KEH experience anyone?

S

shaaktiman

Guest
I'm planning on buying a system (used) from KEH. Currently I'm deciding between the one rated "bargain" and the "excellent" rated one. I've heard great things about KEH in other forums, but I figured I'd ask here to see what people's experiences have been. (I only really trust RFF folks.)

What have your "bargain" or "excellent" buys looked like? Most importantly, in your opinion, have the bargain rated cameras/lenses been up to scratch. I don't care that much about aesthetics, (within reason) but I do need to know that it will function very well mechanically.

Thanks. I appreciate everyone's experiences.

adam
 
I have not purchased anything bargain rated from them. Excellent and Excellent Plus stuff for sure is like new. You can call them, which is what I would do if looking at a bargain item and ask the sales person (who is not on commission apparently) to discribe why the item is considered bargain grade.
 
I've bought a few things from KEH, including a couple of lenses. The most recent was an expensive Zuiko 90mm f/2 macro rated as 'bargain'. When I received it I couldn't see any reason why it was rated low. It looked better than my own Zuikos, which I've always taken good care of. I've heard others say similar things. KEH is very conservative in its ratings.

Good people to deal with too.

Gene
 
I recently bought a bargain rated Nikkor 105mm f2.5 lens from KEH. Aside from a little wear on the focus ring, I consider it near perfect. The glass is flawless. Even a bargain book I ordered from KEH was in much better condition than I expected. I really wouldn't hesitate to purchase one of their bargains.
 
Everyone I know who has purchased from KEH says the "bargain" equipment is better than higher rated equipment they get from other stores or on Ebay. Their definition of "bargain" is it may look a little chipped up cosmetically but still performs well. I've never heard anyone complain about KEH (I'm not affiliated with KEH and have never purchased from the--although I probably will).
 
I would second the appearance of all the KEH bargain stuff - but add one caveat - check out any electrical gear carefully and before the return policy expires - I neglected to check an F4S purchased there once and later discovered an expensive intermittent short in the shutter release.

As with all things - inspect what you expect. That being said - I have been delighted with all of my other KEH purchases (about 6).
 
I bought a bargain rated Mamiya 645E kit and, while it was obviously used, I still would have expected it to be rated EX. Very nice condition and the price was even more so.

William
 
I really like KEH. I've bought 3 cameras and 4 lenses from them over a period of several years and have been perfectly satisfied with each purchase. Their bargain rated items are generally very good.
 
I have bought several lenses from KEH. "Bargain" lenses are true bargains -- the lenses look pretty much brand new. The body may sometimes have some faint wear marks, but the glass is perfect (if not, they label it as "ugly.")

I have just bought one body from them in bargain condition, and there was some fungus in the slr's prism. I had to return that one.

I wouldn't worry. They are very easy to deal with, and returns within 14 days are taken back with no hassles.
 
I got an XA2 at bargain from them, and an excellent Pentax SLR and lens. I've been really happy with them. They sent the wrong Pentax and when I called I got real people, that spoke english, and they took care of the problem immediately. You might find the occasional screaming deal on ebay, but barring those - condition with KEH is honest and it's not much more than you'll get it for on ebay on average. I'd much rather buy from KEH if they have it.
 
Another recommendation for KEH. Have bought several lenses from them, one bargain, all others EX and above. All were conservatively rated, especially the bargain. Used their return policy only once, reason was an incorrect understanding on my part. KEH honored the return with a full refund, no questions. Good folks there in my experience.
 
Much safer and often cheaper than eBay, though you can luck out on eBay pretty spectacularly, or be just as UNlucky. KEH is fast and reliable, and they understate the condition of the item. Earlier this year I bought a "Bargain" condition lens and when it came it looked brand new, perfect. I knew there had to be SOME reason for the condition. I spent some time examining it closely and eventually found a tiny scratch in the rear element with a magnifying glass. The only bad thing about KEH is the near-immediate gratification of your GAS attack and attendant sag in your financial status...
 
shaaktiman said:
I'm planning on buying a system (used) from KEH. Currently I'm deciding between the one rated "bargain" and the "excellent" rated one. I've heard great things about KEH in other forums, but I figured I'd ask here to see what people's experiences have been. (I only really trust RFF folks.)

What have your "bargain" or "excellent" buys looked like? Most importantly, in your opinion, have the bargain rated cameras/lenses been up to scratch. I don't care that much about aesthetics, (within reason) but I do need to know that it will function very well mechanically.

Thanks. I appreciate everyone's experiences.

adam
Click to expand...


A good place to buy items. Not as good if you are selling something.

Dick
 
I buy my Leica M6 here. My experience its positive. Probably the body of the M6 was a little expensive compared *Bay... but the state of the camera was like new. Im impresive when I see the camera, because I dont believe that have been so new...
 
As with all of the comments above, I have bought 2 Olympus OM-2 bodies and several lenses from them and it was all in excellent condition. The recommendation to talk to them in person is right on. On the last body I bought, I called first and the sales person talked through the ones I was considering and helped narrow it down to 2 choices. I finally asked him to "make the choice" (actually I said just to put one of them in a box and send it to me). It has been a great camera!. I have only purchased excellent or better for the bodies, but I did get one bargain lens out of 3, and for the life of me, I can't tell why it was bargain. But then again, all my Zuiko lenses that I am comparing it to are almost 30 heavily-used years old.
 
I've purchased from KEH since their beginning. It's always been a good experience. For most of my Leica equipment in the past fifteen or so years I've always purchased from Jim Kuehl in Des Moines. His actual prices are much better than his advertised and he was previously a Leica rep. The equipment and service have been the best. I don't think KEH can top Jims sertvice or prices and I've delt extensively with both.


http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045


www.x-rayarts.com
 
KEH is local to me and I know one of the ladies in the order taking area. They are easy to deal with and you can find some great deals there...If your local you can pickup your item if you request to. I got nearly all of my current batch of EOS gear there...
 
I haven't purchased any items rated "Bargain" from KEH but after reading this thread I might look into it.
Most of the items I have bought from them have been "Ex+", "Ex" or Like New.
I have never been disappointed with their stuff.
I have called in an order and asked to pull the item and discribe it to me and they have.
Great people to buy from.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Using a Nikon Super CoolScan 4000 ED versus a digital camera w/VALOI easy35 (or other similar alternatives).
Replies
7
Views
2K
Godfrey
Godfrey
L
Looking for a good vintage RF
2 3
Replies
45
Views
4K
santino
santino
J
  • Article Article
Collecting Cameras: It can be an obsession, but a little rationality helps!
2 3
Replies
53
Views
4K
bythelight
B
F
KEH PayPal Dispute?
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Rayt
Rayt
A
My Leica SL2-S settings
Replies
0
Views
2K
Archiver
A
Back
Top Bottom