Stats153

I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.

I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.

So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.

After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.

The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.

So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Wow.....

gwilliams6

OMG, yes seems MPB is not worth the trouble.

BebuLamar

Yeah I read that MPB is web only. They don't want to waste a minute talking to you. No I would never do business with MPB.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Over the years I have used both MPB and KEH and believe both have deteriorated in recent times. Since I am slowly transitioning to smart phone cameras I have no need for either one.

User ID

Bought one item from MPB but for just a few hundred $$ there was no security nonsense.

Usually I buy from BH or KEH cuz theyre the top dogs and MPB is an "also ran" that hasnt usually tempted me by price anywho.

ggttc Loc: TN

Bought quite a few cameras and lenses thru MPB and never had a problem even with items I have returned.

Robeng Loc: California

Stats153,

I brought a Nikon Z 24mm to 70mm without any problems from MPB.

They were stellar thoughout the whole process, the lens was like brand new.

Rob

BebuLamar

I think all the people who had good experience with MPB didn't have to do any interaction with a human thru the whole process. I think dealing with MPB is good if the computer can handle it. If there is a glitch when you need human intervention then MPB wouldn't do a good job.

Vladimir200 Loc: Beaumont, Ca.

Regarding KEH, I just: 1) Purchased a lens from them. Excellent condition and I couldn't tell that it was not brand new. 2) Sold them a ton of old camera stuff and just received notification that they made, as per their promise, a nice deposit to PayPal (how I chose to receive payment). Bottom line: KEH great to do business with; at least, that was my experience.

Stats153

Yep, I don't mean to say that MPB is a bad company to deal with. But my first experience with them was sure off-putting!

Dwiggy Loc: Dunedin, FL

I find Used Photo Pro (Robert's Photo, Indianapolis) one of the best places to deal with used equipment. Give them a try!

nj53 Loc: Canon City, Colorado

my only experience w/mpb was very good. bought a lightly used D850 for $600 less than b&H brand new "sale" D850. i like that they show photos of actual product on their website and give shutter count. the bonus was they included 2 RSS L brackets that sell for around $150 each....and didn't even advertise the high-end ($$) RSS brand name. was very happy.

J11 Loc: Ocean Springs MS

I second Used Photo Pro. Have bought several cameras and lenses at different time periods both by phone and online with nothing but professional service. Great company to work with. Jim.

Mduffy910 Loc: Michigan

WTH?? That is insane!