KEH Bargin Mamiya RB67 Bodies?

Brad Bireley · Dec 11, 2008

Anyone have an opinion on KEH Bargin Mamiya rb67 bodies?

Thanks,
Brad

Markok765 · Dec 11, 2008

Bargain: Well used. Speaking from my Nikon F5 experience, it was well used, some metal showing, but worked perfectly.

optique · Dec 11, 2008

Got my rb67 body and all else from KEH as Bargain. As Marko said, "well used" but functions perfectly. KEH has a good return policy and reputation so you should be protected.

I don't know how you plan to acquire the backs, but they had been troublesome for me so I bought my last two as EX quality and they were better. Someone else may chime in on this.

I have bought many things from KEH and have been happy, except for Bargain grade backs.

Hope this helps.
Steve.

keithwms · Dec 11, 2008

Let me just add that the price difference between BGN and EX is not that much, if we're talking about rbs. Also note the inexpensive kit prices... good thing about a kit is that you can try everything out instantly.

vdonovan · Dec 11, 2008

I always buy bargain grade and have been happy. Generally, I just assume that the backs are going to need their seals replaced so I've learned how to do it myself. It's very easy. Now that I can do it, I buy UGLY grade backs for dirt cheap.

Jeff Kubach · Dec 11, 2008

I bought bargain grade from KEH when I got my RB67, I was pleased with it.

Jeff

Travis Nunn · Dec 11, 2008

My BGN grade RB Pro S body works perfectly fine and doesn't look too bad, either.

uwphotoer · Dec 11, 2008

The last bargain grade I got from KEH was in really great condition..... I was very pleased.

Rolleijoe · Dec 15, 2008

I purchased my M645Pro as part bargain grade, while other components of it were very-good. While the back I purchased from their eBay store started out alright, it soon developed some problems. Also the Sunpak 622 flash was DOA.

A new back, is in order, as well as a brand new 622 from B&H. Otherwise, I've been very pleased with everything I've purchased from them, starting a decade ago.

lcooper · Dec 15, 2008

I purchased two RB67's from KEH. Dropped the first one on concrete. Both were rated bargain, and both looked and worked great. I think they cost around $140 each for the body. The guy on the phone was helpful and shipping was fast. I have used them since to purchase 6 lenses for the Mamiya and my 4x5.

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

Hello. Sorry for bringing up an old thread. I'm curious. I'm about to buy a RB67 Pro S body (without WLS) rated BGN from KEH. I'm a little worried on the bellows and mechanical stuff. Body marks, I don't really mind. Anyone would share/advice? Thanks.

Jeff Kubach · Feb 16, 2011

As I mention before, My Pro S body was rated at BGN and it was quite good. If you have any problems with the bellows or the mechanical stuff you can return it.

Jeff

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

Yeah, but probably I just need some assurance from experienced buyers like you. What about the bellows? Tear/pinhole free?

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

Jeff Kubach said:
As I mention before, My Pro S body was rated at BGN and it was quite good. If you have any problems with the bellows or the mechanical stuff you can return it.

Jeff

Do I need to pay for the shipping?

eSPhotos · Feb 16, 2011

Based on my experience (only 2 buys but 4 cameras), I think buying a BGN grade is a luck of the draw. My BGN grade M645 AE Prism had an issue with contacts which my local repairer fixed. Second problem was my Contax RTS camera. The light meter was jumping in 2 stops. KEH however refunded fully including return postage from Australia - who can beat that service.
Yes I will buy BGN graded gear from them again.

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

Great. But if I'm not mistaken, the return policy is valid 14 days from invoice given. I'm from Malaysia. I doubt the shipping to Malaysia even take maximum of 2 weeks. So that would probably mean I wouldn't be able to return just in case something bad happens.

eSPhotos · Feb 16, 2011

If I can recall correctly, their policy for overseas purchase is 'no-return'. However this policy does not apply if the item is faulty and not disclosed in the description.
They will listen to you if you have any concerns - the reason why people speak so highly of KEH.

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

So should I? lol. I'm actually waiting for their email reply. One of their staff replied me this morning. I'm still feeling doubtful. I'm afraid the bellows are torn

tkamiya · Feb 16, 2011

KEH guarantees pieces are functional even for BGN grade. The only grade that KEH does not guarantee anything is AS-IS.

The only purchase that didn't work out so well for me was BGN grade back for M645. It developed issues and found out too late to do anything about it. At $29, loss was minimal so I just gave it way on APUG as parts only. I usually buy EX or higher and EX+ or higher for lenses. I'm kind of picky about things.

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

You're right. I emailed them asking whether RB67 Pro S Body at least EX is available or not, but came back negative. They have one but it comes with WLF. I already have WLF so wouldn't spend extra on it since Shipping charges are quite expensive already.

hpulley · Feb 16, 2011

The one worry with the old bodies and backs is the foam has probably deteriorated though for $12+$4 shipping you can get new pre-cut seals for body and two backs from Japan and change them yourself in a matter of hours (scrape out old gooey foam, clean with alcohol, apply new seals). Otherwise these things are built like tanks. The shutters can go in old lenses but otherwise the body really doesn't do very much, the really complicated stuff is in the back and lens. You can get lenses for dirt cheap, RB67 equipment is down to doorstop and paperweight prices really.

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

What about the bellows at BGN grade? Do you guys think okay? I'm a little paranoid. lol.

tkamiya · Feb 16, 2011

It probably has a hole about a size of football....

morrishilarian · Feb 16, 2011

Haha. So funny. That helped a lot.

Paul Sorensen · Feb 16, 2011

I have purchased two bargain grade RB67 bodies from KEH. Neither had any mechanical problems or bellows problems. I understand your concern since returning a camera is not a good option for you. Unfortunately, pin holes in the bellows are a defect that they might not catch, since they do not shoot and develop film with each body they sell. If you ask, however, they may be willing to do an extra detailed check before shipping to you. At least it is worth asking.

KEH Bargin Mamiya RB67 Bodies?

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