 Dawn Cagle |
KEH repair or refund? I just purchased an ae-1 from KEH that was listed as being in excellent condition....I got 3 pictures with it before the shutter jammed! Since it is still well within the 90 day warranty they will fix it for free or refund my money. Should I let them fix it or cut my losses and find another dealer?
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Jon Close |
KEH is about as reputable as dealers come. Any AE-1 you find is going to be a 20 to 30 year old camera. You cannot expect perfect condition. Let them fix it, or look for a camera of more recent vintage.
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Michael H. Cothran |
I agree. KEH is a reputable company. I've done business with them on several occasions, and have always been treated squarely. Get this - one time they gave me a price quote over the phone for some equipment I wanted to sell. I drove to Atlanta to meet with them personally, and they actually gave me MORE money than what they originally quoted. How many companies would do that? And, as Jon stated, when you're shooting a camera dating back 30 years or so, it's hard to predict if or when it may malfunction. And while KEH may test the camera, showing it to be in good working order, it's still possible that it may malfunction on the first shutter trip after you get it. If you like the particular body, have it fixed. Remember, you'll be taking the same chance again if you get another body. And if they fix it, you'll know that you've got a good working shutter for a while. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
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Will Turner |
'Excellent condition' means only they've checked out the camera superficially, it looks that good cosmetically, and all features work. There is no disassembly and examination of camera internals, which may or may not be ready for another 20 years' service. For this one needs to know the history of the model. On used electronic SLR cameras of this vintage, I have found that it pays to get a mint/excellent one with either a pro-level build (Canon F1, Nikon F3) or a high-level amateur body with a vertical metal shutter (Nikon FM3a, FM2n, FE-2). The first are just better built internally, while vertical shutter cameras, especially Nikons, tend to last a lot longer before maintenance and repair issues appear. In addition to the cloth shutter and magnet/damper issues, the AE-1 was altered over the years to undercut its nearest competitors in price. As a result, in higher serial number cameras it had several small changes in internal parts from metal to plastic. Then there is the shutter linkage problem (Canon squeal), not just caused by loss of lube but by excessive wear in the flywheel bearing. The shutter wire is also usually frayed in these old cameras and could use replacement. The battery door design is poor and often breaks. If I needed an older Canon with the FD mount, I would go for the F-1 (in excellent condition) or a T-90. Either is a more reliable camera overall IMHO.
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