Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a used camera from B&H Photos with an Item Condition grade of 8. The cameras are stored in the warehouse, so I cannot get photos. The salesperson would only say an 8 means it has scuff marks from normal usage. I know B&H has a good reputation, but I'm not sure if it's worth just paying the extra money for a higher graded camera.

Does anybody have experience with used purchases from B&H that would be willing to steer me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance!

If you get it and don't like the condition, they'll take it back.

I bought a refurbed 1d2 that I had to return a week later because the shutter went out. I'm certain that was just bad luck, but that is my only experience buying from their used dept. They were very friendly and helpful with the return. I would say you should be able to purchase with confidence. Others I'm sure will have more to say.

From what I heard/concluded they seem to underrate their items, so it should be in pretty good condition. As stated it's returnable.

If you do return it, unless you press them, you may have to pay the return shipping. I always deicide my top price I am willing to pay and if the better grade fits in that price range then I buy it and skip the worries about a lesser grade.

From my experience, I think that KEH grades are conservative, B&H grades are a little conservative but usually pretty close to true and Adorama sometimes misses the mark.

My limited experience with B&H used equipment has been positive but their ratings are not too conservative. An "8" will probably show a fair amount of wear and small dings. The kind of wear that I (personally) think is normal but many people here on the B&S board believe that even a few scuff marks is enough to reject a purchase. If you do not mind a few scuff marks, small dings, or brassing then it could be a good deal FWIW, I've seen camera bodies that looked immaculate that had well over 100,000 actuations and visa-versa. The good thing about B&H is that you can return the camera (no questions asked) if you are unhappy with it.

HTH,
Omar

yeah, from what i've seen online and in person at the store, i personally think they over-rate their products in the "used" department meaning if they state an 8, its prob a 7 or lower. you would have better luck and price getting it from a forum instead.

just my .02

I called back, found out they had an 8+ available, and purchased that one. The + cost me $20, but it give me more peace about it for some reason. If it's unacceptable, I'm out about $11 shipping each way. If it looks decent and takes the kind of pics a 20D should when used properly, then I'll think it's a smoking deal! I'll let you know. Thanks for everybody's input. This is a great forum.

Here's their rating system:
10 Preowned equipment, but appears as new
9+ Shows little or no signs of wear
9 Shows signs of use, but very clean
8+ Shows moderate wear or finish marks
8 Well used - may exhibit "dings" or finish marks

I've been buying new and used from B&H for many years. I think their ratings are in synch with what the product is really like. If it isn't, you can always send it back for a full refund.

I've not had one, single issue with B&H over the years with any item I've ever purchased, including brand new ones I've sent back more than once before I received a good copy.

I will take B&H over Adorama any day (in fact, I stopped doing business with Adorama over a year ago), and I consider KEH a close second to B&H ... just not quite as efficient an organization as B&H.

- Steve

I agree with Rachel, Omar and Steve. Most of my lens purchases from B&H have been new, but I have bought two "9" lenses from them. I think their condition assessment was right on the money. I would expect an "8" would show brassing and slight paint loss on metal surfaces (if it has any), light dings and blems. The glass should be clean and clear, with no marks, haze of other gunk.

rachp wrote:
Adorama sometimes misses the mark.

I apologize if you have received less than satisfactory service in the past; our returns policy is as follows: if you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 14 days of receipt for an exchange or refund.
You are also covered for 90 days from receipt of an item, to return it for repair if required.

If any customer would like pictures emailed out while deliberating over a purchase, I would be delighted arrange it. We also have the software to be able to advise on the number of actuations on many (although not yet all) of the units we carry).

Yes, mistakes do happen, which is why if there are ever any concerns or queries relating to an order from Adorama, I am always available for help and support.

Sincerely

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com

veroman wrote:

I will take B&H over Adorama any day (in fact, I stopped doing business with Adorama over a year ago), and I consider KEH a close second to B&H ... just not quite as efficient an organization as B&H.

- Steve

Hi Steve

I was a bit puzzled and surprised to read your posting that you stopped doing business with us!!! Are you mixing us up with someone else?.....

Regards

Helen

In my experience, equipment condition rating dependability is not something which is easy to monitor over time, unless one is buying regularly in large quantities.

Right now, I'd say Adorama and KEH ratings are similarly dependable......the difference being that Adorama's prices are reasonable, their shipping is prompt, and all associated administrative processes, such as refund issuance, seem efficient. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about KEH.

I do have some reservations about the B&H Used Dept. quality of service, however, I am still testing them.

oster wrote:
veroman wrote:
I will take B&H over Adorama any day (in fact, I stopped doing business with Adorama over a year ago), and I consider KEH a close second to B&H ... just not quite as efficient an organization as B&H.

- Steve

Hi Steve
I was a bit puzzled and surprised to read your posting that you stopped doing business with us!!! Are you mixing us up with someone else?.....
Regards
Helen

Helen: sorry if I what I said offends, but it's a truthful statement. I WILL take B&H over Adorama, and I DID stop doing business with Adorama over a year ago. To the best of my recollection, I've bought nothing from Adorama in the past 12 months. Yes, there are times when Adorama will have something I need or want or will have it at a price that's rather tempting. So I look into it.

That last foray and investigation into something Adorama had online (just this past week) was one of those rare moments that I looked into a hard-to-find piece of gear from your organization and, as you well know, it turned out to be a poor experience. Surprise, surprise.

At this point, I can only characterize my relationship with Adorama as akin to someone who's in a relationship with an abusive partner: the abusive partner apologizes, and the one who's abused accepts the apology (many, many time over) and moves forward with the abuser as if things are going to change ... but they never do.

I know you're trying to improve things there, and I wish you the best of luck in success in bringing those much needed changes about. I also know that many people have good experiences and good relationships with Adorama. I'm just not one of them, and I don't think I can attribute that simply to a streak of bad luck.

Regards,
Steve

veroman wrote:
Helen: sorry if I what I said offends, but it's a truthful statement. I WILL take B&H over Adorama, and I DID stop doing business with Adorama over a year ago. To the best of my recollection, I've bought nothing from Adorama in the past 12 months. Yes, there are times when Adorama will have something I need or want or will have it at a price that's rather tempting. So I look into it.

That last foray and investigation into something Adorama had online (just this past week) was one of those rare moments that I looked into a hard-to-find piece of gear from your organization and, as you well know, it turned out to be a poor experience. Surprise, surprise.

At this point, I can only characterize my relationship with Adorama as akin to someone who's in a relationship with an abusive partner: the abusive partner apologizes, and the one who's abused accepts the apology (many, many time over) and moves forward with the abuser as if things are going to change ... but they never do.

I know you're trying to improve things there, and I wish you the best of luck in success in bringing those much needed changes about. I also know that many people have good experiences and good relationships with Adorama. I'm just not one of them, and I don't think I can attribute that simply to a streak of bad luck.

Regards,
Steve


It was because of the discussion we had about the auction that I was surprised - and no, I'm certainly not offended.
I don't doubt that you've had some poor experiences - goodness only knows how much chasing around I do to put things right!
I think there's a crucial difference between the abusive partner who is plain mean, and an employee who is, well, 'not so clued up' so he messes up.............not an excuse for bad service, I know, but I think that on the whole the hearts are in the right place and improvements - though slow in some cases - are happening.

Sincerely

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com
www.adorama.com

How do you pull up used gear at B+H?

Rich Swanner wrote:
How do you pull up used gear at B+H?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/category/2870/Used_Equipment.html

PetKal wrote:
I do have some reservations about the B&H Used Dept. quality of service, however, I am still testing them.

And they have done well on the latest purchase, a condition "9" 1DsMkII.
A well graded piece of gear too because the camera looks practically new, 10,000 actuations, and it came complete with the box and all accessories. Paid only a bit more than what they typically go for on different B&S boards and e-Bay, but hassle free and no risk purchase is worth the money in my books.

When I get used at B&H I go for the "9's". Every 9 I got looks like a well care for item that would pass almost as new. I picked up a Nikon D2x, that looked pretty much brand new and showed 1,800 click with Opanda.