Maxsaver.net Question

I suppose like many others here I admittedly am a bit skeptical about the prices of B+W filters at Maxsaver.net. Although many folks here seem completely satisfied that filters from Maxsaver are indeed "real" B+W products, has anyone been able to positively (within reason) determine that these filters are in fact genuine B+W products? Has Schneider Optics of Germany verified that Maxsaver is an authorized seller for B+W products?

One other question: The B+W 72mm Kaesemann MRC Cpl filter is listed on Maxsaver.net as "special order". Does anyone know if this means they are backordered or if they are not a regular stock item?

Thank you for your help.

I got my 77mm B+W KSM CPL from maxsaver. I was skeptical also but couldn't pass up the price.

I have several other B+W filters purchased from "authorized" dealers. I can find no reason to think that the one from maxsaver is any kind of knockoff. Physically and optically it performs flawlessly.

I don't have any thoughts on the special order thing though.

They're legit. They aren't authorized dealers though.
B&H isn't even an authorized dealer for B+W.

kitjv wrote in post #12104449
I suppose like many others here I admittedly am a bit skeptical about the prices of B+W filters at Maxsaver.net. Although many folks here seem completely satisfied that filters from Maxsaver are indeed "real" B+W products, has anyone been able to positively (within reason) determine that these filters are in fact genuine B+W products? Has Schneider Optics of Germany verified that Maxsaver is an authorized seller for B+W products?

Not that I've found. Everything seems to be, "I bought from MaxSaver and it looks like the one I bought from B&H." That's about the extent of it. It would be nice if B+W would say something about it, because MaxSaver's prices are not even in the same ballpark as places like B+H, who should have more buying power and thus able to secure a lower rate. The fact that MaxSaver is located in the counterfeiting capitol of the world doesn't help matters much.

Has anyone come across anything more substantial than ad hoc comparisons by amatuer internet sleuths?

Schneider optics said that, like B&H, Maxsaver doesn't get their filters directly from B+W therefore they aren't covered by a warranty. Does not mean that they are real or fake though.

My feeling has always been that if it looks too good to be true, it's not. Maxsaver is not an AD, and B+W always distances itself from them.

Check at Adorama or www.2filter.com. Both are AD's for B+W. I order all B+W filters through 2filter. You can also talk to one of the owners there for advice on other filters. Their webpage is one of the most confusing I've ever seen, but don't let that stop you.

Relax, they are legit

Have been shopping with them for ages. They are internet front for HVStar - B+W dealer. Filters I got from B&H and maxsaver are identical in look, feel, build, packaging, and performance.
Thread on similar topic related to allegedly fake aluminum B+W filters sold by maxsaver.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=899297

Some info on Maxsaver
http://maxsaver.net/ma​xsaver-fake-bw-filters.aspx

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #12104968
It would be nice if B+W would say something about it, because MaxSaver's prices are not even in the same ballpark as places like B+H, who should have more buying power and thus able to secure a lower rate. The fact that MaxSaver is located in the counterfeiting capitol of the world doesn't help matters much.

Has anyone come across anything more substantial than ad hoc comparisons by amatuer internet sleuths?

My concerns exactly. Going one step further ... I sent an email to Schneider Optics (the mfg. of B+W filters) asking: (1) is Maxsaver an authorized B+W seller? and (2) if they have received any past complaints re: Maxsaver possibly selling bogus B+W filters.

If thus tread is still alive by then, I will post Schneider's response. In the meantime, I would appreciate hearing about any other experiences with Maxsaver.

Thanks.

I've bought several MRC F-Pro B+W filters from Maxsaver and the glass is optically flawless as far as I can tell. The rings however are made of alloy and not brass. I assume that accounts for a large portion of the price difference between Maxsaver and B&H.

peter_n wrote in post #12107779
I've bought several MRC F-Pro B+W filters from Maxsaver and the glass is optically flawless as far as I can tell. The rings however are made of alloy and not brass. I assume that accounts for a large portion of the price difference between Maxsaver and B&H.

There are different models of filters. It's not like Hoya and B+W make a batch for Maxsaver and another for B&H. If you want the brass filter, then order the brass one from Maxsaver. They sell both .

This topic comes up so much on here there ought to be a sticky.

Do a search on here or FM or where ever you want and I've never found a post that shows they are fakes. They are just like B+H, they sell B+W filters but are not a authorized retailer. If you are willing to wait on shipping and dont need the filter tomorrow (or for a week or two), then they would be my first choice.

TaDa wrote in post #12107973
There are different models of filters. It's not like Hoya and B+W make a batch for Maxsaver and another for B&H. If you want the brass filter, then order the brass one from Maxsaver. They sell both .

Yes I know that and this is my bad. I should have made it clearer with a quote that I was responding to a comment in post #4 that I've snipped below. The alloy-ringed filters are much cheaper than the brass-ringed variety. It is obvious if you compare the prices on Maxsaver's own site.

Indecent Exposure wrote in post #12104968
It would be nice if B+W would say something about it, because MaxSaver's prices are not even in the same ballpark as places like B+H, who should have more buying power and thus able to secure a lower rate. The fact that MaxSaver is located in the counterfeiting capitol of the world doesn't help matters much.

Take the filter or filters you got from maxsaver.net to your local camera store (i.e. Vistek), somebody can tell you they're real or fake. I did this, so I am continuing shopping with maxsaver.net.

B+W is not a company you will get a straight answer from....

This question comes up pretty much on a bi-weekly basis. The answer always remains the same however.

They are indeed genuine filters. How they go about offering them at such a reduced price is a mystery. I suspect the wholesale cost on these filters is around 50% of retail, so they are just making a little less profit than the competitors. Based on the threads here on POTN (and other forums) they are certainly selling enough filters to make up for reduced profit in volume of sales.

If you get peace of mind by paying more at B&H for the same filter, then by all means do so! But there is no reason to dismiss Maxsaver simply because they don't buy direct from B+W.