Am I the only one having problems with KEH?

KEH? Please let me know and delete this if threads about a another photo equipment website isn't allowed.

 

I have been buying from KEH on and off for a while and have never had problems... until now. The last month has produced three lenses with distant infinity focus problems and one with haze on an inner element. The first was an "excellent" Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 that arrived with a problem with distant infinity. Because I waited over 14 days to catch the problem, I was left with the choice of replacing it or returning without a refund. I was told the only other 50mm they had was in "bargain" condition but had nothing that would affect the photos. That arrived last week and, again, had distant infinity problems and very visible inner mold spores growing off the edge. Because I have no other options left it's been put up for sale elsewhere.

 

Second lens was an "excellent" Olympus OM 28mm f3.5 that arrived with haze on an inner element. I caught it this time and returned it for another one in excellent condition. This one arrived, again, unable to focus to infinity at a distance. I will now need to call them again for an exchange or refund.

 

I don't want this to sound like a venting post but this has frustrated me quite a bit. It takes time to reconcile these problems. Is KEH becoming too big for themselves or do they just not properly test and inspect the equipment they take in? Though their prices tend to be higher, I could usually depend on service. Just wondering if this is a fluke or a slide in service quality.

 

Bryan

I've had good luck with KEH's Nikkor lenses, but their camera bodies have given me problems.

 

I bought 2 Nikon FM's from them a while back. Right after I opened the box and started trying one out, the camera made a weird twang when the shutter was fired a couple of times. Next thing I know, the shutter locks up completely. Sent that one back the same day I received it.

 

The second camera seemed okay, but a couple of days later, it too began making a twang when the shutter was fired. I figured I'd send that one back too for a refund before the shutter locked up on it.

are you sure the lens wont focus properly or perhaps your viewfinder is off? does this happen with other lenes in your kit?

 

check the focus at the film plane to confirm it. put a ground glass on the film plane, focus your lens and check the gg?

 

also with no lens on, are the markings on the screen sharp in focus when you look through?

 

do you wear glasses?

are you sure the lens wont focus properly or perhaps your viewfinder is off? does this happen with other lenes in your kit?

 

check the focus at the film plane to confirm it. put a ground glass on the film plane, focus your lens and check the gg?

 

also with no lens on, are the markings on the screen sharp in focus when you look through?

 

do you wear glasses?

 

I honestly do appreciate you keeping me honest. No, I do not wear glasses but have contacts (and they are presently in). I have an Olympus OM-2n and the 200mm, 135mm, and 50mm all reach infinity (plus a tiny bit extra) when tested at long distances. Concerning the Pentax 50mm I have two film bodies: the ME Super and MX. They both showed identical results while my other lenses (another 50, a 28, and a 75-150) reached infinity.

 

I do not mean to turn this into a flame thread which targets KEH. It may very well be that I hit a rough patch with them. I do intend to call tomorrow and politely explain the problem.

 

Edit: One more thing about the Olympus 28mm: The infinity focus comes very close but the lines on the focus screen just don't quite match up. How close is close enough?

Edited June 26, 2018 by bryaneberly

KEH? Please let me know and delete this if threads about a another photo equipment website isn't allowed.

 

I have been buying from KEH on and off for a while and have never had problems... until now. The last month has produced three lenses with distant infinity focus problems and one with haze on an inner element. The first was an "excellent" Pentax-M 50mm f1.7 that arrived with a problem with distant infinity. Because I waited over 14 days to catch the problem, I was left with the choice of replacing it or returning without a refund. I was told the only other 50mm they had was in "bargain" condition but had nothing that would affect the photos. That arrived last week and, again, had distant infinity problems and very visible inner mold spores growing off the edge. Because I have no other options left it's been put up for sale elsewhere.

 

Second lens was an "excellent" Olympus OM 28mm f3.5 that arrived with haze on an inner element. I caught it this time and returned it for another one in excellent condition. This one arrived, again, unable to focus to infinity at a distance. I will now need to call them again for an exchange or refund.

 

I don't want this to sound like a venting post but this has frustrated me quite a bit. It takes time to reconcile these problems. Is KEH becoming too big for themselves or do they just not properly test and inspect the equipment they take in? Though their prices tend to be higher, I could usually depend on service. Just wondering if this is a fluke or a slide in service quality.

 

Bryan

Very unusual in my experience. One thing people have always liked about KEH is their rating for product was always very conservative. An excellent was always just that. Also their customer service has always been good as well. Its too bad about missing your deadline for return. But I would (assuming you haven't) definitely let them know about their ratings being off like that. Just never have heard that about them. I'm fairly sure they would want to know about it.

not keeping you honest but ive gotten repair jobs with similar complaints which generally arent the lenses to blame but the old eyes, and or, out of adjustment prism n diopters.

 

sorry to hear KEH isnt doing their quality control and reputable customer service they are so well known for. i have been dealing with them for many years, only had one problem they took care of right away.

Everybody has a 'bad' day once in a while. Let's hope that is all that is happening here

 

My experience with them over many years is that they are very solid.

Everybody has a 'bad' day once in a while. Let's hope that is all that is happening here

 

My experience with them over many years is that they are very solid.

 

So far I have had good luck with KEH. The one problem I had was quickly remedied. I hope it was an isolated event.

Thank you to everyone who responded. Again, my original post was not meant to rail against KEH and call them out as an incompetent company. They have always given me great service and I was only slightly concerned about a recent rough streak of needing to return lenses. And as some here explained, they have always sought to fix any problems that develop. After calling and explaining the problem to their return department they, as always, graciously responded and an exchange is underway. Thank you to KEH for the 1st class service. I look forward to using the Olympus 28 when it arrives. Edited June 30, 2018 by bryaneberly

My only problem with KEH is that they don't have any Ex+ examples of what I am looking for.

Thank you to everyone who responded. Again, my original post was not meant to rail against KEH and call them out as an incompetent company. They have always given me great service and I was only slightly concerned about a recent rough streak of needing to return lenses. And as some here explained, they have always sought to fix any problems that develop. After calling and explaining the problem to their return department they, as always, graciously responded and an exchange is underway. Thank you to KEH for the 1st class service. I look forward to using the Olympus 28 when it arrives.

My experience has been that they are not the business they once were. I have been disappointed with my Ebay purchase from them on several occasions.

That said, they have NEVER refused to Refund/Exchange an item if it was close to being their "fault".

So.......by with "confidence" and return the item if it is not what it should be. ;)

I don't have problem with KEH because I never deal with them. I am now looking for a good Nikon F2AS and I went to KEH. The way KEH operates I don't think I can buy from them. The only thing they list about the actual camera is EX and nothing else. Not even the serial number. While the picture in their website isn't of the actual camera but if it is I would not buy it because it's not good enough for me.

I don't have problem with KEH

Nor have I - ever. That said, Roberts Camera used is highly recommended - they don't have what you want right now, but the photos and info about the F2 they do have should be what you are looking for - they also answer queries.

In my personal and fairly frequent buys from KEH, even low-rated items have been pretty close to what eBay vendors tend to call "minty".

And they do stand back of what they sell.

 

On many items, their prices are below SOLD prices on eBay

Nor have I - ever. That said, Roberts Camera used is highly recommended - they don't have what you want right now, but the photos and info about the F2 they do have should be what you are looking for - they also answer queries.

I have not bought anything for awhile, but yeah.....I prefer Roberts as well.

...The way KEH operates I don't think I can buy from them. The only thing they list about the actual camera is EX and nothing else. Not even the serial number. While the picture in their website isn't of the actual camera but if it is I would not buy it because it's not good enough for me.

 

I only buy lenses from KEH because of your reasoning, and Lord knows I already have too many. I bought 2 cameras from KEH a couple of years ago, but one jammed up when I started testing it, and the other went back too because the shutter started making funny sounds like the other one did before it jammed.

 

As for Roberts ( usedphotopro.com ) I ordered 2 Nikon F2A's from them because the DO show photos of the actual camera/lens, and they list any defects. Unfortunately, both cameras were defective right out of the box, so they went back. I just recently gave them another chance and bought an excellent grade Nikon F3HP, and it works perfectly. Whenever I need filters or lens pouches, etc, however, Roberts is my GO TO dealer. I've also bought a couple or so lenses from them, and they've been great.

In my personal and fairly frequent buys from KEH, even low-rated items have been pretty close to what eBay vendors tend to call "minty".

And they do stand back of what they sell.

 

On many items, their prices are below SOLD prices on eBay

 

If you only buy bargain price item then I do think KEH is a good place because they really don't check their merchandise in my opinion.

If you only buy bargain price item

 

That's not what I said, and that's not what I do when I buy from them. I was merely pointing out that their ratings are very conservative.

I don't know whether it's still the case, but I think, with relation to serial numbers, KEH used to give that information if you called them on the phone.

 

I've not had problems with them over the years but haven't gotten anything in the last year or so.

A few years ago they struggled (or maybe customers struggled) with a redesigned website but all seems good now. I think I've ordered twice from them so far this year without a problem. In some categories they seem to have an abundance of inoperative or as-is gear, but for the collector I guess it's okay.