Expierences with KEH- Buying BGN.

I searched the forums and unfortunately couldn't find quite what I was looking for. I've Googled and searched on peoples experiences with buying BGN from KEH.
Usually it seems that they were either very satisfied with that they got, or quite disappointed. I'm looking to buy a Mamiya RB 90mm f/3.5 lens from KEH, but I'm worried about the "BGN" condition listed.

What I'm really looking for is some experience with buying BGN from KEH. But, I'm also curious to see some images of the product you bought.

So, would anyone share their experiences with buying "BGN" and images of the product they got?

i have done it a few times, buying bargain grade. i say there's nothing to worry about. the lens you get will be better than the condition discribed.

I've bought two BGN condition lenses from them and both had a fair amount of scratches and cleaning marks on the front and rear elements in additional to the poor overall condition of the bodies. I ended up returning them both.

i have bought BGN stuff and it's been hit and miss...

I posted this in your other thread, but I'll repeat it here. I've bought a "bargain" rated full Bronica ETRSi kit from KEH and I've been more than satisfied. The whole camera is a little beat-up, but it works flawlessly and the lenses have no dings/scratches/imperf​ections of any sort on the glass.

Here's a photo from a while ago (not exactly the best to show its condition):

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/davidmadison/5​414420217/

there could be imperfections on the glass. that's one of the definition of bargain grade. but it doesn't affect image quality. so just depends on if you can live with that or not. i've done it twice, once the lens has mark, once it doesn't.

Thanks everyone. But does anyone else have images of the product in question? What's a lot of damage to one person may be judged differently by another.

Only bought BGN once and returned it. YMMV.

There IS a money-back guarantee. Buy it, Try it, return it if not happy...

I bought a "bargain" condition flash from KEH last year. I would rate it a 8.5/10 condition for the superficial scratches on the body and a 10/10 for functionality. Since you're considering on purchasing a 'bargain' condition, don't have high expectations - it'll simply work.

However, I can not speak for lens/glass. You can always call them and ask for more detailed information or send them an email.

I just took a chance on an UG-rated body. We'll see how that works out, LOL.

richierich1212 wrote in post #12284999
I just took a chance on an UG-rated body. We'll see how that works out, LOL.

What does that mean? Ugly?

K6AZ wrote in post #12285431
What does that mean? Ugly?

yup

Images won't help you. KEH rates conservatively, but it's hard to say what winds up as bargain--I think it even partially depends on how an item compares with other samples of the same thing.

I've bought "bargain" large format equipment from KEH that was nearly pristine, no more than a bit of paint wear on the edges--but that kind of equipment is normally well protected in use...it doesn't get the kind of knocks that DSLR equipment gets. "Bargain" DSLR equipment may look rougher as a general rule of category.

Moreover, a single mark on a lens element in a lens with a good-looking barrel may cause it to be a "bargain," while a lens with clean glass but a rought barrel may also be "bargain."

KEH has a no-hassle return policy, so my advice would be to order it, examine it, and send it back if it's not suitable. But remember that a lens that works well is a good lens, even if it looks rough.

Do they still ship lenses without the caps? I bought a lens from them several years ago and it came without caps and it wasn't even rated as "BGN".