KEH.com BGN Lenses?

[maitrestanley]

It's pretty well established that BGN bodies bought at KEH's come in better condition than advertised/rated.

Does anyone have any experience with the lenses in bargain condition? Are they really in BGN condition or actually better?

 

[cbettis]

KEH Bgn Lenses

KEH Bgn Lenses

I've purchased 3 KEH "Bargain" lenses in the past and each of the three I would have rated as "excellent". A few minor cosmetic issues and no issues with the optics or mechanics. Have no fear!😛

 

[Richie]

I have bought about a dozen Leica lenses from KEH rated BGN in the past 10 years. All of them have turned out to be in good or very good condition. I have never had to return a lens. KEH has been a reliable source of Leica equipment for me over the years. I have also bought and sold many items on EBAY. I had to return many defective or broken items to sellers who had marked them as excellent or better!

 

[Krosya]

While I agree that KEH rates things very well and conservative, I have had different experiences with them. Never really bad one, where I had to return an item, but their bargain rating is rather unclear. I have gotten some items that were better than bgn in my opinion and then again, some were very much so. Always functional. Not always very pretty. Same goes to their EX items - most were really EX, yet some were as better bgn that I got. So, you never know, since you don't get to see actual item before hand. But in any case - they have a very good return policy, so they are a safe place to shop. I'd recommend them overall.

 

[rover]

I bought a bargain 50 Summilux from KEH. The barrel is brassing but the glass and mechanics are perfect.

 

[Vickko]

I just received a BGN Summaron 3.5cm from KEH. It is better than some ebay MINT items that I've bought in the past.

And KEH offers a "no questions asked" return.

I'd buy from them always, before resorting to ebay.

...Vick

 

[JNewell]

their bargain rating is rather unclear

I think that's because the rating takes in everything from more or less EX to real beaters, and though many of us win the lottery on that, some of the equipment is truly as advertised (what a concept!).

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Although I do recommend KEH to everyone, I bought a bargain grade Summicron 50 and it had some marks on the front element. When I questioned it they said it shouldn't affect image quality.

 

[Alfred Rugel]

Do anyone have any experience with KEH on Leica Screwmount bodies, i. e.,
does BGN grade apply pretty much the same as on lenses?:angel:

 

[planetjoe]

I've always had a good experience with KEH, particularly with their BGN items. Here's another thread that might provide some more insight.

Re: the screwmount bodies, I've noticed that they're pretty much rated BGN or lower (i.e., "UG"). The ones that have actual defects are listed as such, though - "speeds off", "RF misaligned", etc. They're pretty complete with their description. Near as I can tell, the grade (BGN, UG, etc.) refers only to condition, not operability.

I don't yet have direct experience with buying a Leica body from KEH, though, so YMMV.


Cheers,
--joe.

 

[humanized_form]

i have had pretty good luck with KEH bargain grade lenses with a few exceptions, a Rigid Summicron with lots of haze and a Pentax lens with lots of dark dust in it. they accepted both items as returns no questions asked and sent me a replacement next day with free shipping. KEH is the best.

kevin

 

[Richie]

Vick:

I am glad to hear you are happy with the Summaron lens I recommended at KEH.

 

[nikon_junkie]

I would absolutely buy a bargain lens from them. The glass on my AIS 300mm f/2.8 was splendid, with only a few/minor barrell marks.

 

[maitrestanley]

I'm really torn between getting a 50cron from KEH or from eB*y.

Prices are slightly cheaper on the big ol' auction site but I'm afraid of the quality. But then again, I'm considering the BGN optics at KEH as well, which I'm also wondering about the quality.

Oh, decisions decisions..

 

[ForeverUnknown]

I'm really torn between getting a 50cron from KEH or from eB*y.

Prices are slightly cheaper on the big ol' auction site but I'm afraid of the quality. But then again, I'm considering the BGN optics at KEH as well, which I'm also wondering about the quality.

Oh, decisions decisions..

Well if you buy from KEH and find that the lens isn't up to your standards, you can easily return it. Can't say the same if you bought from the Bay. That might be worth the extra few dollars.

 

[JNewell]

Well if you buy from KEH and find that the lens isn't up to your standards, you can easily return it. Can't say the same if you bought from the Bay. That might be worth the extra few dollars.

*Strongly* agree. BTDT (both ways).