SHOULD you buy a BARGAIN camera from KEH?

If you found this video intriguing, you may enjoy this video on if CCD DSLRs produce better colors than modern cameras: • Do CCD DSLRs Produce B...
See my photography here:
nicklongphotography.com/
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - Unboxing The Camera
03:18 - Inspecting the Camera
06:17 - Me Being a Dumbass
07:24 - Conclusions About "Bargain" Grade
08:02 - Outro
08:38 - Nikon D200 Sample Photos
Video Equipment:
Mic: Tonor TC20 XLR
Camera: Nikon Z50 + Nikkor 12-24 DX
Lighting: Target white bedsheet as diffusion material
Video Capture: OBS Studio with HDMI Capture Card
Video edited in DaVinci Resolve 18

[@deepskypics]

If you found this video intriguing, you may enjoy this video on if CCD DSLRs produce better color than modern cameras: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laq7eYl_obijqJYsi=4z94hmUPk3AUFiO0

[@drcruelty]

KZbin showed me your video so I figured I'd drop my experience as well. A bit over a year ago I purchased a Bargain condition Z6 from KEH. Great price. It showed up as described, minor scuffs on the grip. Almost at the end of the warranty period, I noticed it had a problem with the internal microphone on one channel. Not even sure if I was going to worry about, I still decided to send KEH an email to see if that would be covered. They replied not only with a yes, but with instructions and shipping label. Since I didn't have any pressing needs for the camera for a bit, I decided why not and sent it in. After some time, they emailed and said it would be sent to Nikon for repair. A few more weeks go by and I get an email saying its repaired and being shipped back to me. It arrived with a repair sheet, Nikon had fixed not only the internal mic issue, but they also replaced a damaged weather sealing gasket AND the scuffed grip. Its now in better shape than I bought it and worth more than I paid for it. As a buyer, my experience with KEH has been great.

[@deepskypics]

That’s an incredible story mate! Shipping back to Nikon and having it repaired wow!! For me, they worked with FedEx to help me retrieve a package FedEx lost. Thanks for watching & taking the time to leave your story mate! Hopefully the Z6 has been holding up for you great?

[@daviddesrosiers1946]

I'm just getting back into photography after a very long absence. Bought a Nikon z6 in bargain condition from keh. As advertised, some blamishes, but otherwise in perfect working condition with a clean undamaged sensor. I'm very happy.

[@deepskypics]

Amazing! So glad you had an amazing experience as well. Enjoy that camera. Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@davidroberts6766]

I started using my old D200, D300 again after a decade in the closet. Great old gear. Fun to experiment with them and old lenses.

[@kenblair2538]

Great video. I have been purchasing all my camera/lens gear from KEH since late 90's. I usually go for E- or bargain. Never been disappointed . KB

[@deepskypics]

Thanks for watching & commenting mate! I’m glad you enjoyed my video. Glad to hear if other positives experiences. I plan to get more old lenses through them at some point.

[@robertpalmer3166]

I recently bought a Canon 7D advertised in excellent condition from KEH for $180.00. I do not know the shutter count, but it works flawlessly and looks brand new. Very pleased.

[@deepskypics]

Exceptional! V glad your camera is what you expected. The Canon 7D is like the Nikon D200 in that it has a CCD sensor right? Classic goodness

[@robertpalmer3166]

APS-C CMOS sensor. Full disclosure. I had to look that up to answer that question. This is my first, relatively modern digital camera. I shot a LOT of film 30 years ago and am getting back both into that and digital.@@deepskypics

[@davep6603]

Totally agree with you. KEH is very conservative with their equipment condition descriptions. I have nothing but positive experiences with them. I’ve always been hesitant to buy anything in BGN condition, but will give them a try. I do wish they would list show photos of the actual equipment being sold, but I have always been pleasantly surprised. I would 100% recommend them. Glad you had a great experience, and thanks for the video!

[@ledesclos5321]

Thank you Nick> I wqas dubious about 'bargain' but now I know better.

[@deepskypics]

Your very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch & for commenting. If you ever endeavor with KEH, I hope your experience is as positive as mine.

[@flyingo]

I’ve never pulled the trigger on any of the KEH stuff labled bargain or ugly, mainly because of their descriptions that paint things in a really bad light. I only shoot film, so lots of the older film gear, from anyone, is old & beat up anyway, but I may just take the risk now. Thanks!

[@joseacarrasm]

Bargain is great for lenses

[@razorramona9963]

But I like watching the bullshit 😂

[@deepskypics]

Bullshit can be fun!! TY

[@KevinSmythPhotography]

KEH was not good to deal with when I sold them some of my "mint condition" camera gear. What a runaround I got from one of their reps. He didn't return calls or e-mail. I had to jump through hoops to get a price from a different rep. It could have been just a bad employee situation, however, it was very frustrating. I found their pricing to buy gear not very good. Glad to hear it worked out for you though.

[@deepskypics]

Thanks for watching & commenting! I really appreciate it mate. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t so great - ya perhaps one employee. I know that the customer rep I worked with was great. I know how maddening & angering it is to sell a piece of equipment that you’ve kept in exceptional condition and get roughed up. Experienced that in Ebay once. That experience doesn’t completely surprise me - they seem to have a very customer oriented experience. Also why they rate conservatively. This (can) make it harder for the seller. Does that resonate with your experience?

[@jimmyhinAK]

I can say all the gear I have bought from them was good except one lens that came to me with problems and they replaced it and shipped it out free of charge. In regards to the buying of gear in the past the quotes for them to buy my used gear weren’t always fair to me but I try to take in consideration that when I ship them an item to review, I’m not paying for the shipping and then you have someone’s time to test and inspect the gear and they gotta pay the bills too. I have considered selling things at my local camera shop and they will get a cut from the sale and of course that’s fair.

[@bradl2636]

Sounds like my experience with a Leica M6… not happy

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@bradl2636unhappy why? Because you can’t find an idiot yo pay you top dollar for a used crap?

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

KEH are amazing : purchased some Sigma lenses over there and they shipped to Switzerland. The only downside is the inflated FedEx handling and border fees

[@deepskypics]

Glad you also had an amazing experience!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I hope you try to start making videos again. I really enjoyed this one.👍

[@deepskypics]

Hey thanks Mate! I really appreciate hearing this from you!

[@jimmyhinAK]

I have they have all worked great.

[@deepskypics]

That’s really good to hear that you an an amazing experience as well! Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@billr6983]

I tried KEH from Canada. I was after a particular lens that they had a priced around $85. I expected a bump up from the exchange rate, but was disappointed to see that shipping to here was over $50. After the lens got here I was dinged with another bill of $30 for some reason from the shipping co. So the $85 lens quickly became a nearly $200 one. The lens is great, just thought I'd throw this out for anyone considering ordering from Canada.

[@deepskypics]

I respond with a ❤️ because I appreciate you posting your true experience. That’s some serious BS and others outside of US should know that. Glad Lens is great! Thanks gorgeous watching and leaving your experience!

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

The only gripe I have with KEH is that they show only a sample photo of the product were as Used Photo Pro puts up 6 to 10 photos. MPB only puts up 4 photos of the gear. Thanks for the video. I may give KEH another look.

[@deepskypics]

Ya they do that with their photos - I did personally have a very positive experience with them wish you the same. Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@LTPottenger]

The shutter count is a dumb way to gauge things in this paradigm. If you have a high shutter count from a guy on ebay, chances are it has many issues. But these cameras are checked and also overhauled if economical so everything should be working for anything not marked asis. And that is not a crazy high shutter count anyway.

[@LACruz-fk8zb]

time to buy an a7ii in keh! ahaha thanks for the vid!

[@deepskypics]

Of course! Thanks for watching - wishing you best luck with used

[@hitmanhart22]

It's a Nikon....not a Sony....what else do you expect. My Nikon d7200 has taken a beating and still takes amazing pictures. My Sony a7c stops working everytime I use it in the afternoon heat for more than 30 minutes

[@deepskypics]

LOLZ. I didn’t realize Sony didn’t have great dexterity…interesting I learned something. Well all the reason to continuing to stick with Nikon. Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@belowaverage7539]

I've broken my d800 like 3 times and it still chuggs along lmao

[@deepskypics]

@@belowaverage7539 LOLZ . Real testimate to be build quality of Nikons. Thanks for watching & commenting.

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

I always buy used from KEH and just sold my complete OM System to them (4 bodies/6 lenses). They should receive it 12/4/23 and the final appraisal a week later. I plan on buying more used Fuji gear with the money, so, I am surprised by the Bargain condition and will consider it in the future.

[@deepskypics]

I had a good experience with Bargain condition, and wish you the same! What about Fuji is really pulling you in? I’ve always been intrigued by the film simulation (particularly Velvia 50)

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

@@deepskypics I owned Fujifilm Camera's before and then decided to try FF for a bit. Then, came back to Fuji this year and like the film simulations along with the film camera look.

[@deepskypics]

@@WilliamWallaceRoss Fantastic! I’ve only heard good things about Fuji and Fuji made the best films. Hey, I’m always curious what kinds of content people like to see more of. What kinds of videos do you wanna see that arnt out there yet? What’s on your mind? Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@33antonius]

Great photos with your D200, show us more. My collection of dslr''s so far: d200 X 2, d 300, d700, Canon 40D X 2, Canon 7d. I did have Z6 but sold that one so I could invest in even more dslr's. All with shuttercount below 20.000 in mint condition. Modern cameras are cheaply made computers. If you would want to buy a newly made D200 today, it would cost far more than a Z7 or so.

[@deepskypics]

What’s your experience with the D700? I understand it to be in same family as D300 and D3? What do you think if the color rendering? A lot of my recent videos on Darktable have included D200 images ✌️. I love the camera snd keep sprinkling photos with it in my videos.

[@33antonius]

The colours are bit warmer. It's between the D200 and D3. It's a great camera but I don't use it that much anymore. The apsc is more practical@@deepskypics

[@deepskypics]

@@33antonius I’ve had interest in getting a D3 before. Good to know about D700. I’ve had a sense that D3 is the winning ticket amongst older FX DSLRs

[@33antonius]

I had that one too but I sold it since it is too heavy to use with bigger lenses and it has no sensor cleaning. Buy one and you will soon notice you will not use it that much at all. D300 is the best and combined with primes also very sharp. @@deepskypics

[@Man_Cave]

None of these used camera shops tell you how many clicks are on the shutter which is reasonably easy to find out. That's extremely important to know.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

B&H will if you call them.

[@Justa_Fox]

mpb shows it on their website for most cameras

[@guillermoperezsantos]

Short answer, YES

[@deepskypics]

Thanks for watching & commenting ✌️👌

[@chrisreich40]

I suggest we take up a collection and buy Nick a comb.

[@deepskypics]

Oh that would be great! I need a new comb!

[@adude394]

I've got nothing but good things to say about KEH. As other posters remarked, I wouldn't mind if they showed photos of the actual gear rather than the generic thumbnails. Also, if they took a cue from other retailers and gave shutter counts, that would be nice. But my experiences with them have been entirely positive.

[@deepskypics]

I had a fantastic experience with KEH - 100% positive. Glad yours have been as well.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

That was probably my D200 I sold to them. Enjoy!

[@deepskypics]

Haha it’s always hard to say. The grip had a few scuffs, and wheel turns a little slow, but other than that it’s rock solid and had low shutter count.

[@1jawonn]

do it come with lenses ?

[@deepskypics]

Nah it doesn’t. KEH sells its cameras and lenses separately

[@justinnorman911]

I bough a d200 from keh last week and the autofocus didn't work

[@deepskypics]

Oh poop!! I’m sorry you had a bad experience! There customer service is exceptional, hopefully they took care of you.

[@trekguy66]

So, ten months on now, how is the camera holding up? Any issues you’ve noticed with it?

[@deepskypics]

It’s been holding up great! LOVE the camera. Only things are, it’s ISO wheel is just slightly stiff, but not a huge issue at all. And, the auto WB isn’t as good as the WB on the D300 (some, but not all daylight shots are greener than D300), but I shoot in 100% raw so not really an issue. Use the camera quite a bit! The last portrait shot in my recent Darktable video on film emulation was D200 👌

[@trekguy66]

@@deepskypics, I’m happy it’s holding up. It gives me more confidence for the D850 I’d like to order from KEH later in the year knowing that the camera will probably have long term value for me. Thanks for replying!

[@deepskypics]

@@trekguy66 your most welcome! I hope you have a good experience too!

[@joseacarrasm]

My experience with KEH cameras bargain was bad. I bought a 5D 3 bargain without knowing the shutter count hoping for the best but it was almost 90K, so high for my taste. I bought cameras from Adorama rated E- with less than 15K on the shutter.

[@j_taylor]

Did the camera work well?

[@joseacarrasm]

@@j_taylor yes but it's so difficult to sell it because of the high shutter count and the prices of this model are way down nowadays

[@eleanmendoza]

That camera is a workhorse and rated for for 150k shutter clicks. That's like buying a Honda accord with 50k miles and being upset of the "high mileage."

[@5675492]

It's kind of a crap shoot when it comes to quality ratings for camera equipment . I've gotten items in "like new" condition that were listed as just "good" and I've gotten items with scuff marks and scratches that were listed as" like new" . In general though I've been satisfied with everything and you can always return the item even if you just don't like the way it looks .

[@deepskypics]

These are some really good points and agree from my own experience as well. Fortunately both the lens & camera I have received from KEH came to me exactly as rated ✌️. Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@5675492]

I should have mentioned that my experiences were with MPB and like I said were very positive for the most part . Like KEH they have a good return policy - even if you just don't like the way the product looks - and they'll even send - if requested - Fedex to your door to pick up the return free of charge .

[@deepskypics]

@@5675492 I’m glad to hear good things about MPB because they see them too when looking for new toys. Haha! I’ll have to give ‘em a shot too. Thanks for relaying your experience!

[@deepskypics]

@@5675492 that’s great to know! Because I have been eyeing an old 55mm macro lens!

[@chuckatkins267]

Be very careful with these guys. You must realize that they must really buy the stuff low to provide them so cheap to you. That means they are screwing the sellers that deal with them.

[@sopasadena1499]

How many shutter actuations were on it?

[@deepskypics]

There were about 11K actuations when I got it - so for me that was a win

[@sopasadena1499]

@@deepskypics Received a D90 from them in EX condition. Beautiful camera but had 44k clicks on it. Quite surprised. You may have gotten special treatment because of your channel

[@deepskypics]

@@sopasadena1499 It’s really frustrating when companies don’t give you what your expecting isn’t it? What happened was I was gonna go for one of the EX condition D200s, but they ran out and people beat me to the punch. So, I bought the bargain one know one wanted at the time. I think I may have just gotten lucky honestly LOLZ. I did ask em on the phone about the way they rate cams and they said that the click count is not one of the factors they use to determine its condition - I’ll leave it to you to make your own opinion.

[@michaeltuffin8147]

Most cameras far outlast their rated counts. 44K is not a lot, by a long shot. Case in point, my Canon 1DX, purchased in 2012, now has over 1 million actuations. Still a tank and works like a charm.

[@terryb152]

Six ways to fit a cf card

[@deepskypics]

LOLZ

[@scotthullinger4684]

The long term ongoing opinion about KEH is that every sane person should avoid that business. The name of the game for most businesses these days is to screw customers, regardless of the sort of business, photographic or otherwise. But in some cases ... it surely pays you benefits to seek out the very best of merchants of the sort which have no reputation of screwing over customers. This is, of course, the way the world has always been ...

[@deepskypics]

Very true! My experience with KEH seemed very customer focused rather than seller. I didn’t at all get a sense they were trying to screw me or anything like that. That’s just me though, one experience. Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@deepskypics - Did we misunderstand each other? It's not as if I had a positive comment to say about KEH.

[@deepskypics]

@@scotthullinger4684 I think perhaps yes - you said “the long term opinion about KEH is that every sane person should avoid that business.” I though that meant you we’re pretty displeased with KEH? Am I wrong to think that? Also that hasn’t been the reputation I’m hearing hence why I bought a D200 from them. What do you know/experienced that leads you to say that? But, also yes, we should seek out the very best merchants, which is why I made this video. I honestly really did have a good experience and came into unbiased.

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@deepskypics - I suppose everyone has a different experience with KEH. It's just that I have very rarely, if ever, heard a positive thing regarding KEH -

[@scotthullinger4684]

@@johngyorki2569 - I've always heard great things about Roberts Camera, but never a single good thing about KEH - No experience with either one. I've always used B&H. Just about the LOWEST legitimate prices you'll find for everything, and they carry almost EVERYTHING! B&H seems to have had more complaints in recent years, but are still more successful than all of those other HUGE merchants in New York City.

[@bradl2636]

In my experience KEH’s “Excellent” rating is complete garbage so no way I’m gonna go for “Bargain” it’s probably a steaming pile of 💩

[@Don-md6wn]

I am looking at a bargain rated camera from KEH. They are 10% off through today (June 30, 2023). Everybody I have seen says they are very conservative and they give you 60 or 90 days to return it and warranty it for 6 months. I bought a used lens from them that will arrive tomorrow but was a little more hesitant to buy a used camera without knowing the shutter count. A good way to check the sensor for dust spots is to shoot a blank blue sky at f16 or f22. If the sensor has dust spots, that will show them.

[@1776patric]

K-E-H not KH camera

[@johnleftwich650]

Kinda wondering why you would want a D200 when you have a D300.

[@deepskypics]

Thanks for watching & commenting. Excellent question mate! I got the D200 because the old CCD sensor DSLRs are reveled by some for having better & more natural colors than a modern CMOS sensor camera. I wanted to explore that for myself. My wife & I got bonuses. I used some of my bonus to get me a new Z50 (dedicated YT filming camera). My next planned video will be putting D200 against a modern Z50 mirrorless and exploring CCD colors. I hope the YT audience finds this really intriguing. I’ll leave the results for the video, but I’ll say that I have been having more fun with the humble D200. I’ll always take video suggestions too.

[@johnleftwich627]

@@deepskypics I was planning to get the D200 for the same reason but Ken Rockwell’s placement of the D300 over D200 influenced me plus I was able to pick up a mint D300 with < 10k clicks for $100. Even included a battery grip and optional big battery. Look forward to you comparison video.

[@deepskypics]

@@johnleftwich627 That’s a fantastic price! Enjoy the camera man. That camera has been the center of my photography since 2008, not gonna let it go. I familiar with Ken’s placement of the D300 over the D200. Stand out differences - the D300 has better noise performance and better auto white balance determination based on my early experience with it. Yet, I’m not solid on which one I prefer yet. New toy excitement is also a thing LOLZ.

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

The D200 is a better camera for portraits in good lighting. Set it up to 100-200 iso with a good prime lens and it will produce superb portraits. I recently compared a portrait of my kid in his playroom with indirect daylight trough the window using the Sigma Quattro, the Nikon D780 and the Nikon D3000 (10Mp CCD with bigger screen) and the results were shockingly good with the Nikon CCD. It’s pixel sharpness and color tonalities are outstanding too. Easily comparable to higher MP cmos cameras

[@deepskypics]

@@fthprodphoto-video5357 there is something very special about CCD colors on the Nikon D200 - I agree They are slightly soft, natural, and warm when compared to a modern CMOS

[@dps6198]

No sample images from your used camera? Why bother with recording a video?

[@deepskypics]

Thanks for commenting! I agree with you actually - people shouldn’t record videos without bringing in some sample images. Though, I actually did incorporate sample images into the end of the video, see description for time stamps ✌️.