t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
Sadly, options are very limited for this item and since it's not a cheap camera (even at this grade), I'm reticent on going forward.
Any personal experience of "V" rated items without a hands-on inspection?
Searching for "v grade" or similar is an exercise of futility here, hence this post.
Sometimes I wish I lived in NY...humph
Any personal experience of "V" rated items without a hands-on inspection?
Searching for "v grade" or similar is an exercise of futility here, hence this post.
Sometimes I wish I lived in NY...humph
NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku
I have bought "Very Good" rated items from Adorama.
Be prepared for lots of scrtaches and wear, basically "user" condition.
Kiu
Be prepared for lots of scrtaches and wear, basically "user" condition.
Kiu
andredossantos
Well-known
I bought a V grade M3 that was in amazingly good condition. Some other items as well that werent quite as nice as the M3 but I never anything I had to return. Definitely expect the item to be well used.
Definitely stay away from "G" graded items.
Definitely stay away from "G" graded items.
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I live in NYC and I have bought a lot of used gear from both B&H and Adorama. Both have an unconditional return policy like KEH. If you don't like when you recieve the item, know that you'll only be out the shipping costs.
Good luck,
Cal
Good luck,
Cal
kkdanamatt
Well-known
Here is my 2 cents
Here is my 2 cents
I have bought used equipment from the "Big Three": KEH, B+H, and Adorama.
And that's how I would rate them with respect to grading: KEH is the most critical...you should be pleased with their "BGN" grade most of the time. Adorama, IMHO, overrates their stuff. I had to return a $3000 lens that was rated as "Mint" because it was loose and couldn't focus perfectly. YMMV. But, as was previously mentioned, they all accept returns for full refunds, so you're only downside is absorbing their shipping costs.
Here is my 2 cents
I have bought used equipment from the "Big Three": KEH, B+H, and Adorama.
And that's how I would rate them with respect to grading: KEH is the most critical...you should be pleased with their "BGN" grade most of the time. Adorama, IMHO, overrates their stuff. I had to return a $3000 lens that was rated as "Mint" because it was loose and couldn't focus perfectly. YMMV. But, as was previously mentioned, they all accept returns for full refunds, so you're only downside is absorbing their shipping costs.
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
Were your cameras functional out of the box?
I guess "functional" is in the eye of the beholder.
I'm probably most worried about things beyond what a standard CLA would accomplish such as excessive cleaning marks, separation, light leaks from dents et al.
If I had my choice, sure, KEH would get my business but I've scoured the US for this particular item and I've only seen 1 sell successfully on US e*ay the past 3 months. Collector frenzy makes this an impossible find right now.
I guess "functional" is in the eye of the beholder.
I'm probably most worried about things beyond what a standard CLA would accomplish such as excessive cleaning marks, separation, light leaks from dents et al.
If I had my choice, sure, KEH would get my business but I've scoured the US for this particular item and I've only seen 1 sell successfully on US e*ay the past 3 months. Collector frenzy makes this an impossible find right now.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Sometimes I wish I lived in NY...humph
I agree with the above post, but I will also state that at both B&H and Adorama I have numerous times bought used gear that was not only under-rated, but was also underpriced.
Examples: Rolleiflex 3.5F "Whiteface." for $999.00 Adorama (No "Whiteface" premium, came with cap, and was very clean.) Bought a 50 Rigid Cron at B&H with original vintage caps $499.00, was listed as a 8, but the condition was more like a 9 especially since it displayed no haze or fog and was likely just CLA'ed. At a NYC Meet-Up someone remarked that my Rigid was the cleanest one he ever saw.
There is a great advantage to living in NYC. BTW I'm going to both B&H and Adorama after work today.
Cal
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Stephen G
Well-known
Do Adorama & B&H put their full used Leica inventory online, or do they just not carry much?
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
Can I ask you a favor if you have the time? Pretty please?
I'm sending you a PM.
CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
I wouldn't buy anything from Adorama's used department without seeing/holding it in person. They really treat their used goods like garbage. I live nearby, even after i swore i'd not try again, they once had a lens i couldn't find anywhere else. I went down to the store, and they pulled it from the shelf. It wasn't listed correctly. Different version entirely. It wasn't a subtle difference, and the listing was explicit. Not only that, but it was just DIRTY. Not just shelf dust. The lens was crusty. They couldn't be bothered to blow off the dust and wipe off the gunk before putting it on a shelf, listing it, and trying to sell it? This wasn't the only experience. I've lived in Manhattan for 20 years and my first purchase from them was a Rolleiflex. I knew nothing at the time, and i got 'taken.' I suppose my ignorance was my fault, but Adorama is not like B&H. They will take advantage, while B&H will counsel and advise. B&H is professional. Adorama is more consumer/tourist-oriented. There are good salespeople at Adorama, though. But, the product is the product.
As noted above, if their return policy satisfies you, you lose little except time and shipping costs if you get something that you don't like. But, because they seem to care so little about how they handle and store their used goods, i wouldn't have a lot of confidence in the 'unseen' condition either.
Typically, their ratings do not match how other dealers rate their pieces, so pricing is also problematic. If i absolutely didn't have to have it right now, i'd keep looking.
Note that i'm only speaking of used goods. I've never had a problem ordering anything new from them. I have no axe to grind. I still shop there.
As noted above, if their return policy satisfies you, you lose little except time and shipping costs if you get something that you don't like. But, because they seem to care so little about how they handle and store their used goods, i wouldn't have a lot of confidence in the 'unseen' condition either.
Typically, their ratings do not match how other dealers rate their pieces, so pricing is also problematic. If i absolutely didn't have to have it right now, i'd keep looking.
Note that i'm only speaking of used goods. I've never had a problem ordering anything new from them. I have no axe to grind. I still shop there.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Can I ask you a favor if you have the time? Pretty please?
I'm sending you a PM.
Not a problem. PM sent.
Cal
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
You da man, Cal. Thanks !
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I have seen some gear displayed in the store that was not posted online (Wetzlar M6, Rolleiflex Wide).
Also recently I asked to see a Noctilux that was listed at $4K, but it could not be located. It seems like it was misplaced when I inquired. Overall not a big deal.
At B&H I had to do a bit of "Mining" but I found a Rolleinar 0.35 for my Tele Rolleiflex at a good price. A funny thing was that it wasn't listed on their website, but somehow I found an old page. Another funny thing is that they had two Rolleinar 0.35's and the less expensive one was in better condition, although the more expensive one came with a case.
BTW I consider the salesmen in the used department my friends, and they take very good care of me.
Cal
HelenOster
Established
If an item is mis-rated or found to be damaged upon receipt, and returned during the first 30 days, we will cover the return shipping costs and offer exchange or full money-back guarantee.
HelenOster
Established
You don't mention how long ago this incident took place;the past 2 years have seen a major overhaul of the used department (and the staff......)
HelenOster
Established
I think I'm correct in saying that it was the sale of a Leica camera immediately following WWII that started it all!
With over 25,000 units in the warehouse at any one time, I'm guessing that not everything is up there. Also, if you are after something a bit special or unusual, it's always best to contact the used dept. directly by email or 'phone.
t.s.k.
Hooked on philm
^^^
Thanks for your comments Helen.
I'm sure you and the staff are working hard to instill more confidence in the buying process.
Thanks for your comments Helen.
I'm sure you and the staff are working hard to instill more confidence in the buying process.
Archlich
Well-known
Purchased a GR1 in EX condition from Adorama last year. Turned out to be working but dusty, with the whole LCD and viewfinder marks blacked out. A good price though.
Almost like how people rate on the 'bay. Would be nice if they could rate with some more 'dealer' sense..
Almost like how people rate on the 'bay. Would be nice if they could rate with some more 'dealer' sense..
HelenOster
Established
Adorama is still a family-owned business, but the management team is certainly not the same.
If you check our feedback at resellerratings.com,you'll find that our current ratings are up from a miserable 3.75 / 10 as recently as 2005, to 9.44/10 today.
Still a way to go, but headed in the right direction, I hope you'll agree.