
Dust and goob should be ignored, camera's are sometimes left in the attic for dozens of years and accumulate all kinds of grossness that can be wiped off.
Rubber and foam deteriorate over time, chances are it will have leaky seals, some cameras hardly need seals some do, if you need them get new foam or just tape up the edges of the film door with gaffer tape.
Do not be impressed by the size of third party 60-80's zooms.
If it's a fully manual camera, cycle through all the shutter speeds with the door open so you can see that bugger move, just make sure everything works.
If it has electronic exposure, chances are the shutter will be locked if the battery is dead. (Some cameras will function normally, others will work at 1 or 2 speeds (mostly 1/60)) If you are anal bring batteries, 90% of the time: LR44 and PX625 alkaline replacements.(Most cameras take from 1-3 batteries) If it doesn't work with battery the caps are dead, not worth your time, resoldering a new cap is possible but takes too much effort. Also the film lever might have been ruined by noobs exerting an extreme amount of force to 'get it working'.
Go through all the shutter speeds and make sure the exposure meter is working.
If it is all auto, take batteries with you or go for a massive discount or just take the gamble.
AA, AAA, 2CR5, CR123, CR2 are the most common one's. (Most camera's with (exception of 2CR5) take 2-4 batteries)
Go through all shutter speeds and continuous.
Screw loose laying filters on the lenses you are buying, pretend they came with it. (Only common brands worth doing this for: B&W, Heliopan, Leica, Rodenstock)