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jamesf99
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p.2 #1 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Yeah, turns out that's the same company I purchased from on ebay. The filter did look different from what I got here in the US from Adorama. Not sure what that means, but worth the thought..

I also think you can get pretty much the same deal from 2filter.com. Each to his own I guess.

Jul 29, 2008 at 02:32 AM

jhom
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p.2 #2 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

I trust Hvstar to deliver genuine filters at very good prices. I have purchased several B+W Cpls as well as several Hoya/Kenko filters from them. I have had no problems with their filters. They also provide good service. They have always been responsive to my inquiries.

If you think their prices are too low or if you don't trust the authenticity of their products there are plenty of other retailers who will gladly take your money.

Jim

Edited on Jul 29, 2008 at 05:21 AM

Jul 29, 2008 at 05:16 AM

tonyptony
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p.2 #3 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

Jul 29, 2008 at 09:22 PM

jhom
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p.2 #4 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Jul 29, 2008 at 10:09 PM

eos-m42guy
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p.2 #5 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:
tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Tony -- Thanks for that information.

Jim -- Well put.

Jul 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM

jamesf99
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p.2 #6 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:
tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Irrespective of my experience of receiving something that didn't match what I purchased in the US I don't consider myself a naysayer. After all, these things are made in Japan, and HVStar may have different market sources as already pointed out. I've never suffered the delusion that B&H/Adorama was one of my friends and trying to give me a good deal though, so their prices are probably wildly inflated. Compare prices at the NH 2filter.com and you'll get an eye opener too...

Since you're obviously trying to be clever, remember the concept of "momma not raising a fool". Lots of fools think they can get something for nothing. Combined with China being the largest source of fake, pirated, and inferior goods, I think some caution is warranted if there's any suspicion...... You obviously feel differently.

Edited on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM

Jul 30, 2008 at 02:05 PM

jhom
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p.2 #7 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:
tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Irrespective of my experience of receiving something that didn't match what I purchased in the US I don't consider myself a naysayer. After all, these things are made in Japan, and HVStar may have different market sources as already pointed out. I've never suffered the delusion that B&H/Adorama was one of my friends and trying to give me a good deal though, so their prices are probably wildly inflated. Compare prices at the NH 2filter.com and you'll get an eye opener too...

Since you're obviously trying to be clever, remember the concept of "momma not raising a fool". Lots of fools think they can get something for nothing. Combined with China being the largest source of fake, pirated, and inferior goods, I think some caution is warranted if there's any suspicion...... You obviously feel differently.

Caution is a good thing and mom's/dad's advice is often a good first step. However, when specific information counters generalities, then adherence to old ways is often counterintuitive/productive. In the case of Hvstar, there have been many many threads showing that the company does not fit the current perception of Chinese pirates or swindlers. Personally, I have explored this issue and have compared Hvstar's products with local offerings. Moreover, I have contacted Hvstar as well as listened to the comments made by my fellow photogs. I have no problems recommending the company.

My comments were specifically directed to those who make proclaimations based on no experience with the company.

If I offended you I apologize.

Jim

Edited on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:47 PM

Jul 30, 2008 at 02:37 PM

jamesf99
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p.2 #8 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:
jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:
tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Irrespective of my experience of receiving something that didn't match what I purchased in the US I don't consider myself a naysayer. After all, these things are made in Japan, and HVStar may have different market sources as already pointed out. I've never suffered the delusion that B&H/Adorama was one of my friends and trying to give me a good deal though, so their prices are probably wildly inflated. Compare prices at the NH 2filter.com and you'll get an eye opener too...

Since you're obviously trying to be clever, remember the concept of "momma not raising a fool". Lots of fools think they can get something for nothing. Combined with China being the largest source of fake, pirated, and inferior goods, I think some caution is warranted if there's any suspicion...... You obviously feel differently.

Caution is a good thing and mom's/dad's advice is often a good first step. However, when specific information counters generalities, then adherence to old ways is often counterintuitive/productive. In the case of Hvstar, there have been many many threads showing that the company does not fit the current perception of Chinese pirates or swindlers. Personally, I have explored this issue and have compared Hvstar's products with local offerings. Moreover, I have contacted Hvstar as well as listened to the comments made by my fellow photogs. I have no problems recommending the company.

My comments were specifically directed to those who make proclaimations based on no experience with the company.

If I offended you I apologize.

Jim

It's fine and I'm not offended, but as one of the two (or 3?) in this thread that hasn't just jumped on the wildly enthusiastic bandwagon, I wanted to reply with my experience. I ordered from Adorama and from Besteastern (HVStar, though I didn't know it at the time) on ebay; as a result, I did receive something different. The Adorama B+W examples were clearly/visibly different from the HVStar product, though the box was identical. It's the type thing that makes me go, "Hmmmmm?".

I appreciate getting things for fair prices and have no fear of dealing with "alternative" sellers. I also think from what everyone has said that buying Hoya is very safe. For things made in Germany, I'm not as sure; but it may still be fine. I think I'll stick to Hoya with them, and perhaps buy in the US for my B+W stuff.

Jul 30, 2008 at 07:02 PM

jhom
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p.2 #9 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:
jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:
tonyptony wrote:
To anyone who's still interested, I called THK in California (corporate entity in the U.S. for Hoya and other excellent brands). The fellow I spoke to knew of HVStar as soon as I said the name. He indicated that while they do not get their supply from THK, they do in fact sell the genuine article. He believes they must get their supply from a source in Japan or otherwhere in the Far East. He said there has been no indication to his knowledge of HVStar selling counterfeit versions of their product.

I'll bet some of the naysayers will find some fault in your posting. Also, for some, whatever mommy taught them will always be the way they do things.

Jim

Irrespective of my experience of receiving something that didn't match what I purchased in the US I don't consider myself a naysayer. After all, these things are made in Japan, and HVStar may have different market sources as already pointed out. I've never suffered the delusion that B&H/Adorama was one of my friends and trying to give me a good deal though, so their prices are probably wildly inflated. Compare prices at the NH 2filter.com and you'll get an eye opener too...

Since you're obviously trying to be clever, remember the concept of "momma not raising a fool". Lots of fools think they can get something for nothing. Combined with China being the largest source of fake, pirated, and inferior goods, I think some caution is warranted if there's any suspicion...... You obviously feel differently.

Caution is a good thing and mom's/dad's advice is often a good first step. However, when specific information counters generalities, then adherence to old ways is often counterintuitive/productive. In the case of Hvstar, there have been many many threads showing that the company does not fit the current perception of Chinese pirates or swindlers. Personally, I have explored this issue and have compared Hvstar's products with local offerings. Moreover, I have contacted Hvstar as well as listened to the comments made by my fellow photogs. I have no problems recommending the company.

My comments were specifically directed to those who make proclaimations based on no experience with the company.

If I offended you I apologize.

Jim

It's fine and I'm not offended, but as one of the two (or 3?) in this thread that hasn't just jumped on the wildly enthusiastic bandwagon, I wanted to reply with my experience. I ordered from Adorama and from Besteastern (HVStar, though I didn't know it at the time) on ebay; as a result, I did receive something different. The Adorama B+W examples were clearly/visibly different from the HVStar product, though the box was identical. It's the type thing that makes me go, "Hmmmmm?".

I appreciate getting things for fair prices and have no fear of dealing with "alternative" sellers. I also think from what everyone has said that buying Hoya is very safe. For things made in Germany, I'm not as sure; but it may still be fine. I think I'll stick to Hoya with them, and perhaps buy in the US for my B+W stuff.

I'm curious. What was different between the Adorama copy and the Hvstar copy. It is my understanding that the ring mounts may be different ("alloy" vs brass) but the Schott glass should be the same if they are B+W filters. This was confirmed in a correspondence I had with B+W Germany last year. Supposedly, the ring mount could be regionally determined (Germany vs. Asia vs. US). In a correspondence with Hvstar, I was assured that they sell genuine B+W filters (obviously, to be taken with a grain of salt). As you notice, Hvstar has both alloy and brass mounts. When I compared the Hvstar B+W CPLs I bought with a local brick and mortar store, they looked identical.

Jim

Jul 30, 2008 at 07:44 PM

panos.v
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p.2 #10 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

One of the reasons why things are so much cheaper "over there" is the different taxation levels. As far as I am aware, companies pay much lower taxes than in the US and Europe and some products are sold VAT free, which that alone is a 17.5% difference (or whatever it is in the US for your sales & state tax).

Similarly, a UK resident could ask whether the cameras sold in the US are fake as they are anything up to half price compared to the UK ones.

Edited on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:56 AM

Jul 31, 2008 at 09:54 AM

tonyptony
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p.2 #11 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Well, I received the shipping notice from HVStar a few days ago. When I get my Hoya filter I will be comparing it closely to the others I have. Not sure if I'll actually be able to tell anything, but assuming the glass is genuine I'm hoping to be able to tell if at least the mount is any different.

Jul 31, 2008 at 01:27 PM

jamesf99
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p.2 #12 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:

I'm curious. What was different between the Adorama copy and the Hvstar copy. It is my understanding that the ring mounts may be different ("alloy" vs brass) but the Schott glass should be the same if they are B+W filters. This was confirmed in a correspondence I had with B+W Germany last year. Supposedly, the ring mount could be regionally determined (Germany vs. Asia vs. US). In a correspondence with Hvstar, I was assured that they sell genuine B+W filters (obviously, to be taken with a grain of salt). As you notice, Hvstar has both alloy and brass mounts. When I compared the Hvstar B+W CPLs I bought with a local brick and mortar store, they looked identical.

Jim

There's no way for anyone to tell if the glass is real or not. No where does it say "Schott" on the glass, at least on the "real" one I'm holding in my hands now or the approximately 10 B+W filters I own. If you have B+W filters that have "Schott" stamped on the glass, I would return them for a refund immediately. Does the name show up in your images?

The differences were on the ring; the type face was different, the wording slightly different, etc. I'm still having trouble getting my head around why any mfg, for filters mfg'd in Germany, at the same plant, on the same lines, using the same box, would bother to subtlety change the type face and printing, just to send them to the far east where it could be sold for less. I suppose stranger things could happen, but again, it makes me go "hmmmmm?"........

Perhaps I got filters that were legitimately mfg'd in Germany, but from different batches spanning a typeface change at the factory. Or then again, perhaps I got one of the first "prototypes" from the new HK/Shanghai B+W factory. They've improved their quality now.....

....

Outliers may be flukes, or may be indicative of something else...

Edited on Jul 31, 2008 at 02:40 PM

Jul 31, 2008 at 02:39 PM

Avi B
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p.2 #13 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jamesf99 wrote:
There's no way for anyone to tell if the glass is real or not. No where does it say "Schott" on the glass, at least on the "real" one I'm holding in my hands now or the approximately 10 B+W filters I own. If you have B+W filters that have "Schott" stamped on the glass, I would return them for a refund immediately. Does the name show up in your images?

The differences were on the ring; the type face was different, the wording slightly different, etc. I'm still having trouble getting my head around why any mfg, for filters mfg'd in Germany, at the same plant, on the same lines, using the same box, would bother to subtlety change the type face and printing, just to send them to the far east where it could be sold for less. I suppose stranger things could happen, but again, it makes me go "hmmmmm?"........

Perhaps I got filters that were legitimately mfg'd in Germany, but from different batches spanning a typeface change at the factory. Or then again, perhaps I got one of the first "prototypes" from the new HK/Shanghai B+W factory. They've improved their quality now.....

....

Outliers may be flukes, or may be indicative of something else...

How about this? How about due to cost pressures, B+W gets EVERYTHING done in the far east, at a factory in China (kinda like everyone else) or Japan. Then the factory there has production runs for goods meant for "US and Europe" and another for the far east and asian countries, where the quality of the mount may be a little less (or even the same - just marked for 'non-US/EU' market), but the glass is the same glass? How's this story sound? That work for you? Look, companies price according to what the "market will bear"...

I wouldn't be surprised if that's what's going on. This is how manufacturing works these days. China, India, Brazil, pick your poison, it's the same thing. One for "export" and one for "domestic" market - works in books, clothing and all sorts of other consumer goods. So why not in this instance? I hate to break it to you, even Zeiss produces their lenses in the far east these days. FWIW.

Jul 31, 2008 at 03:18 PM

Lasse Eriksson
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p.2 #14 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Avi B wrote:
jamesf99 wrote:
There's no way for anyone to tell if the glass is real or not. No where does it say "Schott" on the glass, at least on the "real" one I'm holding in my hands now or the approximately 10 B+W filters I own. If you have B+W filters that have "Schott" stamped on the glass, I would return them for a refund immediately. Does the name show up in your images?

The differences were on the ring; the type face was different, the wording slightly different, etc. I'm still having trouble getting my head around why any mfg, for filters mfg'd in Germany, at the same plant, on the same lines, using the same box, would bother to subtlety change the type face and printing, just to send them to the far east where it could be sold for less. I suppose stranger things could happen, but again, it makes me go "hmmmmm?"........

Perhaps I got filters that were legitimately mfg'd in Germany, but from different batches spanning a typeface change at the factory. Or then again, perhaps I got one of the first "prototypes" from the new HK/Shanghai B+W factory. They've improved their quality now.....

....

Outliers may be flukes, or may be indicative of something else...

How about this? How about due to cost pressures, B+W gets EVERYTHING done in the far east, at a factory in China (kinda like everyone else) or Japan. Then the factory there has production runs for goods meant for "US and Europe" and another for the far east and asian countries, where the quality of the mount may be a little less (or even the same - just marked for 'non-US/EU' market), but the glass is the same glass? How's this story sound? That work for you? Look, companies price according to what the "market will bear"...

I wouldn't be surprised if that's what's going on. This is how manufacturing works these days. China, India, Brazil, pick your poison, it's the same thing. One for "export" and one for "domestic" market - works in books, clothing and all sorts of other consumer goods. So why not in this instance? I hate to break it to you, even Zeiss produces their lenses in the far east these days. FWIW.

This is not how it works

Tell us a few other camera or photo equipment that are made in different qualities. "one for export and one for domestic"

Jul 31, 2008 at 03:42 PM

Young Joo
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p.2 #15 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

My experience with hvstar.net was not stella. I do have to admit that their customer service is very good. The biggest annoyance with hvstar.net is how long it takes for items to arrive. A couple of times I ordered from them, filters took almost 3 weeks to arrive. I once had to return a defective filter and it wasn't fun.

Considering reasonable price difference, I would go with 2filter.com instead. They are in US so shipping is faster. I just looked up the price difference of B+W 77mm 010 UV MRC F-PRO Brass filter between two and 2filter.com was $7.32 more expensive than hvstar.net.

hvstar.net
Filter: 66.90
Shipping: 9.90

2filter.com
Filter: 84.12
Shipping: free (since filter is over $66)

Jul 31, 2008 at 10:14 PM

justruss
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p.2 #16 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

I love HVstar.net. They even shipped to Thailand when I was there even though I paid with a US paypal account-- and it's normally against their policy.

Aug 01, 2008 at 12:31 AM

tanglefoot47
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p.2 #17 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Another person for HVstar I have ordered many filters form them and the only complaint I have is their shipping cost! but they are still cheaper than anyplace I have found for good quality filters including 2filter as a matter of fact I have 4 filters on the way now

Aug 01, 2008 at 02:09 AM

jhom
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p.2 #18 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:

I'm curious. What was different between the Adorama copy and the Hvstar copy. It is my understanding that the ring mounts may be different ("alloy" vs brass) but the Schott glass should be the same if they are B+W filters. This was confirmed in a correspondence I had with B+W Germany last year. Supposedly, the ring mount could be regionally determined (Germany vs. Asia vs. US). In a correspondence with Hvstar, I was assured that they sell genuine B+W filters (obviously, to be taken with a grain of salt). As you notice, Hvstar has both alloy and brass mounts. When I compared the Hvstar B+W CPLs I bought with a local brick and mortar store, they looked identical.

Jim

There's no way for anyone to tell if the glass is real or not. No where does it say "Schott" on the glass, at least on the "real" one I'm holding in my hands now or the approximately 10 B+W filters I own. If you have B+W filters that have "Schott" stamped on the glass, I would return them for a refund immediately. Does the name show up in your images?

The differences were on the ring; the type face was different, the wording slightly different, etc. I'm still having trouble getting my head around why any mfg, for filters mfg'd in Germany, at the same plant, on the same lines, using the same box, would bother to subtlety change the type face and printing, just to send them to the far east where it could be sold for less. I suppose stranger things could happen, but again, it makes me go "hmmmmm?"........

Perhaps I got filters that were legitimately mfg'd in Germany, but from different batches spanning a typeface change at the factory. Or then again, perhaps I got one of the first "prototypes" from the new HK/Shanghai B+W factory. They've improved their quality now.....

....

Outliers may be flukes, or may be indicative of something else...

I know my filters have Schott glass because they hold the liquour well.

Just kidding. You are right, there is no obvious way to know.

Your comments made me wonder about the branding "Made in Germany" or "Germany" on the B+W filters. I wonder if anyone knows the legal requirements to use such branding on German products or products made elsewhere for B+W.

I noticed today while visiting the Schneider Kreuznach website that they have subsidiaries in South Korea and Hong Kong. I wonder what their B+W filters look like? Do you think they brand their filters as "Made in South Korea/Hong Kong/China?" In the same vain, I assume Schneider Optics, the US subsidiary of Schneider Kreuznach doesn't brand the filters "Made in US." This all assumes that B+W filters are made outside Germany.

Jim

Aug 01, 2008 at 02:43 AM

jamesf99
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p.2 #19 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:

I know my filters have Schott glass because they hold the liquour well.

Just kidding. You are right, there is no obvious way to know.

Your comments made me wonder about the branding "Made in Germany" or "Germany" on the B+W filters. I wonder if anyone knows the legal requirements to use such branding on German products or products made elsewhere for B+W.

I noticed today while visiting the Schneider Kreuznach website that they have subsidiaries in South Korea and Hong Kong. I wonder what their B+W filters look like? Do you think they brand their filters as "Made in South Korea/Hong Kong/China?" In the same vain, I assume Schneider Optics, the US subsidiary of Schneider Kreuznach doesn't brand the filters "Made in US." This all assumes that B+W filters are made outside Germany.

Jim

Interesting. I didn't know they had HK facilities, but that could be it. It's the 'made in Germany" part that's now the question. I don't have a box with me as I'm not in the studio right now but since they simply say "Germany" on the ring, perhaps that's just a marketing trick to make people think they're getting something they're not, and a way to justify a higher price...

I haven't called B+W (or the distributors) for a while, but this is worth checking...

Oh well, my next filters will be Hoya anyway. I don't feel like paying B+W prices for a small CP (replacing one I lost) and possibly an IR or two...

Edited on Aug 01, 2008 at 02:42 PM

Aug 01, 2008 at 02:34 PM

jhom
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p.2 #20 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:

I know my filters have Schott glass because they hold the liquour well.

Just kidding. You are right, there is no obvious way to know.

Your comments made me wonder about the branding "Made in Germany" or "Germany" on the B+W filters. I wonder if anyone knows the legal requirements to use such branding on German products or products made elsewhere for B+W.

I noticed today while visiting the Schneider Kreuznach website that they have subsidiaries in South Korea and Hong Kong. I wonder what their B+W filters look like? Do you think they brand their filters as "Made in South Korea/Hong Kong/China?" In the same vain, I assume Schneider Optics, the US subsidiary of Schneider Kreuznach doesn't brand the filters "Made in US." This all assumes that B+W filters are made outside Germany.

Jim

Interesting. I didn't know they had HK facilities, but that could be it. It's the 'made in Germany" part that's now the question. I don't have a box with me as I'm not in the studio right now but since they simply say "Germany" on the ring, perhaps that's just a marketing trick to make people think they're getting something they're not, and a way to justify a higher price...

I haven't called B+W (or the distributors) for a while, but this is worth checking...

Oh well, my next filters will be Hoya anyway. I don't feel like paying B+W prices for a small CP (replacing one I lost) and possibly an IR or two...

You might wait a little bit if you are not in dire need of the filters. Hoya will be introducing a new line of high quality filters shortly. I believe they will be called HD. Supposedly, they will be more impact/scratch resistant. I'm not sure of anything else. I don't know if they will be following the Digital line strategy or their SHMC strategy.

Jim

Aug 01, 2008 at 04:48 PM

RobertLynn
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p.2 #21 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Cableaddict wrote
Momma didn't raise no fool. .

Momma didn't raise a fool. This use of a double negative translates to "Mother did raise a fool."

Aug 01, 2008 at 09:02 PM

sjms
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p.2 #22 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

jhom wrote:
jamesf99 wrote:
jhom wrote:

I know my filters have Schott glass because they hold the liquour well.

Just kidding. You are right, there is no obvious way to know.

Your comments made me wonder about the branding "Made in Germany" or "Germany" on the B+W filters. I wonder if anyone knows the legal requirements to use such branding on German products or products made elsewhere for B+W.

I noticed today while visiting the Schneider Kreuznach website that they have subsidiaries in South Korea and Hong Kong. I wonder what their B+W filters look like? Do you think they brand their filters as "Made in South Korea/Hong Kong/China?" In the same vain, I assume Schneider Optics, the US subsidiary of Schneider Kreuznach doesn't brand the filters "Made in US." This all assumes that B+W filters are made outside Germany.

Jim

Interesting. I didn't know they had HK facilities, but that could be it. It's the 'made in Germany" part that's now the question. I don't have a box with me as I'm not in the studio right now but since they simply say "Germany" on the ring, perhaps that's just a marketing trick to make people think they're getting something they're not, and a way to justify a higher price...

I haven't called B+W (or the distributors) for a while, but this is worth checking...

Oh well, my next filters will be Hoya anyway. I don't feel like paying B+W prices for a small CP (replacing one I lost) and possibly an IR or two...

You might wait a little bit if you are not in dire need of the filters. Hoya will be introducing a new line of high quality filters shortly. I believe they will be called HD. Supposedly, they will be more impact/scratch resistant. I'm not sure of anything else. I don't know if they will be following the Digital line strategy or their SHMC strategy.

Jim

in addition their claim for the CP filter: Hoya's HD Circular Polarizers have reduced light loss buy 25%

Aug 02, 2008 at 08:25 PM

bertrum
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p.2 #23 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Got this quote from 2filter.com web site. The price difference "may" be the ring material. Hmmmm??!!

"All of the B+W filters 2filter.com sells are mounted in B+W German brass rings only ,

In markets around the world you can purchase B+W filters in mounting ring materials other than brass."

Aug 03, 2008 at 12:11 PM

Mike Ganz
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p.2 #24 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Good Lord, is this thing still going on? Bottom line is, Hvstar offers B+W filters with filter rings in alloy or brass composition...you just need to read into the details. In some cases, their product description link will mention the material, in others (like the Hvstar link below), you need to read into the details to find this information out. The B&H link doesn't mention the ring material anywhere (maybe they only carry brass...I don't know). One way to tell is by feel...if one filter is heavier than the other, the heavy one will be constructed with brass. When dealing with Hvstar, you need to be aware of what you're buying. If in doubt, shoot them an email. In this point-and-click age, most folks don't want to take the time to read a bunch of text...they'd rather just click on what they think they want, then complain to high heaven when they realize that its not what they want.

Like many others, I've been buying from Hvstar for a few years now...never had a bad experience, and never felt that I've been cheated. If you think that "more expensive equals better" and don't mind spending an additional $50-$60 at B&H or 2filter for the same filter, you're obviously free to do so. Not everything coming out of Asia is a fake...

Hvstar B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL 77mm

B&H B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL 77mm

2filter B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL 77mm

Aug 03, 2008 at 12:52 PM

tonyptony
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p.2 #25 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?

Not sure what's going on. My filters left Jamaica Queens (NY) on August 2nd and the USPS details show nothing after that. Considering I'm in the next state over that seems a little odd.

Aug 05, 2008 at 09:34 PM


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