KEH Camera “bargain” lenses

[Ben Calwell]

Has anyone on the forum ever purchased a “bargain” graded lens from KEH? Are they decent users?

[Oslolens]

No, but that is one example only: 55mm Pentax SMC 67 with deep mark on front lens.

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[BrianShaw]

I’ve looked at a few and wouldn’t waste my time even hoping they are worth the effort. Who knows, though…

[Ari]

Yes, they're very good for the most part.
They sell 100% working equipment, so bargain condition refers to its looks.
You can always call and ask them about a specific item (fungus, shutter speeds, etc).

[Tin Can]

I have sold Digi to and buy mostly Bargain from KEH

They have free returns

You cannot lose

[j.e.simmons]

Bargain has been pretty good and working. I’ve bought all kinds of stuff including lenses.

I turned to Ugly for some Sally Mann style LF lenses. You get what you get with those.

[abruzzi]

hell, I've bought a number of ugly and as-is lenses, from KEH and have usually been happy. BGN are in my experience are frequently very good. The best I got was an as-is Kodak Ektar 203mm ƒ7.7 for $60. Its one of my favorite lenses now, and all it needed was a little shutter cleaning (it didn't always stay cocked).

[Ben Calwell]

Thanks, all. I’ve been tempted by some of their offerings, but have been reluctant to “pull the trigger,” as they say.

[domaz]

Bargain lenses from KEH are very good. Usually much better than playing the odds with Ebay even when you can see pictures (which almost never show flaws because it's so hard to photograph them for most people). As-is is a crap shoot, but sometimes can be worth it if you are ok with ending up with a "parts" lens.

[Pieter]

If you set aside some time to inspect and test the lens when it arrives, you have 21 days to return it and get a full refund. You might have to pay for shipping, not sure about that. The do have a service department so I suspect most items are inspected and can be repaired if necessary. My local service technician has limited what he will repair nowadays and refers what he doesn't to KEH or Harry Fleenor for Rolleiflex TLRs.

[tomwilliams]

Has anyone on the forum ever purchased a “bargain” graded lens from KEH? Are they decent users?
Ben, I purchased two enlarger lenses from KEH about 9 months ago, both 'Bargain' grade. I thought both lenses looked much better than the 'Bargain' description implied. To date, I've had nothing but entirely satisfactory dealings with KEH.
cheers
Tom

[abruzzi]

Bargain or better and they will CLA the item if you find obvious flaws (not sure they'd do it for slightly off shutter speeds, but I bought a bargain F2SB that was capping at 1/2000 and 1/1000, and they CLA'd it for no charge.)

[MAubrey]

KEH Bargain lenses are superb. They're usually far above what you'd expect for "Bargain" to be. And they have an excellent return policy if you change your mind. I got a Hasselblad Zeiss 110mm f/2.0 Planar for a song from KEH.

[Paul Ron]

never had any issues with bargain rated items including lenes. bargain is cosmetic n not functional. ive gotten lenses in excelent condition with minor wear on the barrel, never for bad glass.

you can always return it if you arent satisfied.

[Ben Calwell]

Appreciate the feedback.

[Timmyjoe]

Like stated above, I've bought numerous cameras and lenses from KEH marked "Bargain", some were very good, some, not so much. They are good about taking things back if you are not satisfied though.

Best,
-Tim

[Eric Woodbury]

I purchased a 'bargain' 35mm camera from KEH. Only thing 'wrong' was someone had removed the camera's name from the top plate. Somehow, carefully, removed the camera name, etc. silk screen. Other than that, it was perfect.

There may have been a bargain 4x5 lens, too. Minor defect, but a great deal and very workable. In those days, I called them and asked why the rating. They'd pull it out of stock and call me back. Not sure how the online service works. I haven't bought a lens from them in a long time.

[Ironage]

“Bargain” at KEH is good user equipment. “Ugly” will be down graded in some way. I love the company and would buy more equipment from them if they had what I was looking for. Don’t let your onld stuff sit around, sell it to KEH.

[ethics_gradient]

KEH used to be known for under-rating the quality of their gear, but that hasn't been the case for a while.

I got burned by a "BGN" Hasselblad 50mm ten years ago when I was living in Japan - the filter ring was very obviously bent in and filters would not screw on to the lens. By KEH's own grading system it should have been UG. True, I could have returned it, but looking at completed auctions on eBay for similar condition lenses, I would have come out behind after footing the bill for shipping and buying a real "BGN" quality lens, so I sucked it up and kept it as a lesson learnt.

I no longer shop with KEH.

[Tin Can]

I have dumped Digi on KEH as I would not sell the 'stuff' to any person


“Bargain” at KEH is good user equipment. “Ugly” will be down graded in some way. I love the company and would buy more equipment from them if they had what I was looking for. Don’t let your onld stuff sit around, sell it to KEH.

[Jim Andrada]

Long history of buying from KEH. I've never had a problem regardless of the rating. "Bargain" has always turned out just fine.

I've sold stuff to them as well - obviously it isn't the way to get the "best" price since they have to turn around and re-sell it, but I'd say they were fair about pricing and they pay quickly - I sold some stuff to the traveling KEH guys a few years ago and they payed right on the spot.

[Wayne]

Reports elsewhere are that quality has declined in the last couple years. I've had good luck in the past with their bargain items but haven't purchased in several years

[Jim Andrada]

I just got a wide angle Fuji GX680 bellows from them and their description was conservative. Haven't bought any lenses from them in quite a while though. I probably need to sell a couple of dozen rather than buying any more.