p.2 #1 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
trenchmonkey wrote:
Feel free to bury your head in the sand. There are numerous examples of deep savings via Hong Kong, dude.
Another case in point....Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG 1.4x teleconverters. HK $129 del. B&H $194
plus shipping! There's over $60 freakin' dollars in MY pocket. Same damn TC/warranty. The markup
on accessories is obscene...where you been
Hey Monkey,
I did buy a filter from an ebay HK seller and I was always suspicious as it didn't look the same as the "identical" ones I purchased from Adorama. I'm not saying it wasn't real, but it was different. I don't think it was the same guys you used, but I think others may be cautious too.
I'll check out your source as I lost a cp filter and need to replace it.
p.2 #2 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
The price differences are retail markup ... i.e. PROFIT ... not savings from being sold in Hong Kong vs anywhere else ... You can rest assured that the Hong Kong retailers are also making profit and maximizing that by volume sales.
The high markup stateside should say something about why UV filters are pushed so hard by retailers Huge cash cow for the retailer, whereas the markup on the camera and lenses is much lower.
I've never purchased from HVStar, but you can be sure that I'll look there for any future polarizer needs.
p.2 #3 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
Mike Ganz wrote:
With as many people on this forum and others that buy their filters from Hvstar, I'm sure by now the news would have been plastered all over the internet if they were found to be selling counterfeit items. I buy all of my B+W's from them, and have yet to suffer any issues (just like a lot of other folks). Its your money...if you want to spend nearly double at B&H for a filter, go for it. Don't get me wrong...I buy 95% of my gear from B&H and find them to be a very trustworthy dealer, but for filters and such there are better deals to be had. ...Show more →
p.2 #4 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
trenchmonkey wrote:
Feel free to bury your head in the sand. There are numerous examples of deep savings via Hong Kong, dude.
Another case in point....Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG 1.4x teleconverters. HK $129 del. B&H $194
plus shipping! There's over $60 freakin' dollars in MY pocket. Same damn TC/warranty. The markup
on accessories is obscene...where you been
I agree with everything. Also with bury your head in the sand
p.2 #6 · 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.
p.2 #7 · 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.
p.2 #8 · 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.
p.2 #9 · 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.
p.2 #10 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
jhom wrote:
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.
p.2 #11 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
jhom wrote:
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.
p.2 #12 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
jamesf99 wrote:
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. ...Show more →
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.
p.2 #13 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
jhom wrote:
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.
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.
p.2 #14 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
jamesf99 wrote:
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. ...Show more →
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.
p.2 #15 · 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.
p.2 #16 · 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.
p.2 #17 · 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.
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...
p.2 #18 · 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... ...Show more →
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.
p.2 #19 · Anyone trust filters from Hong Kong sellers?
Avi B wrote:
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.
p.2 #20 · 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)
Huge cash cow for the retailer, whereas the markup on the camera and lenses is much lower.
