KEH- Ugly condition?

[Kyle]

I've read plenty of stories about people happy with KEH's bargain rated items, and how many times they are in MUCH better condition. What about ugly? Can I expect something decent if I were to buy an ugly rated lens? I know it can vary from item to item, and their return policy is top notch, but I'd like to hear some input before risking at least the cost of shipping. Thanks.

 

[MCTuomey]

Hi Kyle

I've bought a lot from keh - almost all my sports-shooting gear. As you say, great return policy. Which is why I don't think too hard about taking a chance on their low-end, user stuff. You can always send it back if there's a serious disconnect on the condition description.

Anyway, I've found that "ugly" means serious user grade, sometimes a cut above, sometimes below. I prefer to stick to "bargain" and above, if possible. I've noticed that lenses seem to be more conservatively-graded than other gear, at least in my experience. Keep in mind that if you call one of the reps - I like Arthur's candid approach - you can often get more specific details than what's on the website.

Good luck!

 

[yossarian]

There are so many variables--a little fungus, one hazy element, scratches or even chips in the glass. Some of their "Uglies" are so cheap it's worth the risk even if
they didn't have the liberal return policy. I was at their site a short time ago and they had a Tamron Adaptall 80-210 for $1.99! Of course, if you don't already have
the mount, that must be figured in, as well as a minimum of $12.95 shipping.
Was there one particular item you were interested in?

Fred

 

[Avotius]

I have been wondering about some of their lower rated items too, been looking around for a leica body and a lot of money to be saves with a bargain I guess, duno if its worth it to go that way with bodies. Also been looking at lenses, hell....I duno

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Their bargain graded bodies are generally very good. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

 

[Kyle]

Yeah, I keep hearing that many times bargain is nice condition (or at least much better than expected). Ugly is a different story. I'm still not sure if I want to try or not, but there's a 90/2.8 Elmarit for $144. It just got me thinking.

 

[MCTuomey]

I've noticed that lenses seem to be more conservatively-graded than other gear, at least in my experience.

I'm sorry, Kyle. I just realized I wrote "lenses" when I meant "bodies." Brain Gas!

I think that Elmarit is probably pretty ragged at that price. Might be worth a call for more disclosure, though.