Hi bonjing,
Fingering differs by the shape of the individual's hand. So in figuration varying from straight scales, there is no one universal fingering. No one fingering fits all pianists. That's why when sometimes another pianist will ask about a particular fingering, I never say "use this one"; rather I always say "try this and see what you think".
As one progresses from intermediate to advanced level, urtext editions are the best. Urtext editions put most emphasis on the composer's autograph manuscript and the first printed edition, as well as any corrections in the second edition. The earliest editions of the same music by different publishers in different countries are also examined and compared. Known comments or notes made by the composer about particular music along with the comments of his students in studying the music with that composer are also taken into account. Many urtext editions also have a scholarly "editorial commentary" by the editorial board at the end of the volume discussing differences and options noted for many fine points in the music.
Lesser "edited" editions vary greatly in quality. Some are excellent and some are dreadful with a lot in between. Publishers of some old editions that are still around today hired editors little experienced in piano repertoire, theory and performance, and paid them a very small rate per page of music edited. Some of the fingerings that resulted are outlandish and useless! On the other hand, there were editors who were masters. Some of the best fingerings ever devised were by the pianist/editor Rafael Joseffy, for example. But there again, if a clever Joseffy fingering doesn't fit your hand well, then you need to devise one that works for you.
There is one type of fingering that always requires your careful attention and consideration--one by composer himself. I've played a lot of Rachmaninoff, for example. He very very seldom wrote down a fingering; but when he did, it had my undivided attention! But still, he had enormous hands, so there again, even his fingerings might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with small hands.
I realize that sheet music is expensive--it's always been that way. So young students tend to copy sheet music however it comes and from wherever it can be found for free to get by. As time goes on though, and one can better afford to buy sheet music, my advice is to first consult a repertoire guide like Hinson's Guide to the Pianist's Repertoire which gives information on available editions for any piece of music. For me, the priority is always 1) an urtext edition like the Henley series, 2) a very highly regarded edition such as the Paderewski edition of Chopin, or 3) the only edition if one publisher still retains all publishing rights. What I always try to avoid are editions that are suspect in the amount and quality of editing. When it comes to editing, less is more! An uncluttered score enables the pianist to craft his or her own interpretation of the music.
I hope this helps.
Topic: Fingered Editions