B&H or Adorama

I have been browsing the used equipment selections at both B&H and

Adorama for about a month now. I have noticed that Adorama's prices

are consistently lower for equipment in similarly described condition,

sometimes significantly so... Am I overlooking something?

My opinion only...

 

They're the first two that I go to (online) when I need anything NEW. But I wouldn't buy anything USED from either B&H or Adorama, UNLESS I can physically inspect it at the store BEFORE buying.

 

For used equipment, I go to KEH.com first.

Just one data point, but I've had better experiences with B&H than Adorama in the area of fulfillment; i.e. timely processing and shipment of my orders.

I too buy my used cameras from KEH. But everything else I buy, comes from B&H.

Thanks everyone!

B&H has a better selection of quality stuff. Adorama is hit & miss. I've shopped and bought used at both locations. One piece of advice.....avoid most digital used cameras unless you can verify their history. Film cameras can take some rough handling and still operate fine. In my opinion, digital camera bodies are a different story. I also think most used digital cameras at both dealers are overpriced.

I haven't bought used from either, though I'm a frequent (and enthusiastic) user of B&H and have bought a number of times from Adorama, too, with good experiences. I've looked at used items in person at both stores and B&H definitely charges a premium over Adorama's price for the same equipment.

 

Given my good experience in dealing with each store, I don't think you'd have a problem, as equipment that isn't in the condition you want could be returned.

 

However, all of that said, I have bought A LOT of used equipment from KEH. Their rating system is extremely conservative (bargain grade items are what most places would rate as EX or EX+). You get a seven day return period, no questions asked (I've only had to do this once in 20-30 purchases). For used items, I can't recommend them highly enough.

my experiences with B&H are fantastic, but with Adorama i had problems with them calling to confirm my order, trying to sell me additional stuff. all in all not a good experience. I just got two new lenses from KEH as well, and their service is great. I'll only order from Adorama as a last resort.

I've had good results from both Adorama and B&H for new stuff, but I think B&H has a little edge on quick fulfilment, and a more informative web site. I get all my used stuff from KEH, though. Their bargain grade is a real bargain.

Read the user reccomendations for Camera Shops. The increase of bad reviews for Adorama of late is not an accident.

Go with KEH for used gear and you'll get the best price and the most honest and reliable rating system. I wouldn't buy used from B+H or Adorama unless I could inspect the stuff firsthand. I've bought used inside B+H's store and been satisfied, but they generally sell used film gear at "pre-digital age" prices and needless to say its no bargain these days.

I agree that KEH is the better source for used equipment. However, one thing I HAVE bought used from B&H and Adorama with good results is filters. I think used filters, especially polarizers, are a good buy as long as you know the brand you're getting. I would think other small accessories would also be safe.

I woudln't even bother with used equip. from either of those places. KEH is the way to go -- cheaper than either of the 2 you mentioned and usually their "bargain" stuff is as good as what other people will describe as "excellent", and they have an EXCELLENT return policy.

KEH's prices for used equipment is higher, but they sell quality stuff and their warranty is great. Used equipment is a risk from anyone, but KEH is as close to no-risk as you can do.

 

I've bought new from both B&H and Adorama, but the past couple of times I've used Adorama, I've gotten that "call us back to confirm" email and it been someone trying to sell me either filter outfits or extended warranties, and nothing is more annoying. My buying history at B&H is such a long list I'm afraid to open it up and count the number of transactions (and you can do that), and they have NEVER done that to me, not once.

I've bought quite a bit of used equipment from KEH, nearly all of it "bargain" grade, and all but one item was excellent. I returned a "bargain" Mamiya RZ67 body--even though it looked worked great, it had one small external clue that indicated extreme internal gear wear (something you have to know what to look for); they accepted the return without any problem. I wouldn't hesitate to order a "bargain" item from them, if it was something I really wanted.

 

B&H is my first choice for most new items--they are very quick (selecting 2-day delivery also ensures they put it into shipment the same day, if you order in the morning) and they nearly always have everything in stock. The only bad thing is that they do charge the card when you order, even if the item has to be back ordered.

 

Adorama is my second choice--they aren't quite as quick and their stock isn't as complete, but at least they don't charge your card until they ship. I operate solely online, so I haven't experienced their "hard telephone sell." I notice, though, that Adorama is actually quite a small physical operation, especially compared to B&H...kind of like a corner grocery store going toe-to-toe online with Wal-Mart.

You can get a real bargain with used items at Adorama. Their return policies are at least as good as B&H. I've bought 6 or 7 used items from Adorama that were real bargains and ended up returning two items (no questions asked).

I see prices average out to be the same. One store has some merchandise more expensive than the other place and some is cheaper. similar inventory, BH has a bit more. For a while I thought the same company ran them. BH has been great for about 15 purchases, only returning merchandise when I found out it was something that didn't fit my needs.