Bargain Condition Lenses

[brianmichel]

I just wanted to see what some people's feelings were on 'bargain' type lenses from resellers like KEH or adorama. They say that the lens may contain marks that will not affect picture quality, but I was wondering how true this was. Anyone want to share stories good or bad I'd appreciate it, thanks!

 

[darkosaric]

on ebay couple years ago: I took nikkor 50mm/1.4 in bargain condition (old non AI version). when you look thru lens you see dust and small marks, but on picture all is ok. Someone wrote on one site that actually this is good thing because - if some lens is used heavily - this means it is better than same lens that was not used (if you have for example five 50mm lenses, you use one more than other 4 - the one you like most - it has some magic that other's don't - it will become bargain condition)

 

[removed account4]

i shoot professionally
and have no problems
buying things in bargain condition
from keh ( 35mm as well as LF ).
shop there with confidence!

i have never bought from adorama so i can't
comment on their equipment or grading system ...

john

 

[rternbach]

This is not based on a systematic investigation, but: my guess is that lenses in perfect condition may be the exception more than the rule. This is especially true of lenses used by professionals. Only collectors who keep their equipment boxed have lenses in pristine condition. I think that Apugers could help answer this by looking at the lenses they use regularly and reporting how many of those lenses are totally free of internal dust, surface cleaning marks, coating problems etc.

RT

 

[dentkimterry]

Do not fear buying KEH bargain equipment. I have plenty of it and it works, and in most cases looks good. Besides if you really don't like it you can reaturn or exchange it without problems.

Terry

 

[Mike1234]

I don't completely agree with the premise that all "near perfect" gear is never used. There's a difference between slow/methodical use of gear and very rushed must-get-it-done-now techniques. If one is never rushed and is always methodical and careful then equipment with moderate use can remain in near pristine condition for many decades. That stated, yes, near mint gear is the exception. But more importantly, those buying "near perfect" gear don't intend to abuse it and are more likely to pass it on in excellent condition. Personally, I just want it "not ugly" and in near perfect optical/mechanical condition and I want the seller to be honest about it so I can pay a "fair price" as determined by current market value.

To tie the above properly to this thread: If KEH or anyone else offers an excellent deal on a somewhat cosmetically challenged item but is optically/mechanically near perfect I'll buy in in an instant.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I have gotten bargain lenses from KEH and they were pretty good. Good prices for good lenses.

Jeff

 

[Nick Zentena]

KEH or adorama

Don't confuse the two. Buy used gear from KEH.

 

[Rinthe]

I' hear great things about KEH. and i'm pretty sure your image quality will not be affected by those small marks, check this out: http://certo6.com/gallery/planar.html

 

[ozphoto]

I've purchased from KEH - was not disappointed with the condition of the items. Described very well; am looking to buy again from them - just need my lens to appear again.

 

[yurihuta]

I have purchased several lenses and some bodies from KEH in BGN condition and have yet to be disappointed. I believe their condition grading is quite conservative, so even minor cosmetic flaws mean a downgrade in rating.

As far as Adorama is concerned, their Bargain condition is not the same as KEH bargain. I would say that Adorama's Excellent/Excellent Minus are equivalent to KEH's BGN (bargain).

 

[seawolf66]

Most of us here have bought from KEH at one time or another and can attest to the fact their good to deal with : No bull from them at all:

 

[djcphoto]

Never had a problem with bargain gear from KEH, but extremely disappointed with 'excellent' grade from Adorama! Stick with KEH.

 

[John Koehrer]

Never had a problem with bargain gear from KEH, but extremely disappointed with 'excellent' grade from Adorama! Stick with KEH.

The only problem I had with bgn from KEH was quickly rectified by them. One phone call got me an RMA & a new piece in the mail within 24 hrs.

I've been reluctant to buy from Adorama for years & recently found a lens in excellent shape for at least $100 less than I could find elsewhere, With their return policy I figured I'd take a chance, if nothing else I could take a problem to the CC company & straighten things out.

I was very happy when the lens got here. No scratches, cleaning marks or wisps on the glass. And this is a lens that you very seldom see without marks(50mm DR Summicron) I was happier than a pig in poop!

 

[yurihuta]

I am returning a lens for the first time to KEH. I received the lens and it was listed as a BGN grade and I can honestly say it fits within that description - accurate description. I am just not happy with it - kind of like shoes that are your size, but they just don't feel right. They were very helpful in the return and I will definitely be buying from them again. First return in about 15 years of buying from them.

 

[timk]

KEH are great, I'm in Australia and even though I pay through the nose for shipping they are still better value than ebay. I have given up buying stuff from ebay from people who don't know what fungus looks like.

 

[Mike1234]

You're giving feeBay sellers too much credit... assuming they're simply uninformed rather than just outright cheaters. Not all of them are lying cheats... just half. KEH has always been honest with me.

 

[stradibarrius]

KEH is terrific! The only need for their customer service was for a lens cap. They replaced it with no questions. Everything else I have purchased from them was better than their description. You can't beat that. I bought a "bargain" F100 body and a 28-105 zoom and they were much nicer than "bargain".

 

[Pumal]

I have an entire collection of Super-Takumars, full of fungus and dust. They take great pictures. Same for the lenses (5) of my RB6X7 ProS

 

[brianmichel]

Thanks for all the input! Looks like KEH is the safe way to go, and now that I know bgn is alright my bank account will suffer!

 

[Mike1234]

Don't forget MPEX... good people there too.