Is KEH Outlet worth it? So far I'm not impressed

[chris948]

I saw an "as is" auction that caught my eye, but the listing didn't make sense. I sincerely hope other KEH employees have better communication skills.

me - what part of the lens is inoperable?

them - the answer is "unknown" once we find anything not working, we stop testing... I am sorry that I cannot answer anything more than what is in the "condition" section

me - Your "condition" section says that the prime lens "zooms smoothly"

them - yes but it also mentions that the lens is inoperable.

Obviously at this point I give up. I would expect that from someone cleaning their attic, but from a company?

 

[Wm Karoly]

In the past KEH has been a very good source of glass. Their rating system is usually under rated. I have found Excellent is Like New. My last lens was a Canon 70-200 f4 USM and it is very very good. Of course I by via keh.com and not via an auction.

 

[wskb]

I wouldn't base your opinion of them on one item that that is 'as is'. Clearly they are not going to spend a lot of time and effort documenting a lens that doesn't work, there's no benefit to them. That's what 'as is' means, take it if you dare!

Plus, you can't expect one guy to know all the details of every second hand item in the store!

Perhaps apply a bit of realism here, frustrating as it may be!

 

[chris948]

I don't think realizing that a prime lens doesn't zoom is expecting a lot.

 

[rsn48]

I'm curious as to why you would want to purchase a lens that has a known repair issue, not condemning you, just curious?

 

[Just Some Geek]

I just popped over there for a look, and all I can say is, Are you kidding? Every as-is item I pulled up has a detailed explanation of what's wrong with it, plus illustrative photos -- or else a note that it was untested and can't be guaranteed to work. I looked at all the listed "as is" primes, all brands, both autofocus and manual, and didn't see any that were said to "zoom smoothly." The lenses sold in lots had itemized descriptions.

I'm not seeing what you described at all. Where's the listing?

ETA: I'm a longtime KEH customer. In my experience, their folks have great communication skills and are very knowledgeable and conscientious. On the rare occasions when I've needed it, they've always gone the extra mile to help me.

 

[chris948]

Just Some Geek wrote:

I just popped over there for a look, and all I can say is, Are you kidding? Every as-is item I pulled up has a detailed explanation of what's wrong with it, plus illustrative photos -- or else a note that it was untested and can't be guaranteed to work. I looked at all the listed "as is" primes, all brands, both autofocus and manual, and didn't see any that were said to "zoom smoothly." The lenses sold in lots had itemized descriptions.

I'm not seeing what you described at all. Where's the listing?

ETA: I'm a longtime KEH customer. In my experience, their folks have great communication skills and are very knowledgeable and conscientious. On the rare occasions when I've needed it, they've always gone the extra mile to help me.

I think I'll play the "are you kidding?" card with your searching skills. There is no detailed explanation, there are no "illustrative photos" (whatever the heck that means) and it says "zoom smoothly.

Loading…

cgi.ebay.com

As to the "why" question, I've repaired an AE-1, AE-1P, and a few FD lenses in the past, this probably would be a giant challenge but all I have is a hobbiest budget, and thought it might be worth a shot. I didn't bother though, because someone was willing to pay nearly as much for that "as is" as some working ones go for.

 

[JTAnFIA]

Look on their actual web site Chris.

Loading…

www.keh.com

 

[JTAnFIA]

I just looked and they have no lenses marked As-Is in the Canon manual focus section or EOS section. Do your homework before trying to bash KEH though. As these forums will attest, KEH is one of the most reputable used equipment dealers around.

 

[chris948]

JTAnFIA wrote:

I just looked and they have no lenses marked As-Is in the Canon manual focus section or EOS section. Do your homework before trying to bash KEH though. As these forums will attest, KEH is one of the most reputable used equipment dealers around.


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Fish are evil

as I mentioned, these are auctions, they have an ebay presence too. I did my homework, and to be honest with you it doesn't agree with what I'm seeing. I would hope that a reputable used equipment dealer wouldn't come across as rather dense.

I wasn't trying to bash anybody, I was simply asking "is this normal" and apparently nobody has any experience trying their auctions so ok. I was concerned because if you buy something "as is" the seller still has a responsibility based on his description. I can't sell an iphone "as is" and then send random iphone pieces, unless that is what is described. In the same way, when what little description they have is incorrect, that's a cause for concern.

What I don't get is the people who think that bashing me makes sense based on a misunderstanding.

 

[Otola]

chris948 wrote:

JTAnFIA wrote:

I just looked and they have no lenses marked As-Is in the Canon manual focus section or EOS section Do your homework before trying to bash KEH though. As these forums will attest, KEH is one of the most reputable used equipment dealers around.