using KEH Camera

Well, since Dietrich is already posting his experiences with B&H, I would like to ask folks around here, what are your experiences with KEH Camera? They have a lens that is of interest for me, but they don't reply to my mails. So is there somebody specific within KEH that I should ask about large format lenses?

Cheers,
Marko

Marko, I haven't actually talked with any specific person at KEH. I've always just ordered from their web site but I have bought somewhere near twenty lenses from them (six of which have been large format) over the years and haven't had a single bad experience. I find their equipment ratings to be conservative and in every case the quality of the lens is as good or better than the rating they list for it. I've been very happy with them.

I have bought LF lenses from KEH, along with other things. They are excellent. I have no reservations at all about recommending them.


Kent in SD

Marko, I have bought and sold through them for over 15 years without any issues. When I say that, I did need to return a lens only once and they admitted it had the issue I pointed out to them and they gave me a like replacement without hesitation.

I have received excellent service from KEH in both purchase of gear and repairs. Highly recommended.

-PB

I have over the last 5 years purchased film camera bodies, digital bodies and numerous
lenses along with flashes. I personally think their rating system is very conservative meaning
the equipment is in far better condition than what I expected when I purchased it. Never had
to send anything back, I endorse them wholeheartedly! Now go buy your lens.

Jim A.

We've bought a lot over the years, both by phone and on the web. Superb service and the products always fit the description. I've got to say too, that when we've had questions and picked up the phone, we were always connected to very knowledgeable individuals who were immensely helpful. They're one of our two principal sources when we are problem solving (The other is Calumet in Chicago).

Along the lines of "truth in advertizing" I do know one individual who recently had some problems with them regarding a lens purchase and was not satisfied with the experience, but I don't recall the troublesome details. For very selfish reasons I sincerely hope that was an unusual experience, because we depend on keh when we really need help.

Keep us posted on how your experience turns out.

I've purchased a couple of LF lenses from KEH. I was happy with them every time. KEH is on my "A" list. Another reliable source for used LF gear is Midwest Photo Exchange.

Cheers,

I will also echo that my experiences have been positive purchasing from KEH and agree that what I've received in in better condition than the rating system. Because of that I actually ordered a "bargain" LF lens (Fuji 135) and I couldn't believe how clean it was.

Having said, and considering that they deal in USED equipment, it doesn't surprise that occasionally you get something that you may have to return. Heck, you buy a brand new car, computer, camera or whatever and there will always be a percentage of items that fail, are lemons or whatever - and those are brand new. So in the end, KEH had developed a pretty good rep for dealing in used equip.

Lon

The guys at KEH are excellent. Very much service oriented, easy to deal with, and reasonable (not cheap) prices. In my experience they rate their used equipment very conservatively. I've talked with several different people over the years but don't recall any names, sorry!

KEH is also a great source for new equipment. I purchased a new nikon 300mm f4 lens from them in January and they had the best price over any of the big guys on the net.
MK

I've order from KEH on several occasions and have been very happy with them.. They have a reputation for undergrading the equipment (to your, as a buyer's, favor). I'd sya it is pretty accurate.

I have also bought a lot from Midwest Camera. It helps that they are 5 miles from where I live, but I wouldn't go there if I wasn't happy. I'm actually rooting for the demise of another local camera shop I avoid at all costs, to help Midwest's business.

Ok, Dan, who's demise are you rooting for?

By the way, I've been to Midwest only twice (in the past 20 years). It's a long way from Cincinnati to Columbus. I got a great bargain the first time, but found nothing I wanted the second time. It was still fun to look through all the stuff they had. I have to wonder how they're doing in this digital age.

Pete D.

OK, so I'll set my fears aside since it looks that lack of communication through their mail, although it's odd, isn't a deal stopper. Thanks folks!

Marko

Interesting, I have not been able to get on their website today, and I've tried calling 3 different numbers none of which are ringing through. Unfortunately for me I didn't receive an overnight shipment from them that was due today.

I have sold to and bought from KEH with no complaints. They are very good at answering questions and excellent in all other customer service aspects, at least that's been my experience with them.

The times I purchased from them the used gear was received in better condition than their description. They were good to me.

I have bought from and sold to KEH with no problems. I did decline their offer on a couple of items I wanted to sell because it was lower than I was willing to part with them for, but I understand they have to make a profit. I also have to be careful in purchasing used items from them because I live in Georgia and I have to pay sales tax on items bought in state. This sometimes puts their excellent or better grade items very close in price to a new item if I buy from out of state with no tax.

Bruce

I love KEH!
It has been my experience that their condition descriptions are very very conservative and I have ALWAYS been happy with my purchases!