KEH BGN Len advice

[enero]

I wanted to get you guyses opinion on this:

So I just broke down and bought a BGN Nikon 50/1.2 AIS from KEH. The lens barrel is mint! But the front element is a different story. The coating is really bad off. It hasnt effected the picture so far, it takes quite beautiful images actually, but I havent taken it out in sunlight yet. Below is a picture of the glass, I wasnt able to capture the full extent of all the scratches and such, but you can see the major marks. Id say a total of about 35% of the glass is effected, and its overall, not just in a couple of spots. I feel like this is pretty bad. What would you guys do? I've requested a replacement, but am I asking too much of them?

I feel like KEH (and most camera shops for that matter) have gotten pretty bad with grading in recent years. Though to be fair, KEH's grading used to be pretty nitpicky. I remember when their BGN gear was the equivalent of everyone else's -EX. And maybe thats the problem right there. Are my expectations just too high? Should I just let it go or should I send it back? I hate being a pain in the ass to small companies.

Another thing is, according to their website, I might be getting the last BGN 50/1.2ais they currently have in stock. For all I know, I could be getting an even worse condition one as a replacement!

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Adorama and B&H would grade that higher. They would call it an Ex-. I'd say that Keh got us all spoiled by their conservative grading. Realistically, that lens is probably a Bgn sample to be fair.

Phil Forrest

 

[Vobluda]

Well, does the BGN condition equals BGN price?

 

[kxl]

Question is: can you live with it?

If not, then return it within 14 days and then wait for another 50/1.2 to show up at KEH or other stores.

Personally, I couldn't live with not being completely happy with the purchase. I would return it and wait for a sample that I can be happy with.

 

[enero]

Adorama and B&H would grade that higher. They would call it an Ex-. I'd say that Keh got us all spoiled by their conservative grading. Realistically, that lens is probably a Bgn sample to be fair.

Phil Forrest

Which is why I didnt buy the one I looked at at Adorama last week 🙂 Upon further inspection there is also some light haze and at least 2 pots of fungus! (Im trying to add up all the cons).

Well, does the BGN condition equals BGN price?

I paid about $440 with shipping, which I think would be a fair price for something that didnt have this coating problem.

 

[enero]

Question is: can you live with it?

If not, then return it within 14 days and then wait for another 50/1.2 to show up at KEH or other stores.

Personally, I couldn't live with not being completely happy with the purchase. I would return it and wait for a sample that I can be happy with.

I could live with it as a user. But resell, I would take quite a hit. I would have been fine with it if I knew what I was getting myself into and (obviously) if it were cheaper.

 

[JMQ]

Then you should return it, as suggested by kxl.

 

[yossarian123]

Take advantage of the 14 day return policy. If you have patience then eventually you'll find another BGN lens in the same condition, if not then keep returning it until you get the sample you want. Based on personal experience a lens like that is usually rated UG by KEH.

 

[KyleCharles]

KEH's BGN condition is a bit of a crap shoot. You could have just as easily received a lens with really nice glass but marks on the barrel (obviously the preferred situation). I do wish that they would give separate condition ratings for the glass and cosmetics.

Personally if I were you, I would return it or exchange it for one in EX condition. Don't feel bad about returning it either. The perk of spending money with KEH is the comfort of their return policy and warranty. I am a big fan of them. They are the reason why I will probably never buy a lens on "the bay" ever again.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Scratches on the front element of the lens have limited affect on the final image. What to look for are defects on the rear or internal elements as they will affect the final image. As a recommendation if you are planning to make this lens a permanent part of your inventory they you might want to consider upgrading to excellent.

 

[johannielscom]

Wouldn't mind shooting it hooded, I reckon you'd be fine. Price is steep though so I'm leaning towards returning it and if you're anything less than happy, that does it 😀

 

[Noll]

Which is why I didnt buy the one I looked at at Adorama last week 🙂 Upon further inspection there is also some light haze and at least 2 pots of fungus! (Im trying to add up all the cons).

That would be enough for me to return it. The one time I've returned equipment to them it was no-hassle. Just email their customer service and tell them it wasn't up to your expectations. They send you a label to print and FedEx it back.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I would return it as it sounds like ur not happy at all.....also I have not found KEH to be as well priced as they used to be. However I don't let price make my decessions for the purchase of gear anyway.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Straight from KEH

"Bargain" 70-79% of original condition. Shows more than average wear for the age of the item. May have dents, dings and/or brassing and finish loss. Glass may have marks, dust, anomalies and/or blemishes that should not affect picture quality.*

Sounds like they graded the lens perfectly fine?

 

[Gumby]

If this is a problem I would recommend that you stop buying BGN grade items.

 

[enero]

I guess since today is friday, I will pack it up and drop it off on Sunday. KEH has already issued an RMA and has reserved another lens for me. I just hope the glass is better than this one. What it boils down to is: I think the price I paid is a bit much for a lens in this condition. If it were cheaper, i wouldnt be complaining at all.

I just have to get used to the fact that good product is getting harder and harder to come by and it is what it is. Im not disappointed with KEH or anything like that. Quite the opposite. Im as loyal to them as I have ever been. I will however just have to adjust my expectations and stop thinking everything is going to be magic with them 🙂

 

[Gumby]

... What it boils down to is: I think the price I paid is a bit much for a lens in this condition. If it were cheaper, i wouldnt be complaining at all. ...

I wasn't going to say anything, but now that you mention it... I thought so too. Is that really what a 50/1.2 AIS is selling for????

 

[enero]

I wasn't going to say anything, but now that you mention it... I thought so too. Is that really what a 50/1.2 AIS is selling for????

Yeah Ive been waiting for months for one to come up from a US seller for under $400. I finally gave up and bought from KEH. At least with them I can easily return.

These lenses were cheaper last year, I believe. The 55/1.2AIS and 50/1.2AI are still rather cheap.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Looks like a BGN grade lens to me; I agree with others that this might be marked better than that by other sellers. I've gotten some fab gear marked as BGN by KEH.

It's really up to you. Keep or return.

 

[frank-grumman]

OP, here's one FS

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1255839