Has anyone bought used gear from B&H?

I've been using B&H for over 5 years. I've always found their service to be excellent, so I felt okay about buying a used lens from them. Its condition was 8+ so I expected wear but I didn't expect damage. It had obviously been dropped; there was a flattened area on the end of the lens barrel and right around that it was really gouged and scraped. You can't even put a filter on it. There are no signs of any wear at all anywhere else on the lens.

I was shocked and immediately called for an RMA. They didn't argue at all and I certainly didn't expect them to. But in addition to the damage the surface of the lens element has splatters from something that was apparently spilled on it so it's obvious that they didn't even look at the lens before selling it! This makes me wonder about buying anything else from their used department. Does anyone here have any experience buying used gear from them?

Thanks.

Been dealing with B&H forever. Unsurprisingly mistakes are made sometimes but as you already pointed out they are very quick to make things right. They've won my loyalty many times over with their customer service on both new and used items.

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the reply.

I've purchased both my T4i and 24-105L from their refurb department and they were easily 9.5/10 at a significant price reduction.

If there's an issue, they will fix it and they will forever have my business.

I have purchased a number of lenses from them used. always had good copies.

It was probably just a simple mistake and they rated it wrong or sent the wrong version.

I've had zero issues with them so far. Buying new or used.

I bought a 60D and an A7R from them used this calendar year--both rated 9--and received a camera that could have been sold as a refurb or open box.

I've bought quite a few used items from them. The most recent was a gripped 5d mark iii. They have an outstanding customer service!!

I recently bought a not as advertised lens, subtle differences with vintage glass that can make differences in price greatly. They took it back, no issues. They could do better by providing a photo of the item rather than a description that may not be correct.

btw, KEH, hands down my favorite. Sometimes they'll put up some gems for super low prices. Picked up both my OM lenses from keh, 200mm f5 and 24mm f2.8, both mint condition and a steal at their prices.

I have...inadvertently..​.

Bought what I thought was a brand new pair of B&O H8 headphones only to get them back to the hotel, & find not only that they'd been used, but half the contents were missing...

Back to B&H & trying to convince them that they'd given me second hand kit I didn't even get an apology...from their attitude I'm convinced they thought I was BS'ing them...

Personally I love the store & have bought a fair bit, but for me, now I'll just use them to see what I like & give the business to Adorama...

Very disappointed, buyer beware for sure!!!

Bought countless used items and never had any issues.

I've never bought from B&H used, but I've bought several things from Adorama's used department and have found that they generally rate their stuff conservatively. I've been pleasantly surprised with several things that were in great shape, even though they were rated as E or E-. I just wish all of these sites would put up real photos of used items. It's not like they don't have access to photo gear, ya know?

want to buy used, buy at POTN.

Lyndön wrote in post #17821919
I've never bought from B&H used, but I've bought several things from Adorama's used department and have found that they generally rate their stuff conservatively. I've been pleasantly surprised with several things that were in great shape, even though they were rated as E or E-.

Delighted to see this!

Lyndön wrote in post #17821919
I just wish all of these sites would put up real photos of used items. It's not like they don't have access to photo gear, ya know?

I can answer that one.....I can't speak for any other retailer, but our website isn't built that way, eg like eBay.
The manufacturers send us pictures of their gear as a series of codes, not as pictures. This also enables them to ensure that their products are presented in a consistent way.
This also explains why you may see listings for older/discontinued products without any pics at all, because the codes are no longer available.

However, provided we are not horribly busy (this is NOT a good time of year to ask!!), we can usually provide a set of pictures taken by one of our staff photographers. You only need to drop me an email: Helen@adorama.com.

BUT, they are a bit reluctant to this for cheapy units, simply because of the amount of time it takes.

Don't forget that our used gear, apart from those rated X, come with a 30-day returns period if you are at all disappointed with your purchase.

Nortonski wrote in post #17821413
.....but for me, now I'll .......give the business to Adorama...

Thank you - and if ever we disappoint you, please don't hesitate to email me directly: Helen@adorama.com