I've got at least a half dozen B+W filters from HVStar (maxsaver, besteastern), and have been 100% satisfied with their customer service and prices. The filters are genuine B+W.
Consider, though, if you really need to be using a UV filter all the time. That's as far as I'm going with that discussion, though.
Like dcains, I've bought 4 or 5 B+Ws from HVStar and have always received the genuine product....with never any misrepresentation or substitution. I think you'll find many here on FM who have actually bought from them will concur.
I've corresponded with hvstar regarding whether they sell genuine B+W filters. They responded that they did. I have no reason not to believe them. All the B+W, Hoyas, and Kenko filters I have bought from them appear genuine to me. The only issue about the B+Ws is whether they have alloy or brass ring mounts. According to B+W Germany, the ring material may vary according to region but the glass is Schott. Personally, it doesn't matter to me if it is alloy or brass. Both work fine. The main issue for me is the glass. I have not seen any IQ differences amoung any of my filters no matter the brand as long as I am using the higher quality multicoated versions.
I've bought a number of filters from HVStar. I'm confident they're all the real thing; including a 77mm B+W MRC KSM Circular Polarizer, which is pretty hard to fake.
howardm4 wrote:
I want to say that I was not accusing them of misrepresentation. It's a fact that B+W make several versions and an un-witting buyer may not know that.
Howard -- I realize you weren't accusing them of misrepresentation. Sorry, if you interpreted my post that way. I was referring to dcain's post of 'what you see is what you get'. Plus they picture the box with the B+W product number and you can verify this number at B+W's site if you are uncertain. HVStar also carries various grades (coated, uncoated etc) of B+W filters as does B&H. Therefore it is up to the buyer to do his homework prior to buying from B&H, HVStar, Adorama or whoever.
Regarding jhom's post about alloy or brass, if you check the link Dean posted you'll see that HVStar now includes 'brass' in their description. I believe that's fairly new. http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=33
p.1 #11 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
I've also purchased filters from hvstar (maxsaver) and they are legit. There's not "a lot" of posting about possibly fake B+W, and every single time the issue was brought up it was someone in your position & was refuted every single time by past customers. As indicated earlier in this thread, the only new development is they are now offering the cheaper aluminum alloy version where they used to only offer the better brass ones. Just read the descriptions carefully to make sure you get what you are after. Best thing to do is verify the part numbers.
BTW, looking at your profile, I would not bother with the expense of the slim version. You don't need it (1.6 crop bodies are good for any rectilinear lens you can throw on them out to at least 12mm from personal experience). I'd suggest this one instead, a nicer filter for a bit less.
p.1 #12 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
I have bought my Ksm 77 mm cp filter from HV star and I think they have excellent service.The first one I received had a loose glass part in it but I got it replaced with a good one without discussion.
It is genuine B+W.
I would be very surprised if it was a fake.
p.1 #13 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
I use Hvstar exclusively for all of my B+W filters (Kaesemann CPLs, NDs, UV, etc). So far, I have had no reason to doubt their authenticity. Believe me...if hvstar was selling counterfeit filters, the news would have been all over the internet by now.
p.1 #15 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
I bought a few B+W MRC CPL's just before Christmas to give as a gift. Same company (best eastern, hvstar, maxsaver), same great service, and genuine product. They also sell quite a bit on eBay, with exemplary feedback.
p.1 #16 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
+1 It comes down to KNOWING WHAT YOU'RE ORDERING. Multiple orders from them myself, always the genuine product
at a great price. Don't mind waiting a few days longer to save big money. Just shows ya how much
the "big boys" mark up filters....it's their cash cow, people! Don't even get me started on the $70 markup
on the Kenko DG TC's Shop around...it's your money!!
p.1 #18 · HVStar Deal or not Deal Fake or not Fake
I did not want to start a new thread. I used to order from HVstar but that was years ago. I need a B+W CPL. What is current and who can I trust? Not sure if there is a more current thread.
Don't even get me started on the $70 markup