Jinbei CEO: ‘Lencarta different from Jinbei’
There has been some controversy in online photography forums about the connection between British studio lighting company Lencarta and Shanghai-based manufacturer Jinbei.
While Lencarta brand lights look similar to Jinbei brand ones, Lencarta representative Garry Edwards insists, “people make the false assumption that they are the same, and that Lencarta is ripping people off by selling the same product at a higher price”. He goes on, “[people] will pay more to get better performance, better accessories and the ability to operate [the Safari Li-ion] while it’s recharging from Lencarta”.
We were forwarded a letter from the CEO of Jinbei, reproduced below.
Under contractual agreement, our Company is proud to be a manufacturing partner of British company Lencarta Ltd, assembling some of their products on their behalf.
The operation is carried out in strict accordance to Lencarta’s production procedures, using their British-designed engineering schematics and electronic components to Lencarta’s unique specification. By doing so the products meet the quality standards and special requirements of European consumers. Since Lencarta is a registered trademark of Lencarta Ltd, UK, these products are available exclusively from Lencarta Ltd.
As per our contract, some parts and tooling are shared between various brands to allow for better economies of scale, a common practice in OEM manufacturing. Therefore, despite possible cosmetic similarities in some product lines, Lencarta products should not be confused with other branded-products that are made to different specifications of other markets.
Chief Executive
Shanghai Jinbei Photographic Equipment Co. Ltd
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That may well be true, but arguably, they (Jinbei) would say that wouldn’t they.
Theres going to only be one way to put this to bed, side by side tests of consumer purchased units.
How about it guys?
Wow… Here’s another shining example of Chinese copyright/patent infringement. Lets talk about how this happens. First, EU or North American company sources a manufacturer in China. Then factory produces goods for said company with company’s logo on it. Then after the production run is done for the order, the machines are left on and exact copies are made with a different logo slapped on them and sold online. Don’t believe me, go to CES or Photokina go to the seedy Chinese back alley section and see all those guys selling knockoffs under their own name.
It’s disgraceful and I’m amazed more factories are not sued. Oh wait I know why. The Chinese government shields them from prosecution. Great system they have there.
rawkaphella
Although what you say does happen, I am almost certain this isn’t an example of such practices. Lencarta has been working with Jinbei for a long time, their previous portable flash system was also manufactured by Jinbei. If Jinbei, did do the “disgraceful” acts you’re talking I am sure Lencarta wouldn’t do further business with them.
My guess is that Jinbei designed their flashes first, then Lencarta had access to the prototypes or schematics and suggested the improvements they wanted for their version. That way they get a better product but without developing it from scratch.
And so while I think what is said and written is true I am not so sure the difference makes the Lencarta worth it, unless you live in a country where warranty issues come into play.
rawkaphella – yes, it does happen with the backstreet workshops, but not with Jinbei, who are the largest manufacturer by far and very reputable. Please don’t tar all Chinese manufacturers with the same brush!
Ian Cheung – “Although what you say does happen, I am almost certain this isn’t an example of such practices. Lencarta has been working with Jinbei for a long time, their previous portable flash system was also manufactured by Jinbei. If Jinbei, did do the “disgraceful” acts you’re talking I am sure Lencarta wouldn’t do further business with them.
My guess is that Jinbei designed their flashes first, then Lencarta had access to the prototypes or schematics and suggested the improvements they wanted for their version. That way they get a better product but without developing it from scratch.”
Yes, that’s about what happened. What you need to be aware of is that Jinbei assemble goods for a few top brands, and I’m sure that the other brands have the same arrangement as Lencarta. But because Jinbei make good quality equipment in their own right they design and sell most of it within China (the cheap and nasty ‘no name’ brands export it all, where it just gets re-badged) and Jinbei make for Chinese operating temperatures and Chinese performance needs.
Here in Europe we don’t have the heat problem and we need better performance, that’s why Lencarta has it made it to a different spec with different components. Obviously, this affects the manufacturing cost – you get what you pay for!
Being the owner of the Lencarta Safari 600 and having seem up close the Jinei version I can see why people assume they are the same, because on the face of it they are. But it’s what’s inside that matters, I was assured that the Lencarta was different when I bought the unit, I have no reason to doubt it. I would like to get my hand on a Jinei unit to do a head to head.
But like I said, why even bother? Stick whatever vanity label on it you want, just leave it alone.
If the standard stuff that comes out of the jinbei market is more than good enough (which lets face it it probably is), then why try to engineer some sort of ‘Brit required’ improvements that add more than 50% to the cost and most definitely not 50% to the functionality? Let us decide, even leave the Jinbei branding on it for all I care.
Still sounds to me like a poorly veiled attempt to justify the extra fees that the ripped off British market seem to have to endure compared to the rest of Europe/World.
Then import your own Jinbei version and pay the import costs. Personally, I prefer the after sales support, warranty and spares from a reputable UK brand
I agree with Michael here. I don’t understand why so many people are moaning that Lencarta are selling a rebadged Jinbei for 50-75% more. They are open enough to confirm who manufactures their products (unlike most other manufacturers), and they also claim that some of the electronics are much better spec. I have no reason to doubt that, but if you do, no one is forcing you to buy a Lencarta rather than a Jinbei. You don’t even have to worry about duty charges these days, as long as you buy from Germany/Holland.
What it boils down to is support. If you don’t know excatly what system suits your needs, you will get better support from Lencarta. If your system fails in the UK, I’m sure it’s a much more pleasant experience to deal with Lencarta than with Jinbei/their resellers (judging from feedback on forums). So no, you’re not paying 50% more for 50% more functionality…you’re paying 50% more for 1000% more peace of mind.
And in case anyone is wondering, I do not work for Lencarta, I don’t even own any of their products. In fact I purchased a Jinbei DC 600 instead of a Lencarta Safari Li-Ion. Why? Because I’m still learning, and I don’t make money from my photography. If one day I depend on my kit to make money, I’m sure I will be happy to pay a premium for the support.