B + W scan to verify authenticity

[Ivar B]

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Perhaps slightly off topic, but it may be useful for some. Everyone knows that a large share of filters sold on the Internet, be it from B + W, Zeiss, Hoya, Nikon and others, are fake items.

 

B + W is doing something about it lets you can scan the box with a QR reader to unlock a unique encrypted code, and according to B + W, this system is safe.

 

I just bought a B + W MRC Nano 82mm for my SL 24-90 from a HK supplier (besteastern) and decided to try out the scan - and indeed I get immediate verification that this is real.

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Edited August 25, 2016 by Ivar B

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[NB23]

Well... A fake filter with a "real" photocopied code would also give you the same answer.

 

No?

[Ivar B]

Well... A fake filter with a "real" photocopied code would also give you the same answer.

 

No?

 

As I understand it, each filter has a unique code and apparently B + W has taken several measures to make copying of the code impossible. The system is described in more detail on their web.

 

http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/en/photo-imaging/product-range/b-w-fotofilter/products/authentication/

Edited August 26, 2016 by Ivar B

[Exodies]

Still, if you take one b+w filter and packaging and clone it, then the web site will report genuine for every copy.

[Ivar B]

Still, if you take one b+w filter and packaging and clone it, then the web site will report genuine for every copy.

 

According to BW, the code cannot be copied.

[LocalHero1953]

It's a QR code - they're copyable. And you've already copied it and posted it on the internet

[LocalHero1953]

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Thanks, Ivar, I've just scanned the QR code you posted, and SK's website confirms that it's valid.

I'll use it on the next batch of plastic filters I sell on ebay!

 

Seriously, though, I'm puzzled what the purpose of this is. There must be more to it, surely?

[Ivar B]

Yes, there must be something we are not quite getting. I very much doubt that B + W would go through all the effort to put a useless system in place.

 

 

[NB23]

Yes, there must be something we are not quite getting. I very much doubt that B + W would go through all the effort to put a useless system in place.

Why not? It's only a filter after all. And marketing has always been about bullsheeting people anyways.

[Ronazle]

As I understand it, each filter has a unique code and apparently B + W has taken several measures to make copying of the code impossible. The system is described in more detail on their web.

 

http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/en/photo-imaging/product-range/b-w-fotofilter/products/authentication/

Ivar, thank you very much for the post and I will file it away as useful knowledge. Regards, Ron

[mikemgb]

From what I just read on the site it looks like a two part identification process, when you register your filter you peel the QR code back to reveal a unique number under it. The QR code is easily copied but the serial number obviously cannot. Of course, by the time you figure out it's fake there's probably not much you can do about it.

 

I didn't know you could register a filter, I bought a B + W filter not long ago, it has the QR code but I didn't know what it was for so ignored it.

[pico]

Thanks, Ivar, I've just scanned the QR code you posted, and SK's website confirms that it's valid

You are kidding us. I decoded the QR code and it is a URL with code BP (does not work).

 

http://sk-auth.com/c=BP

[edwardkaraa]

From what I just read on the site it looks like a two part identification process, when you register your filter you peel the QR code back to reveal a unique number under it. The QR code is easily copied but the serial number obviously cannot. Of course, by the time you figure out it's fake there's probably not much you can do about it.

 

I didn't know you could register a filter, I bought a B + W filter not long ago, it has the QR code but I didn't know what it was for so ignored it.

Now that makes more sense.

[LocalHero1953]

You are kidding us. I decoded the QR code and it is a URL with code BP (does not work).

 

http://sk-auth.com/c=BP

Oops, mea cupla - I misread the German on my small phone screen, that it had been authenticated.

(I knew it had to be a bit more complicated than that)

[Swiftboy]

You can go to this site to check for filter authenticity:

https://schneiderkreuznach.com/en/authenticity-check

[logan2z]

Why not just buy the filters from an authorized B+W dealer to guarantee authenticity?  Or are people buying these used from eBay, etc?  If buying used, is the savings worth it? 

Some of the 'new' filters I see on eBay are actually more expensive than they are from authorized dealers in the US like BH Photo 🤔