KEH CERTIFIEDâ„¢

Our Used Camera Grading Scale & Quality Standards

The original experts. Trusted for 45+ years. 

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KEH is the most trusted name in pre-owned camera gear. Every item is KEH Certified™, passing a rigorous inspection by trained experts. As the only reseller with manufacturer-authorized repair capabilities, we ensure your gear performs exactly as it should—guaranteed.

Guide to grading gear

Why KEH Certifiedâ„¢ Is the Industry Standard

Evaluated by the Original Experts

Evaluated by the Original Experts

Our technicians bring hundreds of years of combined experience, performing deep, manufacturer-level evaluations that no marketplace can replicate.

Industry-Leading Inspection

Industry-Leading Inspection

Every item undergoes a rigorous multi-point diagnostic covering performance, optics, electronics, and condition. Gear that doesn't meet our standards is repaired, repurposed, or clearly marked.

Trusted, Transparent Grading

Trusted, Transparent Grading

Refined over 45+ years, our grading system delivers consistent, accurate condition ratings you can rely on.

Manufacturer-Approved Repairs

Manufacturer-Approved Repairs

As the only reseller with a manufacturer-certified repair facility, we repair, calibrate, and validate gear before it reaches you—ensuring long-term reliability others can't match.

Grading System

Grades are based on cosmetic attributes and not on functionality, as all equipment is guaranteed to work as intended unless otherwise noted, or if it falls under the As-Is grade.

KEH Grade KEH Description
NEW New
Not previously owned. No wear, new glass. Unopened box, complete with manufacturer's warranty or KEH 180-day Warranty, whichever is longer.
LN Like New
Essentially new with no signs of use. "Open box." In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
LN- Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
EX+ Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
EX Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
BN Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
UG Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
AI As Is
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.

The KEH Certifiedâ„¢ Guarantee

When you buy KEH Certified™, you're backed by peace of mind—so you're always covered.

180-Day Warranty + Extend Protection

180-Day Warranty + Extend Protection

Each purchase includes our free 180-Day Warranty. Want more? Extend Product Protection keeps your gear protected for longer and covers accidental damage.

Learn More
Return & Exchange Policy

Return & Exchange Policy

We want you to love your gear! If you're not 100% satisfied, you can return or exchange your item within 21 days of delivery.

Learn More

How KEH Stands Apart

Feature / Standard KEH Camera Other Recommerce eBay / Marketplaces
Owned inventory Yes Yes No – seller-listed
Inspection in a manufacturer-authorized repair facility Yes No No
Multi-brand repair & calibration capability Yes Limited No
Depth of technical evaluation Full diagnostic Visual + basic functional Self-reported
Grading system refined over 45 years Yes Newer system No system
Technicians with deep brand-specific training Yes Partial No
Warranty 180 Days 6 months Varies (mostly none)
Return window 21 Days 14 Days Varies widely
Ability to repair & recondition gear Yes Limited No

FAQs

  • What does KEH Certified™ mean?

    It means your item has undergone our full multi-point inspection inside a manufacturer-authorized repair facility and meets strict performance and cosmetic standards.

  • Does KEH repair gear before selling it?

    Yes. Items that don’t pass functional inspection are repaired before making it to our shelves. If they cannot be brought up to standard, they’re used for parts or sold under our As-Is grade.

  • What if I receive an item and disagree with the grade?

    You’re covered by our 21-day return policy. Just give us a call, and we’ll make it right.

  • Why buy from KEH instead of marketplaces?

    Marketplace sellers self-report condition. KEH provides professional inspection, conservative grading, warranty coverage, and expert support.

  • Why buy from KEH instead of other recommerce sites?

    KEH is the original authority with 45+ years of proven grading accuracy, a manufacturer-authorized repair facility, and technicians with unmatched expertise. No one else combines history, capability, and consistency at this level.