KEH still have a great reputation?

desmobob

Senior Member
Back in the film days, I bought a lot of used Nikkor glass from KEH and I don't remember ever being disappointed. On the contrary, really... most times I received lenses I thought were better than KEH's rating.

For the first time in many years, I ordered a used lens (Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm f/2.8 Ex cond.) from KEH. I know it's a bit late to ask, but do they still have the stellar reputation they had in the old days? Some of the ratings I saw on line were not that great... 3 of 5 stars, etc.
 

hark

Administrator
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Back in the film days, I bought a lot of used Nikkor glass from KEH and I don't remember ever being disappointed. On the contrary, really... most times I received lenses I thought were better than KEH's rating.

For the first time in many years, I ordered a used lens (Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm f/2.8 Ex cond.) from KEH. I know it's a bit late to ask, but do they still have the stellar reputation they had in the old days? Some of the ratings I saw on line were not that great... 3 of 5 stars, etc.

In the past I ordered 2 different Nikon lenses from keh. One was a zoom from the film days and the other a 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-D. Wound up returning both since they had issues. And both had the highest rating.

The zoom lens would stick at a certain focal length - as though it didn't want to zoom beyond that point. The 28-70mm f/2.8 had sticky aperture blades. Every so often, a shot would be over exposed even when back-to-back images were shot with identical EXIF. The blades weren't stopping down far enough.

So now I either use Allen's Camera or B&H for quality pre-owned lenses.
 

Texas

Senior Member
A recent thread, week ago, on dpreview forums about a KEH glitch that involved some bounced checks. All OK now.

KEH is having some new sales deals every few days it seems. Fills up my email with offers. They sold me some great stuff in years past.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
They are probably having financial issues with the down tend in the camera market. about 4 years ago I sent them a lens to sell and they jerked me around on the condition/price. I'll never deal with them again. Sticking to BH.
 

desmobob

Senior Member
I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best!

I had total trust in them in the film days. I bought some Nikon film bodies from them that were just wonderful. Most of my manual focus and a few auto focus Nikkors were also purchased there with not a single problem. Their used condition ratings were conservative, to say the least. I'll be disappointed if things have changed.
 

camera_nut

New member
l'll share my experiences with KEH. From about 2010-16 l bought from them regularly. Several times l bought gear in "EX" condition and it arrived more like bargain or ugly. But no big deal because they had a really good return/exchange policy. And a few times l bought something in bargain condition that looked like EX+. But in the past few years they're prices have seemed to go through the roof. They used to be very competitive vs what you could find on Ebay. Now l find much better deals on Ebay. And the items on KEH'S site have stock photos. So you can't see photos of the actual item.
 

hark

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I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best!

If you haven't received it yet, don't give up hope. I believe [MENTION=40915]Chris@sabor[/MENTION] bought a zoom lens from keh recently and was thrilled. Hopefully he will chime in. :encouragement:
 

desmobob

Senior Member
If you haven't received it yet, don't give up hope. I believe @Chris@sabor bought a zoom lens from keh recently and was thrilled. Hopefully he will chime in. :encouragement:

Thank you for the positive note! I just received an e-mail from KEH that the lens is shipping today. I'll be sure to post my impressions when I receive and test the lens. :cool:
 

hark

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Thank you for the positive note! I just received an e-mail from KEH that the lens is shipping today. I'll be sure to post my impressions when I receive and test the lens. :cool:

When searching for Chris' thread, I now realize he went with the 200-400mm lens through keh. The 80-400mm lens was one being considered. What he chose wasn't an inexpensive lens though. You can read about his journey as well as the outcome while you are waiting! ;)

https://nikonites.com/telephoto/43917-nikkor-200-400-vr1.html#axzz6Eb7nLrCE
 

Chris@sabor

Senior Member
My experience was great. Delivery was one day early, my lens was a EX+ and looked like brand new. Came with everything, Nikon bag, lens caps even the lens foot is arca/swiss compatable which I wasn't expecting. Lens functions perfectly and no dust inside. I'd but again with no hesitation. Thanks KEH!
 

desmobob

Senior Member
My lens arrived today and I'm very happy with it and KEH's service. The lens was listed by KEH as "Excellent" and was priced at $268.00 (New price at my favorite supplier is $399).

It appears to be 100% perfect with no marks on the exterior or glass, no dust, clean aperture blades, etc. It looks like it just came out of the box. The lens hood is very nice... it's flocked on the interior.

I did a quick indoor and outdoor test of the lens at various focusing distances and apertures and the autofocus operation and exposure is on the money. All I need to do is check the Tokina web site for an instruction manual so I can be sure of the len's limit switch operation.

After many years, it seems I'm still getting great service and value from KEH.
 

pendennis

Senior Member
I've been dealing with KEH for years, and I've never had a complaint about either the equipment I've bought, or the equipment I've sold them. I've bought lenses with their bargain ratings, and they've been in excellent condition; they've always seemed underrated, similar to the way many Japanese dealers rate. My last two lenses purchased were for my Bronica SQ-A, and they've performed excellently.

Everyone is not going to be satisfied, but they've been a great supplier for me.
 
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