Any thoughts on buying bgn from KEH?

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I've had an M2 for a while now and I've been thinking of getting an M3 (my eyes aren't great and I mostly use my 50mm) and don't want to spend too too much money. I don't mind the idea of scrapes, big dents might bug me a bit but there's no way of getting any specific info on the camera that you'd get. Just wondering if you guys have any thoughts on buying one in bgn condition from KEH?</p>

<p>Best,<br>

Andrew</p>

<p>There are lots of threads on the bgn rating from KEH. Most importantly, they have a no questions asked return policy if you are not satisfied. I've bought bgn bodies and lenses from them for years, only had one I needed to return. They have a conservative rating policy.</p>

<p>I have always been pleased with BGN condition. It sets a good minimum standard, I have never received equipment that was worse than what I personally would consider "bargain" i.e. scuffed and worn but functional. Sometimes I receive equipment that I would rate as Very Good -- no blemishes at all, or even Mint, with that fresh shiny patina as though it just came out of the box.</p>

<p>I usually buy BGN and have never had an issue. As long as you don't object to a scratch or a missing speck of paint, they're optically good and KEH guarantees them. I have once used the guarantee -- defective shutter in lens, and it was replaced with no questions and an apology.<br>

<br />Their grading is very conservative.</p>

<p>I also wanted to say, I have been able to call KEH and speak with someone who could look at the cameras and describe them to me better. For example, when they have had two or three cameras listed in the same condition at the same price. They have been willing to say, "this one looks cleanest" or, "that one has a little scratch on the top plate" so I could make up my mind. Then I just order the camera right there over the phone.</p>

 

<p>David, I feel like I have too but I tried today and they told me they don't do that.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>KEH is good. I've bought and sold with them for years.</p>

<p>In general, I've had good experiences with KEH. However, I once got a BGN pan and tilt head from them, although it wasn't what I ordered. They had both a BGN and an EX+ head listed, none at UG. I ordered the EX+, and they evidently sent me the BGH. It had wear marks and, more important, didn't tighten properly in one of the axes. I sent it back for a refund, not an exchange. The return period is not long, and it's important to check equipment from them right away. It's easy to tell with a head, but a camera or lens will take more effort. I still buy from them.</p>

I've been buying from KEH and had repairs done with them for over 18 years. Not once have I been disappointed or felt

let down. Anything I've purchased at BGN condition would have been EXC by my standards. Great customer service. Buy

with confidence.

<p>Had several dealings with KEH all problem free.</p>

<p>I bought a Nikon rated bargain and the dome was caved in. However it was in good working condition and not that bad except looking like somebody dropped a bowling ball on it. I sent it back without issue. Since then I have stuck with EX or better. I just bought a Nikon FG in EX+ condition and it is really LN- as there was nothing to be found to detract from the body. It was only $39.00 and I use it with a 50mm f1.8 E series Nikon lens that I got for free. Just somebody giving away old stuff. Oh I bought a SB-15 flash at the same time for $8.00 and it was EX+ also. The FG/50mm f1.8E lens and the SB-15 makes a nice rig actually. I am having fun with it shooting Tri-X.</p>

<p>I've not bot a bgn product, but I've bought a several ex ex+ and yes, their ratings are very conservative. I think its pretty much my favorite place for used equipment.</p>

<p>Excellent company, with stellar reputation. I've bought several BGN bodies, and all have exceeded my expectation. Plus, their guarantee is best I've heard. Certainly better than auctions, where they never seem to know if something works, and grade minty to things that were used as hockey pucks.</p>

<p>I can't believe I spelled bought "bot" :( anyways yes, as Ken says, an excellent company, especially for used equipment.</p>

I bought a 50mm DR Summicron from them in Bargain condition. It was cosmetically like new because it appeared to

have lived its life in a cabinet. However it clearly needed service due to dried out lubricants. I kept it as it was the cleanest

and nicest Leitz glass from that era I have ever seen. Bargain grade can be hit and miss but the return policy can't be

beat. Just keep in mind you may need to service the M3.

<p>I've also bought several BGN items from KEH. To me, BGN means just that -- bargain! I've been very happy with the BGN items I've bought from them. Had a problem with a Pentax 6x7 metered finder drawing too much current and did a no-questions-asked exchange on it. Problem solved.</p>

I appreciate the feedback on this -- I've ordered from KEH in the past -- but today ordered my first BGN item - an Olympus E-M1 mark ii body. Really good price. Love my E-M1 mark i purchased used from London Camera Exchange in UK. I concur on KEH's no-questions-asked return policy. I sent back an Olympus E-M5 mark ii body when the battery got stuck -- did not want to come out of the body. For anyone in the UK, have also had good experience with camerajungle.co.uk with purchase and return of used gear -- in their case, two lenses that did not live up to expectations.

Three years later than the OP, I continue to suspect that sometimes BGN at KEH just means they don't wan't to mess with it anymore. Most of the BGN items I've bought from there have actually been close to pristine in condition.

Often their price is lower even than the "sold" items on eBay.

I've now made several BGN purchases from KEH -- am happy with them all. Placed a further BGN order today for an Olympus Pro lens. Best pricing for fully functional gear. This item priced nearly $200 under a LN- rated version and mine comes with a lens case. Edited October 18, 2020 by jimcharne

It's been a while since I've bought anything from KEH, due to prohibitive shipping costs overseas. But I've pleasantly surprised by their grading system in the past;

 

Bought a "Inoperative" Leica I, that was fine.

Bought a "Ugly" Leitz 5cm f1.5 Xenon that required a bit of work but turned out fine.

 

Can't argue with their "No questions asked" return policy either.