Over the holidays, I wanted to upgrade my daily carry camera. For the past few years, the camera that went on vacation with me, to the store, or anywhere else that wasn’t a job has become my Fujifilm X-Pro 1. Yes, a more than a decade-old camera has become my daily driver, and for good reason—it’s a solid camera for everyday captures. That is, until it began having card write errors—this made me turn my attention to another X-Pro body and KEH.com.
Editor’s Note: This post is not sponsored in any way; I paid the listed price for my camera. Any Paid Promotions would be titled as such.
Shopping KEH.com and Buying Used
When looking for a replacement for my X-Pro 1, I knew what I was looking for – a rangefinder-style camera that was pocketable and had an interchangeable lens system, weather-sealing was a must, even if the original X-Pro did not have that as a feature. Above all else, it had to be a joy to use. With those things in mind, I was looking at a few options: a Leica, which would not be cheap; a Sony a7C, which seemed like a solid option, or another Fujifilm X-Pro body. When it came time to narrow down the possibilities, all it took to choose between new and used was the price. I was not about to spend over $2,000 on a camera I only walk around with – sorry, Leica, you’re out.
With a sub-$2k budget in mind, I hit up all the used gear shops online – Adorama, MPB, KEH, and even marketplaces like Amazon and Facebook (don’t do it to yourself). I found minimal stock when looking for a Sony a7C or Fujifilm X-Pro 3 in the used market. Not surprising considering that when I initially bought an X-Pro 3, it was shortly after release, and even then, I had to buy a used one since new stock was non-existent. I was shocked to find that the Sony a7C was more likely to be available new but would almost always be available in a bundle only (which I didn’t need and drove the price north of my budget).
Ultimately, I came across KEH having the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 in “Like New” condition, well for around $1700 after a promotion they were running. I couldn’t pass up on it and put in the order. A few days later, an inconspicuous cardboard box was at my door waiting to be opened – a new (to me) Fujifilm X-Pro 3 was waiting.
The KEH Experience: Packaging, Unboxing, and Impressions
Even if I didn’t pay full price, $1700 is a lot of money (at least for me), and ensuring that your equipment is safe during delivery is always a concern. Having made previous purchases from KEH, I knew this wasn’t an issue – the package came with the camera nestled within a bed of packaging paper and in a cocoon of bubble wrap. Although my X-Pro3 did not come with any of its original packaging, I wasn’t pressed about it. I plan on using this camera until it gives out.
Unlike eBay or social media marketplaces, buying with KEH is very stress-free process. Their inventory is listed; if the item is available, the prices are there in black and white – no bidding required. One thing that I would prefer is if KEH took the MPB.com approach and took photographs of the item that you’re purchasing, just for a bit more added transparency. Either way, KEH’s grading system is often more conservative than the equipment you end up with, meaning that if it’s listed as “Excellent”, don’t be surprised if it ends up looking close to New.
Buying Used and Where We Are Today
When I first began writing this article way back in early 2024, I mostly wanted to share with you the positive experience I had shopping with KEH.com. When it comes to photography gear, I’m always looking for the best deal and saving money. Especially if the gear I buy will be for having fun and not making money. Nearly two years after the purchase, I’m more inclined to promote buying used because times are hard out here. In recent months, nearly every camera manufacturer has announced that they’re pre-emptively raising prices in the face of looming tariff wars (you can thank Agent Orange for that), making the cost of buying a camera that much more prohibitive. Often, we look at the second-hand market with a little disdain or distrust, but when you go with a reputable reseller like KEH, you can expect to get the gear you want or need at a significant discount. And that’s why buying used might be for you.