Originally Posted by germar
I've had two experiences buying used gear from Adorama.
I bought a Pentax 200/4 lens hood and a Pentax 28/2.8 lens hood in a case. Both were rated "E" I would consider them as C+, fully functional but well used (scratched and marked) and not "Excellent."
A year later, I bought a 85mm 2.0 SMCM lens, again rated "E." ("Josh" the salesman tried to talk me into an extended warranty on a lens that was built nearly 30 years ago...not sure how that was going to work.) The lens I got was maybe a "B minus-minus" the glass was clear, but the paint was well worn, the little white index bump was gone and the blades were very sluggish when stopped down by hand. I kept it since the lens "worked" and I didn't want to argue with Adorama about what constitutes "E" condition.
Lesson learned - Adorama is overly generous in their ratings for used gear. An "E" rating at Adorama is "Ugly" to "Bargain" condition at KEH. My advice to the original poster... find the same gear in "excellent" condition at KEH and buy it. It might cost a bit more, but will work, it will be right, and it will be what you expect from "Demo" quality equipment.
germar
I wondered if the following might be useful;
this is a link to see Adorama's rating system:
Grades
and here's a link for KEH rating system:
https://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/GradeDefinitions.aspx
The used department are usually very reliable when rating equipment, and every piece undergoes several checks - when it comes in, before it is listed, and again before it ships out. However, we would certainly have to acknowledge that occasionally human error will prevail (though it seems a bit rough that this seems to have hit you twice, in succession).
Please be assured that the used department are always willing to listen to concerns such as those you have expressed. Either contact them directly, or email me:
helen.oster@adoramacamera.com
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador