Is KB Camera reliable??

[jtank]

Has anyone used KB Camera? Any feedback that you can provide will be much appreciated, as I am looking to purchase something from them.

Regards

[leicawanabe]

Out of business. stay away if you see something.

[lambroving]

Originally Posted by jtank

Has anyone used KB Camera? Any feedback that you can provide will be much appreciated, as I am looking to purchase something from them.

Regards

Richard at KB used to be great but their website hasn't worked for 6+ mos or more. Unless you can find out from Leica USA where Richard Oesterling might have gone, you might be better off with Tony Rose at Popflash.

[fotografr]

Originally Posted by lambroving

...you might be better off with Tony Rose at Popflash.

That's what I would call an understatement.

[sthan]

Well, I bought my M7 + 50 from KB in july 2005 and was very pleased with their service.

[gvaliquette]

I did buy my DMR, new, from KB, ordered in June 2005, delivered in December 05. Also bought a Telyt 350mm f4.8 used in January 2006. I was very pleased with both transactions, but they really have gone belly up. Their web site is "broken" and has not been updated for over 6 months; why it still is accessible is beyond me: who pays the server???

Yes, it was a good source back then, but it's over. I now have to find another equally good source, but have not yet. Since I live in NY state, B&H is an option, but not for high ticket items, only for walk-in, "I want to feel it in my hands before I buy" items. I do beleive it is unfair to the merchants to go look/feel/assess the item on site, and then mail order or order on the web to save the sales tax! But for new items, sealed by the manufacturer (read Leica), I'll take the savings.

A good source of used equipment at fair prices is KEH Camera (www.keh.com). I have bought several items/lenses from them and have not been disappointed.

Good luck.

Guy

[peter_n]

Don't go near KB Camera! I second the above recommendation of Tony Rose at Popflash. Excellent prices, service and delivery. If you are a member of RFF he ships for free. Just ordered my fourth ASPH lens from him yesterday and it might be here by the weekend...

[harmsr]

KB used to be very good. Then they shut down their store, don't answer their phone, don't ship their paid for auctions.

Run away.

Call Tony Rose at PopFlash.

Best,

Ray

[wilfredo]

I bought from KB and Tony Rose Pop Flash and much prefer dealing with Tony Rose. I had a few issues with KB that were resolved but convinced me not to deal with them any more.

Wilfredo
Benitez-Rivera Photography

[jtank]

Thanks everyone, for your feedback. I will avoid using them.

Regards

[gabek]

Originally Posted by jtank

Has anyone used KB Camera? Any feedback that you can provide will be much appreciated, as I am looking to purchase something from them.

Regards

I bought my Digilux-2 from Richard in 2004. Likely not his fault, the first one arrived in non-working condition. He replaced it, but not based on my description. It wasn't until after I contacted Leica in New Jersey, who agreed that it was faulty and made the arrangement with KB. I sensed a lack of enthusiasm on his part to give me the service such a purchase and problem should have received and he insisted that I again pay for FedEx delivery. The replacement didn't arrive when he promised and he was nearly impossible to contact personally by phone, although a woman always did answer the phone when I called. She said he was out on a photo shoot, but sounded like she was just covering for him.

As others have said, his web site has been dead for at least six months, but based on my own experience, even if he was still up and running, I would look elsewhere, rather than give him another chance. I have had good success with B&H in New York since.

The quality of the relationship between a buyer and a highly reliable seller is far more important than saving a few bucks dealing with a fast talker, I believe.

Gabe