SUN FOTO (Shen Hao) cams at MPEX

[dtomasula]

There are what seem like millions of Shen-Hao bashing threads on this and other forums.

Can we once and for all get it through our heads that the only camera that is a Shen-Hao will actually say "Shen-Hao" on it. Sun Foto, Seagull, et., while made in China are NOT Shen-Hao. They are separate companies and have no affiliation (other than Shen-Hao markets Seagull lenses). If anyone tells you a camera is a Shen-Hao and it doesn't say Shen-Hao on it, then they are lying to you.

Whether these retailers are lying to you knowingly or not is not the point. They should know what they are selling. Period. You shouldn't have to guess about what you're buying from them. Just because the camera is made in China does not automatically make it a Shen-Hao. If they don't know what they are selling, I'd go somewhere else to buy.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Well, the camera showed up today. From what I can tell from looking at photos on various web sites it sure looks like a rebadged Shen. I understand that there were some issues with these things going out to folks who orderd Shens. I would not have expected that either. The reason I got this, and that I am willing to accept that it doesn't say Shen Hao on it is that I got it for $425. I am also willing to accept the possibility that it was made by someone other than Shen, but from looking at it, I kind of doubt that. Taking into account the case and extra lens board that I got with it, I saved over $200 on this camera compared to a Shan. Since you can't even come close to a used shen for that, and I got a full year warranty on this and it is clearly barely used, I think I got a great deal. I am taking it out tomorrow and will give a report back once I have used it.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Well, I have shot about 20 sheets of film and could not be happier with the camera. It locks down well, tighter than my Cambo SCII, and all of the movements are easy to use. The finish is good, not fantastic like an Ebony or something, but just fine. Since I have not seen a Shen in the flesh, I don't know if this camera has poorer finish or not, but I am happy with it. Focusing my 90mm lens was easy since the rear standard moves forward so I didn't have to mess with dropping the bed or anything.

At this point I am personally convinced that it was made by Shen Hao. I guess someone could have copied their design, but it is such a perfect match for the Shen, that I don't think someone would have gone to that trouble. I would have no hesitation in recommending this camera as an alternative to the Shen Hao for someone looking to save a little money. I am sure that the resale value is affected by the name plate, but I feel that the price I got it at reflects that more than adequately. I believe that Jim has another of the demo units at $425, if so someone needs to buy that thing from him now, it is too good a deal to pass up.

 

[Digidurst]

Paul, to be honest, I think you just got lucky. But I couldn't be happier that you are so pleased with your new camera! Enjoy and post some pics in the gallery so we can see

 

[celluloidpropaganda]

Midwest now seems to be retailing these for $395 new.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

I could not possibly be happier with mine, for what it is worth. It has the same movements as a Shen, the same contols as a Shen, and mine looks about the same. For a $200 discount, I would think that this is about the best deal you can get in a wood field camera, used or new. If it no longer includes the case, that is for the best anyway, since the case is too small to hold anything except the camera and has been in my closet unused since I got the camera.

I will say this again, I am not endorsing Midwest's bahavior in selling these cameras as Shen Hao's, clearly that was out of line. However, since that was obviously an abberation in Jim's behavior and he offers a generous return policy, I would not hesitate for a second recommending this camera to folks, and in fact, I will recommend it to some of the students here who are on a budget and want to get a 4X5.

Digidurst, I understand that you think your bad experience was the norm, but I wonder if that was more the exception. I have heard that acutal Shen branded cameras can be spotty at times, so perhaps you got a bad one. Now, again, just so I am not misunderstood, I am not in favor of a store selling you a shen and sending you a Sun Foto instead, I am in favor of buying a Sun Foto that has the same functionality as a shen for $200 less. Whew...that was a lot of words.

Paul.

 

[Jim Noel]

sun foto (shen hao) at MPEX

I recently purchased a Sun Foto for one of my students.
I took it to school and compared it carefully with a new Shen Hao.
I could detect absolutely no differnces, except for the name plate.
All movements works smoothly and well, the bellows was the same, the ground glass was the same.
One other difference was that the student who purchased a Shen Hao did not get an aluminum case.
I willl continue to suggest that my students purchase a Sun Foto and save the $100.
Jim

 

[celluloidpropaganda]

I wish I had checked before I ordered my S-H from Badger. I would have taken a chance on the $395 camera for $200.

 

[photomc]

Don't have one of these, but did get to look one over a couple of weeks ago - Thanks Jeremy, and to tell the truth, if they had one in 5x7 I would like to try one. Agree that they should NOT be sold as a Shen, but they are a well built camerea for what I could tell. Guess we will see how it holds up during the trip Jeremy, if it holds up I would not hesitate to recommend them.