RF 24-105 L Lens Play

[salmagor]

Hello,

I've recently purchased a second hand (KEH, Excellent +), and am noticing a small play in the front lens element, as can be seen in the attached video.

I would love your thoughts on whether this is normal or should I look for a refund...

Thanks for your help

-S

[JFG]

Good information to know about KEH, however, Canon's history is rooted in a desire to build high-quality cameras, evolving from Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory in 1933 to a global imaging giant.  Founded in 1937, Canon engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of office multifunction devices, copying machines, printers, cameras, and lithography equipment.  It operates through the following segments:  Office Business Unit (BU), Imaging System BU, Medical System BU, and Industry and Others BU.   Forbes #549 Global 2000 (2025)   Global 2000 Japan (2025)   Canon Finacial Summary 2025   Revenue $30B   Assets $39B   Profits $1.1B.  Canon has been a consistent presence on the Fortune Gobal 500 list for decades.  It first appeared at least as early as 1995 and has continued to rank among the World's largest companies by revenue through 2025, marking at least 30 consecutive years on the Forbes Global 500.  On the Japan-specific Fortune Global 500 rankings, Canon maintained a strong position.  In the 2022 it ranked No 444 globally, placing it among the top Japanese corporations by revenue.  While the Japan list isn't published separately, Canon's inclusion in the Global 500 inherently places it among Japan's top-performing companies.  

Conclusion:  Canon and KEH Camera serve very different roles in the photography world, so comparing them is a bit like comparing a camera manufacturer to a camera marketplace.  Canon is the innovator, a global imaging giant known for designing and manufacturing, leading innovation in autofocus, sensor technology, and mirrorless systems.  Offering professional support, firmware updates, and a wide ecosystem of accessories.  Competing directly with brands like Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm.  Canon's strength lies in cutting-edge gear and R&D, not resales or trade-in services.  It's like comparing apples to oranges or mangos to pineapples.

On the other hand, KEH Camera is a used gear retailer and reseller, specializing in:  Buying and selling pre-owned cameras, lenses, and accessories.   Offering KEH Certified gear with inspection, grading, and warranties.  Providing trade in services and instant quotes for used equipment. Supporting photographers who want to save money or sell gear without the hassle of peer-to-peer platforms. 

KEH Camera doesn't manufacture anything-- It's a trusted middleman for gear circulation.

[March411]

Now you are changing the subject matter to justify posting anecdotal information regarding customer complaints and quality. Our conversation was focused on quality. While you were suggesting their quality was below Canon's by posting BBB complaints some vital information was absent leading people to believe they have quality issues.

That was the the topic we were discussing and is the topic I will continue to address. If you want to discuss sales volume and annual revenue it may be something folks are interested in, I was/am responding to you regarding their (KEH) quality. Using the information you provided from your original post:

---

@JFG wrote:

Hi salmagor,

Just for the heck of it I checked with the BBB and the following is their report:
Business Profile

Photography Equipment
KEH Camera
BBB Customer Complaints Summary

65 total complaints in the last 3 years.
33 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

---

Facts are better standard to assess performance. And given the estimated annual sales units for KEH are public (estimated 275,000 annually) here how their quality breaks down for the period of time you posted. For the 3 year period I used the original 275,000 per year units as the baseline for 3 Years*. The failure rate would be negligible if I completed a three year extension to 825,000 units. 

Complaints

Period	# of Complaints	Failure Rate	Success Rate
3 Years *	65	.024%	99.976%
1 Year	33	.012%	99.98%

Based on the BBB information you provided it would suggest they maintain a strong quality promise to their clientele as well as being recognized as premier purchaser and reseller of pre-owned camera gear as mentioned in the information I provided by Inc.’s 2024 5000 list. Impressively being mentioned and compared to businesses like Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle and Patagonia. 

While I appreciate you sharing the size and scope of the Canon USA we are discussing quality and I simply pointed out that the BBB information for Canon was similar remarkably similar for the same period. Canon, much like KEH most likely has failure rate against units is negligible. I can only speculate as the units sold in their USA camera division were not public or I missed them in my travels on the web.   

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@JFG wrote:
 Canon and KEH Camera serve very different roles in the photography world, so comparing them is a bit like comparing a camera manufacturer to a camera marketplace.

---

Again inaccurate, both have a place in the sales and distribution of cameras and lenses to the greater public. That very much is a mutual similarity. You continue down a different path in an attempt to justify something we weren't even discussing. salmagor original post was regarding the quality of the lens he/she received, we were discussing quality and later BBB complaints as it pertained to quality. The information I provided, in my recent post was to convey that KEH is recognized as a quality provider of cameras and lenses in a shared market place with Canon. Let's stay focused on the original topic! 

[JFG]

Marc,

I posted that out of curiosity,  having not had any dealings with KEH Camera, I checked their BBB report and posted it.  It is always a good idea,  for anyone that wants to do business with a business entity that they aren't familiar with, to check their BBB report.   Now if you read my post, I simply posted the BBB report and you answered defensively comparing KEH Camera to Canon.  I never wrote any derogatory coment about KEH.  I  just posted their BBB report which is available to the public.  You took offense to that,  I also want to make clear that comparing KEH Camera to Canon is like comparing apples 🍎  to oranges 🍊.   If you'd have compared KEH Camera to Adorama, B&H Camera, Gear Focus, Lens Authority or Borrow Lenses then I would have agreed with you.  However, you came of defending KEH Camera and comparing it to Canon, wich is over reaching and way out of context.  In any case, I hope that KEH Camera made things right for Salmagor and exchanged the lens for a better one or refunded his money 💰 

[March411]

Out of curiosity, interesting. Posting a BBB rating normally suggests that there are quality challenges with a business. 

Not defending anyone, simply pointing out that the anecdotal information posted was incomplete. It doesn't really tell the full story or how it compares to others in the industry. Out of curiosity did you notice that KEH has a BBB rating of A+ because that information wasn't added, seemed odd.

I would agree, checking BBB and posting complete information can be very helpful when posted in totality. Posting portions can be misleading.  

But this has gone far enough and as you have suggested in another post hijacking a thread is rude. 

[JFG]

Marc,

I didn't hijack this thread, I just commented on salmagor's concerns about his lens and just out of curiosity, wanted to see for myself what KEH Camera's BBB report had to say about them and posted it.  You're right, I didn't post KEH Camera's A+ rating because I simply missed it.  However, I didn't make any derogatory comments about KEH Camera either.  I didn't expect you to be so defensively petty and go on a rant about KEH Camera and compare them to Canon. You seem to be tightly wound up, and you need to chill and not take things so personally.  You'll be happier that way and have more friends.  By the way, you shouldn't have hijacked salmagor's thread by ranting about how KEH Camera compares to CANON a GLOBA Manufacturing Giant.    🤣

[March411]

Once again you speak without knowledge or facts. I am a pretty chill guy as most of my threads will show. I just believe that accuracy is important and attempt to give a complete picture, others find facts meaningless and post half truths.

I never stated you made a derogatory comment, just brought data/facts into the thread so as not to mislead guests. You must have a guilty conscience, you continue to make personal attacks when all I am doing is attempting to give clarity. It may be time for you to heed your own advice.   

[March411]

Be careful Joe, you are working yourself into a lather, that nerve is exposed. It's good see you remain consistent in attacking, name calling and now suggesting alcohol to resolve issues. Very telling.  

[JFG]

Marc,

You just don't get it !   Go take a cold shower 🚿 and stop your self for a bit.  If you want to respond and continue your rant, send me a pm (private message).  Rick's suggestion is right so listen to him.  I'm done..  Mike drop 🎤 

[March411]

I get with great clarity! 

I offered a solution different then yours (a replacement lens) and corrected a misrepresentation you made of respected industry supplier and you became disrespectful, attacked me, and acted like a penchant child by stomping you feet, throwing a tantrum and name calling.

And being a keyboard cowboy you thought you could do it with complete anonymity. There is zero reason for your behavior and it is the third time you have singled me out for your harassment. It's not a rant it's me not dealing with your bull and calling you out. I will continue down my path of calling it out until you can act like a respectful adult or at the very least stop stalking and hassling me.