Anyone ever shop from KevinCamera(.com)?

[retnull]

Did one transaction with Kevin. He had a popular lens, but in uncommonly good condition. The asking price was, yes, very high. He accepted my offer, which was for a reasonable price. No problems with the transaction, in any way.

[t.s.k.]

I've bought from him after all other options were exhausted...but paid out of my ear for it.
For uber-rare items that you need NOW, what else can you do?
He's a smart fellow and knows the market well.

[raid]

This brings to mind a local grocery store here. He offers 150 types of cheese, among other food items. He is expensive, he is most likely selling items at a higher price level than a regular grocery store, but when people with special food wishes want such items, and when tney have the money, then tnis grocery store is the one to buy from.

Stay away from it if you want to pay average.

[Benjamin Marks]

I have bought a couple of things from him and they have always been as described. As fo his prices, they are high, but that's where he has placed himself: at the top of the market for this esoterica. If you need something that is a little out of the ordinary, say a Konica AR 57/1.2 [or insert your own exotica here], Kevin often has one in great condition for a price. In my limited world of "where do I find it" he defines the tippity-top of the market. I don't buy from him often, but when I do I am glad that there was someone with a good track-record to purchase from. I'd much rather do that than trust to an e-bay transaction for an unusual item. There is so much less certainty in that forum and no way to ensure when you are bidding that you will get the item question when you need it.

So go in with your eyes open, but if you really need whatever it is and KEH isn't stocking that flavor this month, be glad that there is a source for this exotica.

Ben

[Gumby]

His goods are often in exceptionally good condition. That costs because that has value. But in general I have never had a desire to spend that much money since I'm a user not a collector.

[dogberryjr]

Originally Posted by t.s.k.

I've bought from him after all other options were exhausted...but paid out of my ear for it.
For uber-rare items that you need NOW, what else can you do?
He's a smart fellow and knows the market well.

This.

Plus, you can go to his site and fantasize about how much your own gear is "worth."

[Pindy]

Thanks to everybody for weighing in. I wasn't getting emails that you'd replied—apologies for not responding in a timely manner.