KEH or adorama for hassy

[j_sebastian]

Hi there,
I´m looking for a hasselblad and I saw that adorama and keh webs have the best prices... But I am little bit confused about their rate system
In adorama I can buy the camera+80mm+back in E (excelent) condition for 749 u$d
In Keh, with this money, I can buy the same equipment but in BGN condition.
What do you think about it..? Where should I buy?
Thanks in advance and forgive my english 🙁
Sebastian

 

[Krosya]

I think you can find some better deals on ebay.

 

[dshfoto]

However you purchase one, consider sending the lens, body, and back to Hasselblad. They will clean, and adjust the camera, and make certain that it is in spec.
I have purchased two Hasselblad bodies on Ebay, and 3 lens -- been satisfied with both. However, you need to be willing to risk getting a dud.
As to the original question, Adorama E should exceed BGN (Bargin?) rating of KEH. Both have return policies, so make sure that you understand the return costs, before you buy.
Also, depending on where you are, you might check craigslist for one on sale in your city. Then you could inspect it before buying.

 

[wray]

I emailed you about a friend of mine who has the following for sale:

500 CM body, black. good to excellent. waist level.
500 CM body, black. good to good+. eye level black finder
f/4 black T-star sonnar 150 lens. excellent to mint
f/2.8 black T-star planar 80 lens. excellent to mint
F/4 black T-star distagon 50 lens, excellent to mint
f/4 distagon 40 mm lens excellent to mint
220 back fair to good
polaroid back, ugly but works
Minolta flashmeter V, mint in case

 

[j_sebastian]

Your friend have an email🙂
Thank you

I emailed you about a friend of mine who has the following for sale:

500 CM body, black. good to excellent. waist level.
500 CM body, black. good to good+. eye level black finder
f/4 black T-star sonnar 150 lens. excellent to mint
f/2.8 black T-star planar 80 lens. excellent to mint
F/4 black T-star distagon 50 lens, excellent to mint
f/4 distagon 40 mm lens excellent to mint
220 back fair to good
polaroid back, ugly but works
Minolta flashmeter V, mint in case

 

[dshfoto]

I second the comment about Efraim. Even if you do not live in NYC, you phone Adoram, and ask to speak with him.

 

[j_sebastian]

Thanks to all for answer... very helpfull
Well, I live in barcelona (Spain), this cameras are very expensive here and in europe also... With my "spanglish" is imposible for me speak with Efraim from adorama:bang: 😀 So I supose that I have to take the risk...

 

[Nokton48]

May I suggest that you find the Hasselblad Service Center closest to you? I know there is one in the UK. No matter where (or who) you buy it from, service is an issue with these. I say this as someone who has a complete, older/well-maintained system. In my experience, the bodies and lenses are most frequently OK, even when purchased used. The filmbacks are much more likely to need a service, although routine maintenence is an important part of Hasselblad ownership. Have an expert check out your camera, and you'll be sure. Get a body, and an 80, to start. Hard to go wrong.

 

[urban_alchemist]

I bought my 503CW, 80CFE and A12 from KEH. It was advertised as EXC (their third-tier) - I could not find a single scratch or dent on the whole thing.

KEH are VERY conservative with their grading: apparently my experience is the general rule. I've had friends that have bought BGN equipment and found it to be nearly new.

Just bear in mind, you don't get anything for free with them. I bought everything above, but it didn't come with lense-caps or a strap - make sure you have everything ordered before time or you're going to be getting very creating with rubber bands and plastic bags...

 

[Jamie123]

I've bought three lenses from KEH so far and they were all BGN grade. Two of them had a few scratches on the barrel and one was flawless. Aside from the few cosmetic flaws all of them were working perfectly.

Living in Europe, I know the risk involved with buying used from overseas. Shipping and custom fees are high so if you have to return an item you'll have spent a couple hundred dollars and be left with nothing. Nonetheless, I still trust KEH more than I eBay. If you don't want to take this risk you can buy from David Odess (http://www.david-odess.com/sales.html). It's rather expensive compared to KEH but he CLA's everything prior to selling it.

 

[mnmleung]

I have purchased 3 lenses in the past from KEH. Two were great (a BGN Nikkor 105mm f/4 micro AI and an EX Nikkor 200mm f/4 AI), the third was a little disappointing (a BGN Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AI) - prongs were quite bent, the focussing felt a little gritty, aperture ring felt a bit sticky but probably just needs exercise, but it works. I figured it would cost me too much to ship it back from Australia and follow up etc. Maybe someone was trying to tell me I don't need more SLR gear...

Instead I bought 3 FSU rangefinders from Oleg Khalyavin. I am sure the shipment I would have had to pay for the KEH follow up more than paid for either the Zorki 1 or Fed-2c which I now treasure.

 

[35mmdelux]

I bought most of my mint Hassey stuff off ebay. KEH is the better of the two you named.

 

[j_sebastian]

I need help

I need help

Hi,
Finally I bought a hasselblad 500c+80mm+A12 from adorama... The shipment was really fast (I live in barcelona)...
Yesterday I been in a park testing the kit and.... My contact sheet look terrible!!! I dont know why...
Here is the link: http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6352/contactopruebahassel593wx9.jpg

Usually I develop my own 35mm but this negative was developed for PRO lab who only work with black and white here in barcelona.

Anybody can help me..? It is flare? It is the back?
thanks in advance
Sebas

 

[Harry Lime]

Over the years I've bought lots of gear for KEH and they've always come through for me. Quite often the gear was in better shape than I had expected. Their condition ratings are very conservative. What they consider EX+ would be closer to mint at other shops.

 

[Harry Lime]

Hi,
Finally I bought a hasselblad 500c+80mm+A12 from adorama... The shipment was really fast (I live in barcelona)...
Yesterday I been in a park testing the kit and.... My contact sheet look terrible!!! I dont know why...
Here is the link:

Looks like you may need a new lightseal on the film back. There is a piece of foam / felt inside the film back, where the darkslide is inserted. The becomes worn with use and eventually will cause a leak. This is a pretty common problem and not a big problem. You can buy kits and do it yourself or have a service center do it for you (cheap).

http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HT/HTSeal.aspx


Regardless you may want to have the shutter speeds checked. The lens may need to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted (CLA). Try to find an authorized Hasselblad service center.

 

[35mmdelux]

On used film backs ALWAYS replace the light seals. Light seals are only good for several years. With Hassey, the lens does 95% of the work. Make certian it is well calibrated.

Buena suerte.

 

[Tuolumne]

My experience with both is that Adorama usually over rates condition while KEH under rates it.

/T