are KEH grades ...

I will ask carefully before buying anything electronic from KEH.

Used to buy a EX Hexar RF, the representative told me it's tested in working order, yet it arrived with a mis-aligned rangefinder and the dreaded film advance problem.

For lenses and mechanical cameras, I won't hesitate to buy from them.
 
Paul, I always take the opportunity to give KEH a +1. I have purchased much less from them than most here, but my experience was overwhelmingly positive.

I didn't' realize they take paypal - let's see, I promised myself a new lens this year, and paypal is dangling this "buy now pay later" scheme. ;-)

Randy
 
They're good. I wish they tested the equipment a little closer than the cosmetics. I've gotten a few things from them DOA. But they always make it right, and do so quickly.
 
The grading is mostly cosmetic, Paul, and in that sense conservative. Lens glass is clean, cameras look great and have clean optics. However, it can happen that an EXC lens doesn't align at infinity for instance, or a camera's meter is off - stuff that escapes their quick assessment, I assume. I generally prefer them over ebay, mostly because you can return no questions asked.

Roland.
 
I'll got out on a limb here, sure..... I consider KEH a great source when buying unseen (I'n in Maryland), but their BGN grading is, at least to my experience, pretty accurate in recent years. I've bought EX+ and found it nearly indistinguishable from new (Pentax 6x7 105/2.4), but the 2 most recent bits of Nikon gear I bought as BGN show serious cosmetic wear. My F5 works very well, but is quite beat looking, including brushed-on touch up paint, very worn gasketing on the battery holder/compartment, etc. My 105/1.8 AIS has some major cosmetic scrapes, especially on the built-in hood and area it collapses over, a good bit of internal dust, and notable cleaning marks on the front element.

That said, this is my only definite 'keeper' gear in 35mm! I just sold my 50/1.2, my FM2n is for sale in the classifieds, and my Leica gear is down to a IIIf w/Summitar.

Prices have gone up a bit lately as well, but so has their return period and warranty as I recall. Definitely recommend buying from them, but do be willing to be critical on lower graded gear and take advantage of said policies unless you're 100% comfortable with what you get.
 
I've purchased a number of items from KEH, but can't comment on their Excellent grade because I've only purchased Bargain graded pieces (both bodies and lenses).
Without exception these were all in good cosmetic shape, although that was for me the least important consideration. I only care whether my equipment is mechanically and optically excellent. The cosmetics are of no importance, so based on some initial advice I was given, and my own experience I've learned to stick to the Bargain grade which serves me very well and saves a few dollars in the process.
 
I think very highly of KEH. Pleasant staff, reasonable prices, and conservative grading.

With the exception of some of the really good eBay sellers, I think KEH is always a better bet.

Like others, I've bought stuff in EX condition and can't find fault with it either cosmetically or mechanically.
 
I got a BGN M2 this december that was in fairly good cosmetic condition but speeds were off and preview lever was sticky, so I sent it back. But I had bought both my R-D1 and Hexar RF also in BGN condition and they were in fantastic condition, both cosmetic and mechanically. I think it's wise to consider a CLA on top of the price or call them before placing the order and asking the person to check what you feel is necessary (is what I should have done).
 
y'all just prompted me to buy an UG condition rolleiflex for $40 when I was getting a few filters. Worst comes to worst, if my repairman can't get it running I'll have a conversation piece (or I'll send it back within 15 days).
 
PaulW128 said:
Paul;

I've purchase several camera bodies and lenses from KEH over the last couple of years and their grading system is conservative. A camera rated EX has been closer to mint in my experience.. I'm sure other Forum members will join in but my experience has been that the piece of equipment you purchase will actually be one grade better than KEH rates it.

Good luck, what are you thinking of buying?

Best
Paul
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My experience has been the same, and I've bought a fair bit of stuff from them over the years. Based on the purchase of my M2 and Canon 35/1.8, I would not hesitate to buy a BGN grade camera or lens from them. And I agree that their EX graded items are close to mint. Their return policy is also liberal. Good folks to deal with.
 
I've bought quite a few things from KEH, the most recent being an "UG" rated Rolleiflex 3.5e. The rating was correct in terms of the leather, which was ugly and needed to be replaced. The mechanics were excellent, however, and the taking lens had only a couple of very minor spots that could only be seen under a bright light and do not afffect the photo in any way. I paid less than $220 for the thing, which included two-day shipping.

With their return policy you can take a gamble on lower-rated items. Sometimes you will need to send it back, but quite often you get much more than you expect.

I can't recommend KEH highly enough.
 
Paul, A postscript to my previous post. I have bought things from KEH that arrived w/ problems, and they were always great about addressing them.

Canon 7 -- graded EX, but shutter capped. KEH replaced it w/ an EX graded model that worked perfectly, no questions asked.

Bessa R3A -- graded BGN, but rangefinder alignment was off. They refunded part of the purchase price (I decided to keep the camera anyway).

I've also used their repair service. Not cheap, but they fixed a Minolta XD I purchased for my daughter as a gift, which stopped working about 6 mos. after I bought it.

Roland is correct: their grading system is mainly based on the cosmetic appearance of the item. Still... my BGN M2 arrived w/ nearly pristine chrome, and only a small piece of vulcanite missing. Not bad.
 
ferider said:
The grading is mostly cosmetic, Paul, and in that sense conservative. Lens glass is clean, cameras look great and have clean optics. However, it can happen that an EXC lens doesn't align at infinity for instance, or a camera's meter is off - stuff that escapes their quick assessment, I assume. I generally prefer them over ebay, mostly because you can return no questions asked.

Roland.
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+1 on this explanation.

I've spent a great deal of money over the years with KEH, and haven't ever been burned. Usually the "BGN" grade stuff exceeds my expectations (Though sometimes I find myself disappointed that something really is only in bargain shape...this is rare), and the "EX" stuff is nearly mint. Very occasionally something doesn't work quite right when you get it. and it's simple to send it back for refund or replacement. This is the best alternative to actually being able to hold and test a piece of equipment in the store IMHO.
 
Paul--you cannot go wrong with KEH.
Dave L is right--deal with Arthur--really NICE fellow!
They have an ironclad guarantee.
Can't beat 'em!
Paul (B)
 
I've bought one body and a couple lenses and a light meter. The lenses and body were bargain grade and I am pleased. I'd say they were in very good condition.
 
a few months ago, the keh website advertised their 14 day return, no questions asked policy, and also a 6 month guarantee on pretty much all items, except collectables. i can't seem to find it on their site anymore, not sure why they took it down.

does anybody have more info on their 6 month warrantee? is there anything in the fine print i should be aware of? i'm thinking about going for an m8...currently there are two of them available, one in Ex+ condition, and the other in Ex...few hundred dollars price difference between the two.

both cameras are above 2,500 usd, but depending on the 6 month warrantee, i think it might be worth it...depending on what the warrantee covers.
 
Rangeman133 said:
a few months ago, the keh website advertised their 14 day return, no questions asked policy, and also a 6 month guarantee on pretty much all items, except collectables. i can't seem to find it on their site anymore, not sure why they took it down.

does anybody have more info on their 6 month warrantee? is there anything in the fine print i should be aware of? i'm thinking about going for an m8...currently there are two of them available, one in Ex+ condition, and the other in Ex...few hundred dollars price difference between the two.

both cameras are above 2,500 usd, but depending on the 6 month warrantee, i think it might be worth it...depending on what the warrantee covers.
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I talked to Arthur last week. It is indeed 14 days and a 6-month warranty.:)
 
I guess there are already enough positives here but my experience is the same. BGN is usually better than rated. I do wish they would includes caps more often. Also in case of Leica it's difficult to tell what you are getting...is the 35/2 Summicron a v1, 2, 3, or 4? This is where pics of the specific item would be nice...
 
ferider said:
The grading is mostly cosmetic, Paul, and in that sense conservative. Lens glass is clean, cameras look great and have clean optics. However, it can happen that an EXC lens doesn't align at infinity for instance, or a camera's meter is off - stuff that escapes their quick assessment, I assume. I generally prefer them over ebay, mostly because you can return no questions asked.

Roland.
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Agreed. I bought several things from KEH over the last few years and all looked nice on the outside, but I had to return 50% of them for functional problems and out of 5 lenses I bought from them, 4 went back for fungus or haze and NONE were antique lenses known for haze issues; they were modern Mamiya 645 and Olympus OM lenses. I do not think I'll buy from them again.
 
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