Perfect service from Sinar in Zurich

[Gigi]

For further information, let me quote from MSM (in German), which is what mislead me:

" Technische Verwendung: Der Back wird immer extra eingeschaltet. Sowohl im Back wie auch in der Kamera ist ein Akku.
Dadurch, dass der Sinarback an vielen Kameras mittels Adapterplatte angedockt wird, ist nur eine Lösung mit eigener Stromversorgung möglich.
Beim eSpritback ergibt sich ungefähr eine Verlängerung um den Faktor 1,4. "

All of which argues for seeing these cameras in person, and not relying on written information. Not that the info is bad, bu that the chance for misunderstandings is greater. I just wish Sinar had a stronger presence in the US. Like many European companies, they work well with closer relationships. The distance here, plus whatever difficulties happen with distribution, just make smaller European companies really struggle over here. Too bad, even as the products are good...

[MartinWidmann]

For further information, let me quote from MSM (in German), which is what mislead me:

" Technische Verwendung: Der Back wird immer extra eingeschaltet. Sowohl im Back wie auch in der Kamera ist ein Akku.
Dadurch, dass der Sinarback an vielen Kameras mittels Adapterplatte angedockt wird, ist nur eine Lösung mit eigener Stromversorgung möglich.
Beim eSpritback ergibt sich ungefähr eine Verlängerung um den Faktor 1,4. "

Ok, I need to clarify the topic. There are differences between the generic eSprit 65 and the Hy6 65. For the eSprit 65 I was wrong and your Sinar importer supplied the correct information. If you use the eSprit 65 with the Hy6 adapter plate on a Hy6, the body and the back are two devices, that need an akku each and need to be switched on independently.

If you have an eSprit with an integrated Hy6 adapter plate, namely a "Hy6 65", the integreation of body and back is the same like with the AFi: The back is switched on and off by the body. You don't even need an akku in the back.

I am sorry for the confusion.

Martin

[Luxferre]

I recently had an experience with the Hy6 kit and Sinar in Switzerland that might be of interest. It provides an example of how smaller European companies do business - I am told this is significantly different than the larger corporate entities in the United States.

A bit of background - I bought an ex-demo Sinar Hy6 kit with 3 lenses from a dealer here in Prague, to complement my eMotion 75LV back that I had used previously with my Contax. However, I had a problem with the Hy6 body (damaged contact in the bayonet). I talked to my dealer who offered to have the camera shipped to Zurich for repair.

Given that this would have taken some time (involving customs etc) I was happy to make the 1 hour flight to Zurich myself, with the camera and the lenses, if Sinar were ready to fix the camera on the same day. Sinar responded through my dealer that yes, they were happy to fix my camera "while I waited" and, at the same time, upgrade the firmware to version 3.10. Now, the upgrade to version 3.10 involves not just a new software download but also some mechanical adjustments to the camera's AF system (this is why you can't do it yourself). When I arrived in Zurich, the Sinar sales rep (Helga Frorath) awaited me at the airport and took me to the factory in her car. I handed the camera over to a service technician who quickly identified the problem with the bayonet (one of the pins remained recessed after I mounted the lens) - he fixed this, upgraded the firmware, calibrated the AF system with all three of my lenses on an optical bench and printed a little certificate with suggested focus micro-adjustment values for each lens (the focus micro adjustment is available in the camera menu if you have version firmware 3.10). The technician also tightened the grip and cleaned the camera. This was all done while Ms. Frorath took me to lunch and showed me around the factory. I hopped on a plane back to Prague in late afternoon. All in all, a perfect service from the dealer and from Sinar, I was impressed.

I also wanna say best words about Sinar service in Zurich.

[rolleiflexpages]

Hi,

You asked about my impressions from the factory visit:

(4) I specifically asked about the 6x6 film back and the info that Pascal has mentioned on his website (that it is being planned for production by DHW Fototechnik and should perhaps be introduced later this year at Photokina), well the Sinar guys were not so sure.... which would be pity since I would be queing to buy one..

Martin

Update on the 6060 film back for Hy6 / AFi: I was in touch with DHW yesterday and it was confirmed that the 6x6 film back is still on track for release at the time of Photokina this year.
Pascal

[baudolino]

Update on the 6060 film back for Hy6 / AFi: I was in touch with DHW yesterday and it was confirmed that the 6x6 film back is still on track for release at the time of Photokina this year.
Pascal

Pascal, that is good news indeed, do you have an email address for DHW where I could send my pre-order?

[Luxferre]

Pascal, that is good news indeed, do you have an email address for DHW where I could send my pre-order?

I am also intrested on this 6060 back...

[locpham]

Update on the 6060 film back for Hy6 / AFi: I was in touch with DHW yesterday and it was confirmed that the 6x6 film back is still on track for release at the time of Photokina this year.
Pascal

This is great news to hear.  I'll be hanging onto my film then.

[Luxferre]

Pascal, that is good news indeed, do you have an email address for DHW where I could send my pre-order?

Is there any DHW web page?

[baudolino]

Is there any DHW web page?

I don't think they have a website. I found these contact details on the photo.net forum and I tried to call several times (nobody picks up the phone) and I also sent emails (which returned as undeliverable). That is why I asked if Pascal perhaps has more up-to-date contact details.

DHW-Fototechnik GmbH
Hans Hartje
Salzdahlumer Straße 196
38126 Braunschweig
Deutschland   
Telefon: 0531/6800348
Fax: 0531/6800295
E-Mail: [email protected]

[DavorHorvatic]

http://www.dhw-fototechnik.de/ the page is in working progress and this is the information that can be found on the page. Pascal already mentioned Mr. Schönrock in other thread, so you can contact him as well!

Telefon: +495316800100

DHW-Fototechnik GmbH
Salzdahlumer Strasse 196
38126 Braunschweig

Telefon: +495316800100
Fax: +495316800245

Serviceadministration:+495316800425

Email: m.brauner (at) franke-heidecke.net

[rolleiflexpages]

To those having difficulty in contacting DHW Fototechnik via the general hotline I would suggest to contact Reiner Schönrock directly. He is a very cordial man with a longstanding expertise in Rollei products.

General inquiries:
DHW-Fototechnik
Salzdahlumer Straße 196
D-38126 Braunschweig (Germany)
Phone: + 43 (531) 6800100
Fax: +43 (531) 6800295
Service hotline: +43 (531) 6800425 (Monday till Friday between 9:00h and 15:00h)
Email: [email protected]

R. Schönrock's contact details:
Phone: +49 (531) 6800293
Email: r.schoenrock at franke-heidecke.net

Hope this helps.
Pascal

[locpham]

Does anyone have experience using the 90 degree prism finder on the Hy6?  I know that Sinar has one but I haven't read or heard any reviews on it.
If I'm remembering correctly, the original 90 degree finder wasn't up to Sinar standards and they were still working on it, but I don't know if they issues it had were corrected.

Thanks,

Loc

[DavorHorvatic]

Does anyone have experience using the 90 degree prism finder on the Hy6?  I know that Sinar has one but I haven't read or heard any reviews on it.
If I'm remembering correctly, the original 90 degree finder wasn't up to Sinar standards and they were still working on it, but I don't know if they issues it had were corrected.

Thanks,

Loc

Well, I have this 90 degree finder, but it is not a prism finder like the 45 degree finder, it has a mirror and a tube (telescope). This telescope can be rotated, so one can find the sharpest view of the 6x6 frame easily  and there is a scale from -4 to +2 that stands for dioptrics I guess, but obviously the scale on the tube is not printed on the proper place, so my zero point is on about -2 (I don´t need glasses and on Mamiya 645 AFD II I need no correction at all). As this is not a prism finder, the view on the screen is more enlarged then with the 45 degree prism finder and there is a little distortion on the margins of the 6x6 frame. I find this huge, enlarged view of the frame as a benefit and can live with the distortion on the margins. If you shoot from tripod the 45 degree prism finder is much a better choice, but if you like to shoot out of the hand, just like with any dslr or mf camera like habla or phamiya, you have no other choice at this moment, as to take this enlarging 90° mirror finder.

[locpham]

Well, I have this 90 degree finder, but it is not a prism finder like the 45 degree finder, it has a mirror and a tube (telescope). This telescope can be rotated, so one can find the sharpest view of the 6x6 frame easily  and there is a scale from -4 to +2 that stands for dioptrics I guess, but obviously the scale on the tube is not printed on the proper place, so my zero point is on about -2 (I don´t need glasses and on Mamiya 645 AFD II I need no correction at all). As this is not a prism finder, the view on the screen is more enlarged then with the 45 degree prism finder and there is a little distortion on the margins of the 6x6 frame. I find this huge, enlarged view of the frame as a benefit and can live with the distortion on the margins. If you shoot from tripod the 45 degree prism finder is much a better choice, but if you like to shoot out of the hand, just like with any dslr or mf camera like habla or phamiya, you have no other choice at this moment, as to take this enlarging 90° mirror finder.

Davor,

Thank you very much for this information.

Loc

[paratom]

1) I also can say that I got very good service from Sinar. After having AF problems I could speak over phone to the right guy who could tell me if they can improve it or not (they could). I sent the camera to Sinar Germany (I live in germany), they sent it to Switzerland for the free update/improvement and sent it directly back to me. All this took about roughly 3 weeks, which I think is really ok.
Sinar people in Switzerland and Germany have allways been helpful and friendly when I called.

2) regdring the 90 degree finder. I dont have experience with it but when I was interested in a finder and talked to F&H (shortly before trhey closed) the recommendation was the 45 degree finder. Which is not mirror based but with a prism. I got this one for SInar (it allows to use the rotating back) and do like (however I often just use and like the WLF)

3) I am still believe the Hy6 and also the Artec are to great and very innovative products and I am glad that Sinar continues those and the service in a very professional manner.

[jps]

Just adding my 5 cents ... just got my HY6 back from a firmware/service ... first rate service from Sinar and their Australian agent David Kay they both  really set a very high standard.

JOHN

[LiamStrain]

Hi,

I want to add something too: I had a problem yesterday with a Sinar 8x10 inch Norma (produced until the 70's). This morning I send an email to Sinar and got the solution 2 hours later. I need a small adapter piece and they still can deliver it. Wow.

Best,
Johannes

Nice! I wish Horseman maintained that level of support for their older systems.

[babakBoghraty]

Other manufacturers also use these fora to gratuitously self-promote, but none is as in-your-face about it as Sinar.  You've got this red-hot thread that is devoid of technical substance -- it is just dedicated to singing this manufacturer's praises -- and yet it won't die.  Every time you click on the MFDB forum, you are reminded that Sinar is "perfect".  It is not believable that this thread began spontaneously or that it stays alive because of some huge interest in Sinar's perfect service.  I guess the temptation of free advertising is too much to resist.

[baudolino]

Other manufacturers also use these fora to gratuitously self-promote, but none is as in-your-face about it as Sinar.  You've got this red-hot thread that is devoid of technical substance -- it is just dedicated to singing this manufacturer's praises -- and yet it won't die.  Every time you click on the MFDB forum, you are reminded that Sinar is "perfect".  It is not believable that this thread began spontaneously or that it stays alive because of some huge interest in Sinar's perfect service.  I guess the temptation of free advertising is too much to resist.

Well, this thread did start spontaneously and, in terms of its technical contribution, several people learned from my post that you can set up micro focus adjustments with the latest firmware update on the Hy6 - I received private emails from 3 guys who had not known that and asked more info on how this could be installed/operated. And the thread would not continue if you did not submit your latest post which contributed no valuable knowledge. I do not post here frequently and I have no relationship with Sinar. In fact Sinar was absent from this forum for a while and I am glad that Martin Widmann started to contribute since there is less of an installed base and experience to share around than in the case of Phase and Hassy and I appreciate every bit of info found here as the learning curve has been quite steep for me, especially regarding the (somewhat idiosyncratic) RAW conversion software.

The truth is that I received good service from the guys in Zurich and that I was surprised to receive such service from a supplier of a system that has been called "dead". So sorry to have been in your face, please skip any further posts on this topic. Regards, Martin

[fredjeang]

I liked this thread !
I do think that the brands like Sinar are going to survive in the next decades if they can offer really something special,
and the Customer service at that level is part of the equation.
IMO.