B&H great for new, but how are they for USED?

[Flyfisher Tom]

I've always had great experiences with B&H for new equipment, but never tried their USED department. Can any members give me their personal experiences with B&H USED? Particularly as it relates to lens? Conservative ratings? My understanding is that glass is usually without defects unless specifically stated, and the rating is on cosmetic appearance only, please correct me if your experience is different.

[FWIW, I don't bother with KEH after 3 unpleasant surprises with their rating and customer service, not to mention outlandish shipping charges].

Many thanks in advance!

Tom

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Interesting. I have had the opposite experience with KEH.
I used to live in NYC and was in B&H's used dept. all the time. I found their prices high and the equipment used hard. NY has a large photographic community and a large community of pros. My theory for the large number of pieces in "bargain" condition was that professionals and their assistants were slinging this stuff around day in and day out and didn't care as much for cosmetics as for functionality. In contrast, I have had multiple good experiences with KEH, found their ratings conservative and their customer service responsive when something went wrong. I have had nothing but good experiences with B&H for new equipment, but they would not be my first choice for used. Neither would Adorama, which has a large used collection behind glass.

If KEH is not to your taste (it sounds like you have not had the best experience with them), I would try one of the photo forums dedicated to the equipment you are looking for. What lens are you seeking BTW?

 

[JohnM]

I have purchased used from B&H and would not hesitate to buy again - they're true to their ratings scale and if there ever is an issue, they offer the standard 14-day return policy. (Had to return a Tamron lens once - would not work with my 20D.)

I've purchased CV rangefinder lenses and Canon EOS stuff used there.

 

[peter_n]

What Benjamin said. New - great, used - not so great. And that goes for Adorama too. I have no problem with lens metal cosmetics being bad, I could care less about the looks of the barrel or rings, but if the glass looks a bit dodgy my first thought is "am I going to be able to maybe sell or trade this down the road?". Too many guys in NYC who use their equipment really hard and then churn it when it begins to look worn. Both are great stores for new and I will stick to that.

 

[Lou Iaquinto]

Hi Tom,

I've purchased two used lenses from B&H for my RF645 and they were both in excellent shape and a great price.

Lou

 

[bmattock]

I've purchased a lot from B&H new, and some used. Twice, I have had a teeny tiny problem with things I bought used from them. In one case, a filter was the wrong size. I got a letter of apology instantly - was told to just keep the filter, not to bother shipping it back - and the correct one was instantly sent. I find their representations of used kit to be accurate.

I have purchased from Adorama used as well. I was not impressed. A lens converter in 'good' condition should not have lens separation - that's unusable, not 'good'.

I just made my first purchase of a used lens from KEH. The price looked marvelous, the shipping seemed quite acceptable to me. I will let you know what the lens looks like when it arrives, it was rated 'excellent plus'. All that I have read about KEH in the past leads me to expect good things, but I'll be honest about what my experience is.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Thanks everyone for your input so far.

I agree with Benjamin and Peter that there is probably a greater likelihood of well-worn equipment in NYC as a result of the higher number of pros. However, that being said, it does not actually address whether B&H grades these items conservatively or not.

While your point about the larger pool of worn equipment in NYC is well taken, I guess my bigger question is, in your personal purchasing experience with B&H USED, are they honest about the condition of these items, well-worn or not 🙂


Thanks all, for sharing your experiences.

 

[richard_l]

I've bought a few used Nikon items from B&H: polarizer, lens hood and cap, extension ring. The items were all in excellent condition. I like KEH for big items like cameras and lenses, but B&H can be good for small accessories, a dependable alternative to eBay.

 

[doubs43]

I hope to get a small "used" item from B&H tomorrow....... a 12" sync cable for Vivitar flash models 283, 285HV & others. It was $5 as opposed to a new one for $8.95. It'll either work or it won't.

Walker

 

[furcafe]

I, too, have only purchased relatively small items from B&H, like a Contapol polarizer for my Contarex, but the experience was good. I thought their rating of the merchandise was actually pretty conservative.

 

[Jason_K]

I bought a Limited Edition Hexar RF from them, and it was as described if not better.

 

[a.black]

Never bought used stuff from B&H, only new gear. But sold two canon-lenses to them and they are very stingy on that, compared on what they want for the lenses when you buy them. (I was in kind of hurry and had no time for ebay, so thats why)
Just to add an experience with Adorama (since it in the neighborhood). I just bought a 50mm Lens for my Bronica SQ, described EX+ in their system. In the store it looked good, though there wasn't much time because the had like 20people waiting for 4 sales persons. But the glass was in very good shape. When I tested the lens at home I noticed that the lens only works with one shutterspeed, nut even bulb works. So I'm kinda pissed, since it was described EX+.
Still have to see how they are going to handle it when I bring it back on Friday, but I don't think I'll buy from them again. B&H is just too good in my perspective. BTW KEH is great also.

 

[peter_n]

{snip} While your point about the larger pool of worn equipment in NYC is well taken, I guess my bigger question is, in your personal purchasing experience with B&H USED, are they honest about the condition of these items, well-worn or not 🙂


Thanks all, for sharing your experiences.

My experience is now two years old so with the caveat that I think B&H is an honest company and I don't remember the exact details, I bought two used lenses from them and returned them both. One return was because I was disappointed in the image reproduction, and one because I was concerned about cleaning marks on the front elements. I both cases I received a refund immediately and I do not recall any sense that B&H were dishonest in their ratings of either of these two lenses.

But after buying (and subsequently keeping for 4 months) a used lens from Adorama, I ultimately decided not to buy used from either store in the future.

 

[Lonius Funk]

Interesting. I have had the opposite experience with KEH.
I used to live in NYC and was in B&H's used dept. all the time. I found their prices high and the equipment used hard.

I could not agree more. I bought a used Canon lens a long time ago and the price was too high for what I ended up receiving. Although I have enjoyed their service and promptness.