Anybody bought from KEH?

[archeophoto]

Who has bought from KEH before? I don't really get the site... I heard lot's of good things about it, but the the items advertised there have next to no description (like no mention of Serial #s etc), and tiny photos. Is KEH a consignment site or how does it work?

 

[coelacanth]

I've purchased several items large and small from KEH. I agree their website is a bit of mess, and there arean't much of condition description on individual items.

Basic rule with KEH is that those LN, EX, BGN ratings are pretty much only about cosmetics. If there are any known problems like "dim vf" or "meter inoperable" are listed in the description. And often, as far as the cosmetics go, their BGN grade ends up better than "EX+++" on ebay. 😛

I've never gotten UG stuff from them, but several lenses that I got with BGN had only cosmetic errors on the barrel with no problem on the glass other than typical dust or minor hairline marks. But I also got EX+ item with problem or EX with missing parts that aren't noted. They take returns so it's still a lot easier to deal with compared to ebay. If you call them up, they can tell you more about specific item you are looking for.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Is KEH a consignment site or how does it work?

Here is how KEH works:

They buy used cameras outright. They have been in my neighborhood (Orlando) twice in the last six months at camera stores where you bring in your gear. I heard there were long lines out the door both days, both places. They look at your gear and say "we will pay $XX for this". You sell it to them and they give you a check or you don't. They also buy on line.

KEH has a good reputation and sells on line via their website. Their volume is so large they pretty much set the market as far as price goes. They sell working cameras to photographers to take photos. They do cosmetic and basic functional inspection. If you buy a camera that does not work like you think it should or if you just don't like it, they will fix it or give your money back. If you are concerned about things like serial numbers, that are unrelated to making photos with the gear they sell, they are not your kind of place.

KEH is a business that makes a profit by buying camera gear at a low price and selling for more than they paid. It is not a place to hang around, virtually or physically, and talk about gear. It is just buy and sell equipment.

They do have a great reputation for their integrity.

Basically, that is how they work. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[planetjoe]

^^^Bob has a really, really good answer there.

To it I will only add my experience: when actually looking for something, rather than window shopping, KEH is the second place I check after RFF. I've bought several items there over the years and have not been disappointed.

The trick is following their changing inventory.


Cheers,
--joe.

 

[Colin Corneau]

+1 for Bob Michaels' reply.

I've purchased a few things online from them -- good experience... no problems with the lens, camera or accessories.

 

[archeophoto]

Thanks guys, that helps.

 

[thomasw_]

Years ago I purchased quite a few bodies and lenses from KEH, and I was for the most part pleased with the conservative grading. But in the last few years I have had three transactions with KEH much like Akira's "near-miss" lens. I have come to the conclusion that their grading is not as conservative as it was.

 

[DNG]

+1 for Bobs reply
I have bought from them too, A BGN 1951 Leica lens... it was a well above BGN in my eyes... just a few body nicks from being used. Glass was 99% just a dust spot here and there. And we all know, a little dust has NO effect at all in IQ.

 

[jimrohrer]

I agree with thomasw... Keh's grading system does not seem to be as conservative as it used to be. I have had some great luck with their EX grade equipment in the past, but my recent purchase of a defective EX grade camera and subsequent experience with sloppy service by their warrantee repair department was frustrating and regrettable to say the least. I would probably buy from them in the future but stick to the EX+ or higher rated equipment.

 

[tensai]

I have bought some medium format gear and a meter from them on two different occasions and it worked great - even if it had to be sent all the way to Japan.

 

[Chris101]

I too, agree with Bob Michaels' description of KEH with one exception, and that is his assertion that they set the price for used gear. Perhaps if one were to average the price they pay for used equipment, with the price they charge for the same item, the normal price would be defined.

In my experience, one can usually find a particular camera or lens for less than KEH would charge, assuming one had the patience to wait for it. And one could usually sell one's goods for more - in fora classifieds and ebay - than KEH would offer for it.

However, they are expedient, and their checks don't bounce.

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I've had nothing but good experiences with KEH and have never had to return anything I bought there. I recently purchased a 50mm lens for my Mamiya 6. It was listed in Bargain condition. I'd been searching for a reasonably priced copy of this lens for a long time and when it showed up on their website, I quickly ordered it. I've had no problems whatsoever with the lens.

Ellen

 

[Chris101]

I had to return a lens once. Their ad said it was a Zuiko 180 f/2.8, but when I got it, it was a 100 f/2.8. I already had one of those.

Return was painless, they emailed me a prepaid shipping label - I just put it back in the same box and taped their label over it.

 

[Gumby]

Many of the "problems" people experience with KEH (or any other used equipment vendor) are when:

1. If one buys BGN grade with the expectation that they will get EX or higher. Sometimes it happens, but not always.

and

2. One forgets that they are buying old used camera equipment and expect it to be "like brand new in perfect condition". Plan ahead and save a few dollars (or whatever one's unit of currency is) for CLA.

 

[feenej]

Keh is great. I just got a Canon P from them. However, in my experience they must flip a coin between EX and BGN. I got BGN stuff that looks brand new, and lots of EX stuff that should have been BGN.

 

[rbsinto]

I've purchased BGN grade bodies, lenses, filters and Adaptall mounts, (as well as an "AS-IS" grade motor drive for nickels and dimes that needed only to have the battery compartment cleaned out to work perfectly) and have never been disappointed or worse, unpleasantly surprised by the optical or mechanical condition of the gear.
I'll buy from them again without hesitation or reservation.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

I've been dealing with KEH since the late 70s, when they were just starting out. In fact, I used to see King Grant, the founder, manning his booth at photo trade shows where I also was buying and selling in those days. I've always been pleased with the stuff I've bought from them. The best, probably, was a 40mm Zeiss T* lens that I bought for my Hasselblad in the late 90s. They listed it as BGN, but it was thoroughly E+ and I later sold it for more than I paid for it.

On the other hand, I don't sell to them. I can always get more for my equipment by selling on fora such as the one here, POTN, and photo.net.

 

[wgerrard]

I've bought from and sold to KEH with no problems. I'd do it again, and almost certainly will.

Remember that condition gradings are judgements made by people. The condition of equipment I've purchased has been consistent with their rating and their explanation of each rating. We can argue KEH whether something merits a "E" or a "VG" rating, but the important thing is for KEH to apply their standards consistently.

Remember, too, that it's used equipment. Something that worked fine the day KEH rated it may break two days after you buy it.

It's true you can probably find better prices elsewhere, and get more selling elsewhere, but no one else has their inventory.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Many of the "problems" people experience with KEH (or any other used equipment vendor) are when:
1. If one buys BGN grade with the expectation that they will get EX or higher. Sometimes it happens, but not always.<snip>

Here is my personal speculation (personal speculation, no more, no less)

I believe they sometimes have one item listed under several grades. Too often I have seen a reasonably unique item where they show 3 in stock at differing grades. Say it is EXC+ and they would like to get $500 for it but would take $425. They list the item once as EXC+ with a $500 price, then again as EXC with a $460 price, and again as BGN with a $425 price. Some want EXC+ and will cough up the $500. Others like me will only pay $425 and are willing to accept BGN. I get there first and buy the BGN for $425 and get the item. I am so happy (because it really is EXC+) that I post on line how great KEH is and how conservative their grades are.

I realized this years ago when I bought a 17mm Tokina lens from them. They had them listed as LN-, EXC+, EXC, and BGN at differing prices. I paid for a BGN one and it look unused. Then I realized they probably bought a bulk quantity of New Old Stock and were moving them out at whatever someone wanted to pay. I was happy I paid the cheapest price.

This works well until someone buy a BGN item and it really is BGN as Gumby points out. I have bought BGN lenses from them that turned out to be true BGN. And every one of them has proved to take great photos. I will take that everyday.

 

[3 Olives]

I have bought several Canon SLR bodies and and FD lenses from them in the last 4 or 5 years and have been very happy. I just received a Canon 7 body with a wrinkled shutter curtain with oil on the curtain listed as EX by them which I purchased for $84.00. It is easily the best camera purchase I ever made. The body is Near Mint to Mint with a cm long wrinkle and some finely ground pepper sized specks that must be the oil.
I bought a 50mm f1.8 Canon RF lens at the same time listed as Ugly for $88.00 and just examined it with a flashlight. There are some dings to the body but the glass is clean.
I would not hesitate to buy from them.