Question about buying used equipment

removed account4 · Aug 25, 2009

i think i bought from adorama years ago, before the interweb, when the only real source
of used-stuff was through ads in shutterbug. i have to admit i was happy with my purchase
of stainless steel developing tanks from them, i bought 4 of them i think, they were used,
and i never had trouble with them ... nothing recent though, from ado, bh or keh,
but i am sure you won't have trouble with any of the 3 if you call, ask the right questions
and get the answers you need.

another place you might look into for used equipment is http://www.collectiblecameras.com/
their sales staff is great, and their return policy is as well.
i bought my penft from them, and the original one i was going to get had a problem ..
their repair people checked it out before it went out, then the sales guy called me and told me the situation
and offered another, better one, for the same price ...

i am sure with any of the major players if you ask questions, and get answers you will be happy.
it is great that helen is a member here, so she can help when help is needed.

good luck! and welcome to thepug ..
john

HelenOster · Aug 27, 2009

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

Tony-S said:
Can anyone recommend loupes for examining 6x7 negs and slides? I've searched B&H and Adorama, but it's not clear as to which is suitable for examining such images. I have one for my 35mm film, but it has inadequate coverage for medium format.

You have a few choices:

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I hope this helps; do let me know if you need anything else.

Travis Nunn · Aug 27, 2009

Tony-S said:
Can anyone recommend loupes for examining 6x7 negs and slides? I've searched B&H and Adorama, but it's not clear as to which is suitable for examining such images. I have one for my 35mm film, but it has inadequate coverage for medium format.

I have a Mamiya 3.5x loupe which covers up to 6x7. I can't seem to find it new anywhere, but this is the one...
http://tinyurl.com/mt9hka

Its a great loupe.

Tony-S · Aug 30, 2009

Thanks to all who commented. I ended up getting a Bronica GS-1 6x7 with a 120 back, split-image/microprism screen, 100 mm f/3.5 lens, Speed Grip and an AE Finder for less than US$500 from Adorama. It handles like a big 35 mm camera. There's a small issue with it that Adorama will fix, but it's nothing major.

I'll get one of the magnifiers soon.

resummerfield · Aug 30, 2009

vdonovan said:
Helen, I am really impressed that Adorama monitors this forum and that you were on the ball with a straightforward answer. My opinion of Adorama has increased!

This has certainly raised my opinion of Adorama, too.

For years B&H has had a representativehenrypon this board. About a year ago I purchased a new lens from B&H and there was a small problem. I emailed Henry, and the problem was corrected IMMEDIATELY. I was very impressed, and as a result I patronize B&H whenever possible.

I've had problems with Adorama in the past, but now that Adorama has a representative here, I'll give them another try.

HelenOster · Aug 30, 2009

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

Tony-S said:
I ended up getting a Bronica GS-1 6x7 with a 120 back, split-image/microprism screen, 100 mm f/3.5 lens, Speed Grip and an AE Finder for less than US$500 from Adorama. It handles like a big 35 mm camera. There's a small issue with it that Adorama will fix, but it's nothing major.

If you need any help with that, then do let me know.

HelenOster · Aug 30, 2009

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

resummerfield said:
This has certainly raised my opinion of Adorama, too.

I've had problems with Adorama in the past, but now that Adorama has a representative here, I'll give them another try.

I'm always happy to help!

elekm · Aug 30, 2009

I am among those who had a very unpleasant experience with Adorama's used equipment purchase. It was several years ago and involved a $500 50mm Distagon for the Rolleiflex SL66, which I wasn't able to use right away. It was sold as being in excellent condition.

When I used the lens about six weeks later, I found that the front element had hundreds of fine scratches (cleaning marks). By that time, it was too late to do anything, so I just vowed that I wouldn't purchase anything (new or used) from Adorama, which so far I've been able to do.

I might give Adorama another chance.

bagdad child · Aug 30, 2009

I wholeheartedly recommend Ritzcam and National Camera Exchange (Natcam) for used gear.

Ritzcam: www.collectiblecameras.com

Natcam: http://www.natcam.com/usedcam/default.asp?USID={F0F78D84-F4D7-4DFB-8DC3-1AFD3D336CAD}

HelenOster · Aug 31, 2009

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

elekm said:
I might give Adorama another chance.

Mike, at this point I can only apologize for what happened back then and for the inconvenience that was caused to you by our failure to take adequate care in fulfilling your order.

From the description of your experience, in your position, I think I'd also be reluctant to consider ordering from Adorama in the future.

In spite of the time that has passed, if you would like to give Adorama another chance, please contact me directly: helen.oster@adoramacamera.com with the zip code, telephone number and email address you were using at the time. We can certainly try to identify your past customer record - and see whether we can do anything to make this up to you.

fotch · Aug 31, 2009

A couple of months ago I purchase a used Nikon RA finder on eBay and Adorama was the seller. I also needed a new adapter and wanted them ship together (save ship cost) and they were very cooperative.

The used finder looks very good and overall, very pleased. I seldom ordered from Adorama in the past however, with this positive experience, would do so again.

I also like the fact that they have a contact to help when needed.

jeffreyg · Aug 31, 2009

I also did not have a good experience with Adorama, the equipment was not in the condition they said even after I returned it and it was replaced.
I should have returned it again but I was disgusted, accepted my loss and never dealt with them again even for supplies. I did have good results with National Camera Exchange and Tamarkin albeit several years ago. All three involved Hasselblad equipment.

HelenOster · Aug 31, 2009

Message from Helen, Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

jeffreyg said:
I also did not have a good experience with Adorama, the equipment was not in the condition they said

Would you like to contact me with further details?

Question about buying used equipment

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