No more AS-IS at KEH

[MFstooges]

I don't think that 12K strobe is digital exclusive.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

With respect to KEH, I've ordered a few things from them over the past four years. Only time I had an issue was with an F4s that had LCD bleed. It had LCD bleed as advertised, but, the real issue with the camera involved the mode switch. Sometimes would knock itself into "A" mode when I was in manual, without it actually moving. Considered returning it, but, since they can't guarantee that you'll get what you want, serial number-wise through the normal used channels, I wound up getting a $30 refund. So, an $85 F4s that, for the most part, was in working order.

Last spring, I got a DP-12 prism from them for $40 or so, when they were having the 15% off sale on AS IS items. They said it was inoperative and missing pieces. Got it, and it was missing one of the ears that held the nameplate on, and had a dent in the top of the shell. Popped it onto my F2 in place of the DP-11 that was on it (another KEH purchase, btw - the whole camera, that is). Turned on the meter. It worked. Compared it against the other Nikons I had lying around. Meter was spot-on. Got a couple pieces of gaffer's tape and taped the nameplate back into position. Used the camera for a few months like that. No problems. Actually sold off the DP-11 at the Seattle area swap meet. I have no qualms dealing with KEH.

I suspect the reason why the AS IS section disappeared was due to there being a lot of gear being sent in that direction. There was a ton of F2 and other Nikon bodies that were being sold as "Needs Foam, Untested". That was fine, when they had a glut of gear for sale in the regular used sections, but, I've noticed that their stock had recently become less on various items, so I'm thinking they're now testing those items and seeing if they function properly. If they do, they'll probably refoam them, pop finders on, if needed, and sell them with a warranty.

With respect to the other sellers that Marc B listed, I've dealt with two of them. Pacific Rim and Kenmore. Kenmore is the closest shop to me (literally 25 miles away). If the poster is complaining about some of the Nikon prices, I may be to blame. Some of that gear was stuff I owned, and, when they bought it from me, they paid too much. Case in point, their FM2n body. It's at the price they paid for it. Pacific Rim has been decent when I've bought stuff from them. I usually buy parts, accessories, and sometimes lenses from them. Haven't bought a body from them, though.

I did buy a few things from Adorama via eBay. Haven't had issues with the gear I've received. Same cannot be said about some private sellers or shops like Brooklyn Camera Exchange. Back in 1990, I got a Nikkormat FT2 kit with a 50/2 Nikkor-HC and a case. Was being advertised as being EX+ condition-wise. Body and glass were cosmetically that. But, shutter speed ring was off by a stop - camera would fire at 1 second when set on bulb - and the lens had a nice filter ring dent in it. Case was pretty worn out, too. Paid $200+shipping for it. Wish I'd decided to buy from KEH instead, even though the same kit would've been $250-$300 at the time.

-J

 

[BardParker]

KEH & Adorama

I have had nothing but great experiences dealing with KEH . Their lenses seem to be in better condition than the rating. Arthur is the one to ask for at KEH- he will make things right. I've bought BGN lenses for my Pentax 645N (75 SMC A; 45-85 SMC FA; and 3 Pentax K mount MF lenses that arrived in excellent condition. Even sent those lenses with a K1000 body (that I bought off this classified forum) to Eric Hendrickson for CLA but he pronounced the lenses in great shape with no need for any additional work.

Also bought a Nikon FE in EX- condition from Adorama last year. No issues whatsoever.

 

[HelenOster]

I agree 100% with the Adorama feedback, I used to order from them, but I've had too many issues. My girlfriend just bought a Nikon D4 and a Nikon 400 ƒ/2.8 from a certain NYC "superstore", but before that she almost ordered it from Adorama, had to stop her form that mistake.

I am always concerned to read comments like yours, and welcome the opportunity to investigate complaints and concerns. If we have an individual ‘rogue salesman’ and I can identify the person concerned I can advise the Sales Manager that additional training and support may needed for him - but I'd need you to email me with that information: Helen@adorama.com
If one or more of our policies or procedures is at fault, then again, I’d like to be able to learn more about this.

Adorama Camera has a clear Mission Statement (below). If from your point of view we are failing in one or more areas to deliver on that, I’d also be pleased to receive details from you.


ADORAMA CAMERA MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an unrivalled selection of high quality photographic media and astronomy products and services

To ensure competitive pricing and reliable delivery times

To deliver superior customer experience, education, advice and support to meet the needs of photographers and media enthusiasts worldwide

To establish a Company culture in which mutual co-operation, mutual trust, innovation, creativity and imagination are valued

To further develop a Company whose success is a reflection of the satisfaction of its customers' needs


I look forward to hearing from you

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

 

[EASmithV]

I've noticed they're selling it on ebay now.

 

[fstop]

I am always concerned to read comments like yours, and welcome the opportunity to investigate complaints and concerns. If we have an individual ‘rogue salesman’ and I can identify the person concerned I can advise the Sales Manager that additional training and support may needed for him - but I'd need you to email me with that information: Helen@adorama.com
If one or more of our policies or procedures is at fault, then again, I’d like to be able to learn more about this.

Adorama Camera has a clear Mission Statement (below). If from your point of view we are failing in one or more areas to deliver on that, I’d also be pleased to receive details from you.


ADORAMA CAMERA MISSION STATEMENT

To provide an unrivalled selection of high quality photographic media and astronomy products and services

To ensure competitive pricing and reliable delivery times

To deliver superior customer experience, education, advice and support to meet the needs of photographers and media enthusiasts worldwide

To establish a Company culture in which mutual co-operation, mutual trust, innovation, creativity and imagination are valued

To further develop a Company whose success is a reflection of the satisfaction of its customers' needs


I look forward to hearing from you

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

The heart of the problem is not your people, it is that there is no standard for used camera grades.People compare everyone to KEH and to be honest they grade things lower than everyone else.Their BGN could be someone elses EX.

 

[Leigh B]

Eugen,

As a prior customer you certainly knew the return/refund policy.

If you don't like it, you shouldn't order from them in the first place.

As to a part being "missing", that's an unsubstantiated statement. Why should they believe you?

- Leigh

 

[Roger Cole]

Well if I didn't live in the US I either wouldn't order from them or would accept the risk that I might have to ship something back and be willing to eat that, or the cost of the item if it's less than the shipping.

I do live in the US. I'm sure there are used camera dealers in, say, the UK as well but it never even occurred to me to buy from them. If I REALLY wanted something and couldn't find it in the US I might look abroad but I'd also understand there's more risk.

 

[HelenOster]

Well if I didn't live in the US I either wouldn't order from them or would accept the risk that I might have to ship something back and be willing to eat that, or the cost of the item if it's less than the shipping.

I do live in the US. I'm sure there are used camera dealers in, say, the UK as well but it never even occurred to me to buy from them. If I REALLY wanted something and couldn't find it in the US I might look abroad but I'd also understand there's more risk.

I can't speak for other retailers - but as Adorama has been mentioned in this thread - if we sent out a unit which wasn't functioning as it should, we'd cover the return cost.

 

[fotch]

I think it would be smart business to either cover the return cost if its your fault or just give the credit and tell them to discard. If you think the customer is pulling a fast one, then you decide whether you want the customer or not. Sounds like they made a bad choice.

 

[clayne]

In a way I think it would be abused. However in specific cases where it's obvious its keh's fault then yes I believe they should cover it.

 

[Oren Grad]

However in specific cases where it's obvious its keh's fault then yes I believe they should cover it.

I recently returned to KEH a lens that I felt had been seriously over-graded. When I called to request a return authorization the person who answered the phone asked what my concern was and listened sympathetically. After hearing the details, he said immediately - without my asking for it - that they would pay for the return shipping.

So on the one hand I was annoyed that they had wasted my time and energy with a mis-described item, but on the other, their response when I called was all one could hope for.

 

[BrianShaw]

@BrianShaw: Read the above before bigmouthing with your two dollars.

... so you are declining my offer, I assume. Oh well. It was just an offer. No "bigmouthing" involved. Enjoy your misery, pal.

 

[Leigh B]

However in specific cases where it's obvious its keh's fault then yes I believe they should cover it.

They do.

I recently returned a Sinar camera case for a 5x7 camera, which was not described as such when I bought it.

They paid for the return shipment, and refunded my entire purchase cost including shipping.

- Leigh

 

[Leigh B]

The heart of the problem is not your people, it is that there is no standard for used camera grades.

[I'm expanding on fstop's comment about Adorama.]
I agree that there's no objective basis for grading of used gear at Adorama (Helen... if you're listening).

Case in point:

On January 22 I ordered a used Elinchrom 500 monolight described as F condition ("Item works with certain malfunctions. Read comments for exact details.")

When received, the unit had obviously been disassembled.
All of the cover screws were missing; the covers were held in place with nylon tie-wraps.
One of the slide controls is completely gone. I haven't looked inside to see what other parts might be missing.

This should have been rated X ("Sold for parts only") or should never have been sold at all.

- Leigh

 

[fotch]

Leigh, did Adorama describe any of this or give any hint in their comments?

"Item works with certain malfunctions. Read comments for exact details."

 

[Leigh B]

It said something like "Blows fuses" IIRC.

Unfortunately there's no way to access the original description... Another shortcoming on Adorama, but not unique to them.

- Leigh

 

[HelenOster]

It said something like "Blows fuses" IIRC.

Unfortunately there's no way to access the original description... Another shortcoming on Adorama, but not unique to them.

- Leigh

The description is no longer available on the website because the product has been sold, but if you would like me to pull up the cached copy of the description I will do what I can, but you need to email me with more information so I can ID your order.

If you feel that you would like to keep a record of any used Adorama listing in the future, it might be useful to take a screenshot before completing your purchase.

If you are unhappy with the item, you have 30 days to return it, no questions asked.

In terms of grading consistency; we receive hundreds of used items into the inventory every single day - and have over 25,000 used items in the warehouse at any given time. This requires a team of people to assess and grade each item, and each one is graded independently by 2 different members of staff in an attempt to offer consistency.

If you feel that the information available on the website doesn’t meet your needs, it may be that calling in to the store to see and physically handle the item might be the way forward. Alternatively, you could call into the used department and ask a member of staff to talk you through the part, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions which might help you to better asses whether the unit will meet your needs.

 

[fstop]

Helen,

I think you misunderstood my comment. There is no industry standard for grading. KEH grades lower than most, but their market is used equipment.You just have to man up and train your people to grade to KEH standard,buy several KEH items and show your people what they are up against.