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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Adorama's rating system for used gear
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06/18/2010 10:25:41 AM · #1
Anyone bought used gear from Adorama? I was looking at some lenses and often finding attractive prices on items rated "V". Wondering if anyone has bought lenses with this rating and if they found them satisfactory. (I've bought a refurb lens from them and except from coming in a white refurb box, it was like new) Their description of V is:
V) Very Good
Appears well used and may include dings, brassing, scrapes and bruises but is in fully functional condition. Glass may have marks or haze that should not affect picture quality.


Added: What I am looking at is eventually replacing my 18-55 with a 17-85 and my 55-250 IS with a 70-300 IS USM, then the 18-55 and 55-250 will go to Cowtownmom who just got an SLR for her birthday from her very generous husband.

Message edited by author 2010-06-18 10:29:09.
06/18/2010 11:25:08 AM · #2
Aww, How nice! What a birthday present!

Before you buy that 17-85, please do go have a look at the comparison between it and the 15-85... I think the 15-85 is a much, much better lens..

06/18/2010 11:31:48 AM · #3
Originally posted by coryboehne:

I think the 15-85 is a much, much better lens..

Agreed. It has a reputation as being of near L-glass quality. However, it is also twice the price. A refurb at Adorama is around $600, and that is the best I have seen it going for. For about $300, the older version 17-85 gives me more reach on my walkaround lens, a tougher build, & about the same image quality as my current kit lens.
06/18/2010 12:32:31 PM · #4
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

A refurb at Adorama is around $600.


Wow, really? That's ridiculous! Amazon has it new for $28 more...

ETA:

I've never bought used from them, but I do remember reading several items in forums (from who knows when and where..) about this, and I remember a general sense of "it's good stuff"... I'm surprised to only find one other thread here about this..

From that thread: "Adorama used department return 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 or exchange if required."


I think that alone would make me go for it... A no BS return policy goes a long way for me... I was super thankful of Best Buy's return policy on electronics when we bought our S90... There was a huge cluster of dead pixels (like 12 pixels? all red..).. Took it to Best Buy, boom another S90 NIB. That sort of thing encourages me to buy without hesitation...

Message edited by author 2010-06-18 12:39:34.
06/18/2010 03:52:55 PM · #5
if you were in Canada I'd sell you my 17-85IS lens, its in great shape and very sharp but I never use it as I have too many in that focal range now...
06/18/2010 04:20:03 PM · #6
Steve: you are obviously more experienced with online gadget shopping. But I will still share my 2 cents.

I have had mixed experiences with Adorama buying 'new' stuff. They had this great lady working with me re: a camera that came damaged brand new, and although she was patient and knowledgeable, it took teh rest of their team almost a week to get a replacement my way.

I have also bought from B&H who had the same item at a bit higher price.

But I have never had any complaints with Amazon. Their customer support is amazing. This one time when I ordered a zoom lens, its packaging was not quite good, so the lens cap was off the lens when I opened it. I called them immediately (it was past 10PM PT). I didnt get fake customer support in a third country. Rather I spoke to a knowledgeable lady who knew what she was talking about, and authorized an overnight shipment of a replacement lens right that moment, along with issuing free return labels online.

All in all, if I had a choice, I would goto Amazon first, then may be Adorama/B&H.

I will send you a PM with some other info, hope that will help...
06/18/2010 04:32:11 PM · #7
Originally posted by coryboehne:

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

A refurb at Adorama is around $600.


Wow, really? That's ridiculous! Amazon has it new for $28 more...

ETA:

I've never bought used from them, but I do remember reading several items in forums (from who knows when and where..) about this, and I remember a general sense of "it's good stuff"... I'm surprised to only find one other thread here about this..

From that thread: "Adorama used department return 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 or exchange if required."


I think that alone would make me go for it... A no BS return policy goes a long way for me... I was super thankful of Best Buy's return policy on electronics when we bought our S90... There was a huge cluster of dead pixels (like 12 pixels? all red..).. Took it to Best Buy, boom another S90 NIB. That sort of thing encourages me to buy without hesitation...


FYI:

I have dealt extensively with Ms. Helen Oster (see this thread). And although she is exceptional with her work, I didn't get a feeling that the rest of their staff is upto the mark. Of course you will only notice that IF something goes wrong, not when you got everything alright.
06/18/2010 04:35:51 PM · #8
Got your PM, thanks.

I've not had any issues with Adorama that tested their customer service yet. However, they are one company to deal with, while Amazon presents a virtual storefront for many sellers. I did have one time when I ordered some Discwasher fluid in preparation for digitizing some albums to MP3. It didn't ship and Amazon kept on top of it, making sure to refund my money automatically when the product didn't ship after a few weeks.

Oh, and one other time I ordered a wired shutter release from an Amazon seller, they accidentally sent me an upgrade to a wireless model by accident. I did inform them of the error, but they didn't ask for it back.

Message edited by author 2010-06-18 16:37:34.
06/18/2010 04:42:16 PM · #9
talk to MaryO. She just bought a lens from them and the contacts were broken

06/18/2010 06:17:33 PM · #10
I must stay that I agree with Yo_Spiff that CowtownMom has a VERY generous husband.

I am thrilled with my birthday present. I have had some fun taking a few test shots with it already and I am mazed at the difference this equipment upgrade makes. I don't know if it's shooting iRAW format, the larger sensor of the fact that I can change lenses. I know that you can take awesome picts with the camera I had but It's easy with my somewhat beginner skills to see the difference tha equipment can make.

I think the biggest difference is the larger sensor though. I was really surprised at how much more data was there and my adjustment to compensate for bad lighting conditions was available to me. Now I really understand what Steve has been talking about.

Now I want to make a test and see if it's the camera or me that make the difference at this point in time. Will try to do that before we exchange the S5 for another camera. It has a few issues at the moment that make it worth fixing or exchange with Canon.

Thank you so much, (very publicly) for my birthday present. The best thing is that you didn't make me wait 3 weeks for it.

Cowtownmom aka Ellen

06/18/2010 07:14:21 PM · #11
Originally posted by cowtownmom:

iRAW format

Forgive her, she's one of those Mac users.
06/18/2010 07:51:11 PM · #12
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by cowtownmom:

iRAW format

Forgive her, she's one of those Mac users.

"RAW" is about camera image files,
"iRaw" is about clothes.
Happy iBirthday cowtownmom
06/18/2010 08:02:49 PM · #13
Originally posted by vawendy:

talk to MaryO. She just bought a lens from them and the contacts were broken


I did, but I suspect this was an anomaly. I've bought from them before with no problems. The lens was graded as "V" but when it arrived the part of the plastic ring holding the contacts was physically broken. The front end of the lens looked clean and shiny and I didn't see anything else that looked especially dinged up, except that crucial bit with the contacts. Still working toward a resolution on this one but so far Customer Service has been responsive. I'm disappointed I don't have a new toy to play with, but not complaining.
06/18/2010 09:42:14 PM · #14
Originally posted by MaryO:

Originally posted by vawendy:

talk to MaryO. She just bought a lens from them and the contacts were broken


I did, but I suspect this was an anomaly. I've bought from them before with no problems. The lens was graded as "V" but when it arrived the part of the plastic ring holding the contacts was physically broken. The front end of the lens looked clean and shiny and I didn't see anything else that looked especially dinged up, except that crucial bit with the contacts. Still working toward a resolution on this one but so far Customer Service has been responsive. I'm disappointed I don't have a new toy to play with, but not complaining.


Good, I'm glad they've been responsive. That's what's important. Mistakes happen, and damage in shipping happens, it's how the company deals with it that's important.
06/20/2010 08:05:42 AM · #15
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Anyone bought used gear from Adorama? I was looking at some lenses and often finding attractive prices on items rated "V". Wondering if anyone has bought lenses with this rating and if they found them satisfactory. (I've bought a refurb lens from them and except from coming in a white refurb box, it was like new) Their description of V is:
V) Very Good
Appears well used and may include dings, brassing, scrapes and bruises but is in fully functional condition. Glass may have marks or haze that should not affect picture quality.




Hi

If you'd like us to send you a selection of pictures of the unit, please drop me an email: helen.oster@adoramacamera.com.

If you include a telephone number, I can also arrange for one of the Adorama used sales guys to call you up while he has the unit in his hand so you can ask any specific questions (please note the best time to call you, - Eastern Time).

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

//helenoster.blogspot.com
helen.oster@adoramacamera.com


Message edited by author 2010-06-20 08:06:10.
06/20/2010 08:07:13 AM · #16
Originally posted by MaryO:

Originally posted by vawendy:

talk to MaryO. She just bought a lens from them and the contacts were broken


I did, but I suspect this was an anomaly. I've bought from them before with no problems. The lens was graded as "V" but when it arrived the part of the plastic ring holding the contacts was physically broken. The front end of the lens looked clean and shiny and I didn't see anything else that looked especially dinged up, except that crucial bit with the contacts. Still working toward a resolution on this one but so far Customer Service has been responsive. I'm disappointed I don't have a new toy to play with, but not complaining.


Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help:helen.oster@adoramacamera.com

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

06/20/2010 01:29:40 PM · #17
Originally posted by HelenOster:


If you'd like us to send you a selection of pictures of the unit, please drop me an email:

Thanks, when I am ready to purchase, I will do that.
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